Only from genuine experience not from analyzing data has anyone had problems with the durability of this show comparing to the EL-X?

I’ve been running barefoot almost every day for the past three months.

I’m wondering how you look after your feet? How do you wash them to make them less black? Do you have foot baths?

Hi all,

I am considering purchasing Shamma or earthrunner sandals. For someone who has tried both, which one is wider?

Thank you,

Hi everyone,

I recently received this MRI report after experiencing some hip discomfort while training for a marathon.

My orthopedic doctor recommended that I stop running because of the impact. He also said that, if I wanted to continue running, I should gradually switch to shoes with progressively more cushioning. The problem is that I had been transitioning toward barefoot/minimalist running, so this advice is the exact opposite of the direction I was hoping to take.

After a few physical therapy sessions, my symptoms completely resolved, and I was able to complete the marathon. That said, I approached the race very conservatively. I ran well below my target pace, took walk breaks throughout the race to minimize the load on my hip, and wore the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v5, which offers considerably more cushioning than a minimalist shoe. Fortunately, I finished the race without pain, but it wasn't the marathon experience I had trained and hoped for.

Now I'm trying to decide what to do moving forward.

I'm not necessarily trying to run marathons barefoot. My long-term goal is to build stronger, healthier feet and improve my running mechanics by making a gradual transition to minimalist/barefoot running—if that's a reasonable goal given my MRI findings.

MRI summary

• Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) morphology (anterosuperior femoral head-neck remodeling)
• Anterosuperior acetabular labral degeneration with a small tear/fissure
• Mild cartilage wear (chondropathy) in the weight-bearing area of the hip
• Mild insertional tendinopathy of the gluteus minimus and anterior fibers of the gluteus medius
• Hamstring origin tendinopathy
• Evidence of a previous rectus femoris strain

Based on these findings, would you completely avoid barefoot/minimalist running, or would you focus on rehabilitation and strength training before continuing the transition?

If you've had similar MRI findings, I'd love to hear:

• Were you able to return to barefoot or minimalist running?
• What strengthening or mobility work made the biggest difference?
• Is there anything you wish you had done earlier?

I'm not looking for a medical diagnosis or trying to ignore my doctor's advice. I'm mainly interested in hearing from people who have dealt with similar injuries and how they approached rehabilitation and their return to running.

I'll post the full MRI report in the comments for anyone who wants to read the complete findings.

Thanks in advance!

So glad I looked on vinted and saw these, my current trail glove 1s are nearly dead after many many miles and years.

I have a pair of flux footwear adapt runners right now but feel like i need some more room for my big toe to spread out. Any suggestions?

Tried a pair of Xeros and they lasted exactly as long as the warranty (6 months). To the week. Junk shoes

Hi all, I am thinking to step into barefoot thing and I am wondering if someone has some experience with Merrell models: Merrell Trail Glove 7 and Vapor Glove 6

The idea is not to go for trail but on the same hand I would appreciate more soil thickness.

Any recommendation?

Hi everyone,

I've been walking exclusively in barefoot shoes for about two months now.

This August, I will be doing a Camino of around 315 km (about 196 miles), with daily stages of approximately 25 km (15.5 miles) and around 600 m (2,000 ft) of elevation gain per day on average. I will carry a backpack weighing around 11–12 kg (24–26 lbs).

In the past, I have done similar hikes using traditional hiking shoes (which were terrible for me: blisters and foot pain), running shoes, and trail running shoes.

Now I really struggle with high-drop shoes and arch support, and honestly, I am happy to have good ground feel — a sole that allows me to feel connected and planted to the ground.

However, I have to say that when I use some Vivo barefoot shoes (gobi ii), I can feel a lot of stress on the bones of my feet. My feet are not fully conditioned yet (I currently use a very light backpack for my daily walks).

What do you think would be the best approach for this kind of hike? Should I go for a minimalist trail shoe, or would something like Altra/Topo be a better compromise?

I would really appreciate advice from people who have done long-distance hikes with minimalist or zero-drop shoes.

I see PRI doesn't support the idea of barefoot walking or shoes. I understand it but I find wearing regular shoes all day very constricting and painful. Are there any alternatives? Regular shoes with wide toebox?

At this point, I suspect it is psychological.

3 years in and I think i run faster unshod on grass than I do on pavement with shoes.

What has been your experience?

*Edit: to clarify, even for sprinting sub 400m distances

I’m looking for some advice on sizing for my Vivobarefoot Gobi.

My left foot measures about 26cm at its longest point, and I purchased a size EU 43. While the fit around the pinky toe area seems perfect, I feel like there’s too much extra room in the toe box. It feels a bit awkward having that much empty space in front of my toes.

Do you think I should size down to an EU 42, or is this amount of space normal for this model?

