15 replies to this topic

[BOG]

Would anyone be interested in trialling a protoype barefoot running shoe we have been developing?

We think they are great, but we would wouldn't we! Some slightly less biased input is now required...

See http://www.barefootongrass.com for details

cheers

Craig

[Rudolf]

I am a game to give a go in testing,
website does not gives informatios about whats involved.

It looks like the company is taking public personal preorder and is interesting for the feedback, in other way, runners need to pay for shoes to be able to be part of testing , is that correct ?

[kazz]

They look interesting but as Rudolf says there's no info about testing on the website link given, or even the price if you were to pay for a pair to test??
More info would be good.

kazz.

[RunBare]

I do almost all of my running barefoot, (50km+ a week at the moment) on grass, roads, concrete, etc and would be very happy to trial a barefoot running shoe. As previously said, as long as it is a trial, not a purchase Will be watching this thread with interest

[blair]

Do you have to run on grass in them?

I would be willing to give them a go if I don't have to pay and I don't have to run on grass.

[Koala1]

How funny - I was actually looking at the Nike Free today thinking I'd like to give them a go.
Would be happy to trial these - whats involved?

[BOG]

Crikey, I didn't expect that much excitement! Thanks heaps for your posts and for your queries.

1.I am not expecting you to pay for them- firstly, these are only prototypes and thus won't be as durable as a standard shoe, secondly, you guys are doing me a favour! Yes this is different to pre-orders which is mentioned on the website.

2. You don't have to run on grass in them. The design intent of the shoe is to allow you to run on the road and other artificial surfaces as if you are running in bare feet on a grass track.

3. If you are not an experienced barefoot runner (and I notice that some of you are seriously experienced!), it will take you at least three months to adapt to the change in gait and strengthen up all your muscles and connective tissues. You need to do it slowly and thus need to have the patience and self-discipline to do this or you will get injured. You can keep up your mileage in your existing shoes whilst you are doing this.

4. If you have a true biomechanical dysfunction ie severe pronator/supinator I wouldn't recommend you try these shoes at this stage. Same goes for orthotics.

5.It will take 6-8 weeks for the prototypes to be made up once we finalise the order, so in the meantime I would encourage you to take the opportunity to build a regular barefoot session on a grass track into your weekly running routine. And please do it gently- your calves won't know what's hit them!

6. If you fit the bill and are still keen please email me at Craig.Richards@barefootongrass.com.

thanks again for your help

Craig

PS Has anyone given the Vibram Five Fingers a go? They look very cool. Any feedback on what they feel like to run in?

[blair]

Well point 4 knocks me out. I use orthotics.

Good luck with the trial.

[BOG]

Don't worry Balri, we will get to orthotics users soon!

Thanks everyone for the great response and all the enquiries. I now have enough testers for this round of product testing and am delighted to say that I have met some great people in the process.

Please keep sending me your details if you would like to:
1. get on the list to help out with future product testing
2. be kept up to date on what we are doing (and when the BOGs are finally on the market!), or
3. if you are interested in helping us commercialise this thing!

see you on the road/track/trail!

cheers

Craig

[brizza]

pm me i'll have a pair and even do a report for you

[thomo]

Bog,

I admire that you were upfront with everything.

Trial testing with people who run and as you have probaly seen not afraid to let you know what they really, really think.

I don't fit the bill and am too injury prone to try the shoes so I am not buttering you up.

thomo

[BOG]

Thanks Thomo and Brizza.

Brizza, send me you details so I can put you on my list for when I need more testers.

[hungry4it]

Hi BOG

Your shoes sound just what I need labelled a biomechanical natural runner I feel my times should be quicker BUT only having taken up running 2 years ago as a 38yr female feel after reading what you have said about bare foot running. My inefficiency probably has alot to do with my inexperience running barefoot and certain muscle groups not reaching full potential.

Even if I can't be on the trial you've certainly given me something to think about. Count me in for a pair if they'll get my 5km shaved a few secs to go under 21min I've been trying for over 6months now.

[BOG]

No worries! Try gently introducing some barefoot in the mean time- it will remove the mechanical and sensory block from your shoes and allow your body to rediscover a gait pattern which is both efficient and self-protective for you. The only problem will be finding some footwear to use when you venture back on the road. My shoes will be available in 2008 at the earliest, so maybe try some Nike Zoom waffles in the meantime (I am showing my age- they now call them something different but the concept is the same). The Pose running website also has recommendations for suitable shoes.

cheers

Craig

[haggis basher]

BOG, on Jun 23 2007, 08:12 PM, said:

No worries! Try gently introducing some barefoot in the mean time- it will remove the mechanical and sensory block from your shoes and allow your body to rediscover a gait pattern which is both efficient and self-protective for you. The only problem will be finding some footwear to use when you venture back on the road. My shoes will be available in 2008 at the earliest, so maybe try some Nike Zoom waffles in the meantime (I am showing my age- they now call them something different but the concept is the same). The Pose running website also has recommendations for suitable shoes.

cheers

Craig

Hi Bog

Only just read your messages. I would be very interested in trying your shoes.

I know that you have many takers, but as I have been using the "Pose" method for 2 and a half years, and at 66 age doing 5km in 22mins (X-country at St George) I think that I would be a better than average prospect! I Don't get injuries anymore.

I went to Dr Romanov's seminar a few weeks ago in Sydney!

See Ya

Haggis

Edited by haggis basher, 28 June 2007 - 02:25 PM.

[BOG]

Hi Haggis

Thanks for the enthusiasm, it goes a long way towards balancing the negativity from non-believers! I have enough testers for now, but later in the year I will be offering pre-production prototypes at cost price ~$100 to all Cool Runners. Send me an email if you would like to be kept up to date via our mailing list.

How did you find the Pose clinics? I am devastated that I didn't realise Dr Romanov was in the country as I would have loved to attend. What shoes are the Pose crowd currently wearing?

cheers

Craig