Transitioning to Barefoot/Minimalist Running

Here are some really good stretches for your chilles and calf muscles to help with the transition from traditional running shoes to either barefoot running, or more minimalist type running shoes that encourage more of a forefoot or mid-foot strike which will be better for your knees.

Category:

Sports

Tags:

• Barefoot running stretches
• barefoot running
• minimalist runing
• minimalist shoes

[Louistogies]

What if you never started running with any particular shoes? I'm going to start very soon, dose it matter what shoes I start off with since I never committed to running with any type of shoes. When I did run, which was not often, I used normal shoes. Or skateboarding shoes.

[theschoolpsych]

@Louistogies It depends on how you want your foot strike to be. If you are hoping for a midfoot strike which is what I would recommend you shoot for, you will want a shoe with no heel on it. These are called “zero drop” shoes. There are many that have come available in the past 2 years. The shoes I have run with for the past year are called “Altra Instincts.” Just Google "Altra running shoes." I’d highly recommend them if you want to start with a mid-foot strike.

[Louistogies]

@theschoolpsych Thanks for the info I was looking into the New Balance MT20. Do you think this will be an okay start? I do trails, hiking, and sidewalks so I figured get a pair that dose it all.

[theschoolpsych]

@Louistogies Sure. I've heard good things about those too. Altra has trail running shoes as well. They seem to be the hot new shoe right now. Good luck.

Chad

[bryan3550]

Good advice!

I did something similar, standing with my toes on a thick phonebook, raising and lowering my ankles, before a winter holiday - it worked a treat and kept me much more strong and stable while skiing!

[theschoolpsych]

@bryan3550 I know. It's become pretty much my only stretch before running.

Chad

[theschoolpsych]

@MartinBlass . I love my Altra Instincts for running. I also Have Vibram’s too but prefer the Altra’s on the pavement. Just google “Altra Instincts.” Good luck. But definitely don’t try to midfoot strike in you old shoes with heels. Get new ones.

Chad

[theschoolpsych]

@MartinBlass If you are going to a mid-foot or fore-foot strike, which I think is great, you will definitely need new shoes. You need to get some zero-drop shoes. Your Vibram Five Fingers will work fine, but if you will be running on pavement, you might want to look into getting a pair of Altra Instincts. They are great shoes with zero-drop and still provide you with cushion from the road.

[MartinBlass]

Hi... Thanks for the video. After 3 years of running (heel strike) I am now trying to switch to midfoot strike / barefoot. I did my first run yesterday in my normal running shoes...

Is this a good idea to start with normal shoes and then switch to minimalist shoes? I own Fivefingers and use them for walking, swimming and climbing...

[theschoolpsych]

@Bitagui You are welcome.  I hope they help.

Chad