First a bit of history–have had three knee surgeries in the past ten years to repair both ligaments and medial meniscus cartilage with. My most recent surgery was just about a year ago where I had 50% of my right medial meniscus removed. Trained and raced in a couple of olympic distance triathlons last year to rehab from my surgery. My run training was limited last season due to discomfort in my right knee (most recently operated on), and I focused primarily on the swim and bike disciplines. I went back to my ortho with an MRI of my knee, and all he could tell me was that it was a overuse injury and that there was nothing seriously wrong with my most recently repaired knee. At that point I decided I would change my run technique to be more of mid-foot/forefoot striker. I’ve been making the gradual transition for the last six months and bought ‘minimalist’ running shoes to facilitate the change. I haven’t looked back since, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any better…I bought a pair of KSOs yesterday from REI yesterday to take advantage of the 20% coupon.
So onto the review…it definitely takes some time to actually get them on your feet as you have to line up your toes properly into the shoe, but it wasn’t difficult. After a good minute or two, I set out on a short 30 minute easy run on a paved bike path adjacent to my neighborhood. It was definitely a very different sensation; you feel closer to the ground, and surprisingly, your stride makes the necessary changes to adapt to the new stimulus of landing on the ground with little to no cushioning. I wasn’t consciously thinking about landing on my forefoot, but this can probably be attributed to the change I made to forefoot striking months ago. I always feel a little bit of discomfort in my right knee, but I didn’t feel any of that same discomfort while running in the KSOs–haven’t felt that great running since before my first knee surgery circa 2000!
I did, however, start to feel a hot spot just on the side of my foot right above where my arch would have been if I had one. I checked later on and noticed that there was a tiny blister. I’m happy to report that this morning, there was no soreness in my achilles and calves, so I feel phenomenal today. I’m going to gradually work the KSOs into my weekly runs, and I’m even considering wearing them in races, although I might not because it does take a bit of time to put them on.
Overall, I have officially jumped on the barefoot running band wagon and will be recommending the KSOs to anyone and everyone that asks.
you think there will be any issues with the actual fingers. do plan on investing on a pair