“I didn’t feel the need to change anything about my body” damn. That’s bliss brother

Did not expect to sit through the whole video but it was super chill and engaging. Good job. :)

I've been doing barefoot/minimal for 8 years now. My advice when starting is to go totally shoeless. Not even minimalist. Why? Because with minimal footwear you'll try to run how you always did and at the same speed and you'll get injured fast. When going totally barefoot you'll be forced to slow way down and you'll be much more aware too. You will quickly see that heel striking is uncomfortable and you will change to the forefoot to compensate. You'll probably get blisters, which sucks, but you can recover from blisters much faster than leg injuries. The blisters are letting you know you're pushing too hard too early.

I’m 3 days in taking a dive into barefoot world. Sore calves but not alarming. Definitely feeling more grounded and less anxious. Thank you for your advice & post. ✌🏽

I thought ,my running days were over because of low back problems until I started transitioning to minimalist and full barefoot running. It has changed my life for the better and I have begun to crave the additional texture of the ground when i am barefoot.

Dude, I LOVED those graphics.

This was really insightful and encouraging. Being a skinny guy all my life I’ve spent more time trying to “correct” it with weight training which only leaves me feeling injured and worse about myself. I really respect how your journey brought you back to appreciate your genetics and celebrate them.

2022: ive given up running to chop wood, carry water and fulfill my need for exercise through daily tasks

Love your vid, well done. Also, my dad was an avid runner all his life and, like me, he never stretched or warmed up before a run, and all went fine! He always used to say, just start out slowly on a run, like you are hardly moving. That very slow pace at the start of the run worked as a warmup, and he’d gradually increase speed as he warmed up. I have been doing the same thing, at his suggestion, for decades now, and it works great. I’m glad you found a method that makes you happy and makes running fun (as it should be). I love the simplicity of it, and am carefully starting to experiment with minimalist running shoes- which is another way of simplifying running and thus making it more enjoyable.

Glad to see, that i am not the only man with this same 'weird' story... Thank you for sharing!

I was always avoiding running because of my weight and I feared for my knees, but because with barefoot running your body works as it is supposed to be I never hat the issues with my knees that I was scared of. Started slow though, but by now I can run 10ks and looking forward to a half marathon, took me only a year from never running before at all. :) Btw, I run with skinners-socks, but I want to try Shamma Warrior Sandals now!

I stopped getting injuries as well when I transitioned. I started fully unshod and after some while got minimal shoes. Now I run both unshod and with minimalist shoes. Taking it easy is the most important thing since simply putting on minimalist shoes doesn't solve the problem. Your body has to adapt SLOWLY. Stretching and warm up is still something I do and preach.

Great video! I'm also on a running shoe journey and looking towards the minimal options. One thing I have had help with inflammation is.....reducing sugar and carbohydrates. I know, I know more fad diets but it has eliminated the pain in my scar tissue from previous injuries and maintain higher levels of training than before without injuries. I was very skeptical before and attempted it as a way to prove it wrong but ended up feeling amazing. Just sharing my experiences. Thanks for the video.

I gave this a go a few years ago after reading The Barefoot Runner and Born to Run, but unfortunately I got terrible Achilles and calf pain. And yes I did try to build up slowly. I was so disappointed because after reading those books I was really excited and hopeful that my flat feet weren't a flaw in my design but just not being served by the shoe industry. Still running now, and I do seem to struggle with whatever shoes I wear but I've just recently been to a podiatrist/posturist/bio-mechanic and she's given me exercises to strengthen all the supporting structures in my knees, calves and feet etc. I hope this helps. If I lived in the countryside or near trails I'd like to give minimalist or even barefoot running another go.

I love the way you format your videos ! Legit the most creative creator on this site :o) Thanks for sharing your journey !

I highly recommend "born to run", it's a fantastic book about a similiar journey: not understanding how running causes so many injuries when it's something humanity has done since.. well, being on two feet. I'm back to running barefoot too (but starting really slowly, I'm back to 6km in 40min after I had some unrelated injury). I would love a video on how to run barefoot faster as I feel pretty much stuck on one pace (but keeping that for longer would probably not be a problem). Any tips from people in the comments?

