Concept2 Forum

I was interested in barefoot rowing but can't get comfortable-the heel strap irritates and I'm sweaty so my foot starts to slide. I found these on amazon which people in the same boat might like. They're different from typical 'barefoot' shoes because there's no toe holes but they are foot shaped-and they cost $40 CAD and easy to return so I thought worth a gamble. It does feel nice to have free toes with heel protection and grip. Too early to say whether it's helping my performance.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BQR3XGKC?ref ... asin_title

Have you tried just socks?

Yes but I found that didn't give enough protection on my heel. Plus the sock meant that the heel strap is very slippy so sometimes the heel strap would slip off. A lot of that is probably just me because of my rowing form.

The last few years I've been using these Merrell Vibram Vapor Gloves
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B078NGCJ25/ ... 81_TE_item

Similar idea to them - and they work very well for me. Got mine for £55 from Sports Direct but they don't list them now.

I've switched from barefoot with some slings ( couple of simple straps fed under the foot plate to take my heel off the plastic at the back of the foot stretcher) to using hiking sandals.

Even more open for airflow and very little squidge in the sole I found.

I use Puma speedcats. Quite thin shoes, but comfortable.

The last shoes I bought are Converse chuck taylors.
I like them because of their stability and the flat sole, with no height difference between the heel and toe.

Some good suggestions. I think what I like the most about these ones from amazon is that they're actually shaped like a foot so my toes have much more freedom. I have wide feet with misaligned toes which doesn't help.

The minimalist Vibram Five Finger KSO works very well for me:

https://www.vibram.com/us/shop/fivefing ... s/M14.html

Random image off the web:

I use my taekwondo shoes, very light and thin, I have them anyway.

I used to use Xero HFS shoes, which have quite a wide toebox. Protects the feet suffieciently, but comfortable.

Never heard of Xero before. I'll have to check out some day to day shoes! Cheers!

JaapvanE wrote: ↑

November 16th, 2024, 2:54 pm

I used to use Xero HFS shoes, which have quite a wide toebox. Protects the feet suffieciently, but comfortable.

I also use Xero Shoes. Would also recommend you check those out at some point.

I use the Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO. Lightweight and comfortable. Very flexible, you can fold them in half in your hand.

I'm team "socks only". It takes a bit of getting used to, but I can't imagine rowing with shoes now...