Toe shoes vs. Traditional Running shoes.

CrystalFlury

Hey everyone,
I just realized this morning how old my running shoes are. I went to a specialized running store two years ago and was fitted for THE shoe for me. I've enjoyed the shoes for the two years I've had them, yes, I said two YEARS. I didn't realize until today how long I'd been using them for various workouts, on top of that hammering them into the ground back in my 3 mile a day jogging days. Now that I've realized it takes correcting my diet as well as exercise and the combination so far is a success in my losing weight, I'd like to consider getting a new pair of shoes for my walking/jogging workouts.

I've searched the internet for the same shoes I have right now considering I am happy with them, but after finding out they haven't lowered all that much in price I'd like to consider making a change and switching to the five finger shoes. So, what I'm asking of you all is first off, does anyone have any comments/opinions about five finger shoes? I'm a bit worried about moving from a traditional running shoe to basically barefoot. So far what I've read about the shoe is it makes you use muscles you wouldn't typically use while wearing a typical shoe. I've also heard running, basically barefoot, is actually more natural and better for us in the long run (less injury etc.).

I just wanted some input about this considering I've never tried on a five finger shoe and living where I do, Naca-nowhere, TX, I don't have the opportunity to easily commute to a store that carries the shoe.

CrystalFlury

bump

sexyharleymama

bump

good question! i think they are freaky, but would be curious to hear from som experience.

CrystalFlury

bump!

ukhennin

I can't speak from experience, but I have read up a lot on the minimalist movement. I say go for it. But, be aware that there's an adjustment period. You can't just slap them on and go or you'll get hurt. There's instructions on their website on how to transition into them. Make sure you follow them.

Me personally, I think I'm going to make a less drastic transition by trying something like the New Balance Minimus Road.

bassettpig

I strongly suggest going to the Runner's World forums and checking out the "Barefoot/Minimal Running" section. There are several stickied threads posted at the top that are TREMENDOUSLY informative.

I have run in a variety of minimal/"barefoot' shoes and here is my advice if you're thinking about trying it: Save your $$ and get a pair of water shoes/pool shoes. They provide the same protection for the bottoms of your feet as the Five Finger shoes while letting your feet move naturally w/o a lot of padding and support. They do not need to fit nearly as exactly as the Five Fingers, and they will set you back likely $20 or less on sale, compared to close to $100 for the Five Fingers. Another advantage is that you can wear wool socks inside the water shoes and use them all winter in a cold climate, which you can't really do in the Five Fingers (even if you buy them oversized and then buy the toe socks to wear in them, your feet/toes will still be chilly for the same reason gloves are not as warm as mittens....).

If you buy the cheapo water shoes and it turns out you really love the feeling and just HAVE TO HAVE those Five Fingers, then at least you can spend the $$ knowing it won't be a waste.

And as the poster above mentioned, there is a definite strengthening/learning curve. Don't assume you are special and the rules of starting out VERY slowly don't apply to you--I have been volunteering at running events w/a an experienced runner (22 marathons, has been to Boston) who bought a pair of Five Fingers, ran 3 miles in them, ran 5 miles in them, then went out for a 12-miler. At 10 miles into the 12-miler, he had sharp pain in his foot and had to hobble home. When he went to the doctor, he had a nice clean break in his 2nd metatarsal....not a stress fracture, but a break all the way thru. He tells everyone who asks about his cast he "just doesn't understand HOW this could happen!"

Anyway, happy running, and please, really do read the info and take it slow!

CrystalFlury

I strongly suggest going to the Runner's World forums and checking out the "Barefoot/Minimal Running" section. There are several stickied threads posted at the top that are TREMENDOUSLY informative.

I have run in a variety of minimal/"barefoot' shoes and here is my advice if you're thinking about trying it: Save your $$ and get a pair of water shoes/pool shoes. They provide the same protection for the bottoms of your feet as the Five Finger shoes while letting your feet move naturally w/o a lot of padding and support. They do not need to fit nearly as exactly as the Five Fingers, and they will set you back likely $20 or less on sale, compared to close to $100 for the Five Fingers. Another advantage is that you can wear wool socks inside the water shoes and use them all winter in a cold climate, which you can't really do in the Five Fingers (even if you buy them oversized and then buy the toe socks to wear in them, your feet/toes will still be chilly for the same reason gloves are not as warm as mittens....).

If you buy the cheapo water shoes and it turns out you really love the feeling and just HAVE TO HAVE those Five Fingers, then at least you can spend the $$ knowing it won't be a waste.

And as the poster above mentioned, there is a definite strengthening/learning curve. Don't assume you are special and the rules of starting out VERY slowly don't apply to you--I have been volunteering at running events w/a an experienced runner (22 marathons, has been to Boston) who bought a pair of Five Fingers, ran 3 miles in them, ran 5 miles in them, then went out for a 12-miler. At 10 miles into the 12-miler, he had sharp pain in his foot and had to hobble home. When he went to the doctor, he had a nice clean break in his 2nd metatarsal....not a stress fracture, but a break all the way thru. He tells everyone who asks about his cast he "just doesn't understand HOW this could happen!"

Anyway, happy running, and please, really do read the info and take it slow!

Neato, thanks for the advice! I know my boyfriend's cousin has some Five Finger shoes but I don't think he's used them often enough to really have an opinion (he's had them for about a year now and rarely runs). As far as wearing water shoes in the winter with wool socks I'll have to pass on the wool (allergic). I'll consider trying out the cheap version of five finger (water shoes) and see how it goes. Thanks again for the advice!