I finally bought myself a pair of barefoot running shoes yesterday after thinking about it for literally about 2 years!
Aren’t they purrrdy?
So what took me so long? It’s not like this is such a big decision after all.
Paula Jager, the Fitness Editor for this blog, wrote a post not too long ago about barefoot running and the benefits of shoes designed to mimic how we walk and run naturally.
Here’s a snippet of what she wrote:
- The big fat cushiony heel support found in modern day running shoes goes against our natural gait and can result in a shortened Achilles tendon and calf muscle
- It takes more energy to run with the extra weight of the shoes
- Worst of all, they are designed to make you land with your heel while we are designed (by nature) to land on our forefoot. The repetitive strain of slamming on your heel results in undue shock and potential joint injury. By landing on the ball or forefoot with light steps allows our arch to act like the natural spring that it is.
- By wearing all that fake support our muscles, tendons and ligaments have weakened. And that’s not only the ones found in our feet but also in our hips and legs. This will also decrease coordination, agility and balance.
Well said Paula! I find the reasons for barefoot running to be rather compelling too which is why I’ve been considering these new types of shoes for quite sometime.
My holdup with getting my first pair of barefoot runners was actually my husband who doesn’t at all like the look of the Vibrams Five Fingers models which were some of the first barefoot runners on the market.
“They look really weird” he would say whenever I brought up the possibility of buying a pair for myself.
I figured the problem was just that it was a new fashion trend and he would eventually get used to it, so I just waited.
And waited.
And waited some more!
No chance. After all my waiting, he still hated the look of those shoes and so did all 3 of my kids!
“Don’t get those Mom, they look like frog feet” my boys would tell me.
As luck would have it, something else happened in recent months to change the deal in my favor.
Barefoot runners were introduced to the market that look more like a regular sneaker. Hurray!
When these new barefoot runners first came out, I was ready to bite, but they were a bit too expensive for my taste. I can’t justify spending $100+ for a pair of sneakers when it comes right down to it.
It just seemed excessive to me.
But yesterday, I found a pair that were an excellent price and they were snazzy and cute looking to boot.
So I snapped them up as we have a bunch of outdoor hiking type of activities coming up this summer and I need a really good pair of shoes anyway as my sneakers are pretty beat.
My question to all of you is, are these shoes really worth it? Did I succumb to marketing hype by buying a pair or will I be nothing but thrilled in the coming weeks as I wear them for my outdoor excursions?
Please chime in as I would really like to get your opinion. And, if you think my new sneaks are ugly (or cute), feel free to mention that too!
Sarah, The Healthy Home Economist
Hi Sarah,
Just read your article on five finger shoes! I BELIEVE IT! My grandchildren (all six from two different kids) go barefoot most of the time, one lives in VA and runs everywhere barefoot, even cold weather. He is 12. The librarian actually told him to wear shoes next time he came in 🙂
SO…I am definitely interested, and am looking on Amazon but SO MANY, and how to know the best brand? I don’t mind the five finger look (do you think they may really be better b/c if so I don’t care who doesn’t like the way they look!)
What is your favorite brand, where do you get them, and are they true to size?
Thanks!!
Dawn
You don’t have to get the five finger style. I actually prefer barefoot shoes that are not like that (more comfortable to me). Here’s what I bought and wrote about awhile back. https://www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com/the-reality-of-barefoot-running-shoes/
i have seen those feet shape shoes they are very comfortable and best for gym i think,
I just bought a pair of Merrill, True Glove barefoot running shoes, they feel great but are taking a bit of getting used to. Thanks Sarah for showing these to us! I might even get a pair of the five fingers to try out, I think they’d feel great while rock climbing.
I just bought a pair of Vibrams, but my stubby little toes are too short to fit in the individual toe pockets. In fact, my second and third toes on each foot are webbed and are in serious pain with shoes on. I guess these shoes aren’t for everyone.
I just bought a pair of Vibrams, but my stubby little toes are too short to fit in the individual toe pockets. In fact, my second and third toes on each foot are webbed and are in serious pain with shoes on. I guess these shoes aren’t for everyone.
I have just been looking at these shoes this week, coincidence. Some reviews say to get a site smaller than your regular size can someone comment/advise. I would want a pair like Sarah’s.
I have a problem, have had surgery on one foot, having problems with the other foot, planter f. problems. Have the orthodic inserts, whole 9 yds, still problems, what would this type of shoe do for me?
Here I am coming late to the party…I have owned the Five fingers for several years now and while I love walking in them they are not my “go-to” shoes. However, they are the ONLY shoes I will wear on a boat! My first time using them on a 35′ trawler I found myself walking all over the sides and running up and down the ladders carrying lines (ropes) or food or other such things. I was totally confident walking on deck and had no fear of slipping, even in a rain storm. So for that reason alone, I found them invaluable. And, I even got really good at putting them on. Can’t wait to read the follow up story of your shoes, Sarah.