Frugal Way to Transfer to Barefoot Walking/Shoes

[epower]

The research I've done and from the advice from a Pilates/Physical Therapist who is highly regarded, I'm going to convert myself into barefoot/minimalist style shoes.

However, as a male, I've already got a wardrobe full of quality, well built shoes. I don't just want to throw them all out or sell them for pennies on the dollar.

What is the best way to go about it?

I feel if I continue to wear them and just replace with minimal style shoes when the traditional ones wear out, that could be another 2-3 years away until my traditional heeled shoes are worn out enough to throw away.

[galliver]

Depending on your lifestyle, are there not times when you need more formality/style, warmth, cushioning, or sole protection than such shoes can provide? I didn't/don't mind bf wearing Vibrams while running errands, walks about town, etc but was uncomfortable with/disapproving of that choice if we were going anywhere moderately nice (eg out for a birthday). Also if we went to someone's house where he'd take his shoes off...They were tight so he never got toe socks to go inside...odors happened.

He also never went hiking in them, his own choice (people do...but depending on venue, toe/sole protection can be desirable), and I don't think I've heard of cold-weather versions ...I could be wrong there, though.

I don't see why you can't get one pair and start to accustom your feet to them slowly (from what I hear, it's a process), while continuing to wear your other shoes intermittently as you need/want...

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[Mitch76]

Yeah I'd progress slowing to wearing barefoot shoes all the time. I know a few people who have injured their feet from doing too much too soon (running, or just walking about) barefoot.

Saying that, you can buy knock off vibrams from various Chinese websites. They are pretty much identical to the $100 ones.

You can also look for second hand stuff on eBay, as a lot of people try them and don't get on with them, and end up selling shoes in very good condition. Try searching for Vivo barefoot shoes, they make sports and formal footwear.

[MayDay]

I transitioned about 18 months ago.

I'd never worn much of a heel and didn't need any adaptation.

I had pretty raggedy shoes so I wasn't worried about the financial impact. A lot of my shoes needed replacing anyway.  Only one pair (nearly new running shoes) was really wasted.

I held onto a few pairs of dressy shoes that I wear rarely. For men, for example, if you wear black dress shoes to work 80% of the time, replace those now and keep wearing your non-minimal brown shoes on the future.

I now have very few pairs of shoes which I prefer anyway. 2 pairs sandals, one pair black flats for summer work/dress shoes, one pair black boots for winter dress shoes, one pair brown boots for hiking and causal wear, and one pair tennis shoes that rarely get worn because usually I either wear sandals or the brown hiking boots.  I could have only done 1 sandle, so that is 5 pairs total.  The flats and sandals were cheap, only 3 expensive pairs.

Removing all dress/work clothes that don't match with black makes everything easier and my closet much emptier. Minimalist shoes + minimalist wardrobe.

To the person referencing the weird tie shoes which I hate, that is not what most minimalist shoes are like. I'm sorry he likes ugly shoes ;).

Checkout vivobarefoot for examples of proper minimalist footwear. Yes it's expensive but I've seen a good lifespan from mine so far.

[john6221]

Sorry, but that's dumb. Human feet aren't meant to walk barefoot on modern surfaces. A million years ago on the rolling grassy plains of Africa? Sure. Today on the flat unforgiving concrete? Not so much. Never mind the fact that you might have other orthopedic issues at play.

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[cj25]

After transitioning to barefoot/fully attached no rise shoes, I just can't wear the ones I wore before.  My feet cannot tolerate being squished or have any sort of heel.  Just take it slow but it you continue to wear the ill fitting shoes that constrict and do not allow proper movement, you won't get the full benefits.  I don't know if you are familiar with Katy Bowman, she's the movement/barefoot guru, but her husband has hacked some of his old shoes to make them more functional.  You should check out her page and books either way.  She's amazing!  www.nutritiousmovement.com

[Rubic]

I've been barefoot/minimalist sandals for the past 4 years.  I would say my feet aren't
enclosed in shoes about 95% of the time.  I used to do all my workouts in the weight
room barefoot until the gym changed their policy and required shoes, possibly concerned
about liability issues.  I now wear minimalist running shoes.  Although the shoes are
minimalist, the price isn't ;-)

My preferred sandals are Bedrock Sandals because they use the Vibram material.  If
you're looking to be especially frugal, you could make yourself a pair of huarches.

Some observations:

• Going completely barefoot is possible, but there are reasons I eventually
  preferred to stick with minimalist scandals. I've never been stopped for showing
  up at a resturant, movie theatre, or even going through the airport in bare
  feet, but I always felt a bit self-conscious. Wearing Bedrock sandals is almost
  the same as being barefoot, but without the potential stigma.
• Even when your feet adapt to urban surfaces, you'll have to clean them often
  if you aren't wearing sandals.
• In the hot summer, some surfaces will burn your feet if you have to walk
  over them for any distance. This occured even after my feet had adapted to
  running 2-3 miles barefoot.
• I keep a pair of nice shoes in my office in case VIPs show up. First
  impressions and everything.
• Neither bare feet or minimalst scandals work well for me in the rain or snow. I'm
  not saying it can't be done, but the contact between your feet and scandals gets
  slippery. Who needs to take the risk, especially if running?