Awesome storytelling and editing skills 😊 Thanks so much for the research and information highly appreciated 🤗

Thank you for sharing! I started to wear barefoot shoes years ago and love them! I've been working on foot flexibility and getting my toes to splay naturally. It is a journey to get back to how we are intended to move.

What the shit?! KZfaq please give this man the subs he deserves

Excellent video and presentation, thank you! I've been on a journey where I am trying to love running again after many of the same problems. I have spent the last year improving my neglected strengths that were sapped from years in cushioned shoes. I'm not 'there' yet, but these type of shoes have been saving my health.

The thing about the barefoot running fraternity is the statement "everybody is injured" but most runners I know including myself who've ran thousands of miles for years without any injury. I have a pair of barefoot shoes, I'm not shitting on them, but the assumption all runners in mainstream running shoes are injured is just false. I have however seen plenty of barefoot runners limping in pain ⅔rds into marathons.

I started using my Xero Shoes and this time is forever ❣️

Great to hear your story. So many things ring true for my journey. Despite being active and trying to look after myself, I've spent most of my adult life injured and dealing with pain in my hips, knees, lower back. I had pretty much given up on the thought that I might be able to sustain running as an enjoyable hobby. I've been to chiropractors, physios, had scans and had no end of advice on stretches, strength building exercises - you know the story! Anyway I got to the place where I just decided that I was bio-mechanically cursed. Then at the age of 42 I got given a pair of old altras, watched a vid on barefoot technique and got myself running. The effect on my whole body has been incredible. I've ditched all but a few of my strength exercises and stretches but have become stronger and more flexible. Ive just transitioned to vibram five fingers and just can't believe the difference its made to my sense of well being. I find it quite funny that I've spent twenty two years trying to fix various parts of my body and all along it was all about the feet.

Great video! I've been running on my treadmill for 2 years now barefeet...I do about 30K per week with inclination & even combined with some killer HIIT sessions sometimes. No injuries, no pains whatsoever. I highly recommend it!

I merrells, just as everyday shoes when required. I love it and prefer my feet to be unhinged these are the next best thing.. thank you

Bro I am getting new shoes and was trying to remember the newbalence shoes I worn out. I really enjoyed the NB 1400's. Just the video I needed today

Two weeks in and experiencing the feeling of foot arch muscles dancing when I'm at rest. 🦶 Thanks to the algorithm for bringing me to your channel. Thanks to you for the impartial product reviews.

Last week I found you and a few other barefoot channels. I stopped wearing shoes THAT DAY. I am blessed to work for a family business and they don't mind that I am wearing these runner soled "socks" I FLIPPING LOVE THIS! I don't have pain. the only bother I feel is all the muscles of my lower body is sore from not being awake for all these years. But as the days go and getting good sleep, eating clean I am able to recover after sleeping.

how does this great guy only have 100 subs deserves a lot more

Fooled me into thinking you had 1000's of followers! Enjoyed your video man and thinking of buying some minimal shoes now.

Good luck with the widespread inflammation! I have chronic inflammatory issues and I feel best with time-restricted eating, and low-carb/high fat. Low doses of prednisone to stop a spiral down have been a lifesaver, even with the risks involved. Diet and exercise don't get recommended enough by doctors because they expect us to want a miracle pill. I hope you have a good medical team who supports the hard work approach! I'm glad this video popped up for me. It verifies my own observations. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Awesome video! Loved the story telling and the artwork on the note pad beautiful work.

This is so interesting. I had a really similar story working in footwear at an outdoor store. I had foot issues my entire life, and the more I learned about "good" shoes the more I doubted them. So I did the same deep dive as you did into foot shaped shoes. Now I only wear barefoot shoes.

Last summer I picked up some Merrell Vapor Glove 3's and gave it a shot. Long story short, either it's not for me, or my form sucked or something. After only a handful of runs in them, I'm still dealing with the achilles tendinopathy, 9 months later. I'd had no injuries up to that point (2 years of 20-30 mi/wk), but was convinced by videos similar to this to give it a try, something I now very much regret. I do appreciate the content and sincerity in your video. I just think it's worth pointing out that your mileage may vary, and that if you don't transition properly (and perhaps even if you do) there is a very real possibility of injuring yourself.

