I wanted to add cardio but I hate treadmill running and running on the concrete. I started running on the beach because I love giving my legs a workout at the same time. My question, anyone recommend a good lightweight running shoe for the sand? I've been running barefoot, but want to add some cushion. Also, obviously any running bad for knees, but I heard sand running is especially bad, is this true? I tend to run on the hard sand, but I might do a stint in the soft sand to give some extra push on my legs.

 

My feet feel extra painful after running on the sand, but I love it. Try the Nike Free line.

 

isn't Nike free supposed to make it feel like you are running on sand when you aren't? I think if you actually ran on sand with those your leg muscles would combust.

 

Possibly, but I think something heavy would make it very tough to run on sand.

 

yea, someone told me to get LIGHT shoes, lol. but i'll check it out

edit: i looked up the Free line, and they say they work feet and lower legs, and they give the 'barefoot' feel, so i'll give these a shot. my goal was to provide some leg training outside of weights for my legs so this looks like a good thing, thanks.

 

I think Adidas Climacool would be ideal, but I don't think they make em anymore.

 

Running on the sand is definitely harder on your knees - it's an unstable surface, so your ankles and knees will twist more each time you place a foot. If you have a bum knee, or a tendency toward knee pain when you run, try a simple brace to provide some extra stability. Obviously, the stronger the stabilizing muscles in your legs are, the better off you'll be, anyway.

 

makes sense. i was using way too logical physics and figured sand = natural cushion vs. concrete. i don't have any knee problems so i'm thinking it's only a bad idea if you have knee issues. i would think by doing this i will naturally be strengthening those stabilizer muscles, and i focus a lot of my weight training on isolation and stabilizers.

 

I switch off between my Nike Free 5.0 and my Nike Shox TurbOH+ here and there. The Free's are an unbelievably comfortable shoe; you should definitely check them out.

 

do the free's really force lower leg workout? can you feel it? i mean, i run barefoot on the beach and my calves REALLY feel it.

 

So i picked up a pair of the Nike Free 7.0 trainer version at the outlets. I started by doing 2 half mile runs, and boy did my legs hurt! I skipped a day, and ran a mile this afternoon straight, roughly 10 mins, and another mile tonight, roughly 8-9 mins. These shoes REALLY work your legs. I am going to go back on regular sneakers and see how much I can run.

I recommend these shoes for people looking for that extra push during workouts. I enjoyed the runs, and now I want to keep running. Thanks guys.

 

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