Barefoot Shoes

[TsPoet]

I love these things, so wanted to share!
I’ve always had foot, knee, and back issues – not problems really but issues. The biggest things in the last few years have been spurs and hammer toes, which were getting worse. In late November someone talked me into trying Vibram Five Fingered Shoes.
Heaven, heaven.
My hammer toes have straightened a little – and they are no longer attacking the toes next to them. My feet are stronger, heal spurs gone. No knee trouble.
Negatives
– they are hard to put on at first – now I just slide them on like any old shoe.
- they have almost no sole, but that’s fine, you get used to feeling the ground
- first couple of weeks include some interesting acclimation – my feet felt like I’d put them through a huge workout – who knew your feet had muscles and you could make them sore? Second were my calves, they are used to having a heal on the shoe, so they had to get used to being stretch down, again felt like I’d been working out. I also think my calves are bigger than they used to be (definitely not a positive).
- my boss told me last week that I can't wear these to business meetings, since she talks to me about twice/year, I guess my footwear has been noticed and not liked. I've just ordered a different brand without the toes that will hopefully blend more for business purposes. (I already have a winter pair without the toes - they aren't nearly as "barefoot" for various reasons, so I recommend the funny looking ones!)
- I pretty much can't wear 'regular' shoes anymore, putting them on is agony.

Anyway, if you want to try something odd and new – barefoot shoes!
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/business/30shoe.html
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

[Biciclista]

what shoe did you find by Vibram without the toes? Congrats on your happy feet!

oh i re-read what you said. What are the shoes you are wearing that are "less barefoot" ?

[Kalidurga]

I've been curious about these shoes since people first began mentioning them over in the Running forum. They sound very cool, but I have trouble talking myself into spending that much on any article of clothing.

[GLC1968]

I love my VFF's. I bought the SPRINT style in black (I really wanted a fun color but they only had black left in my size) and honestly, I wear them all the time and most people don't seem to notice them. They kind of look like a mary jane at first glance, and socks at second glance...only then do people comment.

They are so fun to wear! Mine slipped on super easy the first time, but my feet are shapped just like the VFF's, so I kind of figured they would. I don't run in mine (just wear them around where barefeet are not allowed) but between those and running barefoot, my feet and lower legs are getting MUCH stronger which is exactly why I bought them.

[TsPoet]

oh i re-read what you said. What are the shoes you are wearing that are "less barefoot" ?

Terra Plana makes some (my winter shoes - even though they are thin, very very warm)
and I just ordered soft star shoes to, hopefully, wear at meetings.
http://birthdayshoes.com/vff-alternatives/

I've been curious about these shoes since people first began mentioning them over in the Running forum. They sound very cool, but I have trouble talking myself into spending that much on any article of clothing.

I forgot price as a negative, they are expensive! They are all expensive for what they are. The softstar I just ordered were $63 instead of $100.
but, the Treks that I got back in November are in great shape, and I've warn them every day since - including walking the dogs and short hikes up hills and around work... everywhere all the time. So, so far they stand up to wear, I was afraid they'd be expensive and fall apart quickly, not so.

[Kalidurga]

I might have to break down one of these days and get a pair for warm weather use. I used to hike in soft-soled suede moccasins and it felt so good. These sound as if they would give a feeling somewhat along those lines.

[sfa]

I wanted to get a pair of these, but when I went shopping I found that there wasn't a shoe that would fit my unnaturally long toes AND unnaturally narrow heels--it was one or the other, so I just skipped it. My husband was shopping with me and decided to get himself a pair, though, and he loves them!

Sarah