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Going “Barefoot” In Vibram Five Fingers
There’s no question that good shoes are a vital part of everyday comfort. But some research suggests that shoes may be doing us more harm than harm and it is far better to go barefoot. Check this out:
Tim is going to test the theory that barefooting is optimal for foot health with his new Vibram Five Fingers, a shoe that offers “the exhilarating joy of going barefoot with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram® sole.” Tim wrote about these shoes a while back and was finally able to buy a pair yesterday at the REI in Austin. After purchase, Tim wore these funning looking shoes all afternoon then took them for an evening walk around the neighborhood. I noticed that his gait had changed – he seemed to be walking more upright and deliberate, without the usual sway he has in his shoulders. Tim’s first impressions: “They’re very comfortable to walk in, but my feet became tired over the course of the walk. This morning, the outside of my left foot feels tired, like I’ve been using weird muscles. Calves were also differently tired. But otherwise they felt good, and there was no chaffing or rubbing between my toes. I like that they’re very light. I like them. They are funning looking.” I didn’t get a pair for myself, but after seeing Tim look so comfortable in his, I’m tempted. People who have been wearing them consistently for a few months also have good things to say:
It will be interesting to see how Tim’s Five Fingers fare in the longer term, especially in the cold England winter. Stay tuned… I (or Tim) will be back with a longer review in a few months. Related posts:
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin. 15 comments to Going “Barefoot” In Vibram Five Fingers |
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Cool! Those look awesome. I really want to give them a try.
which kind did you get? the classic one with the strap? or the full coverage one. ALso, are you wearing iniji socks with them?
I got the KSO style pictured in this article. They cover the foot to keep stuff out. I do not wear toe socks, might give them a go for extra warmth in the winter. Very comfy so far.
Looking forward to the review.
I have been wearing Nike Frees for a few years now and I can’t go back to “normal” athletic shoes.
I would love to try 5 Fingers, but I can’t find them in Toronto
@DR – Austin is the only place we’ve been able to find them. The REI in Chicago didn’t stock them, and only one REI location in Austin has them. Maybe it has something to do with the climate!
Thanks Monica,
I just found out that MEC in Toronto carries them. Off to go spend some $$$.
Excellent! Which kind did you end up buying? And more importantly, how do you like them so far?!
BTW, here’s another article on barefoot walking. A bit one-sided, but fairly interesting:
You Walk Wrong [New York Magazine]
A friend of mine is looking to buy a pair of these after discovering that going barefoot cured his plantar fascia. He can’t wait to start running again.
LOL, these are so cute and funny looking – but definitely comfortable too! I think we have lost a lot of comfort in our shoes today, I mean look around at the heels most women wear, that is something else for one’s back and posture.
So yeah barefoot walking, with some protection – cool!
We spied someone on the plane last night wearing the Fingers – pink ones. =) She looked pretty comfortable! In other barefoot news, we also saw a barefoot runner on Town Lake (Austin) last week. It’s catching on!
Went out for a 4km jog in my fivefingers this morning around the fields at the farm. While I was running on softish ground to start with it certainly changes the way my food strikes, I’m up on my toes more and very much more aware of what my feet are up to.
Lower legs are tired now in some unusual places. No problem with my sometimes painful left ankle.
My feet got wet, that was to be expected with the damp grass. I think I’ll stick to running on grass for a few weeks to build up foot strength before I head out for some road running. Luckily there are plenty of paddocks here to run around.
Hi!
I’m really interested in these. I still wear my shirt, slacks, and dress shoes around the house, even though I’m blogging from home most of the time. These look so comfortable that I’m willing to give them a try.
Are they suitable for driving, too? I understand that there is an indoor version and an outdoor version.
Thanks,
Scott
Whoa, lose the shirt and slacks – get some sweatpants!
According to a comment on this post, the five fingers are very comfy for driving! Not sure about the indoor/outdoor versions – I know one is more insulated, though. Check em out on the Five Fingers website.
Maybe one day. I haven’t worn jeans in maybe twenty-five years, either! I did get some relaxed linen pants. I think I can tolerate those…
Thanks for the link. I’m going to check them out. I saw a lady wearing them at a school meeting and she enthusiastically endorsed them. I have to find them locally, now!
Scott