Shoe poll! To Vibram or not?

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mcjabber
mcjabber Posts: 374 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey MFP--I need some new running kicks (desperately). I've been fit by specialists in the past and have had the most success with Nike triax shoes (I lean towards over pronation), but I know the model I like is no longer made. I'm considering switching to a Vibram-ish kind of shoe instead, since every single workout I do besides running is barefoot.

Anyone have any love stories? Or horror stories? It's a tad too expensive for me to get a pair on a whim.

Replies

  • coyoteo
    coyoteo Posts: 532 Member
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    I adore my vff's. Took a couple weeks for the muscles to get used to having to do more work , but now they are the most comfortable thing ever. :)
  • twinmommy3
    twinmommy3 Posts: 28 Member
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    I love my zigs!
  • TnTHawkins
    TnTHawkins Posts: 285 Member
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    I have not gotten any but want them. It was suggested to me that I start with water shoes on a treadmill to build up strenght in my feet, calves and legs. It has worked out pretty good so far and does build up those muscles that regular shoes don't.

    Good Luck and hope that it helps. It is a cheap way to try it out.
  • KeyMasterOfGozer
    KeyMasterOfGozer Posts: 229 Member
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    I have a pair and love them.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
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    I like mine, I wear them all the time. I don't run distance in them only because I was so close to my race and didn't want to go through the full breaking in process. I was wearing them for insanity and got a blister on one of my big toes from all of the lateral movements. I have the bikila's and they are meant for forward motion/running. I would guess that one of the other multipurpose vibrams would perform better side to side. My podiatrist and my chiro both said they are good for over-pronation because they will strengthen your lower leg and ankle muscles causing you to pronate less over time. I do love them for trail running because you can feel every rock and variation in the ground. It's like a massage and you really feel connected, if you know what I mean.

    Hope that helps!
  • halejr23
    halejr23 Posts: 294
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    VFF take at least a week to get used to. Not only the fact that your toes go in separate slots but your walking "pattern" will change as well 0 for the better. I think you are at an advantage already because you work out barefoot all the time anyway. However, I wear VFF all the time on the weekends but have not run in them yet because most of my track is concrete/pavement. If you are on grass or dirt I don't think there will be any issue. Concrete and pavement might be a little uncomfortable at first. AND ... if you are used to a lot of cushion on your shoes they will be even more uncomfortable when running.

    You could always try something in between like the New Balance 101's or Minimus series to see if your legs and feet can handle the lack of cushioning.
  • jhardenbergh
    jhardenbergh Posts: 1,035 Member
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    I bought a pair of Fila toe shoes, I am not a big fan, between my toes would get all raw and sore. I only wore them a handful of times. I love my Brooks Beast. They are the best shoe for the flat footed/wide footed, in my opinion. I have tried New Balance, Nike, and Reebok. If I were you I would go to a store that specializes in running and get fitted for a new pair.
  • 2stepz
    2stepz Posts: 814 Member
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    Depends on how they fit, honestly. I have a pair of INOV8s that leave substantial blisters between my toes. Otherwise, I loved them. Great for summer trail walking. Winter... might be a bit cold.

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