this post was submitted on 21 Sep 2023
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[–] [email protected] 10 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I have exclusively worn barefoot, minimalist shoes for ~5 years now. I have never had a foot injury. If anything, I experience significantly less back and knee pain since making the change. I have an old martial arts injury in my right knee. As long as I wear primarily barefoot shoes, it never passively hurts anymore. As long as I don't make a habit of it and go right back to my Merrells, I can wear heels all day without any joint pain because my joints are stronger and healthier than they used to be. I don't have trouble with sharp things, in part because I look where I'm stepping, but also in part because I can feel what I'm stepping on before I put my weight down. I don't often go barefoot outside the house because I live in a dirty city, but I am a full time barefoot shoes convert. It's the obnoxious thing I tell people the benefits of all the time because I know so many people in constant pain who wear big old bulky sneakers and boots.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What barefoot shoes do you normally wear? I've tried a few, but nothing fits quite right.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I'm a serious Merrell enthusiast. I love their trail glove line, especially anything with the Trail Glove 3 soles. I'm wearing my Power Gloves right now, which are weird rare high tops. I also have a pair of Trail Glove 5s. They're not quite as comfortable as the 3 sole style, but they are so high performance it's ridiculous. No matter how or where my foot lands, I have both grip and mobility. My dream shoes are Wildlings, with the split soles. But there aren't a bunch of those on ebay like there are Merrells, so I can't just keep and beat up multiple pairs.

What sort of shoe do you usually find comfortable? Do you have wide or narrow feet? Is your arch deep or shallow?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I have fairly narrow feet. I tend to strike with the heel of my foot when I walk. I'll take a look at the ones you have listed.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah, I have narrow feet as well. There are barefoot brands with wider fits, but I like the snug fit I can get with Merrells. And heel striking has to go when you switch to barefoot. Mid to forefoot stride is the way! Heel striking puts stress on your ankles and knees. Changing your stride will strengthen your feet and protect your joints.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thanks for all the info! I'll have to work on my stride then.