After countless reviews on on a multitude of shoe brands coming across this video has been refreshing and welcomed and obliterates all the nonsense that's coming from so many cushioned shoe brands. Really good video mate and I will be taking your advice.

I've been running barefoot for 3 years now, and I started with Vibrams. I picked them because I couldn't figure out what sort of shoes to get. I didn't know if I over-pronate or under, or what sort of stride I had. Barefoot seemed simple, so that's what I went with. And y'know what? I'm pretty happy with them. No injuries, no persistent aches and pains. I do, however, change up my workout, sometimes working on my shoulders, sometimes on my core. I'm not trying to lose weight or get buff, but just trying to keep myself strong and build up endurance.

Whenever I train, I do it I’m barefoot shoes. Whenever I go on run, and whenever I go to work (I work in a wood shop). I’ve now reintroduced cushioned shoes though for when I’m going out. Purely for aesthetics reasons. I’ve realized that since I’m used to barefoot shoes and wear them MOST of the time, my gait doesn’t change when I put on a heeled shoe. Still isn’t great because of the toe box. But it’s all manageable. 👍

people can say what they want about five fingers but they cured my chronic shin splints

Great video, very creative and out-of-the-box! I just discovered and purchased my first two pairs of barefoot shoes, Xero Genesis sandals and Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail SG. I have always loved going barefoot. There have been many times while on long walking days at amusement parks or out hiking that I wished I could just kick off my shoes and go barefoot. Now I can get that same barefoot feeling with these shoes! Looking forward to more videos.

Fantastic video! Great story telling and loved the editing! Thanks for sharing your story!

Just keep those Achilles strong. It’s taking me so long to fully recover from sore Achilles/heels. I got a spin bike and inline skates in the meantime.

I changed to bare foot running and after 6 years developed an osteochondral defect of my ankle. Now I am not allowed to ever run again....Walking is still painful sometimes after more than a year’s rest. So be careful.

Precise. Entertaining. Educational. More videos should be like this. Bravo, good sir, bravo!

Love the drawings with the story, very engaging. Like I said before, your editing is great.

2:54 I felt that. Deeply.

Interesting. I used to run on pavements and my knees started hurting after runs. I changed to trails and they stopped hurting and I love the scenery!! And it’s more challenging. And I use altras. Can’t understand why people put on dropping shoes or pointed ones!!

Brother, you’ve earned each and every one of your subscribers and I absolutely love your videos and presentation. You’ve got another sub!

Max shoes have allowed me to run fast, high mileage into my 50s. I was injured using previous generation designs. The stack height replaces worn down cartilage and compressed joints. You’ll understand in 20 years...all your pieces are barely broken in!

Barefoot running on pavement (asphalt etc) will eventually damage your feet, legs, heels, hips, knees and etc. We are not evolved to run on these hard surfaces. If you want to run on a hard surface, you need to have cushioned shoes to emulate what you are supposed to run on. The lawn along the pavement (when it's not wet) is the best part of the sidewalk to run on.

Me in London running shops: "Do you do any barefoot shoes?" Staff (with dead eyes): "No."

This video is so much more than just a video about running and shoes

Thanks for sharing your story. I went from heel striking to a forefoot strike pretty early in my running journey. I would get the pf arthrosis pain with long runs and some quick research suggested it was caused by heel striking. I'm so glad I made the change; I can't imagine running any other way. There was a painful breaking in period as you have to build up strength and resiliency in a lot of smaller muscles. The end result was well worth it and allowed me to stay injury free even when putting in lots of miles. Thanks for spreading the word.

I actually switched to barefoot running for a while, loved the nb minimus, then the altra escalante, but overstrained and picked up plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis. Rested and rehabbed then tried to go back to barefoot or minimalist shoes, and actually reinjured. Have had to go back to cushioned shoes and besides some shin splints at the start as I got used to running again, haven’t had an issue I do think it’s an amazing feeling to run in minimalist shoes, but not always the answer - I think having rotations of shoes for those that can afford it is the smartest way

1400 was such a breath of fresh air. Great shoe. Xero shoes are pretty amazing too.

