Ditch Your Shoes For Better Runs

I bought some FiveFingers a couple months ago. I'm 25 and always hated long distance running through high school and college - never could quite get the feel for it I guess. Anyway I'm running several days a week now and loving it. It feels so much more satisfying to feel the pavement and grass, and my gait feels much more natural than it ever did with "proper" running shoes.

That said, it took my legs a couple of weeks to adjust. After my first run or two my achilles were sore for a couple of days, and my knees & ankles felt a little sore as well. I've heard that running in FiveFingers strengthens parts of your feet and legs that have atrophied from long years of cushy shoes. That's certainly how it felt for me - now I'm running several miles a week (WAY up from before) and loving it with no soreness.

unique172

I have insanely high arches. I can't even walk around the house for too long without my shoes with arch supports in them, or I'll be in some serious pain. Grass and sandy beaches are about the only surfaces my feet can stand.

@infmom: I try and do the same but up here in Canada its a little difficult wearing sandals and having a foot of snow on the ground.

Tsylord

@veronykah: Yes, but did you do it barefoot? *lightbulb* Aha!

bodar

@infmom: i would like to know what kind of sandals you buy? do you go expensive or cheap? rainbows, chacos? reefs? target brand?

the five fingers have two small inconveniences.

1.) they take a coulple seconds to put on

2.) having fabric between your toes feels weird at first

both of these lessen considerably with time.

they are otherwise totally fantastic. i work out at crossfit, and use them for running, olympic style lifting, and everything in between. you can swim in them. it's like being barefoot, but with more protection and drastically improved traction (they have siping, like all-weather tires). some people think they look funny, but opinions on "style" are silly. try them on before you knock them.

also, try running the way several million years of evolution designed you to run.

as stated by the great Leonardo Da Vinci, "The human foot is a masterpiece of engineering and a work of art".

urpwnd

My buddy had a pair of the FiveFingers which I affectionately referred to them as monkey shoes. Since the have separate toes you cannot wear socks. He ran in them a few times and ended up with huge blisters on the bottoms of his feet. He typically buys four or five pair of running shoes a year.

Barefoot running definitely takes some getting used to. I'd suggest finding a football or soccer field. Most fit inside the track some of us run on already, so the distance is only slightly shorter. As with any change, start slowly and build up.

Someone else mentioned back pain disappearing, and I have to agree. When you body starts to adjust to a proper form, visits to the chiro become less and less.

Wolf-

I've been running barefoot for a couple of years, and the only problem I've run into is sprinting: there's a point where I know I could go faster - but can't - because I don't have anything weighting my foot down.

I definitely like walking barefoot especially on cold hard sidewalk (with no small rocks of course)

I own a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, and I have to say they really are fun to wear, and once you get used to them (or your feet do, that is) you CAN run in them. I've run 5k distances at a track in them. The only concern I have is tread longevity, but I haven't worn them out yet.

You do use a remarkable number of small muscles you simply did not realize you had when you run barefoot or with something like the Vibram treatment. I feel like my ankles are also a bit stronger.

bigbluebottle

The guy with tennis shoes really forced his foot on the video huh? But I get the point...

Well, I have a flat feet, so the cushioning in tennis shoes is a must... 5 minutes running without proper cushioning and it feels like my feet is splitting in half.

But I mainly use for confort and protection...

I heard a lot about running barefoot, and I guess it would take some time for newbies to get used to it, specially because you need to change posture and step...

You know, most of us has been using tennis shoes since we were little kids, so we don't have caveman/hobbit grade soles and muscles... but yeah, it is possible.

I imagine it's kinda like horseback riding... people who are not used to it will have to adapt. Develop some muscles and stuff.

Bokusatsu_Tenshi

Walking versus running are very different activities due to the amount of force put on your body. That being said, if you are a really efficient runner, with no significant pronation or supination in your gait, go nuts. If you are, you likely are already in a a pair of really light (and cushioned, albeit minimally) trainers anyhow. No matter how efficient you are, however, when the miles rack up, you will be in a cushioned shoe for training... almost always. No one runs 30mi + week over week or does marathon training without a cushioned shoe. Its one thing to run a race (even a marathon) barefoot, people certainly do it, but marathoners will tell you, it's not the race, it's the training mileage that wears out the body. The idea that a cushioned shoe doesn't prevent injury is laughable. Too much cushioning and support can make the foot "lazy", not develop your muscles, and actually lead to injury, but when the mileage really racks up, you have to have something.

kikimus

I've read several articles in Men's Health about running barefoot. I went with the Nike Free since there are no vibram dealers around here.

The Nike Free was discontinued for a bit, but with the opening of a Nike outlet near my house, I got myself a new pair of Free. :]

justagigilo85

I don't really see the validity of the "no reason to run in expensive running shoes" argument when the fivefingers shoes cost more than my dedicated running shoes. Weak.

@veronykah:

Yeah, 3.2 miles? Superman. It's people logging 70 mile weeks that have problems. (Problems that the V5Fs would definitely exacerbate.)

steve.

