Any Vibram toe shoe wearers out there?

scjl132
scjl132 Posts: 85 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I love my Vibram toe shoes. However, they don't work well for running on asphalt/concrete sidewalks, etc. Any other toe shoe brands out there with a thicker sole that might work. I tried running on this beautiful spring like day and right off the bat, my shin splints started again...ack!!! Looking for advice, recommendations please. I am new to running and wanted to see how I did after spending time in the gym on the AMT and lifting weights (albeit very light weights) I think I ran about 3/4 of a mile. At any rate I really enjoyed it and I'd like to run our small town half-marathon in August. So....I have work to do but I've got to find some appropriate foot wear and a training program to help me ease into running and avoid shin splints.

Replies

  • AverageJoeFit
    AverageJoeFit Posts: 251 Member
    edited February 2017
    I did run in Vibrams. Then I did a Farlick run and my ankles were killing me for about a week.

    I then immediately switched to regular running shoes from a actual running store and havn't had a problem since. I have a pair of saucony running shoes and I'll never go back.

    If still have problems you can have someone evaluate your running form. It sounds like you are striking to far forward on your toes instead of mid foot.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    scjl132 wrote: »
    I tried running on this beautiful spring like day and right off the bat, my shin splints started again...ack!!! Looking for advice, recommendations please. I am new to running...

    So if you're new to running then it may be that you've tried to run too fast, or for too long at once, although probably not the latter.

    There are a number of issues in shoe design, and in gait, that play into whether a shoe is appropriate or not. Generally shoes with a zero drop and no cushioning are going to be the highest risk for injury, so a more structured shoe is easier to develop running capacity in.

    Minimalist runners can get a bit religious about it so it's difficult to have a sensible debate about it.

    Personally I find what works for me is a low drop shoe with adequate protection for the surface I'm running on; MudClaw, Road Talon, TrailRoc.

  • scjl132
    scjl132 Posts: 85 Member
    Thank for the advice - will check on these brands.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    I always found flat paved surfaces much easier when running in vibrams. At one point I was up to running 10 miles in them. I've drastically reduced my mileage just because of a shift in interest. But training for a half has me back at it. I now run in any number of shoes from vibrams & other 0 drop minimalist shoes to slightly cushioned 3mm drop shoes.
    As already stated, you have to start running very very short distances. Or you will run into a lot of problems
  • scjl132
    scjl132 Posts: 85 Member
    Thanks rybo -- I wish Vibram would put a thick enough bottom on their shoes to make it possible to run on any surface. I love the way my toes splay out in these shoes, it makes me feel more secure when hitting the pavement.
  • _incogNEATo_
    _incogNEATo_ Posts: 4,537 Member
    Not since 2011.
  • Rushgirl82
    Rushgirl82 Posts: 223 Member
    I loved my five finger toe shoes. They even had a decent sole on them. But my ankles hurt way too much in them and my arches as well. I switched back to my asics because I have virtually zero pain in them.
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