One thing that gets overlooked more than anything else is form as it relates to running. One of the reasons you likely feel less injury prone from your barefoot running is that your body is forced to execute each step in a more natural alignment. Your foot strike and the proprioception you feel in your feet forces you to run on your mid foot and engage muscles that would potentially lie dormant with the aid of super cushioned shoes. In short, by being barefoot you feel your body. It hurts to run on your heel barefoot, so you adjust and run correctly and engage your hips, glutes and the rest. The cushion shoes aren’t the problem, it’s usually the runner with poor form. The form is the variable here, in my opinion.

Quite engaging video. Easy flow in conversation made me stick to the end. Thanks for helping out.

“Yes” to all the answers to your questions at the end of the video pls!! 😁

Hey didn't understand the part where everything began hurting again in 2019? Why did it do that?

You are the only person to actually explain what zero drop means. Every other article i have read or video ive watched never says, the difference between the back and front of the shoe, thank you sir

Great stuff bro! I started on track and field back in the 80s and as far as I remember, back then running shoes were extremely minimalist and I guess kinda zero de drop. We were instructed to breath from the nose, stride with bended knees falling on the forefoot. I stopped running during the nineties (got into baseball and then skateboarding)... When I came back to it on the 2000s everything I was thought had changed! People breathing from the mouth, using long heel strides, and bulk cushioned shoes 😬... Got frequently injured following the crowd. So I went back to my running roots. Got some Merrell zero drops, started running trails, forefoot stride, nose breathing. Other runners think I'm goofy, I don't mind, I rarely get injured AND I enjoy my runs.

Andrew thanks for spreading the message on what we've known for years. It's great when our feet start thinking for themselves. Live long and prosper my brother. 👣 👍 🇺🇸

Running itself puts a lot of strain on the body, barefoot or not. Walking/hiking is so much better...

I use to be a sprinter/powerlifter until someone told me "you can't do both".my response "watch me". Like you, I love the feeling of the ground and the no loss of power. I'm currently training for my 4th ultra 150 miles, average 220 per month. Most injuries, like you said, have been tied to too much shoe = loss of mechanics.

Everyone please remember that what works for one will not work for all. Shoes are only a piece of the puzzle and the primary focus should be creating muscular balance/tendon strength. Cool vid!

"I just felt like runnin"

From Hoka's too vibram's, running wrecks my body.

I've been doing the barefoot/minimal thing for 6 months now, mostly after watching this video. I've had to build it up slowly, but it does indeed work really well!

the same, 15 months into barefoot running, 20km short of 1000km mark, and pure joy, no injury.

whoa whoa whoa. So what ended up being responsible for your aches and pains in your fingers and hip pain and your whole body? you just gave up weight/body weight training? That's it? That's sad

So you started having all these pains, but you don't know what caused them? Are they gone since you can't go to the gym anymore?

I was having some knee pain. I decided to switch to a zero drop minimalist shoe and try slow jogging. I am now happily pain free

Great video. I made the switch to barefoot running, with toe shoes, 13 years ago and have not had a single injury. I think the key is to move from a heel strike to a mid toe strike extremely gradually. Listen to your body.

Uh, dude, you should get that whole body pain checked out. Cuz . . . that ain't normal

Cool video, I like the little graphics! I have had a similar experience but stopped at the Altra stage - zero drop with cushion. Love the combination!

Wow, my journey has been exactly the same. Hokas, torins, Escalante racers, Xero shoes, now 5 vibram 5 fingers. It's been an 10th month journey, never been injured, never felt better. Fantastic video mate.

Switching to minimalist/barefoot shoes has been the best decision I've made regarding running, by far. Only downside is they get damaged faster than padded running shoes.. and it's easier to find them online than in shops which means you can't try them on..