Wow that video goes by far too quickly to be useful.

I have a pair of the Vibram FiveFingers and they are truly comfortable. Although, I did wear them on the beach and the sand that got in them gave my a blister on both feet.

I have been running and doing strength and conditioning classes with the Vibram Five Finger KSOs since about May now.

I am a avid martial artist (BJJ) and wrestler. I have also had knee problems since about half way through my career (12 years total). To be honest, the five fingers are the only thing that don't hurt my knees when I run.

Perry Wirth

@mrwumasta: I've been walking barefoot as much as I could since I was a kid, on "natural terrain" (some of which is quite harsh, like broken shells) and also asphalt, concrete, etc. I'm missing something in your comment, because I can't figure out what there is about running on roads that means you have to have shoes.

Granted, I'd *rather* run on grass than roads, but I'll still go barefoot if a road is the only option.

elfchick

@wargames2007: I don't have ugly feet, but if I did, there's no reason your personal issues should be a reason for me to change my behavior one way or another. YOU deal with your own issues.

elfchick

@lawmba: Flip flops are terrible. They make you use your feet and legs all wrong. If you have a shoe with a really stiff or badly designed sole, it also makes you use your feet and legs all wrong. Barefoot, on the other hand, allows you to use your feet the way that's most comfortable for them. Once you get used to it, anyway.

elfchick

@JeromeMorpheus: Well of course they will be injured, you're begging the question. The average person is not in shape to run everyday and the point is that shoes coddle and weaken feet so naturally someone not used to being barefoot can hurt their feet if they just suddenly stop wearing shoes. You need to rebuild the muscles and build up calluses first.

Excalibur

@ObadiahScuderi: This seems a bit much for a passing comment.

Mocs. Indoors and sometimes out on the streets. Depends where I'm going. Some places are better maintained than others. Somehow I get rocks in my mocs. and sometimes in my socks.

paintbox

Boy I wish they carried my size!

I wear Vivo Barefoot www.terraplana.com shoes to work and about town. They are flat with a kevlar sole so you don't have to worry about poking a hole in your foot but if you stand on a sharp rock you will get a bruise. I have run with them even though they are not running shoes and I admit that they beat running shoes as far as foot agony is concerned. I am barefoot in the house.

daqman

While I would love a pair of five fingers, I can't justify the purchase at this moment. With incredibly resilient keen and teva sandals, and two pairs of asics running shoes I think I need to wear down a pair before buying these. I'll just do my barefoot running barefoot for now.

I don't like stepping on rocks, though.

@nineohtoo: REI's also carry the brand for those in the rest of the U.S.

@lawmba: Working out only jeopardizes your health when you don't know what you're doing and don't know your limits. I'm trying to understand how running barefoot on a sports field or AstroTurf puts your health at risk?

@SumanolataSnail: Yes, someone with a star pick-up this comment. Starting slow is the most important part of bare foot running. If you decide to run two miles the first time you bare foot run, you will likely pull something and defintley make your calves burn like fire.

@k3n85: Hasn't stopped my friends, I mean they felt like crap for a month at the start, but after that they have started running faster and don't get as many injuries.

I use to run barefoot at track practice all the time, normally cause I was too lazy to put on my spikes but nonetheless I never suffered injuries only some unpleasant feelings with the jagged rubber bits.

Now I run with shoes normally and tend to get shin splints more than ever. Guess there really might be some truth to this.

ParDema

Could I just run in my Vans or Chucks? They are pretty close to wearing nothing...

@JeromeMorpheus: Who are these people getting injured from running for a month? Is it REALLY that hard?
I did the couch to 5k and had no problems...

@Fabrictramp: Exactly, I've seen far more MEN with busted feed walking around with flip flops on than I've ever seen women. I am none too fond of anyones feet, but I still have the annoying habit of noticing them.

my girlfriend walks around all the time barefoot, sure the bottom of her feet have suffered quite a bit, but i guess shes used to it.
myself on the other hand, i wear shoes indoors, when barefoot, i walk around all clunky-like, and i'm just not used to it.
plus my toes are hideous, i prefer not to look at them.

@kagekiri: Same thing here, the fit was just too awkward. So I went with Nike Free, which i like very much =c)

Yuriy Shikhanovich

Now take away the arch and you have no absorption... like me. Flat footed ... now what?

k3n85

@Chris Mannes: Why on earth do "minimalist" flat shoes cost $150? Couldn't you get the same effect by buying $20 Payless shoes? It's the same with the Five Fingers and Nike Free -- less is a lot more.

svetzy

@wargames2007:
I'm a guy and have ugly feet. I'm pretty sure you'd want mine to stay hidden too!

JWiser

@wargames2007: You should still be able to appreciate men's feet. Singling out the ladies wasn't necessary.

