Is anyone using barefoot style shoes? I'm doing physical therapy for a badly sprained ankle, and two different therapists have suggested barefoot shoes to strengthen the foot and the arch, and improve nerve communication and balance.

I'm willing to give it a try, but don't want to break the bank so I am looking for recommendations, pro, con, and relevant brands/models.

Thoughts gents?

I’m on my second pair of Prio’s from Xeroshoes. They are nice and comfortable. September will about 2 years since I started to wear the “barefoot” shoes.

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/prio-men/

I also have a pair of the Glenn for casual wear and the Xcursion Fusion for hiking/water resistant activities. I generally get the size I would wear in a normal shoe.

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/shoes/glenn/

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/xcursion-men/

I wear Vibram Five Finger shoes when running. It took a lot of getting used to, but I am very glad I stuck to it. Trying them on is important, although a bit icky.

Thanks. I'm looking at Saguaro, Xero, and Whitin, as recommended by my PT guys. Any other recommendations are welcome.

I don't think I can do the Vibram FiveFinger thing. The Beautiful Girl would kill me...

There's quite a bit that's changed and improved since the first generation of barefoot designs first hit the market. Just make sure you read-up on how to transition from common supported shoes to a barefoot design; you'll screw your feet up even worse than they're already are.

https://anyasreviews.com/10-be...es-for-healthy-feet/

Thanks for this, corsair. I am well aware of the risks. I won't be doing any running. This is low impact only.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:

Thanks. I'm looking at Saguaro, Xero, and Whitin, as recommended by my PT guys.

Amazon has some pretty good prices on Whitin. I just ordered a pair, after seeing this thread. I should have them tomorrow morning.

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Edit: Received the shoes. I usually wear size 13 because 12.5 is not commonly available. !3 is usually very roomy for me. The Whitin shoes that I received were fine re width, but their size 13 is not long enough; my big toe was hitting the forward end of the shoe. Back to Amazon they go.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: V-Tail,

I have several pair of Xero. They work well
For me, and I have seen some improvement. I’m diabetic with neuropathy, so I wear the over the ankle boots. My balance is much better.

Five fingers for years. I hahd flat feet and actually got an arch until I switched to different shoes. Spoilers my arch fell again and my plantar faciitis came back. I recently started running again with five fingers and the pain is gone until I take them off. I love barefoot shoes unless you go to a public urinal. Then yeah you wish you had boots. Its almost certainly 100 percent psychological but you do feel like you are barefooting for better or worse.

Trail running can suck depending on the make up of the trail. I'm good on most surfaces but youll find a pointy rock now and then that will make you hurt. I have some trail running style five fingers that are thicker soled. You lose some of the feel but its good for shrp rocks.

If you dont want toe shoes you can try merrils vapor glove which is minimalist but protective. Like a really secure reef shoe.

Have a pair of Adidas (I’m an Adidas freak) five finger like pair. I found some finger socks online. Together, love them for leg day at the gym. They are more cumbersome to put on/take off, but worth it. Just go with five fingers and definitely get the socks for them.

I have been a fan of barefoot shoes for years. I started with the Merrell barefoot shoes 5 or 6 years ago. I also used New Balance Nimbus until they were discontinued. I tried a pair of Vivobarefoot last year.

I walk for fitness so my needs are different than a runner.

I won't buy another pair of Vivobarefoot. The shoes appear well constructed but they are constructed of material don't allow my feet to "breathe". YMMV

The current generation of Merrell, the Trail Glove 7, is my current favorite. They fit my feet well, provide sufficient padding for my needs and allow my feet to breathe. They are very light.

I bought a pair of Trail Glove 7 Gore-Tex for rainy days. They feel good when they are on my feet but getting them on is a PITA. There is a high scree collar that is so tight that I use a shoehorn to get them on and it's still a struggle. It's such a design flaw that I wrote Merrell about it.

Despite the name, I would not use the Trail Gloves on rocky trails. For me there isn't enough protection from sharp rocks. In my area there are a number of trails that are more like dirt roads than rugged trails including many rail to trails covered with limestone gravel. The Merrell's are my goto for those trails.

quote:

Originally posted by Prefontaine:
Have a pair of Adidas (I’m an Adidas freak) five finger like pair. I found some finger socks online. Together, love them for leg day at the gym. They are more cumbersome to put on/take off, but worth it. Just go with five fingers and definitely get the socks for them.

Why do you think that about the socks? I've run with them for years without socks.

My favorite thing about the Five Fingers is that my toes are available to use as they were designed by biology! I always seem to get a better grip while walking or running, especially on trails.

My knees and hips don’t hurt anymore.

Feelgrounds for daily wear.

Xero Alpine for winter.

My daughter wears Splay shoes.