I run barefoot whenever I can, otherwise it's minimalist, zero drop shoes. I tried fluffy marshmallows once a while ago, and it was just weird. I'm definitely interested to hear others' thoughts on ground temperature challenges. Winter is particularly tough, so much so that I find myself wearing shoes for 3 or 4 months each year. By the time it's warm enough to go outside barefoot I have to slowly work on building up the toughness of my soles again. I think one sacrifices a little speed running barefoot, but the feeling of freedom and the feedback you get from your feet makes up for any pace loss in spades.

What a great way to visualise what you're talking about 👏🏻

thanks for sharing your story, and everything else you share in your videos. just subcribed !

I wear groundies (just like your vivos) all the time, almost never normal shoes. For running tough, i use shoes with moderate drops and firm relatively thin midsoles. Works for me. Strong lower legs and feet from my everydays life, and some moderate shock absorbtion during running. Best of both worlds.

Awesome, cool honest story. Thanks for letting us in and making us think.

You deserve much more subscribers and views!! Focus on videos like this and I’m sure your channel with grow. Keep it up 👍

Nice content... My only problem is pebbles, glass pieces etc.. Since I run on roads there are plenty of it.

I also switched to barefoot running three years ago. Before I switched I was struggling with plantar fasciitis. Not only did running barefoot reduce injury, the tactile sensation of the ground on my feet made running much more interesting and enjoyable. I ran track in high school but only after running barefoot did I feel I had learnt “correct” running form. Running barefoot taught me not to heel strike and to distribute my weight between the ball of my foot and heel upon landing. These days I couldn’t imagine spending $100+ on running shoes like I used to. I would much rather spend that money on something fun like rollerblades. Great video, I hope barefoot running becomes more popular!

It's just so satisfying watching this video! Thanks man!

I've worn jikatabi since I was twelve (after a skiing accident sprained all my lower joints) to help with inflammation and natural strengthening. 14 years later, after walking, working while standing, lifting, hiking, skating, and mountain biking, I have zero issues with stiffness or inflammation of any kind even standing for 18 hour shifts at work, or hard workouts. Plus it's a great way to flex your work ethic to encourage others to do more with less, and do better. I genuinely can't live in regular boots or shoes for more than a few days without having lots of weird issues.

GASP....Yes!!! I had almost a mirrored experience. I worked at a big box sporting goods retailer in the shoe dept mostly. I drank the koolaid brooks reps said about Cushion/support. Then born to run/five fingers happened and that changed everything for me on footwear and movement in general. The next time the brooks rep gave a presentation to customers and employees at the store I asked “if barefoot running form is the correct running form for almost everyone , why design a shoe that allows someone to run in an incorrect form.” Brooks rep said it’s everyone’s choice on how they want to run. Next question I asked was why does anyone’s foot need support or cushioning. Brooks rep did not like that question and said would speak to me after presentation. There was no talk after the presentation. Next day I was moved to apparel, and next month looking for new job. Love the content...keep it up. :)

I first bought Xeroshoes 2 years ago. Haven't gone back to regular shoes since. The Mesa Trail shoes they sell are amazing!

Cool video and thank you for the insights! I'm still a bigger fan of cushioned shoes but i'll give it a try again with minimalist shoes after having watched this!

Waw... I LOVE YOUR VLOG, YOUR STYLE IS AMAZING, THE MUSIC, AND THE PICTURES.. GO AHEAD

got some Xero Primos a month ago. Ran five miles in them three weeks after walking around in them and it felt as if it was the first time I have ever used my calf muscles. They are extremely comfortably, my knees and back don't hurt anymore. Barefoot running is the beez neez.

I’ve been running barefoot for almost 11 years now. I’ve ran a few thousand miles barefoot, and about 60 in shoes. I don’t stretch often, but after some overuse issues due to running a few 100k’s (also barefoot) I had some psoas and piriformis issues. Now I’m good. Still barefoot and going strong!

The little doodles are such a great idea. Awesome work

I really love the simple yet cute art and animation! Makes the video super engaging to watch. I'm currently recovering from knee injuries and about to get back into running. I think barefoot running would be my way to go to correct my heel strikes.

Wow this video was very engaging! Great stuff!

Own four sets of FiveFingers. Absolutely love the V-Runs. Changed from normal shoes to FiveFingers 2 years ago.

