I have been barefoot walking and running for 2 months and now slowly built up barefoot run distance to 5km. I was doing forefoot landing until I recently read the book The Lost Art of Running, in which the author was advocating a tripod landing instead of forefoot landing.
This video has been a paradigm shift for me, I've always been scared to run without shoes, but I've been walking the whole summer barefoot. I used to run a lot, but my knees started to give away and I stopped running, it's winter now so I'll definitely go out running barefoot in the summer.
@@gintastuska hey man. Thanks for the comment. There is a big alignment shift in joints. I know the knee pain you’re talking about. Try to stay as loose as possible, if something hurts, try to find small changes to how weight is being loaded into the knee. You may need to apply more of your weight through your pinky toe for example. Tiny changes at the feet and ankles have a huge effects higher up.
One myth that to me is that it will reliably solve your foot and gait problems if you just take it slow enough and listen to your body. But many people, particularly those with current foot symptoms, have a poor articular status at a joint, or deficits in how it’s controlled, and just getting stronger or stretching and resting doesn’t necessarily change those facts. Even if it feels ok for awhile, which is often the case, that status represents risks that are more likely to cause a problem given enough time and intensity. I’ve found in those cases you’d have to get quite specific to alter those type of deficits, and a generalized input is often insufficient to do so. But for sure, if a foot doesn’t have any particularly interesting injury history or mobility gaps it’s usually quite the win!
@@Articular.Health you’re right to say a lot of things are individual. But the issues that you mentioned are issues that need correcting. Miss shaped feet are shaped by shoes. No shoe is going to help in this regard. To improve articulation, you have to articulate more. Getting stronger, stretching etc will get you there but it’s not easy work.
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild I'd say in my experience I don't see more strength or stretching reliably changing things like a block/pinch feeling on top of the big toe or in front of the ankle. Often that just helps you avoid a problem so you don't sense it, but it tends to stay there absent a specific awareness and intent to alter it. Yes we want more articulation, but if there's a closing side problem like that (or other types of non-strength and non-range of motion mobility deficits) - more strength is never the input that I see reliably changing those things. That's because the problem might be a compromised joint capsule shape, or there's a missing articular control strategy, or there's tissue that is in an untrainable state. After you change that tissue to trainable or clear a closing side problem, or regain the expected articular strategy - I agree with you 100%, strength more generally is a great goal. Prior to that tho, I typically don't see general strength solving for specific deficits - for the most part those things are just being trained around, or haven't even been noted.
@@Incan_The4th Thanks bro. I only just started. I been teaching myself the editing watching videos on here. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Made my day.
I personally dont see why you wouldn't adopt at least like at least essentially a toe sock made of a tougher material just to protect the foot from some of the sharp issue. I get the cuts are rare, just seems an unnecessary risk of infection. I get the difference of padded shoe vs bearfoot. I just don't think lack of basic protection is worth the trade off. If you're running on grass or an outdoor space, it's different. But in a city environment i wouldn't see it is a worthwhile tradeoff
@@happym5717 I understand your logic and in the surface you’re correct, but there is something lost when you can’t fully contact the ground. Think of it like wearing gloves. Even really thin ones. Something is lost in your ability to sense. It maybe something you have to feel for yourself to fully understand.
At my gym we have a 20m stretch of artificial grass. I now run for a couple of minutes each time I'm there. Seems like the perfect first conditioning for barefoot running. As I am there to do other things there is no risk of getting overhyped and increasing too fast. it is also part of me recovering from 9 moths of shin splint issues, so thought might as well build from the ground up this time.
Thats great man, not a lot of gyms have them. But they are great for barefoot training like you said. do they also have a sled there? doing barefoot sled pushes and pulls can be a great progression
@@donovanryan7247 is it cold year round? You can barefoot in the snow so long as you keep moving. Maintaining high blood flow to the toes is critical. As for the city, barefoot ruining is more than possible there. Check out the link below 👇
Winter is the only problem I face. I run mostly in super thin barefoot sandals. I tried the Ijji socks or different toe socks, and it just feels too natural because my foot is not on the sandal anymore and but then the cold will make me do that and even that you can get really cold I can run in the sandal as long as I keep moving well tilljust below 30° after that I’m usually looking for a shoe. I guess I gotta toughen up.
