RUNcensored

EP26 - Barefoot Shoes, Downhill Fear & Sport’s Most Awkward Debate


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It’s the return of ChatGBT – and you lot didn’t hold back. In this episode, Gary House, Ben Mounsey, and behind-the-scenes Chris tackle listener-submitted questions about running, gear, van life and (gulp) one of the most controversial debates in sport today.

Expect brutally honest answers, thoughtful tangents, and more laughs than any coaching session should legally allow. From shoe drops and descending fears to gender categories and pub-run logistics, nothing is off limits.


🎙️ What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

  • Downhill fear and how to overcome it
  • Are barefoot and zero-drop shoes good for trail running?
  • Transitioning to minimalist footwear without injury
  • Trail shoe trends (La Sportiva Prodigio and more)
  • Campervan weekends, wild running spots, and pub runs
  • Why women’s and men’s shoes are designed differently
  • The transgender debate in sport: fairness vs inclusivity

⏱️ Chapters:

0:00 – Intro, fish finger sandwich trauma & Gary’s digestive gamble

4:05 – How to build confidence when descending trails

9:20 – Are barefoot shoes a good idea or a marketing gimmick?

13:40 – Transitioning to minimalist footwear safely

17:10 – La Sportiva Prodigio and what’s coming in trail shoes

21:45 – Chris asks about Ben’s campervan pub-run in Wanlockhead

26:30 – Wild running spots, Dales pubs, and van life chaos

31:15 – Gendered shoe design: Men’s vs Women’s lasts

35:00 – Should we have an open category in competitive sport?

42:40 – Outro and closing thoughts


Why You Should Listen:

If you’re into shoes, trails, banter, van-based adventure or unfiltered honesty, this is the episode you didn’t know you needed. It's one part running advice, one part pub chat, and one part full-send honesty about the culture of our sport.


👉 New episodes every Tuesday – Follow & Subscribe!

#RUNcensored #TrailRunning #BarefootRunning #ZeroDropShoes #RunningPodcast #DownhillRunning #OpenCategory #RunningGear #MinimalistRunning #GenderInSport #GaryHouse #BenMounsey

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RUNcensoredBy Gary House and Ben Mounsey

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