@Fabrictramp:
Yeah, cause I have a foot fetish so I don't be looking at guys feet

wargames2007

True, we are designed to run. walk and climb barefoot. However, due to years of wearing clunky and "supportive" shoes, most everyone's feet are too weak to run barefoot now. I work at a specialty running store that fits customers for the "appropriate support category" of running shoes. I know that structured shoes make a difference for people with overly flexible and weak feet, I have seen it first hand. Cushioning materials are marketing ploys, and most of the shock is absorbed into the EVA foam midsoles. Highly cushioned shoes/ "top-of-the-line" shoes are heavier and clunkier than lower priced shoes and provide no increase in performance. I agree that people should try to strengthen their feet by running barefoot, but the transition from supportive, cushioned shoes to running barefoot should be approached progressively. Introduce barefoot running by performing a few "striders" or fast-paced 100m repeats on the grass infield of a track. Add more repetitions over time until you are able to do 12-15 without experiencing soreness in the following days. Then you can graduate to warming-up and/or cooling down barefoot for 10-15 minutes at a slow pace. Gradually increase the time that you run barefoot so you avoid injuries from overloading the weak muscles of the lower legs and feet. Good luck!

SumanolataSnail

I bought a pair of Vibram FiveFinger KSO's a couple weeks ago and haven't looked back. I ran 3 miles of natural trail with my dog, a little over 2 miles on the sidewalks/streets in my neighborhood, and a few miles on the gym's treadmill. Absolutely no joint pain, no blisters, no shin splints, etc... just some really sore calves as the muscles get use to working. Being a big guy (6'5" 250) I always had problems with the pounding on my joints, the FiveFingers get me running differently and now my legs/feet simply don't take the beating. For those that don't want to drop the money on shoes, put on a couple pairs of old socks for protection and give it a try.

IsaacCaba?ero

@wargames2007: Any reason to single out the women?

Fabrictramp

http://www.terraplana.com/vivobarefoot.php don't have the seperate toes, but they also use the idea of thinner soles are better. Damn good shoes, I have 3 pairs, and they're all I wear anymore.

Chris Mannes

I'd like to read a doctor's opinion first, preferably from one not on the Vibram payroll. I have never gone barefoot, but I do know that uncushioned cheap shoes put me in corrective shoes when I was around 12. If you are using normal running shoes and not experiencing problems, why in the world would you jeopardize your health? Flops are bad enough.

lawmba

I walk around my house barefooted and I like it, but I would not go outside barefooted.
And girls, if you have blisters, bunons, corns etc. and just plain damn ulgy feet, no one wants to see them so cover them up.

wargames2007

Since I started doing kung fu I have started wearing my feivue kung fu shoes more. They are about a thin as you get since they are made for martial arts practice. I love wearing them and it feels like my feet are stronger and I have less back pain. Plus putting on standard kicks feels so heavy. I also have flat feet so heavy arched shoes like most shoes made today have always bothered me. These Feivues not so much.

marc_with_a_c

I have a hard time with this. Considering how much of the world is now covered in concrete and asphalt as opposed to how it was several hundred years ago. I think running barefoot on natural terrain is a great idea, but you really do need a good pair of running shoes to do the daily run on the road or along a trail with rock all over the damn place. Sandals and such are good for some things, but nothing beats shoes for protection. Also much of this can be attributed to bad running and walking habits that have formed through the use of bad posture or other such things. These may fix some people posture easily because i have noticed many people lean on their soles causing their feat to flex and get painful.

mrwumasta

I have had a pair of these for the better half of a year now and I love them. Great for walking in the woods, the beach, the lake, or just around the apartment or yard.

Not true. With a cushioned heel you cannot run with proper style and your knees will take large impacts. With bare feet your legs never stretch out and your entire body takes the impact like a spring. And as other people have asked for on different forums. Please provide a single peer reviewed study showing that shoes reduce injuries over bare feet. It is a great marketing stunt :)

VashtiPot

@sir_pantsalot: Spending more time barefoot would probably help you by strengthening the intrinic muscles in your feet. I wouldn't try running that way though. At least not right away.

When I had a holistic clinic in Scottsdale in the 80’s and 90’s, we use to treat countless runners using Rolfing – a soft tissue manipulation technique. Our first goal would be to get the runners injuries fixed. That was the easy part. Re-training them how to run naturally was the challenging part. Once they unlearned their old form, which was the cause of their problems and learned how we are meant to walk and run not only did they feel great, but in every case they ran faster.

Running leaning forward with the stride behind you is how our bodies are meant to run. In running that way, we lengthen all the muscles that become injured. Not only do the special running shoes cause problems, so do many of the Orthotics runners use.

The best solution is to run as we are designed to run. We had Olympic runners see us to learn this "natural walk" we taught. We ended up doing a study with ASU and elite runners being Rolfed and learning this stride.

I never heard of these "shoes" – it is great someone is creating a shoe that supports our natural stride. I bet the shoe companies are sweating.

I've got a pair of Vibrams and I think they help your posture and strengthen your legs. You really don't realize how bad you're walking until you've had a go in these. If only they made a normal looking one with the same attributes for everyday wear...

If you're in the SF area, take a drive down to Redwood Trading Outpost. I picked up mine over there so I didn't risk getting the wrong size online, and they were real friendly and helpful.

