Barefoot Golf

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Ryan Smither

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Many of you may have heard of the latest running shoe sensation -- the Vibram Five Fingers.

The basic theory is that we have adapted to a running style, which may or may not do damage to our body, based on the invention of the running shoe 30 or 40 years ago. We have become more of a "power running" society, as opposed to a less forceful form of running still used by Kenyan runners (they're pretty good) and the Tarahumara (world's foremost long distance runners). We run more upright over the heels of our feet, rather than leaning forward with our feet simply pushing us along on the balls of the feet. Here's a quick explanation, with a little science thrown in:

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"What the hell does this have to do with golf," you might ask.

For starters: Does the modern golf shoe provide any added benefit to the swing? Have we simply taken what was given to us, a running type shoe, and thrown some spikes on it, without considering the possible role toes could play in our game? Could our toes play a bigger role in the swing provided that they're free to move?

I'm thinking Vibram Five Fingers with individual spikes on the toes. I'm sure that many of you have at least hit balls barefooted: Any thoughts?

(Here's a golf-related link with some further, though limited, discussion: Barefoot Lesher “Barefoot” Golf)
 
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jlance

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Ryan Smither said:
Many of you may have heard of the latest running shoe sensation -- the Vibram Five Fingers.


I'm thinking Vibram Five Fingers with individual spikes on the toes. I'm sure that many of you have at least hit balls barefooted: Any thoughts?

(Here's a golf-related link with some further, though limited, discussion: Barefoot Lesher “Barefoot” Golf)
Click to expand...

I have already played a few rounds of golf in a pair of my Vibrams. Played some of the best golf this year in them (still early). I've had no problems with the vibrams on the tee box or fairway and did not slip when the grass was wet. Probably prevents me from overswinging.

The only problem I had with the shoes was after a bad pull into a water hazard bank......just about fell on my ass, as I was trying to get to the ball. Could not get anykind of footing on the steep bank. Solution? Don't hit into hazards while wearing the Vibram five finger shoes!
 
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dolanski

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But the premise of running barefoot or as close to barefoot as possible is that humans evolved to run long distances. Can't really say that we evolved to play golf and therefore conclude that only a shoe is holding us back.
 
Richie3Jack

Richie3Jack

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The modern golf shoe, sucks.

My goal is to one day make match play of the US Amateur. One day if I do make it to the qualifying level at the final tournament, I'm going to check to see if I can get metal spikes like Mickelson does at tournaments that allow him to do. Since he got to use them at Pebble, I don't see why other golfers cannot do that. I think there's an advantage there with the metal spikes. Wish I still had them.

Furthermore, I think one of the reasons why the average score has not gone down more than 1 standard deviation (which isn't much) in the past 80 years is that the modern shoes have ruined footwork which has made a lot of golfers develop mediocre or poor pivot actions.

I think the issue is about the golfer getting themselves 'lower' more than the shoe getting them lower. The issue I have with the modern spikes is that we really cannot make a forceful foot action with them because of the lack of traction compared to the metal spikes. So we are forced to ease up and try to balance ourselves and we often do that by standing up instead of getting lower.

As far as shoes go, I really think Mickelson is pretty smart here and I'm usually stunned that others haven't tried to go back to metal in a tournament if Phil is wearing metal.

One other thing, I don't thin the spikes today do that great of a job compared to the old metal spikes when it comes to hurting greens. It depends on the grass on the green, but too many people don't know how to walk on a green anyway and the nice greens often get torn up by people dragging and twisting their feet on the greens.






3JACK
 
jeffgladchun

jeffgladchun

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I just sort of like the idea of having more articulation in the feet. Even if it is only to get me more aware of where my weight is, etc.

I've played barefoot before and it really is different. I'm getting the Vibram's because I don't want to walk barefoot in goose turds. :p
 
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Ryan Smither

Super Moderator
dolanski said:
But the premise of running barefoot or as close to barefoot as possible is that humans evolved to run long distances. Can't really say that we evolved to play golf and therefore conclude that only a shoe is holding us back.
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At no point did I say: "only a shoe is holding us back." ;) Apologies if my attempted explanation was a failure.

My hypothesis is that, much like the running shoe story, somewhere along the way we started wearing golf shoes because they were comfortable, looked good on our feet, cost more money and thus became profitable for the golf companies. I have yet to see any evidence showing an increase in performance because of golf shoes. Though, admittedly, I haven't looked very hard for such evidence. I find no logic in the idea that wearing shoes with larger soles or heels maximizes performance. I'd bet that the Man upstairs gave us toes for a reason; namely balance. In fact, according to my good friend Wikipedia, "the toes assist the human while walking, providing balance, weight-bearing, and thrust during the gait." Logic does lead me to believe that a modern golf shoe diminishes some of the toes ability to assist in balance and efficient energy transfer. On the other hand I'm no podiatrist, nor do I spend much time studying the history of golf shoes.

But I did just get back from running in my new Vibram Five Fingers, and they're sweet (for running). ;)
 
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dolanski

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Ryan Smither said:
At no point did I say: "only a shoe is holding us back." ;) Apologies if my attempted explanation was a failure.

