I did a search but not much luck finding any reviews or types of shoes that work with barefeet. Other than Zoot are there any other models of shoes that people use to run in w/o socks for 10ks or less?
I’m thinking of getting a 10k or less racing flat and was thinking of going the barefeet route just as one less thing to do in T2.
At the suggestion of Rappstar, I bought a pair of the Puma Complete roadracer IIIs. I have used them on long runs in socks, but have recently started using them sockless. I used them in a sprint tri recently. They were great. They have a fairly minimal heel compared to most and much lower heel than the Zoots and Avia Avi Bolts as well as the Nike Lunar racers.
No need for special sneakers. Just put on your running shoes, and run in them without socks. Very simple. Your feet should quickly develop the necessary calluses. If you’re having trouble with blisters for the first few days, then put some extra body glide or vaseline on your feet before running.
New Balance 905. I’ve been using them basefoot since the 902’s. Have a look at the K-Swiss line too.
+1 on the NB905. They’re not only super light, but they accommodate wide feet and they’re a siiiick, panty-dropping, neon green color.
At the suggestion of Rappstar, I bought a pair of the Puma Complete roadracer IIIs. I have used them on long runs in socks, but have recently started using them sockless. I used them in a sprint tri recently. They were great. They have a fairly minimal heel compared to most and much lower heel than the Zoots and Avia Avi Bolts as well as the Nike Lunar racers.
Any idea how heavy they are? I’m a total shoe weenie so I’m looking for ounces/grams.
I just recently got a pair of Puma Complete roadracer IIIs. These are really light weight and comfortable without socks. They have a sock liner. I do have a little trouble getting them on with elastic laces. The tongue gets a little twisted when trying to slip them on quick. Otherwise nice shoes for $70. I got them for 5/10k runs.
I hear the new version of the K-Swiss flats (K-Ruuz?) are being made to be used without socks.
I run barefoot in the fastwitch from saucony…it has a very soft inner liner and have worn it quite a bit in the shorter distance your talking about. In longer races 1/2 to marathon or half IM I put on socks just to be sure.
I wholeheartedly recommend LOCO shoes (http://www.locorunning.com/) for barefoot training and racing. I used to have blister problems with mainstream brands but my Locos fit like a glove and you can literally race in them fresh out of the box. I used the Mojo model for a few years until recently moving to the Bandito racing flat (I switched to forefoot striking and wanted a more minimalist shoe). Anyway, they’re uber-comfortable, reasonably priced, and they don’t change the design of a given model for at least 5 years.
Good luck!
Dave
I don’t have a gram scale, but they’re a fraction heavier than my adizero RCs, which are pretty minimal. Lighter than my Saucony type A.
Rappstar may have a figure on them. (I wear 12.5 so I’m not a good comparison even if I had a gram scale.) I regularly run in XC shoes and I rate them as similar in weight.
I don’t have a gram scale, but they’re a fraction heavier than my adizero RCs, which are pretty minimal. Lighter than my Saucony type A.
Rappstar may have a figure on them. (I wear 12.5 so I’m not a good comparison even if I had a gram scale.) I regularly run in XC shoes and I rate them as similar in weight.
7.2oz, IIRC, for a size 9…
I see they are lightweight trainers (the pumas). Do you do all of your training in them? I’m wondering how they would be for long runs.
I see they are lightweight trainers (the pumas). Do you do all of your training in them? I’m wondering how they would be for long runs.
They’re actually not trainers at all. Whoever wrote the little blurb in their catalog was way off- its a racing flat, through and through. They remind me quite a bit of the Asics Hyperspeed, except that they are firmer and don’t have a porous midsole. A little redesign on the tongue and they’ll be a really top notch shoe.
Speaking of the Hyperspeed, I find them to be very comfortable sockless. A bit mushy for 5k, but for 10k-HM, they’re extremely comfortable.
FiveFingers - several models to choose from. I’m running in KSO Trek for few months. The longest run - 20 miles.
Any shoe will work as long as it fits your foot.
This is the kind of thread that feeds my obsessive compulsive disorder on running research.
I favor the New Balance 800s, built for midfoot strikers, very light.
I was also recently turned on to the New Balance MT 100 by a client. Its a super lightweight trail racing flat. It has a neutral heel, very responsive, very light, but with some rigidity built in to handle trail terrain. Hard to find though, I had to order mine through Zappos.
I also run frequently in Vibram 5 fingers, or just plain barefoot.
For a bit of cushioning and to help engage my foot muscles I run in flip flops.
Occasionally I run in water socks.
I see they are lightweight trainers (the pumas). Do you do all of your training in them? I’m wondering how they would be for long runs.
I’ll chime in here. I do a lot of running in mine, but I also run in my dying Adizero RCs, 2 different XC shoes, NB 790s (also dying) and …I can’t remember…OH, yeah! my Adizero PRs.
I’ve been racing sockless in a pair of new Avia Bolt’s. They have a soft liner around the heel for running sockless. They’ve worked really well for me. I just ran 13 miles in them on Sunday.
I see they are lightweight trainers (the pumas). Do you do all of your training in them? I’m wondering how they would be for long runs.
I did for all of last year. Since then, they have become more difficult to find, and I’ve been happily running all my runs in Zoot Ultra Race 2.0s. But to answer your specific question, I had no problem doing 2 hour runs in the Pumas.