New Member from Tallahassee, Florida

[egonzalezloumiet]

I am new to using VFFs. I am "supposedly" an over-pronator and have been using New Balance and Asics for several years. Never was able to run more than 4 miles. Since transitioning to VFFs, I am up to 6 miles, with little or no pain.  I recently purchased VFF Treksports, used those for a few weeks and then purchased the Bikilas(after reading reviews on this site). For the Treksports I purchased them at a store where they measured me and said I was a size 44. They feel good, but did have a slight pain on my left foot (larger foot) around the inner heel. More annoying than anything. Goes away once I stop running.

As mentioned, I then purchased the Bikilas and I purchased a 44 too. I have to admit, putting them on was hard, as I have a "fat" foot, especially in the upper area. I have been running with the Bikilia's for 1 week now, feel great, averaging 6 miles a run. After a week though, I have a blister-like marking on both inner-feet. Not very painful but semi-annoying. Theya re too tight to use socks, too.

I am a big fan of this site as I know there are many experienced barefoot runners and VFF users.

Should I have purchased a larger size of the Bikilias?

I run on pavement(sidewalks), is there a better shoe for this? Other than the Treksport and Bikila? Any recommendations?

My blog posts:
http://blog.eduardogonzalezloumiet.com/?p=1129
http://blog.eduardogonzalezloumiet.com/?p=1174


I appreciate your support, all! Looking forward to your comments.

Eddie

[jmijares]

Welcome to BirthdayShoes!

I run on pavement as well and the Bikilas work okay for me.  Personally, I think the Bikila is way too stiff at times, almost like a real shoe so I often crave my RunAmocs with the 2mm sole.  I've also found the Bikilas to be rather tight as well.  I have a wide foot, but my standard Injinji socks work well with them.

How long have you been running in minimalist shoes?  I would caution against doing high mileage if you're just starting out.  many of us here on BirthdayShoes -- myself included -- have been sidelined with injuries because we did too much too soon.  I spent the last seven months transitioning to VFFs and am finally running in them full time, but I still only average about 4 miles per run and thus far my longest weekly mileage has only been 17 miles.

[Rana]

Welcome!