Barefoot running

[fairycake123]

Does anyone go barefoot running? I read about it in a friend's triathlon magazine ages ago and at first I was a bit sceptical and thought it was probably more about being "eccentric" than anything else. But I was really in a rut with running, not enjoying it at all any more, so I thought what the hell and tried it - and discovered that I LOVE it.

I have had the occasional strange look, but I don't care because for the first time in a very long time, running actually feels good and I genuinely enjoy it. I actively look forward to going out, whereas previously it had been a bit of a chore.

The problem I'm facing now is the weather. Running barefoot in the summer is lovely, but since it's started to get properly cold I have started to experience problems. The main issue is not that my feet feel cold, it's that they go numb, which is a lot more unsettling and unpleasant. The numbness wears off and the sensation returns after about 1.5 - 2 miles, but I don't like it at all.

So my question is, if there are any other barefoot runners about, what do you do in the winter? Return to shod running? Do you wear Vibram 5 Fingers or something similar? Have you discovered a special warm up that minimises numbness? Or do you just suck it up and tough it out?

Am 37 weeks pregnant so not running anywhere at the moment! The Vibrams look good though?have you been on the runners world website, you might find more info there. Plus if you google ?barefoot running in winter? there are a few sites by people doing it already?
Would love to give it a go as I have never yet found a pair of trainers that I feel completely comfy with?.how do your knees feel after? Have you been going far?

Sorry to answer your question with a question???

I'd love to do more in the way of barefoot running but am (slowly) getting over an unpleasant tendonitis so am doing mostly cross-training at the moment. I don't think I'd be game to run in this cold without shoes so am running in socks on the treadmill at the gym.

Thingumy, my knees have been absolutely fine, no problems at all. When I first started doing it in the summer, it was my calves that were the issue. They were absolute agony, but I think the issue there was that I was learning to adjust my gait, and it was resolved in a matter of days.
I really, really urge you to try it, it is amazing! It does feel a bit odd at first but it has changed the way I feel about running completely.
I think thhat now that the snow and ice have cleared, I'm just going to grit my teeth and get out there.