Any of you have any experience with these radical shoes? Either the Vibram Five Finger or the Vivo Barefoot shoes? Seems like they are both supporting the latest ideas about going barefoot. Anyone tried them yet?
Funky shoes
- Thread starter Jake
- Start date
I have no experience however if you want to be natural don't make a shoe and charge outrageous prices and call it barefoot. if that's what you want then just go barefoot. Most people wear shoes for support and protection and cushioning. This is just more hype, just what we need.
I have a pair of the shoes and they're wonderful. I would agree that they're a bit pricey, but running barefoot will absolutely kill your feet if you don't have some transitioning time between normal cross trainers and these Vibrams. This is because our feet are much softer than they should be due to wearing normal shoes.
I own a pair of the running Vibram Five Fingers. Running in them feels great, my back used to hurt after a long jog, but went away when I switched to these shoes. You will notice though that your feet will get some serious blisters the first few times you wear the shoes, but after some consistent wear, your feet have calloused up.
Developing these callouses is actually the key to eventually running barefoot-the shoes are a transition device. I do think there's something to the running barefoot fad right now, just think about humans for the first 2,000+ years of history: the most advanced shoes were generally a type of sandal, all you really need is to keep your feet from being pierced by something on the ground.
I own a pair of Vibram FiveFingers and really do like them a lot. Don't wear them as everyday wear, but anything involving the outdoors and/or water is great. Wore them for work all summer (work at a dock on the bay renting out boats) and anytime I went hiking. They are on the expensive side, but after wearing them throughout the summer I couldn't imagine going back to wearing sneakers for work.
Haven't done much running in them, but after walking around in them for 10 hours a day at work throughout this past summer they definitely toughen your feet and calves up. If you are interested I'd give em a try.
Haven't done much running in them, but after walking around in them for 10 hours a day at work throughout this past summer they definitely toughen your feet and calves up. If you are interested I'd give em a try.
I have a friend that owns a pair of the Vibrams, and absolutely swears by them. He is extremely active, and wears them constantly. I've decided to give them a try at some point in the future, but I haven't jumped in yet. From a biomechanical standpoint, these are just about perfect for your feet. My only problem is the way they look... I'm one of those guys that very rarely even wears sneakers, and the whole "five finger" look is a bit off putting to me.
I have a pair of the Vibram, and really like them. but yes, the look can be a bit off-putting at times.
Been eyeing the VFF's for running and as a set of deck shoes for sailing.
I just bought a pair of the VFF KSO (Keep Stuff Out) for running.
I just started running for some additional cardio in my workout, and was using a pair of trail runners without any problems. I read a review on Wired about the VFF and thought, why not, they at least look interesting. Since I just started running now would be a good time to see if I can force myself to a barefoot running gait.
I've run in them a few times and it is pretty unusual, but oddly very comfortable. My legs have been sore as I learn the proper midfoot land; but it's muscle soreness, not joint pain. You do need to keep an eye out about where your feet land. If you land on a large stone it doesn't feel good.
If you want to use them in the winter, you'll need socks. Injinji makes a good pair that other VFF owners recommend.
I just started running for some additional cardio in my workout, and was using a pair of trail runners without any problems. I read a review on Wired about the VFF and thought, why not, they at least look interesting. Since I just started running now would be a good time to see if I can force myself to a barefoot running gait.
I've run in them a few times and it is pretty unusual, but oddly very comfortable. My legs have been sore as I learn the proper midfoot land; but it's muscle soreness, not joint pain. You do need to keep an eye out about where your feet land. If you land on a large stone it doesn't feel good.
If you want to use them in the winter, you'll need socks. Injinji makes a good pair that other VFF owners recommend.
The vivos are nice but why not save 100-120 bucks and get a pair of these
good for the beach/lounging around/boat shoes
good for the beach/lounging around/boat shoes
