The field journal
Fit, feel, and function. A considered look at footwear, with attention to the conditions and tradeoffs.
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Foot pain is common, and not every ache means something serious is wrong. A long day on your feet, a new workout, poor shoe support, or a minor […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Yes. Even though arthritis is a long-term condition, it can still cause foot pain that seems to come on suddenly. Many people think of arthritis as a slow, […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Many people assume heel pain must come from a twist, fall, or sports injury. In reality, plantar fasciitis often develops with no single dramatic event at all. The […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Plantar fasciitis can make every step feel sharper than it should. Because the condition involves irritation of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Barefoot shoes are designed to let your feet move more naturally. Instead of thick cushioning, raised heels, and stiff soles, they usually feature a wide toe box, a […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Barefoot running has a simple appeal: if humans ran before modern shoes existed, maybe taking shoes off is the more natural and healthier way to move. That idea […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. If you are new to barefoot walking or running, the best surface is usually one that is firm, predictable, and relatively clean. For most beginners, that means smooth […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. Yes, you can wear minimalist shoes for sports, but whether they are a good choice depends on the sport, your training history, and how well your feet and […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. If your shoes fit fine in the morning but feel snug, stiff, or downright uncomfortable by evening, you are not imagining it. Feet often get slightly larger as […]
I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest mistake is treating barefoot shoes like a cosmetic change instead of a training change. If you spend hours on sidewalks, stairs, train platforms, and concrete blocks, barefoot walking can sound appealing for its freedom and natural movement. The better answer, though, is […]