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BarefootRanked — minimalist footwear field journal

The field journal

Shoe Reviews

Fit, feel, and function. A considered look at footwear, with attention to the conditions and tradeoffs.

Which Barefoot Sneakers Are Best for Beginners?
Shoe Reviews

Which Barefoot Sneakers Are Best for Beginners?

Beginner Guide 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. The best beginner barefoot sneaker is usually not the thinnest or the most extreme. It is the pair you will actually wear consistently while your feet, calves, […]

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What Is the Point of Barefoot Shoes?
Shoe Reviews

What Is the Point of Barefoot Shoes?

 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 like they would without conventional shoes getting in the way. That is the basic point. Instead of heavily […]

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Can You Wear Barefoot Shoes Every Day?
Shoe Reviews

Can You Wear Barefoot Shoes Every Day?

 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, many people can wear barefoot shoes every day, but the better answer is: only if your body is ready for them. Barefoot shoes are designed to let […]

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What Are the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes?
Shoe Reviews

What Are the Benefits of Barefoot Shoes?

 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 than conventional footwear. They usually have thin soles, a wide toe box, very little cushioning, and minimal […]

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What Are Barefoot Friendly Shoes
Shoe Reviews

What Are Barefoot Friendly Shoes

 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-friendly shoes are designed to let your feet move more naturally while still providing protection from the ground. Instead of forcing the foot into a stiff shape, they […]

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Barefoot Shoes for Beginners
Shoe Reviews

Barefoot Shoes for Beginners

 Start Here Barefoot shoes are a great tool for beginners — if you treat them like a transition, not a magic fix. I coach a lot of runners through this switch, and the biggest beginner mistake is thinking barefoot shoes are just normal sneakers with a wider toe box. They are not. They change […]

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Saguaro Barefoot Running Shoes Review
Shoe Reviews

Saguaro Barefoot Running Shoes Review

 Footwear Review 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. Saguaro has built a following by offering barefoot-style shoes at prices that are easier to justify than many premium minimalist brands. The question is whether the […]

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Saguaro Shoes vs Vivobarefoot
Shoe Reviews

Saguaro Shoes vs Vivobarefoot

 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 comparing Saguaro Shoes and Vivobarefoot, you are probably looking for the same core benefits: a wide toe box, a flat sole, flexible construction, and a […]

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