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I've got 3 pairs of running shoes, all from a proper running shop. Innov8 Mudclaw 330s for the winter mud, New Balance 840 for BMF and New Balance 758 for road running. For both the NB shoes, I spent quite a bit of time trying on different shoes and brands and going through the process of watching my gait on screen after running on a treadmill. They are both very comfortable and suited my [then] style of running.
However, this changed after listening to Christopher McDougall on the radio talking about his life changing experience with the Tarahumara Indians, and his subsequent book, Born to Run. I started barefooting almost immediately and have never enjoyed the experience of running as much as I now do.
Running of roads and footpaths is certainly far more comfortable as a novice barefooter. Having said that, the 'country road' surface of stones poured on wet tar is not good.
In addition to pure barefoot, I've been running in VFFs that certainly make running on stony tracks much more comfortable.
Thought I'd try some traditional running sandals, 'Huraches'. I made these on Monday afternoon for £8 for the pair and did 8 miles of mixed terrain around the Dark Peak in them that evening. I had to re-tie them once almost certainly because the cordage (dyneema that was lying around is not the most suitable) is far from idea. Am off to find some leather later today. Barefoot Ted has the instructions on his website, showing how to make them. The hardest part was trying to get the sole rubber from a cobbler!
[img] http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/G4rgFVJFJdmxsvb9RSEI9tUZnlKPs7qYqwGjxq0k-BU?feat=directlink [/img]
[img] http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/lh/photo/XYQUkVz2C9mQO2uoTLOMsNUZnlKPs7qYqwGjxq0k-BU?feat=directlink [/img]
I am currently using the NB 840s for BMF and will continue to do so because of the other activities that could be harsh to bare feet. The Mudclaws will still be used for winter duties, but I just don't see the NB758s getting much use at all.
Bare feet or sandals from now on.
Cool!
BTW have you seen what inov8 have for next year?
[url] http://www.runnersworld.com/community/forums/runner-communities/barefoot-running/inov8-evoskins-bare-grip-200-pics [/url]
That last one means you'll able to dump the mudclaws too 🙂
49er - I have those Mudclaws and they helped me bag a 5th place at a biggish trail race. Amazing grip in mud and loose rocks! Definitely quite brutal though.
I'm wearing my new 295s under my desk and look like a bit of a loon - they work well as slippers so far. First test run tomorrow.
Homemade running sandals.
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Ah, heard you'd gone barefoot Ian. How's it going?
I'll be interested to see how you get on with them.
Just ran my usual route - very technical, about 5 miles, currently very dry.
The shoes look quite substantial but weigh very little, the toe box is definitely roomier than my Mudclaws and the laces are rather short as usual.
Grip is amazing at both ends of the shoe - a major criticism of my Asics Trail Sensors is poor front end grip and traction. Like all Inov8s they have very little padding and a flexy sole but this works very well on the trail. Tarmac is much more comfortable than with the Mudclaws but there's a fair bit of shock transmitted through the soles - I didn't use my inserts (bit of a pronator) but might consider them next time.
Overall, I'm very impressed and got near my PB which was set in perfect conditions (cool, almost dry) - today was very hot and dusty.
Definitely not for newish runners though - like all Inov8s they feel quite brutal. For experienced runners, get some.
[i]Ah, heard you'd gone barefoot Ian. How's it going?[/i]
Yeah not bad.
More minimal rather than true barefoot, though I occasionally take my shoes off for the odd mile or so, just to remind me what my feet are doing.
Put a stress fracture in a 2nd metatarsal after doing too much too soon with a set of fivefingers back in March, but that's seems pretty common. But apart from that i've found running much more enjoyable than ever before.
I haven't got new radical shoes, but I would just like to share that last night I ran for ages and it felt really good. First time ever that I've enjoyed a run, I think 🙂
Cool! 🙂