minimalist running shoes
What Are Minimalist Running Shoes? After spending six years running exclusively barefoot and coaching dozens of runners through their transitions, I get asked about minimalist running shoes constantly. Here’s the truth: minimalist running shoes are footwear designed to mimic barefoot running while providing some protection from terrain—typically featuring zero to minimal heel-to-toe drop (0-4mm), thin […]
Bedrock Sandal Sizing?
Bedrock Sandal Sizing? Bedrock sandals run true to size for most people, but if you’re between sizes or have wider feet, size up. I’ve been coaching runners through the barefoot transition for six years, and Bedrock sizing questions come up constantly—here’s what actually matters when you’re choosing your size. The short answer: measure your foot […]
Vibram five fingers , what’s the consensus?
Vibram Five Fingers: What’s the Consensus? Vibram FiveFingers are divisive—you either swear by them or you tried them once and shelved them forever. After six years coaching barefoot runners and logging thousands of miles in minimal footwear myself, here’s what I’ve seen: VFFs work brilliantly for some runners, but they’re not the magic bullet newcomers […]
Best Barefoot Shoes for Wide Feet and High Arches
Best Barefoot Shoes for Wide Feet and High Arches After six years coaching runners through the barefoot transition, I’ve seen one complaint more than any other: “My feet are too wide and my arches are too high for these shoes.” Here’s the truth—most barefoot shoes are designed for average feet, but there are standout models […]
Feelgrounds vs Groundies: Two European Barefoot Brands Compared
Feelgrounds vs Groundies: Two European Barefoot Brands Compared I’ve been running in barefoot shoes for six years, and when clients ask me about European brands, Feelgrounds and Groundies come up constantly. Here’s the straight answer: Feelgrounds focuses on minimalist urban style with premium materials, while Groundies prioritizes affordability and wider size ranges—both offer legitimate zero-drop, […]
Running Your First Marathon in Barefoot Shoes: What You Need to Know
I ran my first marathon in barefoot shoes after 18 months of barefoot training, and I learned the hard way that conventional marathon training plans don’t translate directly. The biggest difference isn’t just the shoes—it’s that your feet, calves, and Achilles tendons need significantly more adaptation time than your cardiovascular system. After coaching dozens of […]
Barefoot Shoes in the Super Shoe Era: Why Going Minimal Still Matters
Barefoot Shoes in the Super Shoe Era: Why Going Minimal Still Matters Every runner I coach asks me about super shoes—those carbon-plated, max-cushioned rockets that promise free speed. My answer surprises them: I’ve never worn a pair, and I’m faster now in barefoot shoes than I ever was in traditional trainers. The running world has […]
Best Barefoot Trail Running Shoes in 2026: Off-Road Picks Tested
Best Barefoot Trail Running Shoes in 2026: Off-Road Picks Tested After six years of running exclusively barefoot-style and coaching hundreds of runners through the transition, I’ve tested every major barefoot trail runner on rocky Austin trails. The Xero Shoes Trail Running line consistently delivers the best combination of ground feel and protection for most runners, […]
Can You Wear Orthotics in Barefoot Shoes? What Podiatrists Say
Can You Wear Orthotics in Barefoot Shoes? What Podiatrists Say Yes, you can physically wear orthotics in barefoot shoes, but you’re working against the entire point of going barefoot. I’ve spent six years coaching runners through the barefoot transition, and the orthotic question comes up almost weekly—usually from someone who’s been told they “need” arch […]
Barefoot Running Technique: How to Fix Your Form and Avoid Injury
Barefoot Running Technique: How to Fix Your Form and Avoid Injury After six years of running exclusively barefoot, I can tell you the single biggest mistake new barefoot runners make: they try to run barefoot the same way they ran in cushioned shoes. Your form needs to change, and if it doesn’t, you’re going to […]