My hypothesis is that, much like the running shoe story, somewhere along the way we started wearing golf shoes because they were comfortable, looked good on our feet, cost more money and thus became profitable for the golf companies. I have yet to see any evidence showing an increase in performance because of golf shoes. Though, admittedly, I haven't looked very hard for such evidence. I find no logic in the idea that wearing shoes with larger soles or heels maximizes performance. I'd bet that the Man upstairs gave us toes for a reason; namely balance. In fact, according to my good friend Wikipedia, "the toes assist the human while walking, providing balance, weight-bearing, and thrust during the gait." Logic does lead me to believe that a modern golf shoe diminishes some of the toes ability to assist in balance and efficient energy transfer. On the other hand I'm no podiatrist, nor do I spend much time studying the history of golf shoes.

But I did just get back from running in my new Vibram Five Fingers, and they're sweet (for running). ;)
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Very true. Didn't intend to mischaracterize your argument. And I should've added that I didn't necessarily disagree when you posited that something might be gained in golf by having less interference between the feet and the ground; I was only pointing out that, as described in Born to Run, the anti running-shoe groups argue, among other things, that the foot evolved to support long-distance running and the modern shoe interferes with that. So the analogy falls a little short in that respect.

Out of curiosity, have you tested your hypothesis at all? Does hitting barefoot help things? And off topic, do you feel like your the vibrams have helped your running--I have orthotics and they saved my running, but I've always been curious about the minimalist approach.
 
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R

Ryan Smither

Super Moderator
dolanski said:
Out of curiosity, have you tested your hypothesis at all? Does hitting barefoot help things? And off topic, do you feel like your the vibrams have helped your running--I have orthotics and they saved my running, but I've always been curious about the minimalist approach.
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I've hit balls barefooted on a few occasions. My foot action has always been poor, so I have trouble with slipping and sliding around. I'll give the Vibrams a shot during my next round and report back.

I ran in the Five Fingers for the first time yesterday (hence the random post ;) ) and I also ran in them tonight. I've had difficulty running longer distances in the past, as my feet and legs would throb and give out. I've also had a stress fracture in my foot that I'm hoping the new style will keep from flaming up again. I've had a little soreness from the new form, but I'm very excited about the prospects. I'd recommend you try it out barefooted on a fairway somewhere, just to give it a try.
 
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Deadly_Scope

New
While unrelated to golf, I recently bought an orthopaedic insole and it has stopped all my knee and hip pain I was having. Feels great being pain free.

Basically I have sunken arches and it put a pressure on the ankle and all the way up the leg to the hip. The insole realigns the foot and reinforces the arch and I can honestly say it was money very very well spent.

Watching people just walking down the street, I notice some with the exact same problem as I had. I just write this just on the off chance someone might read this and say "I have that problem too" and have as much benefit as me.

There are many brands available and I have no experience of one over another but the one I have is made by a company called orthaheel.
 
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Bigwill

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Deadly_Scope said:
While unrelated to golf, I recently bought an orthopaedic insole and it has stopped all my knee and hip pain I was having. Feels great being pain free.

Basically I have sunken arches and it put a pressure on the ankle and all the way up the leg to the hip. The insole realigns the foot and reinforces the arch and I can honestly say it was money very very well spent.

Watching people just walking down the street, I notice some with the exact same problem as I had. I just write this just on the off chance someone might read this and say "I have that problem too" and have as much benefit as me.

There are many brands available and I have no experience of one over another but the one I have is made by a company called orthaheel.
Click to expand...

I have the same issues; I'm extremely flatfooted. I always thought that specialized footwear and orthotics were just ways to get my money, or for people with "real problems". Plus, I don't buy new shoes often, because I used to have a hard time finding good shoes (Size 14E). Then I worked in a hospital for 8 years. There were mornings after work when I was in so much pain that I literally had to crawl part of the way to the bathroom. So I went to a foot specialist, got some custom orthotics and good footwear. They helped a lot.

In general, people don't give much consideration to their feet or footwear (other than looks or comfort) until they hurt, especially in an sport like golf where there is no running or jumping. But if something isn't right with the feet, it works its way all the way up the chain. Imagine the implications for a movement as complex as the golf swing. Definitely something to consider.
 
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FloydPT38

FloydPT38

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Yes!

I like the idea. I have played in Nike Free's (one step more support than the Vibram's) for a few years and love them. The only problem with the Free's and golf is the back is made of nylon and tends to tear over time. However, I believe your legs are much more alive or at least they feel like they are. I have been waiting for tiger to show up with some type of Nike Free's for golf.

I have been running in Vibram's for about a year and on the occasion when I go back to a standard running shoe I feel like Frankenstein. With standard running shoes or esp golf shoes your proprioception is decreased. It's like playing golf with big mits on your hands- not golf gloves. I think the vibrams would be analogous to a golf glove (except for the wierd looking factor :D) . I haven't hit ball in them yet but had pondered it this year. Definitely love my Free's and golf.

With running and the Vibrams make sure you are doing more of a flatfoot strike vs heel strike. Chi running or the Pose method is a good basic idea but most people need time to build up their foot and ankle muscles. I have run barefoot a couple of times (on pavement) but need to toughen up my toe pads.

Ryan, have you read Born to run?
 
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