What started as a quest to find challenging experiences that didn’t involve freezing water led Barefoot Mike down a path he never expected – running without shoes. In this candid and often hilarious episode, Mike shares his unconventional journey into the barefoot running world, complete with all the painful missteps and hard-earned wisdom.

When the 2020 pandemic lockdowns hit, Mike found himself with an unexpected gift: time. Instead of binge-watching shows or learning sourdough, he decided to explore the ancient art of running as nature intended – barefoot. But as Mike quickly discovered, transitioning from cushioned running shoes to bare soles isn’t just about kicking off your sneakers.

Listen as Mike recounts his experimental phase with bizarre “minimalist” footwear that ranged from toe shoes that looked like alien appendages to DIY sandals made from old tire treads. Through trial and error (heavy on the error), he eventually realized that sometimes the simplest solution really is the best – no shoes at all.

The episode crescendos with Mike’s vivid description of his first barefoot marathon, an experience he colorfully compares to “almost four hours under a dentist’s drill.” Picture this: 10,000 runners in state-of-the-art athletic gear, and then there’s Mike – sockless feet slapping the pavement while sporting socks on his arms as makeshift sleeves, standing out like a time traveler who’d wandered into the wrong century.

Mike doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges – the strange looks from other runners, the inevitable questions from concerned strangers, and yes, the pain. But he also shares the unexpected discoveries: improved balance, stronger feet, and a connection to running that he’d never experienced in traditional shoes.

Whether you’re curious about barefoot running, looking for inspiration to try something unconventional, or just want to hear about one man’s determined journey through self-inflicted foot torture, this episode delivers both practical advice and entertaining stories from the road less traveled – or should we say, less shod.

Key Topics:

• Transitioning from traditional to barefoot running

• Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

• Pandemic-era fitness discoveries

• Minimalist footwear experiments gone wrong

• Marathon training and race day experiences

• Dealing with public reactions to unconventional choices

Subscribe to Barefoot Runner wherever you get your podcasts, and follow Mike’s continuing adventures in natural running.

Bare foot Running Step By Step:

https://www.amazon.com/Barefoot-Running-Step-Shoeless-Technique/dp/1592334652

Barefoot Running by Michael Sandler:

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=barefoot+running+by+Michael+Sandler&i=stripbooks&crid=30SLU5B03AKJT&sprefix=barefoot+running+by+michael+sandler%2Cstripbooks%2C123&ref=nb_sb_noss

Send me a voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/The70sVsThe80s

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The70svsthe80s@gmail.com

In the very first episode of Barefoot Runner, host Barefoot Mike shares the unlikely journey that led him from traditional running shoes to discovering minimalist running—and eventually, the freedom of going completely barefoot.

Mike reflects on the early days when he felt like the only one chasing this strange new path (“I don’t have any barefoot runner friends”) and the learning curve that came with stepping away from the cushioned mainstream. Along the way, he offers practical tips for anyone curious about making the switch without breaking the bank—including clever ways to find deals, stretch a minimalist budget, and save money on barefoot-style shoes.

Whether you’re just starting out, curious about ditching your shoes, or already running free, this episode sets the stage for a mini-series that blends personal stories, practical advice, and the simple joy of reconnecting with the ground beneath your feet.

🎧 In this episode, you’ll hear:

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• How Mike first discovered minimalist running.
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• The moment he decided to try barefoot running.
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• Challenges of feeling like “the only one” in a shoe-obsessed world.
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• Money-saving tips for finding barefoot shoes on a tight budget.
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• Why running closer to the ground changes more than just your stride.
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👉 Subscribe to Barefoot Runner for new episodes exploring the lifestyle, science, and community behind barefoot and minimalist running.

Merrell Vapor Glove shoes can be found at Merrill.com and Amazon.com

Send us a voicemail:

https://www.speakpipe.com/The70sVsThe80s

Send us an email:

The70svsthe80s@gmail.com