@@toddboucher3302 short runs in the cold are fine. It’s when you start loosing the heat that the body can’t replace. Great comment man. Thanks for taking the time.
@@rawgold45 I have lol. I’ve been watching videos by @TrevorJonesCreator . I need more pc power tho. The lighting isn’t right and I couldn’t make changes with it crashing so I had to export as is.
we were also born without clothes, but we wear them for protection, comfort, and practicality. just because something is 'natural' doesn’t mean it’s inherently better for modern living. even the most careful person can’t see everything they’re stepping on, especially if it’s buried, like a shard of glass in sand or a nail in the grass. injuries often happen despite vigilance. there’s no universal rule here shin splints can occur if someone transitions too quickly to barefoot walking or running, especially if they’re not conditioned for it. yes, shoes can alter the mechanics of your gait, but that doesn’t automatically mean barefoot is better. well designed shoes can correct biomechanical issues like overpronation or supination, which can prevent injuries in the kinetic chain. for some people, barefoot walking might work well, but for others, especially those with flat feet, high arches, or pre-existing conditions, shoes are essential for proper alignment and support.
Barefoot walking is such an artifically novel concept today that refering to existing disorders such as high arches, flat feet etc isn't really a valid point. Custom made shoes are important for proper alignment because for these people they cant wear just any shoe. But do you really think they've given their body time and space to try and naturally figure its own posture out? no. Especially in countries such as the US where people wear shoes inside for god knows what reason. And also if you do happen to get a cut on your foot, so what. It heals incredibly fast, Its like the inside of your mouth. If its important for survival it will heal fast.
@@icebreaker554 bodies can’t always “figure it out” naturally. conditions like flat feet or high arches aren’t just modern issues they’re structural and often need support. barefoot walking can make these problems worse, not better. wearing shoes indoors is cultural and irrelevant to the safety benefits of shoes outdoors, where hazards are common. foot injuries don’t heal as quickly as claimed. feet bear weight and are exposed to dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections like tetanus or cellulitis. healing isn’t guaranteed or simple. barefoot walking in modern environments isn’t the same as walking in nature. humans started using shoes for safety, and urban areas have more hazards than our ancestors faced. custom shoes address real biomechanical needs, like preventing joint strain or injury. ignoring support doesn’t let your body "adapt"; it risks long-term damage. barefoot walking might work for some, but shoes exist for good reasons they’re about safety, support, and injury prevention.
We do wear clothes yes for those reasons, but only when necessary, when its warm enough to be topless you go topless. Not all things that are natural are better i agree, but in MOST cases it is. if you really thought like that you'd wear a helmet evertyime you drive. My point is its far less dangerous than people make out. People that cant move properly without shoes have weak feet end of story. High arches, flat feet are all signs that your feet are deformed and no longer function in there natural state. These are not pre existing conditions. they are deformities caused by locking the foot in an unnatural position thoughout your growing life.
A supported foot by definition is weak. if something needs support in able to function then its not very good at its job. Your body can figure it out it just takes time for the adjustment. but you'll only begin to experience what this feels like by 1st undoing the damage you mentioned. high arches etc, your feet didn't look like that when you were born. I never made any claims about how long things take to heal after an injury. healing is a very individual thing. The only dangers you find on the ground largely are things left by other humans. My point is its not almost as dangerous as people make out. As you said our ancestors achieved this with no problems or we wouldn't be here.