Also gotta agree with infmom here. Being mostly Pacific Islander I tend to walk around in some Reefs or other sandals most of the time if at all possible.

nineohtoo

"expensive running shoes aren't a necessity" [unless it's the Vibrams!].

Most people hurt themselves because they never learned how to run. If you get injured running with shoes you will get injured running without. It's not the footwear, it's the technique. The footwear [or lack of] only compliments that.

JWiser

@Max Buser: I had the same issue with the classic and had to switch to the KSO, which I prefer much more. Though now, I simply don't tighten the bungee cord for the times I throw on my classics.

A few months ago I bought my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers and haven't looked back. Better posture, less back pain, and in 3 days the pain I had in my ankle for nearly a year was gone (I noticed it wasn't as bad when walking barefoot, prompting the purchase).

They are extremely comfortable and worth every penny. I haven't worn my old shoes since buying these aside from the few times my VFFs have been in the wash and I had to run to the store. Cannot recommend them enough.

I always have a good laugh when I read articles claiming that people need "supportive shoes." King Tut wore flip-flops and Julius Caesar marched all over the known world in sandals. Our feet weren't designed for shoes, and one look at the differences between the shape of a person's foot after a lifetime of shoe wearing vs. the shape of someone's foot after a lifetime of not being crammed into shoes is an education in itself.

I go barefoot or wear sandals pretty much year round unless I'm in a situation where dress codes or what I'll be walking on make some other style of shoe more practical.

That said, I am not much of a runner, but that's got a lot more to do with my waistline than my feet :)

One thing to really pay attention to is the "How to Run Barefoot" section. Just ripping off the shoes and running five miles is probably going to do some decent damage to those poor, neglected tendons and muscles in the foot that have been encased in a soft, confined, cushy cage since the early months of their life. Going slowly into barefoot running is a rather important step.

After suffering from the hip, knee and back pains from the heal to toe running style (the one almost everyone uses) I bought a pair of Fivefingers. I have started running with them and it has made a difference. One thing you notice is the muscles that you really weren't using before are now aching. With all muscles if you don't use them, they tend to get mad when you start again. Work at strengthening your legs and you will find a much more enjoyable run. For those with flat feet, this style will strengthen your arch and actually improve it. Good luck to all who dare to change!

KirbyMaddox

I played american football for about 2 hours the other day barefoot, it was great except I found every rock on the field...

CarinDamphyr

Unless the route is immaculate or I am at a track, I can't see myself doing this.

From broken glass to pine cone/needles to just crap in the street, I'm glad I've had something thicker than 1/20" inch between me and the stabby object.

ClutchDude

Tim Ferriss posted about these fairly recently, too. he's got a lot of good research, pictures, and advice for starting to use these on his blog.

I have a pair of the fivefingers, and I didn't really care for them. I might try them out again, after the tin man.

HIcycles

As stated, running barefoot in the city is not really an option. No thank you foot infection. Also, doesn't buying the Vibram FiveFingers constitute as buying an expensive pair of running shoes? At least I don't have $100+ (big feet) of disposable income when my everyday shoes work just fine.

donabin

@hickstr: I've heard that POSE was pretty similar to Chi running. I use POSE, and find it pretty fun. I haven't had enough running time to say I'm more injury free than before, though.

kagekiri

I actually bought the first style way back when after I saw them here. I used them and loved them, but the original design hurt the top of my feet because of way the bungee cord secured the shoe. I just stopped using them at some point, and then I lost one.

Anyone have any experience with the newer designs? I would love to get a new pair, but they are expensive to buy on a whim.

Max Buser

I find that my feet, back, and legs hurt far more whenever I'm doing anything barefoot. It is sometimes bad enough for me to need to wear shoes around the house. This may be because one of my legs is shorter than the other, however.

HalMongoose

To be more accurate, the article say that thick soled (and generally expensive) running shoes aren't preventing injuries and may in fact be causing an increase in certain categories but at the same time there's no evidence currently demonstrating that going barefoot is any better.

What the actual research cited, as opposed to marketing materials of companies selling expensive minimalist running shoes, indicate is that cheap thin soled shoes are perfectly fine. It's a reasonable hypothesis to say "We spent tens of thousands of years running barefoot, it might be the best way to run" but there has to be a substantial body of actual research before stating it is absolutely the case.

Really? Try this study: take 100 average americans (the majority of whom will be overweight). Have them run everyday for a month on hard concrete, 1/2 in running shoes, 1/2 barefoot. Compare injuries.

JeromeMorpheus

I wanted some Vibrams back when Lifehacker first posted that barefoot article, but with no nearby store locations and some oddly shaped toes, I wasn't sure about the fit.

