5 Finger Shoes, opinions?

gailmelanie

I like mine except for the fact they are a struggle to get on. I wouldn't run for exercise in them because there isn't enough padding for my bunions. I also don't feel like my toes are well protected from the top, so I would never try to do any yard work or construction in them. They're great for walking in dry weather, use in wet situations where you need a grip and protection for your feet, but need socks for cold weather and some other waterproof style for cold, wet conditions.

Unknown

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sammniamii

I wear mine 27/4 for over a year- I gave up normal shoes (but I had a issue w/ my toes - nuroma). I have bought a pair of "running" shoes because I worried about running in these (I have broken my foot twice) but I do light jogging in them. I currently have 6 pairs (4 classics, 1 Bilkila and 1 Bilkila LS).

As the others have stated - they require a Break In period. I jumped in both feet first and wore them everyday, all day.... mistake. Legs, knees, hips and feet hurt. But I pushed thru and it got better. Now, wearing anything else feels alien and like chunks of wood encasing my feet. (I was always a barefoot person)

If you plan on running, follow their instructions (or find Youtube vids) if you don't retrain yourself and start slow - YOU WILL HURT.

Also, find a local shop to try on some. They are sized differently and some models may not fit if you have wide feet or high arches. Best prices are online, but take care of WHERE you buy them. There are ALOT of FAKES out there. I visit their home site or another one called "birthdayshoes . com" - they list safe sites, sales and such not.

Countryboy_

First time I ever saw a dude wearing those shoes...I just laughed at him, and told him that I absolutely did not want to see him in his bathing suit.....

spud_chick

I think if you have very healthy and well-designed feet naturally--and *not everyone does*--the barefoot craze might work for you. I was born with bad feet and had some surgeries to make them better that didn't always go well. I don't go barefoot any more than I have to.

My husband's feet are not perfect but not what you would call "problem" feet. He tried the Vibrams and a few other 'barefoot' type running shoes, and ended up with a bone spur and plantar fasciitis. He's back running in supportive shoes and doing much better. And I'm glad because I hated those finger shoes. Whenever I caught a glimpse of him coming back from a run in them, he looked like someone making those fake tracks for a Sasquatch hoax.

dantrick

I purchased the Vibram KSO - I love them, you can feel everything. You become a lot more aware of how your feet are positioned. I don't think i could go back to lifting in regular shoes now.

hedgiie

it's not for everyone, some love them some hate them.
in my case, it works wonders...

IslandBeautyChemist

my ex had one...i thought they looked rather creepy but he said it's comfortable and good for running

sammniamii

Whenever I caught a glimpse of him coming back from a run in them, he looked like someone making those fake tracks for a Sasquatch hoax.

LOVE IT... and yes, the foot prints are odd :laugh:

ALOT of people in my gym wear them for weight lifting. I do (switch out of running shoes) and it helps keep balance. But yeah.... the whole barefoot shoe things is one that either your feet can do or they can't. Forcing them will cause more issues than any return, but others will swear by them.

I have a spinal fusion, which lead to arthritis in my hips, knees and spine. After wearing these, the pain lessened considerably. But every person is different. What works for me, may not work for you. The birthdayshoes site I listed also talks about other brands/type of barefoot running shoes (non single toe styles).

klbaierwalter

I was skeptical about the possibility of blisters between my toes in the toe-separated minimalist shoes. Instead I went with Merrell minimalist shoes and I absolutely LOVE them! I even wear them to work some days. Instead of having separated toes, they teach you how to walk properly as the nature of the body intended and they give you plenty of space for your toes to span out, like they would in the minimalist shoes.

racheljonel

Love mine! They are addictive, though...started with one pair and now I own four!

NikoM5

IslandBeautyChemist

First time I ever saw a dude wearing those shoes...I just laughed at him, and told him that I absolutely did not want to see him in his bathing suit.....

lol ..that was too funny

lobo_a_gogo

I just bought my 3rd pair. I adore them.

Doodlewhopper

In general terms:

The foot is a mechanical marvel. It is made of fat, muscle, tendons, and bone, and is designed to plant on the outside ball and roll inward through the stride. The arch flexes as the leaf spring on a car and absorbs shock. The achilles and ankle also work with the foot to roll and absorb the load.

Man is built to run on softer surfaces, not concrete or asphalt - so good stable running shoes have opened the door for runners. Many would never be able to run without them; but on the other side of the coin, running shoes have forced us to plant our feet heel first and rely on the shoe to stabilize and support the arch. This is bad stride mechanics though some need the support of a running shoe due to foot and ankle weaknesses.

Because modern man wears shoes, the foot is too weak to run barefooted without conditioning. You will have to give your foot & calves time to strengthen if you plan to run in these shoes. Also if you have flat feet you may have problems with this shoe as the flat foot cant absorb or flex adequately. The higher the arch the better the "ride".

Be careful because this shoe can also strain the achilles and put you on the sideline for a while.

The 5 finger shoes are designed to allow the foot to respond as nature intended. It only protects the foot from abrasion and cuts. It is as close to running barefoot as possible. (Take your shoes off and run down the road, you will automatically find that you are planting on the front of your feet, not the heels. It comes natural.)

I have also heard from other runners that after a while their leg joints and back do not hurt. I have also heard from runners who (as a result of the 5 fingers) had chronic foot pain (tendonitis) Again, patience with this shoe will pay benefits and impatience will probably result in injury.

btw wash em regular cuz they will stink, & the dogs will try to eat you cuz you smell like road kill....

MaigreKacie

Thanks for all the good advice friends!

bpotts44

I am running in Altra shoes, which is a similar concept except it looks more like a regular shoe.

grapeape09

I just came home and my third pair were sitting by my door waiting for their test run. I absolutely love mine and don't even wear regular sneakers anymore. Take all the good advise here and start slow. You will start feeling muscles you didn't even know you had at first.

shamzg5

awesome