I have just recently started running, and I started in VFF Treks. I also have a pair of Vivobarefoot Ultras that I've run in a couple times. I am up to almost 4 miles running on trails and have got up to that without any real difficulty. I am loving it and want to continue, but am interested in something more minimal so I ordered some of the 4mm Connects.

Here's my dilemma, I like running on trails much more than pavement, but the trails where Ilive are pretty muddy (probably) most of the year. I didn't start running on these trails until the rain already started, so I don't know when they'll dry up.

I've spent a lot of time hiking, and tried lots of footwear to attempt to keep my feet dry. I've got over the keeping them dry thing, and wet VFF's or wet socks in my Ultras are okay, but barefoot in the cold and mud? If it was slightly warmer and there was a stream to wash off in that would be a different story, but its almost all mud at this time of the year. Maybe I just have to get over it, but if there's anyone out there that lives with muddy trails, do you have any tips? I am tempted to try running with my injinji socks in the huaraches, but then I'm back to having wet material on my feet. I think perhaps that bare feet would be better than wet socks? I know it will just come down to preference in the end, but I'm just imaging the mud-sucking feeling on my feet … Yuck.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks for the advice, I've had Mother Nature win arguments with me before.

I decided to try a short 2 mile run today on my muddy trail with my Ultras and no socks, and it was GREAT! It wasn't all that cold, only 47F, but cool enough that I wondered how my feet would feel sockless and wet. I even ran through several wet, muddy areas to really test it out. My feet got wet but weren't soggy since there was no fabric to stay wet. Since I kept moving my feet stayed fairly warm (or at least not frozen) and quite comfortable. It was much better than the experiences I've had with shoes or even my VFFs in mud. Now I can't wait to get my Invisible Shoes.

I don't know how it will be if the weather is colder, but I'll just keep trying it until Mother Nature tells me to knock it off. =)