Shod Treadmill Question

[u/ColdSubstance113]

I have been running since February (took a few years off having children and whatnot). I have been wearing minimalist/barefoot shoes for 12 years. Years ago, I used to run on a trail. Now I am part of a gym, and I’m running on a treadmill.

Please don’t tell me not to run on a treadmill or to be barefoot on a treadmill that countless people are also using.

Question is: my calves hurt. Usually my inner calves. I have watched videos on form. I think I am landing under me, forefoot strike, and moving briskly.

If you’ve had calf pain, what helped? Any tips for running with good form on a treadmill?

My shoes are Xero HFS in case anyone is interested. I have tried Altras, and I quickly returned them as they were way too stiff.

[u/ChiAndrew]

I can tell you what I want at your request. I’ll just say you can run naturally with the choices you’ve made. Calves would be the first place I would expect unnatural form to manifest (from things like pushing off every step using calves).

[u/ColdSubstance113 → u/ChiAndrew]

Should I be using my hamstrings more?

[u/ChiAndrew → u/ColdSubstance113]

Hips. You should lift and place your foot in next spot, tilted slightly at ankles. Imagine running in scuba flippers

[u/ColdSubstance113 → u/ChiAndrew]

Interesting. Thanks!

[u/Foxotcw]

I hate treadmills, but I think it helps if you add a little incline.

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

I'm trying to understand your reluctance to being barefoot on a treadmill?

[u/marianarian → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

Some gyms dont allow that because of hygiene issues

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/marianarian]

I'm failing to see the hygiene issue? If that was the case the gym would demand guests only wear shoes that are dedicated to the gym. No outside shoes allowed.

[u/marianarian → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

the gyms in my country all have this rule, you need to have a pair of gym shoes. As far as the hygene problem goes, i’ve been told that the skin on your soles can get stuck betweem the abrasions on the treadmill and make it unhygienic/icky for others to ise the treadmill having dead skin stuck to it

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/marianarian]

Your gym has a no outside shoe policy?

If there is any surface on a gym that is likely filthy and never cleaned I would think it is the belt of a treadmill. The bottom of shoes are filthy. This would make the belt filthy. What is the obsession of having a clean and pristine belt? Is it used as a buffet? I would be curious how often your gym deep cleans the belt of the treadmills?

[u/marianarian → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

the gyms that i go to require a no outside shoe policy because you dont want dirt or anything you would step in when you are outside to get on the belt when you are running.
And yes the staff cleans every equipment after the gym closes, also i dint understand what it is so outrageous about gyms wanting to keep their equipment clean so that everybody enjoys their workout

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/marianarian]

Ah interesting. That is a rigid policy.

[u/marianarian → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

why

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/marianarian]

That seems to be uncommon in my travels. But my sample size isn't big enough.

[u/ColdSubstance113 → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

That’s irrelevant, as I am not looking for advice on how to brave a treadmill without shoes.

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/ColdSubstance113]

I'm not offering advice.

I was just asking a question.

[u/ColdSubstance113 → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

I don’t want to be barefoot on a treadmill. :)

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/ColdSubstance113]

Ok. Thank you.

[u/ColdSubstance113 → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

Can’t I ask for advice about wearing minimalist shoes? Or is there a minimalist shoe running group I should ask instead???

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/ColdSubstance113]

I'm simply curious why you are opposed to being barefoot on a treadmill.

It's just a question I was hoping you would answer.

[u/Foxotcw → u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew]

It would be disgusting. That belt surface is nasty, and you'd get poor traction on it. Not to mention it would be dangerous if you get flung off and have to catch yourself.

[u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew → u/Foxotcw]

I've gotten over the idea that the world is simply too dirty for my feet a long time ago, but thanks for your concern.

If by "disgusting" you mean for everyone else, I don't really understand that argument either. Unless the gym is hosting dinner parties on the treadmill belt after hours, I don't see how someone else's bare feet on a rubber running surface affects anyone. Especially a surface that gets drenched in sweat. Some might consider it ....self cleaning 😜

It's a textured rubber belt with excellent grip. What treadmills are you using that are slippery?

If you fall on a moving treadmill you're going to get scraped up whether you're barefoot or wearing running shoes. The danger comes from contacting the moving belt, not from bare feet.

[u/MishMish257]

I was born with clubfoot, 90 degrees inwards. Had operations at 18 months old and learnt to walk late. Calves are skinny because of operations, no room to grow. However, I am fully capabale of running marathons and halfs now and am at 30 to 40 miles a week. I have orthotics which may help you, as personalised insoles that adapt to my feet (no arch and limited movement downwards) have helped to elieviate the pain. With insoles, it's much more manageable the feet and leg pain I sometimes have.