Comments on: Good Idea or Bad Idea: Vibram Five Finger Shoes

By: izikavazo

izikavazo — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:32:27 +0000

I just bought my first pair last week (I got the KSOs) and they’re great. You have to be prepared for a lot of questions and crazy reactions from everyone you know, but they feel glorious.
Then again, I live in a small town, I hike a lot, and spend a lot of time outside. If you don’t then it might be a mistake.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 24 May 2009 17:34:00 +0000

Here is a link to the book mentioned in the previous comment in case anyone is interested: http://www.amazon.com/Born-Run-Christopher-McDougall/dp/0739383728

In a few days I have to run down to Bloomington, I am going to at least check out the shoes and try a pair on, I’m undecided on whether to buy them or not.

By: Mitch

Mitch — Sun, 24 May 2009 07:06:41 +0000

Read “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougall. He makes a great argument for why the human body functions better without thick soled shoes. I used this book to motivate myself to pick up running for stress relief, weightloss, and other obvious health benefits. I picked up VFF’s in an attempt to make running as fun as possible (I hate running, but don’t want to throw down money for a mountain bike.) After 3 weeks of jogging, I’m extremely happy with my purchase. Granted, it does take some time to find the right form for running barefoot (or with VFF’s), and pavement can be a little tough. Don’t push it in the beginning because if your foot is anything like mine, the muscles are underdeveloped, and not used to life outside of a cushy sole.

Because of these shoes, my perspective on running has done a 180. Here’s the things I like best about enjoying the outdoors in VFF’s:
- Joint pain has decreased tremendously due to reduced heal strikes
-The tactile experience of walking on grass and earth provides a new dimension to appreciate, especially after running on pavement.
-The VFF’s provide enough padding to avoid pain from small rocks, but you still learn how to adjust your step when felt.
-Machine Washable (no more smelly tennis shoes)
-strengthen feet muscles, balance, agility, and quickness (after 3 weeks, I’ve lost 9 lbs, and developed strength in my calves, and flexibility in my ankles.

Notice that I didn’t mention looks. Yeah, they’re strange looking, and people do notice, but if you’re wearing them outdoors for your health, then who cares. Again, read “Born to Run” because it will help you answer the endless list of questions from curious obververs you run into. If you decide to purchases VFF’s, I’d recommend the originals if you expect to use them mainly for walking, or the KSO’s if you plan to use them in multiple settings (rock climbing, hiking, jogging, water sports.)

By: Ralph

Ralph — Wed, 20 May 2009 01:18:14 +0000

Are you kidding?! That’s a great idea! If they are comfortable and functional I would go for it. If they could make an athletic shoe that is similar, I would buy a pair. Running shoes like that would make sense and for basketball, there would be no denying the appeal of a light weight bball shoe. I might get a pair for myself. Thanks!

By: Kyle

Kyle — Sun, 17 May 2009 23:12:56 +0000

That is a possibility…I’m glad you haven’t forgotten that.

By: Vibram FiveFinger Running Shoe Review | 1st Marathon Training Plan

Vibram FiveFinger Running Shoe Review | 1st Marathon Training Plan — Fri, 15 May 2009 21:33:52 +0000

[...] @kylelibra: A poll Good Idea or bad [...]

By: Coop

Coop — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:21:46 +0000

Is poll #2 going to be the piranha tank that you lobbied for 4 years?

By: Cole

Cole — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:50:09 +0000

Ugly. Thats all I go to say – but the question is functionality vs style. So do the perks outweigh looking stupid? I dont know, I agree with lee and science (SCIENCE!) that we’re probably doing a lot of harm in the long run to our bodies, but I wouldn’t personally wear em out of the house.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:45:28 +0000

I should add that they run $80-$100.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 15 May 2009 17:44:35 +0000

Now that I’ve posted this any had a few minutes think about I’m not sure why I ever thought this was a good idea. Both getting these shoes and posting a poll online to let people decide whether or not I do something are both bad ideas. This is my brain trying to punish me for all the LSAT studying I’ve put it through.