I did switch to the POSE method, which isn't inherently a shoe-less style of running (they recommend thin-soled flats for running), but is pretty similar in using the full foot and legs to absorb shock, rather than letting the heel and the shoe do the classic "rocking" motion, like you see if the video here. This post really makes me want Vibrams again...

kagekiri

What about ChiRunning? It's a different running style the focuses on your feet landing flat, using the large muscles in your legs to lift your legs up instead of pushing against the ground. I've been running this way for about four years now, enjoy it more, and have been injury free.

surfmodo

I just started running nearly barefoot (very thin-soled shoes) a few weeks ago after reading Born to Run (which I highly recommend). It's been great. It completely changes your stride and my feet don't hurt at all (though my calves were VERY sore at first since they get quite a work out). Running with little support will strengthen your feet, and I have heard anecdotally that it can even raise arches. Give it a try. I like it a lot.

WardKhayos

I have very flat and tender feet so I doubt these would work for me.

I have seen a guy in my area running barefoot.

sir_pantsalot

I love the ones I bought. I got them 3 years ago, because I like to play disk golf barefooted.

LeahHummingbird

I've had a pair of Fivefingers for about a year, and after a week of using them, back pain is significantly lessened, your feet feel stronger, and you start wanting to go barefoot. The only thing that stops you is the "hippy" factor, but I went a little while carrying flip flops around and doing the barefoot thing. Haven't worn the fivefingers in a while, they tend to smell after a period of extended use, but this makes me want to pull them out again. Unfortunately, you cannot walk on the ceiling with them.

contrapaul

That video doesn't seem to show much of anything. The person wearing the running shoe is running heel-first, the person wearing Vibram isn't...

@Tsylord: Well, yeah, it's not practical all over the world. In California it rarely gets cold enough to require shoes, but I do wear mine when it's raining or when I'm walking somewhere my toes might get hurt.

@nortexoid: Oh, right, all the original Olympic athletes and the guy who ran the first marathon had Nikes on their feet.

@imdante: I wear Teva sandals, which are not cheap, but they last a really long time. I have worn out several pairs over the years.

I'm skeptical of these shoes. I use a pair of Nike Free and like them, and the 3.0 provide an excellent flex, probably better than these Vibram's do. Plus they don't look ridiculous!

nortexoid

@infmom: There is a HUGE difference between walking and running. Sure, you can walk around the world in sandals because walking isn't HIGH IMPACT. Obviously our feet weren't designed for shoes--shoes are designed FOR THEM. And they work wonders for runners, preventing thousands of (e.g. knee) injuries per year. Get a clue.

nortexoid

I just need a dress shoe that provides the benefits of going barefoot in an office environment.

@operator207: This post REALLY makes me want to try these. Unfortunately I was born with syndactyly (webbed toes) a condition that has not affected me in any way shape or form throughout my life except to impress first graders and in preventing me from wearing toe-socks.



But this almost makes me wish my parents had sprung for the prohibitively expensive and needlessly dangerous surgery.

@ub: Well if you would like to simulate a barefoot running shoe like the five fingers, try the feelmax pankra shoes or any alternative. Nike is also making some minimal shoes. They don't have the individual toe slips.

@Bokusatsu_Tenshi:I agree. if you have been running and walking with support for so long, it doesn't seem very practical to just change your stride, step, muscles all at once.



I also have flat feet, and need additional support to run. I also have a hard time walking barefoot on most cement, my feet are very soft and sensitive.



And I'm damn proud of it!

@JeromeMorpheus: You're talking about start-up injuries versus the injuries of people used to running. That's not even remotely a fair comparison.

I just started running seriously and am currently using a pair of Adidas running shoes. Maybe I'll try something like this as well.

I love my five fingers. I have flat feet, and had pain in my feet and back before moving to the FF's.

The pain was so bad, I went to a foot doctor and got inserts. They helped immensely, but I wanted to try something that would strengthened my foot, not "cast" it into the proper form without strengthening my feet.



Enter the FF's. I bought the KSO's, as I did not like the look of the "ballet" shoe ones, and thought I would lose them without the strap.



I wear them daily, almost 18 hours a day now. I had to work up to them, and found that I actually bought them 1 size too small. They did stretch out, but shrink when you wash them. Yes, you MUST wash them, they come in contact with your feet, and will develop a funk that can kill at 10 paces. You can wear injinji socks with them, if you get a FF size big enough to do so. I have not tried that, but my next pair I plan on doing that. It will cut down on the funk, and will give me just a hair more padding.



It took about a month to get to the 18 hour mark, wearing them a few hours a day. Yes your feet will hurt. From both toe exertion, muscles you never knew being exercised, and even some joint pain. Once you get over those, which will take a few weeks depending on how you push yourself wearing them, you will start to realize your back hurts less, your legs get a workout just walking around the house, and your toes do what they were intended to do, give you grip. You feel lighter on your feet too.



My back pain is gone, other than the stupid things I do like lift something wrong etc, and my feet are no longer numb by the end of the day. I also stopped limping because of foot and leg pain.



