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.
