The Run

• Duration: 20:17
• Distance
  • Pedometer: 0.88 miles

Observations

• Took some time wearing shoes around apartment to make sure fit was good before using shoes outside
  • Once it’s used outside, can’t return them
  • After toe pain on first day, I was unsure whether these shoes would “work” for me
    • Perhaps I was one of the people who’s feet just don’t fit well this type of shoe
  • + Found some information online regarding seating the heel all the way back in the shoe before strapping it down. Once strap is down, foot was supposed to stay in place
    • Seems to have helped because after keeping the shoes off for a day following the pain on the first day, I never had any real toe pain again
• Was still scared to walk outside with shoes
  • Didn’t want to find out that they would not be comfortable when there was no turning back
    • Figured I could still sell them on ebay if as a last resort (seeing as how in demand the shoes seem to be)
  • Felt weird to be walking around outside “nearly barefoot”
• First thoughts upon walking outside: “Something’s not right. I feel like I forgot something… Oh yeah, my shoes!”
  • I knew I was wearing something, I knew there was a layer of material between my foot and the pavement, but there was still a sensation of being connected to the ground I walked on
    • More so than with shoes or even slippers
• Still somewhat hesitant, I began to run (though parking lot)
  • Somewhat to my surprise, it felt good
    • Not exactly pleasurable, but fun for some reason (like I was running around a parking lot barefoot like a kid or something)
• Thoughts while running
  • No heel strike issues
    • Perhaps I never ran with a heel strike because I didn’t feel like I had to correct anything. I just ran as I normally did
  • Definitely felt when my foot hit the ground, and what part of the foot hit the ground
    • Made it very easy to adjust my foot’s position as I ran since I could immediately feel a difference after any adjustment
  • Actual earth is much more comfortable to run on compared to pavement
    • Grass is much softer, but it was not some amazing experience. It’s not like I could feel the blades of grass between my toes or anything like that.
      • Still, it’s probably the closest thing to being barefoot while still wearing shoes
  • Sole definitely protects against hot pavement
    • Sun was fully out, but did not feel any discomfort while running on pavement
    • Still need to test while standing still though
  • Sole protects well against rocks (compared to barefoot)
    • Small rocks pose no issues. Some even feel like they massage the feet.
    • – Larger or more pointed rocks/objects will need to be avoided though as they can still pose a problem if stepped on. Had to quickly shift weight after stepping on a big rock right under my arch.
• Physical Observations
  • Ankles started to feel tired
    • Started with left ankle, then moved to right ankle (probably as I adjusted my running to ease off my left ankle)
  • Could feel strain in my Achilles tendons (again, mostly in my left)
    • Not really pain though, just a warm sensation. Told me I was working the tendon out.
  • Did not really feel too tired as I ran.
    • Feeling every step on the ground kept me very awake and alert
      • Good for me since I don’t really enjoy running
    • Felt more spring in each step when using actual feet (rather than being encased in shoes)
  • Some warm spots right at base of toes
    • Did not get problematic enough to be referred to as “hot spots”
• Aftermath
  • Achilles tendons feel tired
  • Calves feel worked
  • Bones in feet hurt a bit (not in a way that I’ve felt before)
    • When I was walking around in slippers later in the evening. Was definitely not comfortable.
  • Beginnings of blisters on outside of big toe on both feet
    • Just need to get used to shoes I figure
• Final Thoughts
  • I like the shoes quite a bit
    • Offers a feel like no other
  • Protection seems adequate for hiking
    • No issues while running over small rocks or sticks
    • Will need to watch out for larger pointy objects as there is nothing the shield/protect the arch
  • Look forward to running again in shoes in a couple of days