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild Just because something is natural does not make it inherently better. Nature includes harmful things like diseases, toxins, and environmental hazards. Shoes were developed to mitigate specific challenges, especially in modern environments filled with sharp debris and hard surfaces. Assuming "most natural things are better" is overly simplistic and ignores practical realities. The helmet is a false equivalence. Wearing shoes is about protecting feet from constant, unavoidable hazards with every step. A helmet while driving is situational and dependent on a less frequent risk of injury. The analogy doesn’t hold up when considering the everyday necessity of shoes in diverse environments. Weak feet are not the only issue here. Conditions like flat feet, high arches, or other structural differences are not solely caused by "weakness" but often have genetic or developmental origins. Shoes provide necessary support and alignment for those with these conditions. Suggesting people "fix" their feet by going barefoot oversimplifies complex biomechanics. This claim of deformities ignores the fact that high arches and flat feet are frequently genetic or related to other medical conditions. Shoes are not the sole cause of these issues, and blaming footwear disregards science. Furthermore, custom orthotics or well-designed shoes can prevent injuries and reduce pain in people with these conditions, something barefoot walking may worsen. Support does not inherently weaken a structure. Providing support can protect against strain and injury while maintaining functionality. For example, braces or splints support injured joints without making them weaker. Similarly, shoes do not weaken feet; they protect them from damage while enabling proper alignment and reducing joint strain. Your argument suggests that all bodies can adapt to barefoot walking, but this is not true for everyone. Structural issues like flat feet, high arches, or joint problems are often genetic or developmental and may worsen with barefoot walking rather than improve. While some people might successfully adapt over time, many others have conditions that require support to maintain proper alignment and avoid injury. Bodies don’t always adapt perfectly conditions like arthritis and scoliosis exist precisely because natural adaptation isn’t always enough. Ignoring the need for support can lead to long-term damage, especially for individuals with pre existing biomechanical issues. Modern environments are filled with hazards, from broken glass to sharp metal and harmful chemicals. These dangers are a reality in urban areas. Comparing this to natural environments where ancestors walked ignores the entirely different context. Even careful barefoot walkers are at risk of injuries from hidden hazards. Our ancestors achieved this with no problems, or we wouldn’t be here lol. This romanticizes the past and ignores historical realities. Ancestors often dealt with foot injuries that reduced their quality of life or led to infection and death. Survival doesn’t mean optimal health, and comparing their softer, natural terrains to today’s urban environments with concrete and asphalt is unrealistic. The risks of stepping on sharp objects or encountering harmful bacteria are not exaggerated. Even small injuries can lead to infections like tetanus or cellulitis, especially in environments with dirt or debris. Downplaying these hazards ignores the reasons humans began wearing shoes in the first place.
@@andrehehehe4621 it happens man. Just goes to show how different our feet are in the natural state. This is how much mine have changed. ruclips.net/user/shortsXTOdhAhlUts?si=tRbE2O_NsVizqHJZ
You wouldn't notice most of the things you step on with shoes, actually. Barefoot is in-fact stupid and somewhat risky, wear some rubber. Even a thin rubber will protect you from consequences!
Hello mate, respectfully, I disagree. If I were heading somewhere with definite dangers on the ground I’d wear shoes. But protecting something just in case, is like wearing a Helmet every time you drive a car. So much is lost by wearing shoes and they cause problems. Once your feet are tougher the risks on the ground go way down. Thank you for your time to make the comment.
I believe moccasins, sandals and other similar footwear have a place, but as a teenager i developed enough callus and skin thickening that i could run barefoot through area where there was broken glass with no injuries, as long as the shards were short from apex to ground , 8mm or less. This was running on the glass, id have to remove it from the calluses later on but it wouldn’t penetrate deeper that the dead skin layer, there are populations in rainforest, steppe and savanna regions to this day that run with no shoes safely for their entire lives, often through stone, as well as thorned and hardy vegetation.
0:32
A few days ago actualy. Idk about the US but here it is very common to find shattered glass everywhere
And here in the Uk too
@@Eazy-fl3lx where do you live dude?
@@MrWaynemarshall where do you live? Do you really have broken glass everywhere?
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild Istanbul, Turkey. Doing barefoot here would be suicide
@@ChristopherLynchRunWildistanbul, Turkey
I have been barefoot walking and running for 2 months and now slowly built up barefoot run distance to 5km. I was doing forefoot landing until I recently read the book The Lost Art of Running, in which the author was advocating a tripod landing instead of forefoot landing.
