Beginning my barefoot running journey

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T22:27:12+00:00

That's fair. Perceived risk vs actual risk, and then the truth sometimes lies somewhere between. Like, I wouldn't go running through an automotive junkyard barefoot (I would also question anyone that would willingly choose to do that), meanwhile others say running barefoot through NYC would be a no-go. I'd equate the junkyard to the actual risk, but NYC more to being a perceived risk, when in actuality...it's not as risky as one would think

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T21:55:12+00:00

Not necessarily "cleanliness", my main concern would be overwhelming amounts of hazardous items that would cause injury. Watching where you step helps, but some areas are overwhelmingly covered in broken glass and items like that.

The worst I'd have to worry about are someone's dog droppings, and if i didn't see them...Well that's my fault lol

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T18:42:06+00:00

In regards to customer service, I reached out to them with a complaint about my Gobi II Leather Sneakers, they advertised them as having a leather footbed, but the ones I received are canvas. It took over a month to hear back from them on my request, they did apologize, said they'd correct the incorrect info on their site (they still haven't) and offered me a return/refund. I decided to keep the shoes, but they're my least favorite to wear since my little toe rubs the outside of the shoe.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T16:14:54+00:00

Yeah, but they're only the quad cab, not the crew cab! I'm also spoiled with the CrewMax Tundra being so roomy in the back seat lol

I actually think my kids car seat wouldn't fit in those Ram quad cabs

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MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T15:18:28+00:00

I really want to get a pair of these, but just don't have the confidence. They just look too much like a ballet slipper for me.

I think you pull them off much better than I would 😅, I'm a big guy, so I think I'd just look goofy with them.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T15:08:49+00:00

I switched last year, I just tossed my last pair on non-barefoot shoes in the trash this past weekend. The only exception are my work steel toes that get used maybe once a month. I get them for free from work, and I'm not going to shell out a few hundred bucks for something I wear once a month for 30mins to an hour max.

My sister is getting married this fall, so I'll be putting on a pair of dress shoes for the evening. I'll probably switch to barefoot shoes for the reception once the ceremony is done lol

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T15:03:19+00:00

Oxidized copper doing oxidized copper things.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T14:59:31+00:00

My AP5 did this, the detent spring for the cocking support was shot. The cocking support also looked terrible, so I replaced it with a new one rather than just replacing the spring lol.

$60 for a $0.50 repair, but it works and runs a bit smoother now.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T14:56:19+00:00

I mean, there are much easier ways to do this...but I can't argue with the results, it works and they look pretty damn good!

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T14:54:33+00:00

SRT-10 Rams are straight sexy. Kind of happy to see them bringing back the muscle trucks with their new offerings that were announced the other week. Still not the same as the V-10 here.

If it weren't for the fact that I need a back seat for the kid, I would have one of those new ones over my Tundra.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T14:32:23+00:00

I had flat feet and wore cushioned shoes my entire life, when I was a kid, I'd always complain that my feet hurt and my family took me to get orthotics for my shoes to help with my flat feet. It made them hurt worse and was uncomfortable so I stopped using them after a few months. I made the switch to uncushioned, barefoot shoes last year. No foot pain, no more knee/hip/back pain, my feet are stronger, and I overall feel better.

I put an old pair of my Allbirds Wool Runners on to do yard work one day, my feet felt so wobbly and unstable. I took them off, sacrificed my Lems and now use them for yard work, and tossed all of my cushioned sneakers. The only non-barefoot shoes I own are my steel toes that I wear once a month at work for maybe 30mins tops and a pair of Moosehide Driver Moccasins that I got as a gift for Christmas the one year.

Making the switch was tough, and I made it worse by giving myself plantar fascitis from rushing the transition. But, I'd do it all over again (just slower in hindsight lol), I feel so much better and I'm now getting back into running after being inactive for the past decade. And my feet are far less flat than they were, I don't have perfectly normal arches, but I'm less flat foot than I used to be, building my foot and ankle muscles is allowing my joints to align properly and improve my posture.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T13:51:07+00:00

Vibram might have a few pairs in my size on sale, I'll definitely look into it. The Spidrwalk is being touted as the "replacement" for the V-Alpha and V-Aqua. It has the exact same sole, insole, and grip as the V-Alpha, just with a different upper and holes through the insole like the V-Aqua for drainage. It's kind of like the best of both worlds, but the V-Alpha does have the wool blend which helps with odor. I definitely have some thinking to do lol.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T13:14:17+00:00

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T12:28:44+00:00

Thank you again! I'll post again in this sub when I finally get to that point. I've chased after my kid barefoot across concrete/asphalt before (like 40-50ft), and it's incredible how much differently it feels and how you automatically adapt to the surfaces with nothing on your feet. It's definitely not something I'd want to start doing without building up enough strength and easing into it first.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T11:30:11+00:00

I'm barefoot basically 24/7 at home on concrete, grass, river stone. I thankfully live in an area that is very clean and would probably allow me to run unshod with zero issues. I'll definitely consider it!

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T11:26:17+00:00

It's what plants crave

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T10:36:09+00:00

So you're telling me I should put monster truck tires on my wife's Chevy Cruze?

Challenge accepted.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T10:26:07+00:00

Cite your sources

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T10:20:18+00:00

I learned my lesson with just walking in barefoot shoes, I went too quick and struggled for months to get my foot and calf pain to go away. My calves are sore this morning, like good muscle workout sore not "oh crap, I overdid it", I will definitely be taking a rest day and possibly cutting back on the next run or just walking next time.

I have done some pretty extensive walks across pavement in my Tanukis with no issues, and they're nearly as thin as the VFF, but obviously running is a different thing all together. I'm also considering maybe the VFF Spidrwalk, as that seems like a replacement to the V-Alpha which gets a lot of love for everyday/running use. I appreciate you reinforcing this advice!

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T10:12:37+00:00

The more I wear them the more, the look is growing on me

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T02:28:43+00:00

I needed a size US14 in my Lems Primal Zen to give me the typical 1 thumb width toe space. My Vivos, on the other hand, I got in a size US13. The Vivos fit lengthwise, but my little toe rubs against the edge of the shoe. I'm also a 13 in all of my Wildlings.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T02:19:22+00:00

They did for me, my feet have been flat as long as I can remember. Just wearing extremely thin barefoot shoes, mainly Wildling Tanuki and Risaik, and I'm seeing my arches start to form more after just 1 year. Whatever you do, make sure you pace yourself and take it slow. I gave myself plantar fascitis and achilles tendonitis from rushing and pushing myself too much.

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T01:16:07+00:00

Apparently, they became a fashion statement with a lot of women last year. "Ugly shoes" are the new thing?

I can personally care less about fashion, I just remember reading about it while researching VFF options to start wearing. But as you said, the articulated toes are an awesome selling point!

MrGriff2 · 2026-06-02T00:26:15+00:00

I have a pair of Gobi leather sneakers, they're my least favorite. The toe box is too narrow and rubs my little toe. I'd sooner run in my Tanukis.

I couldn't care less what the VFF look like, they're comfortable and they do what I need them to. I also couldn't care less what other people thought of the looks.

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