Try Something New: Barefoot Shoes

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by Renae Chiovaro on March 6, 2013

A few months ago I took the plunge into wearing barefoot shoes. I started working with a coach to improve my posture and strengthen my core. One of the first things he told me was to get new shoes. At first I thought he meant new running shoes since my Adidas were pretty beat up looking. No, he was referring to the type of shoe. Barefoot shoes were a requirement for his program. Eager to improve my aching back, I ordered a pair of Vivobarefoot Neo shoes.

I have not gone back to “regular” shoes since! It took a short time for me to get used to the barefoot shoe. Basically there is no heal- zero drop from heal to toe. Initially I was concerned that my previous plantar fasciitis injury would flair up. However, I have had no issues whatsoever.

So what are the benefits of a barefoot shoe?

They strength the foot muscles while also strengthening your core muscles such as gluts, lower back and abdomen.
They naturally improve your posture and alignment. This places less impact on your knees too!
They increase proprioception or sensory feedback. Your feet have an amazing ability to provide sensory feedback to our brain. When we wear thick, padded shoes, proprioception is diminished greatly. Wearing barefoot shoes allows you to be more connected to your body.

For my day to day activities and work I wear the Vivobarefoot Neo. They look similar to regular shoes so I don’t get the odd look! I just started wearing the Vibram FiveFinger Komodosport LS for working out. Now, these shoes look weird! Yes, I know they are not fashionable. But they are very comfortable. I also feel stronger wearing them when I work out. I am more stable and my balance is better.

It takes time to adjust to barefoot shoes so don’t get discouraged if you try them. Some people can only wear them a couple of hours a day for the first few weeks. I adjusted quickly since I tend to go barefoot around the house. Capt. M is in his first pair of barefoot shoes too- Merrell Kids Glove. And hubby thinks I am a little crazy but he tolerates my funky looking shoes!

Have you tried barefoot shoes? Have you thought about trying them? I would love to hear your thoughts!

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Renae Chiovaro

Renae is a married working mom of two handsome boys. She works as a registered dental hygienist by day and blogs here at How to Have it All by night. She enjoys cooking from scratch, working in her vegetable garden and functional training.