I have been interested in Chi Running for a while. I bought the book and I actually won a free training session (which I have yet to actually do) with a Chi Running Coach. I think that there are a lot of positive and logical points and here is a video that has a lot of great information:
Thing is, you don’t really have to run BAREFOOT. A few shoe companies have adopted some alternative running shoes.
First there is Newton Running, they have developed a shoe that is pretty clever and focuses on a forefoot strike. Behold:
There are actually little air pockets in the front that help with impact. Biggest problem with these….the price tag! The babies can cost you upwards of $175. I just have a really hard time separating with that level of money for running shoes, $60 is hard for me to spend on running shoes… I actually would love to own a pair, but I guess I am not that serious about running.
Another option is Vibram Five Fingers:
These are priced more reasonably at $80. As you can see, they basically just protect your feet from the elements but is consistent with the barefoot running. I have considered buying these and running around the park just to start. Then actually upgrade to running on pavement. These seem the most in line with the barefoot running concept but you definitely have to retrain your feet to run without a HUGE cushion! And, if I were to buy these, I would probably go through REI because of their excellent return policy. Basically, I can wear them all I want and if I hate it I can always take it back, doesn’t matter the condition!
Then there is the option that I already own and have tried in the past….Nike Free’s
Ultimately, Nike figured out there could be a market for this barefoot running stuff…so they started making these:
I have a pair in size 9, and I am actually a 9 1/2 in running shoes. So I mostly use these for life style shoes. I do however have these:
And they are in a 9 1/2 and I have run in them before on the beach and they worked out well. I actually put my eSoles in them to give them a tad more support. Biggest complaint on these is that those little black rubber things on the bottom fall off and then when you run it feels weird.
In conclusion, if I had my choice, I would go with the Vibram Five Fingers. I just feel like that would be useful for more than running. I.e. yoga )because I do that all the time….barf)
Even bigger picture conclusion….just more shit to buy! meh :-/
