:D Barefoot Running

[Skids]

I would also look at going "minimalist" in all your shoes if you can, this will help to stretch out your calves, achilles etc.
I found that going barefoot then putting a normal shoe on with a heel then back to minimalist fell shoes wasnt doing my feet the best chance of adapting.

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Sorted already! My day to day shoes are now barefoot vivo (a pair of black leather dharmas and brown suede oaks, both with insoles removed) for that very purpose. As far as running shoes goes I'm in mudrocs on the fells as much as I can, but practicalities dictate that I still do some running on tarmac in shoes that allow me to (excuse the bad language) heel strike - otherwise the state of my calves/achilles would limit me to rather low mileage I'd soon lose what little fitness I currently have. I made the mistake a couple of weeks ago of doing a little 'barefoot' run after which I put on my asics for a few more miles - it felt natural and good to carry on running with a forefoot strike, so I did. The result - a week or so off with a calf strain

But yes - I agree - ultimately I'd like to be doing all my running in minimalist shoes - I've got a brand new pair of cushioned shoes sitting in their box in my wardrobe as my old ones are due for replacement (based on the so called expert advice), but I'm determined to never use them if I can help it.