Vibram Five Fingers

byHisgrace

I went to see my trusted family doctor today because our youngest has bilateral ear infections and a UR infection...

While we were there, he noticed I've lost weight and we got to talking about working out. He's the world's coolest doctor, well traveled and totally down to earth, his truck is older than my car and he's way into 4-H with his kids, so I really trust him, because he's so well rounded.

He started telling me about Born to Run, a book he'd just finished. I metioned having pain in my feet when I work out/run and asked for his opinion on shoes. He's all about the Vibram Five Fingers now, and is buying himself some to run to work in this summer.

My hubby, who is and always has been really interested in fitness and stays in great shape, reads all the time, ect. said he's skeptical of the whole bare foot movement.

I'd like to hear what those with experience have to say. I've seen the Vibram shoes on others, mostly at Trader Joes for some reason lol, but never paid too much attention. I'd like to order a pair in a few weeks, even if just to wear around on errands. Are they really great for running though? I've never been a runner, and won't be until after my breast reduction surgery, so I have some time to research. Hubby is saying I am asking for trouble by starting out in these. It stinks to have the two men I trust most in the world have conflicting opinions, lol.

blondie76

Dr Oz had a disccussion way back on these, I have been dying to try them out, but they are a very presice fit, I will check this thread out to see if any one else responds!

lt_mrcook

Running barefoot isn't really a good idea...one prick, cut, or stick and you lose tons of training time. The running "barefoot" movement with Nike Free, Vibram Five Fingers, etc is to come as close to natural as possible. DO NOT START RUNNING IN THESE TYPES OF SHOES!!! Your feet are used to artificial control and support. You should ease into walking in these shoes, the Nike free has a schedule to use for transition, until your feet are used to them for long periods of time. After that you can ease into running in them, as they approximate barefeet but provide enough protection to avoid cuts or sticks. As far as the brest reduction, try a Google search for Title Nine Sportswear and look for their Last Resort Bra. It's ugly as hell, but specifically designed to provide no bounce to the well endowed lady. Good luck to you!

yoginimary

I just got a pair and absolutely love them. It's only been a week, so I don't know how they are long term. I'm incorporating them in slowly.

williams3023

I disagree with MrCook, but definately value his opinion. I have been running in the Vibram Five Fingers now for 6 months. I absolutely love them. It really is like running barefoot with protective skins. I log about 50 miles a week in these shoes and have no issues what so ever other than the bottoms getting worn. I highly recommend taking it slow in them as they strengthen different muscles that you are not used to using. I have played basketball all my life so i have an issue with shin splints and tendonitis in my knees, but since i have switched to these shoes i have been 100% pain free in those areas. When I began running in them I would run a mile at a time. It took a little while to build up my calf muscles and different muscles and tendons in my feet. Also, I trail run in them, but mostly run on the street. They are actually more rugged than you might imagine, I have run on durt roads and never had any issues. I plan on running two halfs and a full marathon in them this year! Hope this helps!

byHisgrace

Running barefoot isn't really a good idea...one prick, cut, or stick and you lose tons of training time. The running "barefoot" movement with Nike Free, Vibram Five Fingers, etc is to come as close to natural as possible. DO NOT START RUNNING IN THESE TYPES OF SHOES!!! Your feet are used to artificial control and support. You should ease into walking in these shoes, the Nike free has a schedule to use for transition, until your feet are used to them for long periods of time. After that you can ease into running in them, as they approximate barefeet but provide enough protection to avoid cuts or sticks. As far as the brest reduction, try a Google search for Title Nine Sportswear and look for their Last Resort Bra. It's ugly as hell, but specifically designed to provide no bounce to the well endowed lady. Good luck to you!

Thank you!!! I wonder why my doc had so many negative things to say about Nike? I didn't even know they had a version of these. I'll check out that free schedule. As well as the Last Resort Bra, the name alone is too funny, and fitting. Cute bras aren't on my shopping list anyway, lol.

EmilyStrick

i have seen these shoes, but hadn't really heard anything about them. i always thought they would be awesome deck shoes on a boat!!!

byHisgrace

I disagree with MrCook, but definately value his opinion. I have been running in the Vibram Five Fingers now for 6 months. I absolutely love them. It really is like running barefoot with protective skins. I log about 50 miles a week in these shoes and have no issues what so ever other than the bottoms getting worn. I highly recommend taking it slow in them as they strengthen different muscles that you are not used to using. I have played basketball all my life so i have an issue with shin splints and tendonitis in my knees, but since i have switched to these shoes i have been 100% pain free in those areas. When I began running in them I would run a mile at a time. It took a little while to build up my calf muscles and different muscles and tendons in my feet. Also, I trail run in them, but mostly run on the street. They are actually more rugged than you might imagine, I have run on durt roads and never had any issues. I plan on running two halfs and a full marathon in them this year! Hope this helps!

Mind sharing which style you have? I don't want to invest in more than one pair right now.

mvl1014

Some people have the proper feet for running without shoes, most don't. Distance and endurance is less vital than sprinting if there's a predator coming after you. If you have good support and arches, and don't have any pronation, it's worth trying. Otherwise stick with a quality shoe.

williams3023

I have the KSO Model. They are a bit cold in the winter to run in. If you are looking for an all year type I would say get the Flows. They are made with a slightly thicker neoprene and a bit thicker rubber sole.

And Yes they make great deck shoes for a boat! Like water socks, but you can swim in them much easier.

lindsay1982

They look like Sasquatch feet :huh: , but I think I would love them. I being barefooted, I wear flip flops every day, no lie, even in all this rain we have had, my boss says I am crazy for wearing flip flops all the time...:embarassed:

PJilly

I've been wanting to try them too, so I am eager to hear any and all feedback. I don't run, but I work out in bare feet and wondered if these might be better than bare...