@@angeloudy I’ll read the book. Thanks for the recommendation
This video has been a paradigm shift for me, I've always been scared to run without shoes, but I've been walking the whole summer barefoot. I used to run a lot, but my knees started to give away and I stopped running, it's winter now so I'll definitely go out running barefoot in the summer.
@@gintastuska hey man. Thanks for the comment. There is a big alignment shift in joints. I know the knee pain you’re talking about. Try to stay as loose as possible, if something hurts, try to find small changes to how weight is being loaded into the knee. You may need to apply more of your weight through your pinky toe for example. Tiny changes at the feet and ankles have a huge effects higher up.
One myth that to me is that it will reliably solve your foot and gait problems if you just take it slow enough and listen to your body.
But many people, particularly those with current foot symptoms, have a poor articular status at a joint, or deficits in how it’s controlled, and just getting stronger or stretching and resting doesn’t necessarily change those facts.
Even if it feels ok for awhile, which is often the case, that status represents risks that are more likely to cause a problem given enough time and intensity.
I’ve found in those cases you’d have to get quite specific to alter those type of deficits, and a generalized input is often insufficient to do so.
But for sure, if a foot doesn’t have any particularly interesting injury history or mobility gaps it’s usually quite the win!
@@Articular.Health you’re right to say a lot of things are individual. But the issues that you mentioned are issues that need correcting. Miss shaped feet are shaped by shoes. No shoe is going to help in this regard.
To improve articulation, you have to articulate more.
Getting stronger, stretching etc will get you there but it’s not easy work.
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild I'd say in my experience I don't see more strength or stretching reliably changing things like a block/pinch feeling on top of the big toe or in front of the ankle. Often that just helps you avoid a problem so you don't sense it, but it tends to stay there absent a specific awareness and intent to alter it.
Yes we want more articulation, but if there's a closing side problem like that (or other types of non-strength and non-range of motion mobility deficits) - more strength is never the input that I see reliably changing those things. That's because the problem might be a compromised joint capsule shape, or there's a missing articular control strategy, or there's tissue that is in an untrainable state.
After you change that tissue to trainable or clear a closing side problem, or regain the expected articular strategy - I agree with you 100%, strength more generally is a great goal. Prior to that tho, I typically don't see general strength solving for specific deficits - for the most part those things are just being trained around, or haven't even been noted.
Very gradual transition to bare foot running is key
It is. Gradual exposure over time gives everything time to adjust. How long have you been training barefoot?
Nice editing, i expected you to have more subs
@@Incan_The4th Thanks bro. I only just started. I been teaching myself the editing watching videos on here. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Made my day.
I personally dont see why you wouldn't adopt at least like at least essentially a toe sock made of a tougher material just to protect the foot from some of the sharp issue.
I get the cuts are rare, just seems an unnecessary risk of infection. I get the difference of padded shoe vs bearfoot. I just don't think lack of basic protection is worth the trade off.
If you're running on grass or an outdoor space, it's different. But in a city environment i wouldn't see it is a worthwhile tradeoff
@@happym5717 I understand your logic and in the surface you’re correct, but there is something lost when you can’t fully contact the ground. Think of it like wearing gloves. Even really thin ones. Something is lost in your ability to sense. It maybe something you have to feel for yourself to fully understand.
1:13 please don't try to drive "unconsciously"
It won't end well
😜
@@wudipest lol, would subconsciously have been a better word choice ?
At my gym we have a 20m stretch of artificial grass. I now run for a couple of minutes each time I'm there. Seems like the perfect first conditioning for barefoot running. As I am there to do other things there is no risk of getting overhyped and increasing too fast.
it is also part of me recovering from 9 moths of shin splint issues, so thought might as well build from the ground up this time.
Thats great man, not a lot of gyms have them. But they are great for barefoot training like you said. do they also have a sled there? doing barefoot sled pushes and pulls can be a great progression
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild Yes they do. Will try that!
I live in a cold climate. Snow and below freezing temperatures in fall and winter. And i live in the city. How am i supposed to go barefoot?
@@donovanryan7247 is it cold year round? You can barefoot in the snow so long as you keep moving. Maintaining high blood flow to the toes is critical.
