The field journal
Fit, feel, and function. A considered look at footwear, with attention to the conditions and tradeoffs.
The Truth About Low & Zero Drop Shoes After six years of running exclusively in zero drop shoes—and coaching dozens of runners through their own transitions—I can tell you the hype around “natural footwear” is both overblown and undersold at the same time. Drop matters, but not in the way most running forums will […]
After six years of running exclusively in minimalist shoes—and coaching dozens of runners through their transitions—I’ve learned that most online reviews miss the mark. They focus on cushioning comfort instead of ground feel, or they test shoes for a week when the real benefits (and problems) show up around mile 300. Here’s how to […]
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), […]
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 […]
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 […]
After six years of coaching runners and wearing barefoot shoes full-time, I can tell you this: wide feet and high arches are a tricky combo. Most shoes only accommodate one problem at a time. Wide models often get sloppy through the midfoot, while “supportive” shoes for high arches usually narrow the toe box and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]