I don't want to sound judgemental or pretentious but running "barefoot" is much better in the long run for your joints and spine. I wear flat shoes with no support most of the time (vans, my wood and leather cowboy boots) but I'm going to experiment this summer by making some leather, spartan style sandals. Really basic just a piece of leather strapped to me feet. Gonna see how that goes and if I like it I will make some modified versions that I can wear to work.

Great production quality and I learned a lot too to improve my running 🏃‍♂️

Good video. Glad you found the barefoot running style scene! Shoes are not a religion, they're a tool. Choose the right tool for the job, like you would any tool(TM). The info you seek is largely contained in the book "Born To Run," which is probably credited as the stimulus for the barefoot/minimalist running and shoe movement. I discovered Vibram FiveFingers in July 2012. I'd injured my left knee badly, back in the late 90's, while training for a race, in traditional running shoes, running with heel strike form. I was not able to run again after that, and had re-injured the knee several times, once to the point I could barely walk for several weeks and was in a fancy carbon fiber brace. The day I purchased the FF's, I ran 7mi up and down our local 1,200' peak. I ran a total of 27mi that week, both on trail runs, and just out on the road/sidewalks. I hadn't run at all since about '98, and it was amazing to return to the sport. I'd raced 7th grade through 2rys of eligibility in college, so long distance and track were part of my DNA. I didn't follow the protocals for a slow transition into the FF's, but that's just me. Stubborn, and willing to put up with pain and discomfort. While my daughter was in high school, 2013-2017, I privately coached and volunteer coached her and her fellow teammates. I routinely took the worst runners on both the boys and girls teams, got them out of their traditional shoes, into FF's and racing flats, and up into the top 5 on their respective teams. Their injuries went away, they got fast, they stayed uninjured, they performed and raced well, and their teams did great. My daughter is the only athlete who went uninjured, on any of the teams, for the 4yrs she was in school. She was running about 1,000-1,500/yr in FF's (Spyridon model) and other minimalist shoes, like the awesome New Balance Minimus V1's. Training the kids to run correctly was simple. With their parents present, the parents would shoot a cell phone video of their athlete running in their traditional shoes. Then I would simply have the athlete remove the shoes, keep their socks on, and run passed us again. We would compare the videos in slo-mo. The parents would be shocked at the instant transformation...."What did you just do to my son/daughter? They look great!" "I took them out of the high-heeled, restrictive, traditional running shoes, so that their feet and legs could function as designed." The quickest way to transition, is to jump right into FiveFingers. Why? Because your brain WILL NOT let you heel strike in FF's because the feeling of the shoe is that it's NOT a shoe, and that you are simply barefoot. Then all you have to do is work on your posture a little, your knee lift and knee drive just a little, and dial in your arm swing and hand position. Most people have developed a ton of muscle memory for really weird and non-functional arm/hand/shoulder/head/feet body movements from running so many miles in heel strike mode, or in a weird forefoot strike mode, while in high heel shoes. This muscle memory will take a few months to get over, and honestly, running form is something that should always be finessed and worked on. So you get into a pair of FF's, you take it slow, and while taking it slow, you start cleaning up your form. As you get stronger, your muscle memory makes the shift to cleaner form. As you get good...and strong...your form gets even better. And as you progress, you discover that while the FF's are fun, they are but a tool, and there are other, faster, more capable shoes out there. Merrell Trail Glove, Vapor Glove, Lythe Glove. New Balance Minimus V1 or V10 (the really thin ones), and of course, racing flats. My go-to is ALWAYS the FF Spyridons. Doesn't matter what the distance is, or the terrain. But I've been in them for 9yrs, so I have a volume of mileage, and experience with them. But if the terrain is really bad, or I'm seriously going to race, I'm in the Merrells, or the Minimus'. If interested, we have quite a few of our running and training videos posted to my channel, including our 5th in a row, Rim-To-Rim at the Grand Canyon. Cheers!

I was curious to hear you out. I am 100% pro walking/running barefoot and/or in barefoot shoes. You inspired me with the creativity happening on the right 🙌🏼😍❤👍👍✌🏼✌🏼