As for the city, barefoot ruining is more than possible there. Check out the link below 👇
@@donovanryan7247 ruclips.net/user/shorts2BC5LHT7pCY?si=TUfZfWdeIQxURqmC
Winter is the only problem I face.
I run mostly in super thin barefoot sandals. I tried the Ijji socks or different toe socks, and it just feels too natural because my foot is not on the sandal anymore and but then the cold will make me do that and even that you can get really cold I can run in the sandal as long as I keep moving well tilljust below 30° after that I’m usually looking for a shoe. I guess I gotta toughen up.
@@toddboucher3302 short runs in the cold are fine. It’s when you start loosing the heat that the body can’t replace. Great comment man. Thanks for taking the time.
Someone has been learning editing I see 😂
@@rawgold45 I have lol. I’ve been watching videos by @TrevorJonesCreator . I need more pc power tho. The lighting isn’t right and I couldn’t make changes with it crashing so I had to export as is.
we were also born without clothes, but we wear them for protection, comfort, and practicality. just because something is 'natural' doesn’t mean it’s inherently better for modern living.
even the most careful person can’t see everything they’re stepping on, especially if it’s buried, like a shard of glass in sand or a nail in the grass. injuries often happen despite vigilance.
there’s no universal rule here shin splints can occur if someone transitions too quickly to barefoot walking or running, especially if they’re not conditioned for it.
yes, shoes can alter the mechanics of your gait, but that doesn’t automatically mean barefoot is better. well designed shoes can correct biomechanical issues like overpronation or supination, which can prevent injuries in the kinetic chain.
for some people, barefoot walking might work well, but for others, especially those with flat feet, high arches, or pre-existing conditions, shoes are essential for proper alignment and support.
Barefoot walking is such an artifically novel concept today that refering to existing disorders such as high arches, flat feet etc isn't really a valid point. Custom made shoes are important for proper alignment because for these people they cant wear just any shoe. But do you really think they've given their body time and space to try and naturally figure its own posture out? no. Especially in countries such as the US where people wear shoes inside for god knows what reason.
And also if you do happen to get a cut on your foot, so what. It heals incredibly fast, Its like the inside of your mouth. If its important for survival it will heal fast.
@@icebreaker554 bodies can’t always “figure it out” naturally. conditions like flat feet or high arches aren’t just modern issues they’re structural and often need support. barefoot walking can make these problems worse, not better.
wearing shoes indoors is cultural and irrelevant to the safety benefits of shoes outdoors, where hazards are common.
foot injuries don’t heal as quickly as claimed. feet bear weight and are exposed to dirt and bacteria, increasing the risk of infections like tetanus or cellulitis. healing isn’t guaranteed or simple. barefoot walking in modern environments isn’t the same as walking in nature. humans started using shoes for safety, and urban areas have more hazards than our ancestors faced. custom shoes address real biomechanical needs, like preventing joint strain or injury. ignoring support doesn’t let your body "adapt"; it risks long-term damage. barefoot walking might work for some, but shoes exist for good reasons they’re about safety, support, and injury prevention.
We do wear clothes yes for those reasons, but only when necessary, when its warm enough to be topless you go topless.
Not all things that are natural are better i agree, but in MOST cases it is.
if you really thought like that you'd wear a helmet evertyime you drive.
My point is its far less dangerous than people make out.
People that cant move properly without shoes have weak feet end of story. High arches, flat feet are all signs that your feet are deformed and no longer function in there natural state. These are not pre existing conditions. they are deformities caused by locking the foot in an unnatural position thoughout your growing life.
A supported foot by definition is weak. if something needs support in able to function then its not very good at its job.
Your body can figure it out it just takes time for the adjustment. but you'll only begin to experience what this feels like by 1st undoing the damage you mentioned. high arches etc, your feet didn't look like that when you were born.
I never made any claims about how long things take to heal after an injury. healing is a very individual thing. The only dangers you find on the ground largely are things left by other humans. My point is its not almost as dangerous as people make out. As you said our ancestors achieved this with no problems or we wouldn't be here.
