Vibram Five Finger shoes?

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I want them too! Of the people that I know that have them, they like them, but you have to ease in to them, they really do a number on your calves if you aren't careful

i have a pair and i love them. I got them because I'd read that they strengthen the muscles/tendons/ligaments in the foot because the foot runs more naturally and can't rely on padding or shape to hold it during the run like it does in many cushioned specialty running shoes. But, a caution, begin slowly! I wore mine for about a mile and was nearly hobbled the next day because my calves weren't used to the different foot mechanics. it took a few weeks of gradually upping my mileage to get used to them. I love them, I wear them for speed runs and bootcamp classes.

I love mine. You can feel everything when running, asphalt, grass, the holes between the tiles, etc. I just did 17km (11miles) in them yesterday,

You will need to realise that you will be starting completely over with your running, since you will be using completely different muscles and tendons than when you ran before. I will recommend not more than 200 meters the first couple of times running in them, then if you fell fine the next day, up it to 500m, then slowly double it.

And no, there is no support, but it's not needed. Current running shoes (Nike Air Super++ and what not) have only been around for some 100 years and were introduced to the market because bicycle tire manufacturers wanted to expand to another market. The 2,000,000 years before that, no one was heel-striking, but everyone basically ran like small children do today before we "teach them how to run properly". If you have one around, ask him/her to run, and notice that he/she lands on her forefoot. Also this is what professional runners basically also do, both marathoners and sprinters, even if running in conventional shoes. Check out some Youtube videos and it becomes very apparent.

Sure, if you heel-strke, you will need the cushion, but humans were never intended to land on their heels which is a skeletal bon. The shock when landing goes right through the heel to your knees. When landing on your forefoot and balls of your foot, the calves are naturally absorbing the shock.

But yeah, it's a "new" thing and most likely there will be some long distance running "haters" replying to this thread, as well as the usual "don't do it, you will destroy your feet!!!!111" by people who have no idea what they are talking about, but still have a very strong opinion about them :-)

I own two pairs and love them both. One pair I have is for running outside (Treksport) and one for inside workouts (Kso). My outside pair have a thicker sole and I don't want to crack them by doing yoga and that inside so I got the second pair which are for yoga. I can actually feel different muscle in my legs when I run in them compared to normal running shoes. With my inside pair my feet don't slip as much as normal shoes when I'm moving but I still now where I'm placing my feet.

But they don't have as much cushioning as normal shoes and you may have a problem if you have a high arch. I love them but I've known people and heard people don't like them so I'd try on a pair before you buy them before you buy some.

My husband has a pir of those and loves them. Just make sure they really fit!

Personally, they scare me. However, one of my good friends has a pair and absolutely loves them.

I love my five fingers! As people said, if you are used to standard running shoes, you will need to change your running style and ease into it. I came from running/walking barefoot, so these are nice because they add a bit of protection on really rough surfaces without feeling like my foot is immobilized. I still walk barefoot most of the time unless it's freezing outside or I'm doing a race on unknown surfaces.

I've had my vibrams for about 2 weeks now. Im slowly transitioning into them.Its recommended to start slowly. I have been walking in mine for about an hr aday. I will slowly start jogging in them. Love them so far. Yesterday I did Body Pump class in them at the gym, and I felt great. My balance and stability was even better than when I wear my regular shoes.

I have the fila skele-toes and love them, have used for running and beachbody: insanity

I like using mine for dodgeball and volleyball, but I do find they get really stinky really fast.

I have two pairs of them and absolutely love them! I have a pair of KSOs that have virtually nothing on the bottom and a pair of Trek Sports that have some tread on them for Mud Runs, etc.

I have bad ankles and have to wear an ankle brace when running/exercising in conventional running shoes. Not in my vibrams! I will also say, my legs have never been stronger in my life. I recently ran a 10-mile race in them and could have easily did a half marathon. I have plans for a full marathon next year.

The worst part of the shoes is the way the look. They honestly look horrible (they always strike up a conversation lol) but they function fantastic for me. Keep in mind I like this minimalist approach and they are not for everyone.

The shoes encourage you to run on the balls of your feet rather than heel strike. It's a more natural movement and as others have mentioned your body will need to adjust to them.

Interesting that you say this. I ran a bit in my 20s (I'm 47). I did about 2 years of 5Ks, 10Ks etc. maybe 50miles a week. My knees couldn't take it. Doc said stop running etc. Fast forward 20 years. I have been in pretty good shape all these years, just not running. In Feb, I decided to try running "a bit" at the gym, on the treadmill. It went fine...I took it very slow. then I got the Brooks minimalist shoes. and WOW. Knees feel fabulous, walking or running. Inside OR outside!!!!
I'm running so differently. My hips aren't popping. My knees aren't popping. Or aching at night. It's quite a change.
I'm taking it super slow (literally and literally).
Outside, I'm only running (slowly) about 30 minutes, then just walking another 30-45. But BOY did I miss it. I don't see any 10Ks in my knees' futures. But I'd like to be able to do a slow 5K a few times a week. And I truly see that happening with the new shoe set up. No pain. At all.