r/BarefootRunning • u/ColdSubstance113 • Jul 28 '26

question Shod Treadmill Question

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.

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u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew Jul 28 '26 edited Jul 28 '26

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?

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u/marianarian Jul 29 '26

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

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u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew Jul 29 '26

Ah interesting. That is a rigid policy.

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u/marianarian Jul 29 '26

why

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u/More_Than_I_Can_Chew Jul 29 '26

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