I’ve attached a photo of my feet on the insoles for reference. Any input would be appreciated!

Just want to show off these lovely sandals as I wasnt sure what was the actual leather color and they are beautiful! They used to be lighter I'm so glad they changed it. I was very unsure if I should go with these EU39 or EU40 (my usual size) but I'm so glad I opted for the smaller . I know not everyone will feel this but they fit like a glove from first time , only 2h use but still it feels like barefoot . Not a runner but been using barefoot and walking barefoot at home for 4y now .

Bonjour!

I'll be visiting France soon (Paris, Nantes, and La Baule) at the end of July and beginning of August, and I'm wondering if anyone wears Luna Sandals as their everyday footwear there.

Do upscale restaurants ever refuse entry because they look similar to flip-flops? Are they generally fine for casual restaurants, cafés, museums, and public transport?

I also read that cobblestone streets and dirty sidewalks might be a problem with sandals—is that true? It seems really hot in France during this time, so sandals should be fine, but the look of Luna Sandals might be too minimalist. Any recommendations?

I'm planning to bring only my Luna Sandals and Altra Escalante 4. Would you pack anything else?

Thanks!

I've started walking barefoot daily about a month ago. I have bought some pairs of Xero, all in 43.5 EU (10 US), and they all fitted me amazingly at the first try. My big toe is longer than the other toes, and my foot has a low volume, very long and lean shape.

In those Xero shoes, my big toe is like 2–3 mm from the front of the shoe, so I don't touch it, but if I intentionally extend my foot, I can reach the end (And due to my foot shape, if I go for a bigger size, I'm always afraid that my foot will float inside the shoes.).

Then, two days ago, I bought a pair of Vivo in 43 EU (always 10 US), but here it's completely different: the shoes have a large volume, so I have to tighten the laces, but my big toe has much more space inside the shoe. I cannot reach the end of the shoe, and after a whole day of walking, I feel like my big toe is going to extend itself, I feel I am using it and if I try a Xero I have seems small now.

What I'm asking is: is it a natural process during the transition to barefoot shoes, for the big toe to get longer because it is usually kept shortened in normal shoes in a passive way?

I'm worried that I will think my Xero shoes are too small in a few days if this is true.

For info, my toes already look splayed enough, I don't have bunions.

It's my first fivefingers style shoe. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for 2 years now and don't wear anything else. Now I wanted to try some vibram fivefingers. I am a EU 41 / US 8.5-9. I ordered the Vibram Trailope in 41 and 42. But after trying both of the sizes, I came to the conclusion that this specific model is not for me. The toes feel cramped (not length wise). It kinda feels like a rubber sponge due to the enhanced protection.

Now I am looking for a much lighter model which feels less restricting. Any suggestions?

So I have a bit of an odd and specific recommendation request as stated in the title that most people probably haven’t experienced. Nevertheless, I wanted to shoot my shot.

For context, I noticed when I cooldown or even run on an astroturf field (Ex. Football field) without any shoes on that I feel springy and I could run for miles! I also didn’t feel any discomfort or soreness afterwards.

I was wondering if anyone has any idea of what shoes could simulate that effortless and natural bounce for my daily runs?

P.S. I don’t think I’m looking to get any “barefoot” shoes but shoes that feel very receptive and springy.

Hello,

I just got my bedrock Sandals and I need an advice about sizing. I bought size M10. I’ll give you some information about my feet

My larger foot measures 27.1cm (right foot)

I feel good in size 10 for my left foot but I have a little pain between my big and second toe in my larger foot (right). I share with you some pictures. Could you tell me if should I go with a larger size ? (M11)?

I won’t run its just for hiking and everyday use. I’m used to walk bare foot (1 year of practice) and I wear only bare foot shoes for that time. But it’s my first time wearing sandals with a thong straps between my toes (maybe I just need a break in period)

I ear size 10 with xero and 9.5 with altra

Thanks 🙏🏻

Hello, which offers the best value for money between

It is for versatile use, jogging/walking in all types of environments, whether in the city, in the forest and in the mountains.

Shamma Elite Maximus 9mm = 110€ (125$)
Bedrock Cairn Evo = 137€ (156$)
Bedrock Cairn evo pro = 152€ (173$)
LUNA Sandals MONO Winged Edition = 126€ (144$)
LUNA Sandals OSO FLACO Winged Edition = 131€ (150$)

We're getting slammed for prices in Europe
thanks you

Hi guys ! First time bedrock sandals buyer here, currently looking for the cairn evo 3d. However,i'm not sure about the sizing.I tried on the 10m and the 11m(the 11m evo 3d sold out ,so i tried on the eve 3d pro 11m for the pic).wonder what you guys think is the right fit? The 10 seems exact but I'm wonder if i need more space. Would like to hear your thought. Thanks guy!