Oh ya, and my arches are no longer flat. I built up muscle that now supports itself. I just wish I could get my money back from the supports I bought from the doctor. (Insurance did not pay for them)



One thing I do recommend, try them on FIRST, do NOT buy them online. Especially if you have a larger big toe, or second toe. You will be wasting money.

operator207

@Toastie: I've ALWAYS wanted those. Unfortunately, I have two webbed toes on my right foot. Really. I'll never have the chance. =(

I've always liked running barefoot better than with my running shoes, these look really neat!

Generally speaking you can do any sort of distance with little support. That includes the 70+ miles mentioned previously. Search on Amazon for a book called: Born to Run.



Barefoot is a great concept, except how do you deal with it in corporate america? I have a pair of 5 fingers, but rarely use them because of spending such a large amount of time at work.

etnie21

@contrapaul: They do smell after a few days. I throw mine in the laundry and let them air-dry.



Mine are easily my favorite shoes. I haven't gone running in my Nikes even once all summer.

gobofraggle

@kagekiri: I ordered Fivefingers directly from Vibram. I took a chance with the sizing guidelines on the website and it worked fine.



Put a ruler/measuring-tape against the wall, step on it with your heel against the wall, let your foot settle in and measure the length to your longest toe. There's a conversion chart.



I'm glad I did. These are my favorite shoes now.

gobofraggle

@Don't take anything aaron8301 says seriously: Is this the result of wearing shoes for most of your life? I'm barefoot all the time at home, only wearing shoes when outside.

Cpryd001

Screw this, running backwards is the way to go. Barefoot or with shoes.

@foxsterling:
Yup, its supposed to show you how you would (should?) run if you were to run barefoot or in VFFs.

Jmajor1111

@steve.:
I track 30-50 miles a week now with my VFFs and not an injury aside from blisters and sore muscles. There are ultra marathoners that run 100+ miles in these babies. I applaud veronykah for doing C25k in any shoe, so hold the tongue and express why you think VFFs would exacerbate the problem not slam someone who was asking an honest question.

I used to run barefoot cross country (against my coaches orders) as a teen but with the loss of my open area near my childhood home I started to run in "running" shoes on the streets. at 15 I sprained my ankle and at 16 I blew a knee. Maybe I was trying to run like I learned or just doing it wrong altogether, but it was the shoes that were the obvious problem.

fast forward about 10 years and 80 gained pounds and I started to run again in shoes, re-injured my knee and ankle... weight related??? maybe.
Now fast forward again to 2007 and 60 pounds less, moved to an area with a mixture of grass and concrete and decided to try running again, barefoot (way before born to run and VFF popularity). 6 months in, no injuries aside from blisters... yes, blisters.

now we are back to the present, I use the VFFs on concrete runs and take them off anywhere I can find dirt. Did I mention that I was injury free and aside from a nasty slip on ice, I've been all good. 30-40 miles a week in the summer, really nice.

I'm not saying VFFs and barefoot running are the best way to go, but I have good reason to believe it. some people just like the comfort and safety of shoes. right now we're seeing the "scientific" studies that say barefoot is better, next decade we may see that running is bad for you and you should bike, next time it'll be eating makes you fat... you get the picture.

I dare anyone to try running barefoot, see how it feels and let me know if you hate it or like it. I know I dislike shoes in any situation, but thats my preference. Just make sure you try on grass, not concrete.

Jmajor1111

@nortexoid: Can you provide a link to a single study showing that running shoes prevent injuries? There is no data that shows that running shoes are better at preventing running injuries...in fact the opposite is true.

newdanistan

I always used to play football in bare feet. Much better grip than sneakers. Your toes dig in grip, just like they're supposed to.

@d3c509b aka Steve: I too have flat feet. As much as I'd love to walk/run/whatever in bare feet, it's just not possible for extended periods of time. It's not that my feet can't handle the surfaces, it's that the lack of an arch puts an incredible strain on the knees while moving.

psychiccheese

I don't mean to be a downer, but the reasoning behind going barefoot seems specious. For starters, we suffer more running injuries today because we're old! Humans used to die before 30. Our feet evolved to help us run down prey for about 30 years, then die or be too old to hunt. It also doesn't help that we run on unforgiving surfaces like concrete, either.

jwhitman

@infmom: No, but they also had life spans of under 40 years, ran almost exclusively on natural surfaces, and were only able to run for a few years. Some people these days from from the time they're little kids until they're in their 80's or even older; that's a lot more impact for bones to absorb.

drmaybe

@nortexoid: Shoes are designed for them, but feet are designed/evolved (whatever) to run *without* them. As a former cross-country runner (in high school), everyone was wearing running shoes and still getting injuries. Those cushioned running shoes have been everywhere for years, how do you know how many injuries they're preventing?

