Ready to give barefoot running a try? Michael Sandler's advice is to start slowly.

When starting out, warm up your muscles by walking for several minutes. Walking up a hill is an excellent way to warm up, said Sandler, who routinely starts his run by walking and then breaking into a light jog.

A swath of 50-100 yards of hard or grassy surface is sufficient to start, although Sandler says he likes beginners to feel a hard surface under their feet.

Run 50-100 yards the first day, then continue every other day, building up your distance to 200 yards, 300 yards, 400 yards and more.

Your feet will strengthen, and although the skin on your soles will feel tender at first, it will grow stronger, Sandler said.

Running shoes can still be useful. Put them on after your workout and rest for a day.

If you choose a "minimalist" shoe when you run, Sandler said to make sure it is flexible, lightweight and low, preferably keeping the foot 1 centimeter or less off the ground.

Minimalist shoes mimic barefoot running, but protect the feet. Runners at Sandler's REI presentation said these types of shoes were useful, but they wanted to try it barefoot.

Todd Brant, 41, of the North Side, said he runs recreationally to stay in shape and had experimented with minimalist footwear.

Compared with traditional running shoes, he said, "My stride was a lot more compact and I wasn't bobbing up and down as much. I think I'm going to give [barefoot running] a try."

Looking for more from the Post-Gazette? Join PG+, our members-only web site. You'll get exclusive sports content, opinion, financial information, discounts from retailers and restaurants, and more. Our introduction to PG+ gives you all the details.