Would You Run Barefoot?

I'm a big fan of running (jogging, really, but I like the way running sounds). I run with my friend Vivian and my dog, so I get to chat and catch up on gossip while working out and giving my crazy pooch some much-needed exercise. As for my gear, I've been wearing the same kind of running shoes for five-plus years, and I get a new pair every six months when my knees start to get a little achy. But recently, I've been very tempted to try a pair of the new "barefoot" shoes. Have you seen these crazy things!? They look like a cross between water shoes and toe socks. Every time I'm out running in NYC, I see dozens of people (literally) rocking this wonky-looking footwear. Despite the popularity, the jury is still out on whether they're actually any better for you—and they could potentially be worse. So when I heard about the Brooks PureConnect shoes— which feel barefoot-ish but aren't as hardcore—I had to give them a try.

By Dawn Davis

The shoes are super light-weight so you can feel the ground, but they give you enough support that you can just throw them on and go. (Unlike the barefoot shoes, which you have to get used to gradually.) I tossed on my new Brooks this morning, went out and jogged my standard five miles and I felt fantastic. Different—but great. I was sore in new places (like a part of my calf muscle I didn't know existed) and I loved the nothing-on-my-feet feeling (these things weigh less than a hairbrush). Plus, I can alternate between these and my regular shoes, depending on what kind of experience I want on a particular morning (Beautiful-weather-loving-life kind of run? Brooks. Workout-and-be-done-with-it kind of run? Regular shoes.) So if you're the kind of exerciser who gets bored easily, or if you've been hesitant to try the funny-looking sock-shoes, this may be the perfect way to mix things up...while still tiring out the dog.

What's your favorite way to workout? Have you tried barefoot running?