The point of these studies is saying the change in running styles to accommodate padded shoes means you're not using as much of your leg to do the running, which just weakens it and forces you to rely more on your shoe. Obviously, having a shoe is helpful since there are rocks and sharp objects on trails, but the point is that all that engineered support ends up hurting as well as helping, creating a net zero decrease in injuries.

kagekiri

I ordered a pair of the FiveFingers KSO after seeing the article on Wired. They should arrive tomorrow and I'm real excited to give them a shot.

wrestlingnrj

@imdante: Price of the sandal doesn't make a huge difference in comfort once you get above the $20 level. The real difference in a $20 pair of sandals and a $75 pair of sandals is how long they last. A cheap pair will break after a few months of use, or the area under your big toe will wear through. I wear $80 Olu-Kai sandals and they have lasted longer than any pair I've ever owned. Patagonia sandals are also expensive, but known to last for years.

groberts1980

I bought a pair of Nike Free 5.0 cross trainers about 4 years ago, which made my feet hurt like hell. For three days. After which my feet were stronger than ever and felt better than ever. A couple years ago I moved to the Free 3.0 (on a scale of 10, 10 has the most support, 0 has the least).

I won't run barefoot, but these vibram fivefingers might be the next step for me.

zaq2g

The idea I love, I much prefer barefoot and something which give you that with a little protection is amazing, however there are afew problems with the five fingers; firstly the sole is thin (to mould to your foot!) however if you walk on even the smallest stone you feel it, I mean it!

Secondly the toes, if you have perfectly straight organised and anatomically seet little pinkies but mine aren't are yours? so trying to get these bad boys on is really quite difficult (especially your little toe).

so great idea needs some tweaking and somewhat overpriced by the way as well.

nylonhandle

Finally, some evidence to suggest all my walking without shoes (or in sandals) isn't going to kills my back over the next 30 years.

My tip: Just get used to walking barefoot. Pointy things seem less pointy. The real problem is viruses on the ground. Running around barefoot, especially if you have a tiny scratch that you don't even notice, could get you all sorts of weird things. I managed to get a wart once, no clue where, but it wasn't pleasant.

TheCodexx

This has been around for a long time:

http://www.posetech.com/

Joe Herman

I use the Five Fingers everyday and they are amazing. These are my everyday shoes. They've helped my back feel much better as well as helped straighten out my toes. They are funny looking and I cant go a day without explaining them to someone, but definitely the best shoes ever.

YanabaPlautus

Amen.

If I'm not barefoot I'm wearing flip flops. I do all the yardwork (mowing, weeding, trimming, etc...) barefoot. My heels have callouses on them but they don't dry out and crack. They actually look fairly nice.

Barring some formal event, I opt out of sneakers/dress shoes.

We have about an acre of yard and I run laps occasionally in the grass/mud (there's a creek in our back yard).

MelissaElipster

A lot of barefoot running enthusiasts will tell you that things like high arches, flat feet, etc. that cause pain while running without shoes will go away after awhile. The philosophy is that shoes reduce the dependency body's natural lower-leg and foot muscles and cause them to atrophy. Basically, your feet hurt because they can't support themselves, and working out the proper muscles will strengthen them and eventually cause the pain to go away.

I can't say for sure, since I don't have such problems, but I did run 3-5 miles barefoot each day last summer, and I definitely noticed that I did not develop the same soreness in the shins (shin splints) that I got running with shoes on.

Don't just dive into it though, that's a good way to get a stress fracture. I started jogging about 400m barefoot as a cool down after a run, then after a few weeks switched to a 1 mile warm up barefoot, then finally short runs.

I will say this, it feels good :)

OthelloIshareit

this is bad advice. if you want to have good knees when you are 50, invest in a good pair of running shoes like asics or mizunos, and learn proper running form. most of the problems people get from running are from bad form.

AgostoEndeis

A couple months of wearing my FiveFingers and I've had no knee, hip or foot pain from running in them. The worst of it was the development of new muscles in my calves.

I just wish I could wear them all the time, but they start to smell if you wear them for more than a few hours at a time. Good thing they are washable

ZalmanNimrah

I actually bought a pair of the FiveFingers 2 months ago and love them. I had been suffering from sore knees, hips and shin-splints for about 6 years before I started to wear these. I don't have the scientific studies, but I can tell you that there really is something to doing everything (almost) barefoot. Other than work, these are now my exclusive shoes. Even my wife as gotten in it and we both just got our second pair. I even plan on getting the cold weather Flow’s this winter.

WyndhamPolar bear

I read an article in a running magazine about the bare foot running style of some Mexican indians. Crazy these people run around 20 miles a day no biggie. I have knee trouble and flat feet, so i tried this style using a low support shoe (Nike Free 5.0) and within 2 months my distance increased and my knees don't hurt when i run anymore. For those with flat feet running like this will actually raise your arches. I lost about half a shoe size. I will be getting a set of fivefingers as my next set of running shoes

WaldoShrew

I bought my pair of Vibram Five Fingers Sprints well over a year ago. They've been fantastic and I absolutely love them. I used to have real problems running in shoes, but after giving these a shot and re-engineering my stride I can easily run a 5k race now without pain. I highly HIGHLY recommend these to everyone.

ShabnumHennessy

I recently started simply going barefeet. Yes, at first my feet got tired and hurt, but after a couple of weeks they *have gotten strong enough* that they no longer do. We tend to laugh at those quaint ideas that all women need to wear corsets because otherwise they get back pains and other horrible consequences because on their own, their backs are too weak to support them. Yet we accept without a blink the idea that everyone needs to wear shoes, because otherwise the arches of their feet collapse and they get all sorts of pains...

