Barefoot vs Traditional Running Shoes for Marathon Training: What Science Says

- About Riley Kane RRCA Running Coach · 6 Years Barefoot-Only RRCA-certified coach. Switched to barefoot running after an IT band injury sidelined me for 8 months. Haven’t worn a cushioned shoe since. Austin, TX. Read more →
Naboso Insoles Review: Do Sensory-Stimulating Insoles Actually Work?

Naboso Insoles Review: Do Sensory-Stimulating Insoles Actually Work? I’ve spent six years running completely barefoot, so the idea of putting anything between my feet and the ground feels wrong. But Naboso insoles aren’t about cushioning—they’re about sensory stimulation, using textured surfaces to wake up proprioception even when you’re stuck in shoes. After testing them in […]
Freet Shoes Review: The UK Barefoot Brand That’s Worth Crossing the Pond For

Freet Shoes Review: The UK Barefoot Brand That’s Worth Crossing the Pond For I’ve been running exclusively barefoot-style for six years, and Freet shoes are one of the few UK brands that actually deliver on the “barefoot” promise without compromise. After testing four different Freet models over the past 18 months—from trail runs in the […]
Feelgrounds Review: The Stylish Everyday Barefoot Sneaker

Feelgrounds Review: The Stylish Everyday Barefoot Sneaker I’ve tested over 40 barefoot shoe brands in the past six years, and Feelgrounds consistently surprises me—not because they reinvent ground feel or toe splay, but because they actually look like normal sneakers. If you’ve been avoiding barefoot shoes because you don’t want to look like you’re wearing […]
Barefoot Shoes vs Minimalist Shoes: What’s the Difference?

Barefoot Shoes vs Minimalist Shoes: What’s the Difference? I get asked this question almost weekly: “Riley, what’s the difference between barefoot shoes and minimalist shoes?” Here’s the truth—the terms get used interchangeably, but there is a difference, and it matters when you’re choosing what to put on your feet. After six years running exclusively in […]
Best Barefoot Shoes for Winter: Warm Minimalist Boots That Actually Work

Best Barefoot Shoes for Winter: Warm Minimalist Boots That Actually Work After six winters running and coaching in barefoot shoes, I can tell you exactly what works when temperatures drop: you need insulation without bulk, waterproofing without stiffness, and enough toe room that your toes can actually spread to maintain circulation. The best barefoot winter […]
