Autumn Training - Vibram FiveFingers

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Training Outdoors This Autumn

Wetter Ground. Cooler Days. Better Adventures.

Autumn is one of our favourite times to get outside.

The trails change, temperatures become a little kinder for training, and familiar routes can feel completely different once the dry summer ground gives way to leaves, puddles and mud.

But changing conditions also mean changing how you approach your footwear and kit.

You don't need to stop heading outdoors. You just need to adapt.

Here are some of our top tips for keeping the adventures going as the seasons change.

1. Choose Your Grip for the Ground Beneath You

One of the biggest changes at this time of year is what happens underfoot.

A dry, compact trail can quickly become wet, loose or muddy after a few days of rain.

That doesn't automatically mean reaching for the most aggressive sole you own.

Think about where you're actually going:

Pavements, gym surfaces and smooth paths need relatively little traction.
Road running and mixed paths need flexibility and dependable grip without overly aggressive lugs.
Trails, woodland and broken ground benefit from additional traction and stability.
Mud, wet grass and more technical terrain are where a deeper, more aggressive outsole starts to earn its keep.

At Barefoot Junkie, we increasingly talk about footwear in terms of Even, Uneven and Rugged terrain.

It's a simple way of thinking about it:

Where am I going — and what is the ground actually going to be like?

Choose the shoe to match the adventure rather than assuming one pair has to do everything.

2. Remember: Yesterday's Trail Isn't Necessarily Today's Trail

This sounds obvious, but it's easily forgotten.

That lovely hard-packed route you ran in August may be a completely different proposition after 48 hours of autumn rain.

Expect:

Wet leaves
Standing water
Slippery roots
Softer ground
Mud
Reduced visibility
Colder conditions

FiveFingers give you fantastic feedback from the ground beneath you, so use it.

Slow down when conditions demand it. Shorten your stride where necessary. Pick your line and let your feet respond to the terrain rather than fighting it.

Sometimes the smartest training decision is simply accepting that today isn't the day for a personal best.

3. Socks Suddenly Become Much More Interesting

Plenty of people enjoy their FiveFingers without socks through the warmer months.

Then autumn arrives.

Toe socks can become a really useful part of your kit as temperatures drop. They add a layer between your skin and footwear while still allowing each toe to move independently.

They can also help manage moisture and add a little extra warmth when conditions become cooler.

And remember that not every sock needs to do the same job.

A lightweight sock might be perfect for a mild autumn run, while a more substantial trail or Merino option can make much more sense as temperatures continue to fall.

Small change. Surprisingly big difference.

4. If You Train Regularly, Rotate Your Shoes

We're big believers in using the right tool for the job.

But shoe rotation has another benefit during autumn: drying time.

If your FiveFingers are soaked on Saturday and you're planning another adventure on Sunday, putting them straight back on isn't particularly appealing.

Having another suitable pair available means you're not rushing the drying process or repeatedly training in damp footwear.

It also gives you options.

Road today. Trail tomorrow. Gym the day after.

Your footwear can change with your training rather than your training being dictated by the only dry pair of shoes you've got.

5. Dry Them Properly

Sooner or later, they're getting wet.

That's part of the fun.

The temptation is to get home and put wet footwear next to the strongest heat source you can find.

Don't.

Instead:

Remove any removable insoles.
Open the shoes up as much as possible.
Gently remove excess water.
Stuff them loosely with newspaper or absorbent paper.
Replace the paper if it becomes saturated.
Leave them somewhere warm and well ventilated.
Give them time.

Avoid radiators, tumble dryers and excessive direct heat.

You're trying to encourage moisture out of the shoe, not cook it out.

6. Look After the Feet Inside Them Too

Autumn training isn't just about footwear.

Wet conditions, colder temperatures and uneven terrain can increase the demands placed on your feet and lower legs.

Pay attention to how you're feeling.

A little mobility, calf work, foot strengthening and balance training can complement the miles you're doing outside.

And if something hurts or doesn't feel right, don't try to win an argument with your body.

Stop. Recover. Save it for another day.

There will always be another trail.

Something We've Been Waiting Years For...

A Waterproof FiveFingers Is Coming

For years, one of the most common questions we've been asked as the weather turns is:

"Do Vibram make a waterproof FiveFingers?"

For a long time, the answer has effectively been no.

That's about to change.

Trailope WP is coming.

The new Vibram FiveFingers Trailope WP brings waterproof protection back into the FiveFingers range — and we think its timing couldn't be much better.

We'll be taking a much closer look at Trailope WP when it arrives, including where it sits within the range, the terrain it's designed for and who we think will get the most from it.

Watch this space.