Vibrams FIve FIngers- HELP!

moyyster

I recently purchased a pair of Vibram Five FInger shoes to use for running/ exercise. I've watched videos on youtube and read a few different articles, but I wanted advice from people who own them about how to run properly in them (how to properly land on your feet). I know that it is different with Vibramsvand while I definitely feel as though my balance is better with them, I can't shake the feeling my alignment still is a bit off. I don't feel like I am distributing my weight evenly, and always feel a large difference between my right foot/hip, and left foot/hip (although I feel this regardless of what type of shoes I wear). I've tried to correct it, but I always feel the same regardless. Sometimes my left knee even hurts.

Does anyone have any suggestions/ advice? I want to make sure I am doing this properly. HELP!!!

pdworkman

Gait assessment?

Pam

Meganne1982

I've only had mine for a couple of weeks and I love them. They seem to correct a lot of problems I have with my feet. I feel while wearing them that for the first time in years my tread is normal. I don't really think much about DOING anything different when I wear them. But, I think if they are feeling particularly unnatural for you to wear them for a short period of time everyday, and mostly when walking, so that you can become accustomed to the difference. It was suggested to me, for example, to just wear them when I took my dog out for his morning and evening walks (which are usually about 20 min). I felt so much better in them right away, so I just jumped right in to wearing them more. I think what's important is just listening to your body (or your feet) above all else.

Good luck!

iKristine

OK.

I don't understand the association with vibrams and running. It's just another shoe. I have vibrams but I don't use them to run in, I instead bought some running shoes by Brookes. There is a movement with running barefoot, but I caution that your better off to just run barefoot on a football/soccer field if this is your focus.

There is alot to be said about proper posture while running. Avoiding the heel strike stride, and leaning towards and more running on your fore foot. If your running right, you should land mid to forward soled, almost like your running to be silent. As for knee pain, been there done that. Depending on the cause is the treatment. Make sure you can handle long walks, and if so this builds muscles to support before you try to do running. But if its due to form, that is self explanatory, fix your form.

Theres things like relaxing your grip, avoiding excessive arm movements. I usually keep my palms open and down to my side. There are a ton of things online about proper running form.

I would suggest going to a local running specialty store. The sales people are usually avid runners, and are well rehearsed in specifics to your issue and can likely address it more how your asking. Of course there is always sports medicine facilities as well, but I would start there first.