Adventures in "Barefoot" running (long)

[BamaDave]

Hard to say - I haven't experienced any shin splints with mine. Kicking a soccer ball with Frees might not feel so good, though - the uppers are very thin and flimsy (like a slipper) - a hard soccer ball might hurt against your instep!

[UpNorth]

Interesting observation about the flexibility of the frees. I wouldn't have though that. I'm curious to see how the Pumas feel on a run for you -- but rest that back first!

[BamaDave]

Yeah, that seems to be the novelty of the Frees. Nike came up with a way to make a thick sole very flexible. Otherwise, I don't see what's new??

I'm walking around in the H Streets today, and they feel MUCH more "barefoot" than the Frees, which felt a lot more "barefoot" than a typical rigid running shoe.

[JoshDunn]

This is a great thread. Will give Kevin's tips a go since this is only the beginning of my running career.

We've been taught the foot hitting under body rather then in front of body but its hard to do. Practice practice practice I guess.