Light and easy.
I can’t give you a barefoot running lesson here (for that, see the links on our home page).
But just by wearing them, you’ll find quickly that you don’t want to land hard on your heel as you walk or run in Xero Shoes.
The best advice I can give is: play with your gait and stride, looking for the thing that feels the most comfortable and is the easiest. But, most importantly: TAKE IT EASY at first… remember, Xero Shoes are just like barefoot, only with protection and style. If you’re not used to walking barefoot, that alone could take some time to get used to.
Plus, since you’re not putting as much stress on your skin when you wear huaraches, which means it hurts less, it’s tempting to do too much, too far, too fast at first. I know that no matter what I say you’ll probably overdo it (I did). Besides, how do you know what “too much” is, unless you do too much!?
Well, even though that’s true, I recommend you break into your huaraches SLOWLY. Walk around in them for a while first. Maybe only a half mile or so. When that’s comfortable, extend the time you’re walking and, when you feel ready, try running. If you’re already running a mile a day, try half a mile in these one day and see how you feel. Give yourself a day or two off and then repeat. If that’s not a problem, build up SLOWLY.
I also use the “slap-test.” If my sandals are slapping on the ground when I walk or run, I need to make some kind of change, probably by not reaching my foot out as far, or using better posture, etc.
