Recently I overheard two guys talking about their new shoes. They weren’t really shoes, but more like socks or glove for the feet. It was the toe slots that became the conversation piece.
It actually reminded me of something Spiderman would wear. It really does make people look twice. Personally I thought they were interesting and different, but not too strange.
Photo from Vibram.
It turns out the guy with the “finger shoes” was into barefoot running. It’s not just for runners, but other outdoor enthusiasts have also enjoyed wearing these shoes, from mountain climbing, windsurfing to kayaking.
Currently there are a few companies offering these shoes. Including Vibram, Feelmax and Terra Plana. The thin sole designs combine the benefits of going barefoot but with a thin layer of protection from the elements. Vibram’s FiveFingers are noted to “stimulate the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion.”
The idea of barefoot running has it’s fans and skeptics. Even for all the latest technology added to running shoes (sneakers), research suggests that it may not actually do much to improve a runner’s performance or prevent injuries. And some avid runners now believe they are better off with shoes with minimal support or with no shoes at all.
The New York Times also wrote, “when the modern running shoe was introduced. Some ailments, like those involving the knee and Achilles’ tendon, have increased.” Even with my collection of sneakers, I noticed my knees would hurt if I was standing or walking too much. But since wearing my new Earth Sizzle, I’ve had no knee complaints! Too bad I can’t wear the Sizzle summer sandals all year.
I do like the idea of being close to “barefoot” as you would have more movement and feelings. Maybe that’s why Ninja shoes are so light and flat. But even that looks like very minimal support and I’m not sure I want to wear these finger shoes just yet. So I would probably get the Nike Free “Run” instead.
It’s suppose to be a flexible shoe for “barefoot-like running” with less padding than the company’s typical offerings. Even if you’re not a runner, they would still make great walking shoes.
Nike Free 7.0 V 2. Photo from Zappos. $85 $76.50. It still a bit pricey, but if running shoes last me for years, then it’s still not too bad.
Nike Free “Run”
Resources:
New York Times - Wiggling Their Toes at the Shoe Giants
Youtube - Inside Nike Running: Nike Free 5.0
5:40 pm on June 29th, 2010
Hi, Cambree!
I saw Vibram shoes on ebay maybe a year ago and thought it was strangely looking. But the shoe reminded of something I saw back in Laos when I was a kid. Some of the communist soldiers had a shoe that looks like a cross between a Converse but had split-toe.
Later I found out is call a jikatabi (tabi). Many Japanese soldier were wearing them in combat during WW2.
Interestingly, it was invented by a founder of Japanese tire company - Bridgestone. I think Vibram designer must have been inspired by a Tabi.
12:11 am on July 1st, 2010
Hi Dallas,
Thanks for this neat info. I’ve never seen any split-toe shoes, but will have to look up the Tabi. The Japanese are an inventive bunch.
Btw, hope your encounter with the communist soldiers was not too bad. All I remember from the war was being told to stay quiet (when we crossed the Mekong). Luckily the Thai soldiers on the other side were very kind and helpful to our family. I think we were some of the lucky ones.
10:56 pm on July 10th, 2010
That is one strange looking shoes, it looks very much like toe-socks but at least you could hide it inside your shoes. I don’t think I would like this, I can’t get pass the look, obviously don’t want to look like Spiderman yet.
6:17 pm on July 12th, 2010
I know what you mean… it’s a bit too strange for me too. Apparently it’s very popular amongst the “barefoot” sports crowd.