[The_Blur]

Mrs. Blur got a Groupon for me yesterday. I needed some new running shoes, and she found a local shop that offered a $25 discount as their Groupon. Today, she took me to the local running store and showed me these crazy shoes.



They look like toe socks with a rubber sole. As ridiculous as they looked on the shelf when compared to the traditional running flats and other athletic shoes, I tried them on.

Let me tell you that you have to get used to having something between your toes, but once you start to walk around the store, you notice something different. You can feel the ground. It is a whole new way of walking. You have better balance and better traction.

We got home, and I flipped through the promotional booklet. There are pictures of people climbing rocks, swimming, and stepping over other uneven surfaces.

I walked around the house in these shoes for the rest of the day. I then did some weight lifting. The shoes were great, but I could have done that barefoot. The real test was running.

I'll have a quick flashback for a moment. When I was in high school, I ran cross country (5K races) and long distance track events. My shortest event was the 400m and my longest was the deuce (2 miles). I always ran in lightweight spikes that looked like socks with a sole.

This shoe had a certain familiarity to those spikes, but the bottoms have more texture than the non-spike running flats out there. After high school, I ran a lot less, but I kept in shape for shorter runs, like the mile. A week ago, I started to run 5K workouts again. It didn't exactly go well. I had to take breaks and took forever. My last one was two days ago, and I took 3 breaks.

Today, I ran 5 minutes faster and did not take any breaks. It was as if all of my energy was going to the ground. I felt perfectly balanced and energetic during my run.

Even if you don't work out this aggressively, Vibram claims their shoes will improve your posture and back health. You've got to try these out. They are great for everything.

[Xanthos]

I'd be interested to see how they hold up durability wise. Also, how would they be for those of us who underpronate/have extreme arches?

I've been using Saucony's for some time now and love them, but they're a bit expensive and wear out quickly. I'd be interested in trying something different.
- X

[The_Blur]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

I'd be interested to see how they hold up durability wise. Also, how would they be for those of us who underpronate/have extreme arches?

I've been using Saucony's for some time now and love them, but they're a bit expensive and wear out quickly. I'd be interested in trying something different.
- X

They're sized using European sizes because they have to be a perfect fit. The velcro strap on top holds them on your foot, and all of the fabric feels stretchy, so I'm sure the fit will be good.

While I was at the store, I examined the adhesive and tugged on it pretty hard. It looks tough. They remind me of Pumas by how snug they are.

In terms of price, they seem to be in the same market as some of the nicer running and hiking shoes. The price for mine was $110, but I was able to take advantage of a deal under that price.

[TOMS1SS]

They've worked for a bunch of people that I know that run, although I wouldn't be caught dead in them. I learned how to run in Nikes, I ran my first marathon Nikes and I still use Nikes because they don't wear fast.

[LimaCharlie]

I run about 3-4 miles every other day and I've considered these. The problem I have with these is I'll only wear them when I run. I can't see myself wearing them going to the store, school, errands, lounging at home, chores, etc. Why pay the money to just run in them......especially since I have no problems with my conventional running shoes?

[PoorMansCamaro]

I can't even stand flip flops with the thing going between the big toe and second toe. I would go completely nuts with these. Lol

[Chevyg1rl]

Those aren't made by Prada ... or Fendi ... or Manolo Blahnik. And there's no heel!

I don't get it

[Xanthos]

Originally Posted by LimaCharlie

I run about 3-4 miles every other day and I've considered these. The problem I have with these is I'll only wear them when I run. I can't see myself wearing them going to the store, school, errands, lounging at home, chores, etc. Why pay the money to just run in them......especially since I have no problems with my conventional running shoes?

110 is about what I pay for my running shoes (Saucony Xodus 2.0, 100 a pair) and I would never use my running shoes for everyday use. I have my running shoes, and then I have a worn out pair of running shoes that I use for every day.
- X

[TOMS1SS]

Originally Posted by Xanthos

110 is about what I pay for my running shoes (Saucony Xodus 2.0, 100 a pair) and I would never use my running shoes for everyday use. I have my running shoes, and then I have a worn out pair of running shoes that I use for every day.
- X

Take it from someone who does 60 miles a week you need shoes just for running. Like I said the shoes in this post aren't exactly for me but I do have to buy new running shoes every 3 to 4 months. You'll have all shorts of blisters and ankle problems at minimum if don't be careful.

[JKLNHYD]

The idea of these is that it changes your running posture to land more on the front of your foot to absorb impact as opposed to landing on your heel in a typical running shoe. The effect is definately a quicker pace because of how you stride. And your knees will thank you for the relief of not landing on your heels while running...

[Ivas]

I always preferred Keds. They make ya' run faster and jump higher. Of course this works best when ya' eat Wonderbread which builds strong bodies 12 ways...

[bossbunny]

I have considered these as well. I see tons of people at the gym with them and they swear by them.

[justa25thTA]

as a barefoot runner, I have a pair of Vibram five fingers that I use and love them.

For me....
I tried several times throughout my life to be a runner, but had too much knee and hip pain to make a go. After trying out walking on a treadmill barefoot, I was able to work up to running 5 miles barefoot. No pain in any joints, no shoes. I will never go back to "running" shoes, but YMMV.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by badgebunny

I have considered these as well. I see tons of people at the gym with them and they swear by them.

You'd be surprised at how many small stabalizing muscles there are in your feet. Work out barefoot and you will discover them. Squats will never be the same.