I blogged about this recently, you can find it at http://www.orava.org/janka/log/2009/07/09/avojaloin

GiuseppeGabuldury

No, it's not the same at all . The soles are to stiff to allow your feet to flex as if you were walking barefoot. Trust me, you can't compare them to vivo barefoot soles!

Walking as if you were wearing cushioned shoes but without the cushioning is not a good idea for your joints and feet...

AmaraTelamon

When I was young, I was heavily involved in the martial arts for over 20 years, and when I ran for stamina, it was almost always barefoot. I always wore protective gear covering the tops of my feet when sparring. The result: my feet are permanently damaged from the impact on varying surfaces, the bones in my feet no longer connect properly to each other, and I've had to wear orthotics in my shoes for years now, just to be able to walk without pain. I'm far more sensitive to impacts on the bottom of my feet than I should be, and it's all thanks to running barefoot . I don't know the folks who dreamed up this research, but the odds that I'd follow their advice are exactly nil. I don't run anymore; but I do wear a pair of heavy-duty Mizuno joggers for daily activities, just so I can be pain free. If you plan to take their advice, well....good luck with that.

PearlMenestheus

I started barefoot running three years ago. First with Nike free 3.0, then Vibram 5 fingers KSO and of course real actual bare feet. The farthest I have gone in my KSO's was 14 miles of single track. I have run about 5 miles on grass in barefeet and plenty of trouble free miles in the Nike Free shoes. Regular running shoes feel like ski boots!!!

GarretHecuba

being chinese im barefoot at all times when im in doors i find that becaues of my extra tie without shoes on compared to a shoed all the time people my feet are insanley wide but also very well cushioned for barefoot running and walking. if you have tender feet then its probably because of a life in shoe captivity lol. start going barefoot before its too late!.

also i have size 8 mens with triple wide. when i run even in shoes i do not stomp on my heels and roll along as that is terrible for your feet and knees ive developed giant calvs from running on the ball of my feet and i can run for sustained periods on just the balls of my feet without my whole foot touching the ground.

VivianAegina

@Bokusatsu_Tenshi: I too am flat footed but recently ran a 20k in a pair of these.

Ben Skutnik

Definitely some truth to this. This past year at school, our gym class went outside when the weather was good to walk the track, or play football. I found that while I was able to run at a consistent pace for about two laps with my tennis shoes, I was able to run 8 full laps at the same pace, before tiring out, if I didn't wear shoes. Also, my legs developed much faster, and I could feel that different parts of my legs had been used. Glad to see that there is some recognition for this.

J.D. Hill

While I respect the opinions of the posting nay-sayers, count me as one absolute success story. Never been a runner--especially at distance. This year, I vowed to give it a go both for health reasons and for a charity 5k for a friend's son with cancer. While training (using the celebrated "Couch to 5k" if you're curious,) and after event day, I was having real pains: ankle, knee, and I swear it felt like someone was prying my tib and fib apart.

Since then... After doing some reading on it, I took the plunge and for real. I ran a full 5k barefoot (yes, on concrete.) Skin was fine. I had two small blisters that went away quickly. NO, repeat NO, joint pain at all.

Here's my one caveat, though: You can expect your calf muscles to scream at you for a while--specifically, the soleus. After all, the whole point here is retraining your gait such that your built in shock absorbers do the job for which they evolved (or were Created, if you prefer.)

After a couple months now, the calves are stronger, my gait is smoother, and I'm running longer, faster, and more comfortably than I EVER have in the past. (I'm 40.)

It might just make a runner out of me.

Even if you're not a runner, these shoes are great just for bumming around the house! They work very well in & around water and despite appearances, they do offer a small bit of arch support.

http://www.2dolphins.com/2007/05/fivefingers-x-2-people-20-happy-toes.html

Running barefoot on the sand at the beach is the best for me. It is low impact and it scrubs the callouses down to the perfect thickness. If you run on the deep sand it also is a better workout because when you sink in a little it is like running uphill.

macrumpton

I love my VFF's!

I used structured shoes (New balance 800 series) all through high school, but with the start of back problems I started slowly working my way toward thinner models. The last 2 years I have used Nike free almost exclusively, and last week I picked up a pair of five fingers.

They definitely use a different set of muscles, and rely far more heavily on some others, particularly caffs and quads. I can not run nearly as far as with my other shoes, but it feels good, and I can feel myself working in to it.

So far I have only good tings to say, the knee and ankle problems that bugged me through high school went away after 6 months with the Nike free and have not come back. and since i started wearing the five fingers I have felt my stride and posture begin to shift to accommodate a for foot strike.

I am hoping that I can use this, along with a standing desk, to correct some of the posture problems I developed while sitting in front of a computer in college. We shall see how it goes.

nickrp88

I'd like to run with soccer shoes...I'm loving soccer.
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