[Mellabella]

I know this is an old post but just wanted to add that there are minimalist/barefoot shoe Facebook groups where you can buy second hand shoes (particularly if you are in the US) cheaper. Also there is a wealth of info regarding sales and new cheap shoes people are finding.

I have just been transitioning to natural shaped footwear in the last year or so and it can get expensive!

[life_travel]

I just checked Bedrock sandals online. Genuine question, whats the difference between $200 sandals and my $10 thongs? * Being in a hot part of Australia I wear thongs 9 months a year, I change to office shoes at work but get my thongs on when I go to lunch, etc.
They are flat too, I love them!! I walk barefoot a lot too, at home, in my yard .

* I know "thongs" mean undies in some countries , here they mean flip-flops.

[Rubic]

I just checked Bedrock sandals online. Genuine question, whats the difference between $200 sandals and my $10 thongs?

Thongs or flip-flops are what we'd typically use for walking around
the pool, the beach, or for causal strolling.

For minimalist hiking or running, Huaraches are preferred as they provide
straps passing over the instep and around the ankle.

You can make these yourself with used automobile tires and parachute cord,
but I prefer the Vibram soles.  A pair will typically last me 3+ years of daily use.

[MayDay]

I just checked Bedrock sandals online. Genuine question, whats the difference between $200 sandals and my $10 thongs?

Thongs or flip-flops are what we'd typically use for walking around
the pool, the beach, or for causal strolling.

For minimalist hiking or running, Huaraches are preferred as they provide
straps passing over the instep and around the ankle.

Xero has inexpensive kids as well. 

Flip flops aren't great because your toes have to do the weird grippy thing to not fall off.  You want something that is securely attached to your foot so your toe muscles can relax and behave as they are intended to. 

You can make these yourself with used automobile tires and parachute cord,
but I prefer the Vibram soles.  A pair will typically last me 3+ years of daily use.

[life_travel]

Thank you, I guess the damage is " invisible" because my flip-flops just feel SO comfortable to me, I wear it everywhere and have many different colours. I go hiking in them , can do easily 10km ( 6miles).

I don't want to be complacent though and keep doing damage and end up worse off in my older years!

[PoutineLover]

I started with some xero sandals and shoes, they were a nice introduction but I prefer leather so next I got vivobarefoot boots. They are awesome, I have had them a couple years now and they are still in good shape. This summer I got another pair of vivobarefoot shoes, they're my daily walking shoes. I occasionally wear non barefoot shoes and it's fine, but I'm trying to replace each type of shoe I own with a barefoot version over time.

[ericrugiero]

I've been wearing minimalist shoes for around 12 years now.  I never wore the Vibram 5 fingers because they were too ugly and I didn't want the stinky feet that would have happened from not wearing socks.  I don't ever wear anything with a heel to toe drop these days and it has drastically reduced my foot pain, achilles pain, knee pain and back pain.  Also, I used to sprain my ankle(s) playing basketball at least once a year.  I'm still playing regularly and I haven't sprained either ankle since I switched to minimalist footwear. For anyone thinking about transitioning, DO IT, but take it slow.  I would suggest something very thin and flexible to get maximum feedback from your feet and the ground but take it easy with how much activity you do at first.  Transition slowly to allow your feet to gradually strengthen themselves and your body to adjust your gait. 

Some good options I have found:
Merrell Barefoot line:  Trail glove and vapor glove
Xero Shoes:  Boots, Shoes, Sandals
Lems:  Some more dressy (leather) options.  I wear the 9 to 5's and like them. 
Shamma Sandals:  Just recently got them but they seem really good.
Altra: Not really minimalist because they have significant padding.  It's a good option for activities where you want zero drop and a wide toe box with padding.  I wear them for basketball and they are great except that I've had to glue the soles a few times.  They aren't really designed for that much change of direction. 

I haven't tried the vivobarefoot line. They look nice but the ones I would want are expensive. 

Most of my purchases have been drastically on sale or from ebay.  It takes a little searching but is definitely worth the effort. 

[FrugalShrew]

After transitioning to barefoot/fully attached no rise shoes, I just can't wear the ones I wore before.  My feet cannot tolerate being squished or have any sort of heel.  Just take it slow but it you continue to wear the ill fitting shoes that constrict and do not allow proper movement, you won't get the full benefits.  I don't know if you are familiar with Katy Bowman, she's the movement/barefoot guru, but her husband has hacked some of his old shoes to make them more functional.  You should check out her page and books either way.  She's amazing!  www.nutritiousmovement.com

I discovered minimalist shoes while searching for shoes with a wide toe box--I was tired of my toes getting squished! Around the same time, I read Katy Bowman's book, Simple Steps to Foot Pain Relief: The New Science of Healthy Feet. I started doing the exercises and took the plunge on my first pair of minimalist shoes, and boy, am I glad I did! My feet have never been happier! :)

I have been wearing minimalist shoes for about six months now, and every now and then when I wear a pair of my "regular" shoes, I always hate that I did. I have slowly bought more minimalist shoes (first one pair of dress shoes for work and one pair of tennis shoes, then one pair of sandals). They are expensive, though, so I will have to check out the used market.

And as frustrating as it is, I have been slowly giving away my regular shoes, because I just can't see myself wearing them much if at all in the future. What ever happened with your transition to minimalist shoes, @epower? I would love to hear how it went!