@@ChristopherLynchRunWild Just because something is natural does not make it inherently better. Nature includes harmful things like diseases, toxins, and environmental hazards. Shoes were developed to mitigate specific challenges, especially in modern environments filled with sharp debris and hard surfaces. Assuming "most natural things are better" is overly simplistic and ignores practical realities. The helmet is a false equivalence. Wearing shoes is about protecting feet from constant, unavoidable hazards with every step. A helmet while driving is situational and dependent on a less frequent risk of injury. The analogy doesn’t hold up when considering the everyday necessity of shoes in diverse environments.
Weak feet are not the only issue here. Conditions like flat feet, high arches, or other structural differences are not solely caused by "weakness" but often have genetic or developmental origins. Shoes provide necessary support and alignment for those with these conditions. Suggesting people "fix" their feet by going barefoot oversimplifies complex biomechanics. This claim of deformities ignores the fact that high arches and flat feet are frequently genetic or related to other medical conditions. Shoes are not the sole cause of these issues, and blaming footwear disregards science. Furthermore, custom orthotics or well-designed shoes can prevent injuries and reduce pain in people with these conditions, something barefoot walking may worsen. Support does not inherently weaken a structure. Providing support can protect against strain and injury while maintaining functionality. For example, braces or splints support injured joints without making them weaker. Similarly, shoes do not weaken feet; they protect them from damage while enabling proper alignment and reducing joint strain.
Your argument suggests that all bodies can adapt to barefoot walking, but this is not true for everyone. Structural issues like flat feet, high arches, or joint problems are often genetic or developmental and may worsen with barefoot walking rather than improve. While some people might successfully adapt over time, many others have conditions that require support to maintain proper alignment and avoid injury. Bodies don’t always adapt perfectly conditions like arthritis and scoliosis exist precisely because natural adaptation isn’t always enough. Ignoring the need for support can lead to long-term damage, especially for individuals with pre existing biomechanical issues. Modern environments are filled with hazards, from broken glass to sharp metal and harmful chemicals. These dangers are a reality in urban areas. Comparing this to natural environments where ancestors walked ignores the entirely different context. Even careful barefoot walkers are at risk of injuries from hidden hazards. Our ancestors achieved this with no problems, or we wouldn’t be here lol. This romanticizes the past and ignores historical realities. Ancestors often dealt with foot injuries that reduced their quality of life or led to infection and death. Survival doesn’t mean optimal health, and comparing their softer, natural terrains to today’s urban environments with concrete and asphalt is unrealistic. The risks of stepping on sharp objects or encountering harmful bacteria are not exaggerated. Even small injuries can lead to infections like tetanus or cellulitis, especially in environments with dirt or debris. Downplaying these hazards ignores the reasons humans began wearing shoes in the first place.
barefoot and slippers jogging made my feet wider in 1-2years. had to throw away some shoes...
@@andrehehehe4621 it happens man. Just goes to show how different our feet are in the natural state. This is how much mine have changed. ruclips.net/user/shortsXTOdhAhlUts?si=tRbE2O_NsVizqHJZ
You wouldn't notice most of the things you step on with shoes, actually. Barefoot is in-fact stupid and somewhat risky, wear some rubber. Even a thin rubber will protect you from consequences!
Hello mate, respectfully, I disagree.
If I were heading somewhere with definite dangers on the ground I’d wear shoes. But protecting something just in case, is like wearing a Helmet every time you drive a car. So much is lost by wearing shoes and they cause problems. Once your feet are tougher the risks on the ground go way down. Thank you for your time to make the comment.
I believe moccasins, sandals and other similar footwear have a place, but as a teenager i developed enough callus and skin thickening that i could run barefoot through area where there was broken glass with no injuries, as long as the shards were short from apex to ground , 8mm or less. This was running on the glass, id have to remove it from the calluses later on but it wouldn’t penetrate deeper that the dead skin layer, there are populations in rainforest, steppe and savanna regions to this day that run with no shoes safely for their entire lives, often through stone, as well as thorned and hardy vegetation.
@ great comment man. Thanks for taking the time. Do you do much barefoot now?