Fivefingers running shoes?

[axxeman01]

Hello,

Going to start running a bit, and I'm wondering what folks are wearing for shoes nowadays. I found the below, and they look rather intriguing. Thanks- Chris

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/pro...Sport-Mens.htm

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by axxeman01

Hello,

Going to start running a bit, and I'm wondering what folks are wearing for shoes nowadays. I found the below, and they look rather intriguing. Thanks- Chris

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/pro...Sport-Mens.htm

They're poplar in my neck of the wood.

I could see wearin em around the house maybe...

I cant bring myself to even try em on

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by STEELINOX

They're poplar in my neck of the wood.

I thought it was fourfingers they use in San Diego.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I thought it was fourfingers they use in San Diego.

[cosimo]

Minimalist and barefoot running is NOT for inexperienced runners. You need a strong 8-12 months of 15-20mi minimum weeks before the process of acclimating to running in this minimalist fashion.

[snowbird]

I have a couple of pairs and like them a lot. I started off just using them when traveling (a lot easier to carry than traditional running shoes) but have started using them at home now too.

[axxeman01]

Originally Posted by cosimo

Minimalist and barefoot running is NOT for inexperienced runners. You need a strong 8-12 months of 15-20mi minimum weeks before the process of acclimating to running in this minimalist fashion.

Thanks Cosimo, I did a bit more reading and have to agree with you, sounds like it's easy to get hurt using them if you don't know what you are doing or don't take it very slow.

[G8RDPM]

Though I'm not a watch expert( but learning a lot here),I am a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. I have spent a long time learning( and continue to learn more)about biomechanics of foot function.
Some people with excellent mechanical function of their feet will do well with these minimalist shoes,other not so much. I have seen a few patients recently that are experienced runners with stress fractures and other pathology.

One of my partners who is a world class athlete has just started running with similar minimalist shoes. He has had recent Achilles tendonosis.
In order to use these,you must change your stride. There are books on this subject.

[mtrunner]

Originally Posted by G8RDPM

Though I'm not a watch expert( but learning a lot here),I am a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. I have spent a long time learning( and continue to learn more)about biomechanics of foot function.
Some people with excellent mechanical function of their feet will do well with these minimalist shoes,other not so much. I have seen a few patients recently that are experienced runners with stress fractures and other pathology.

One of my partners who is a world class athlete has just started running with similar minimalist shoes. He has had recent Achilles tendonosis.
In order to use these,you must change your stride. There are books on this subject.

I have seen numerous runners develop stress fractures and other related injuries. I run with a very accomplished running team and ever single one of us does not understand this obsession with barefoot running which we all think is ridiculous. Most of us have 20 plus years of running experience. I have averaged 100 miles a week for the last 12 years and there is no way I could do this with barefoort running. I have run a 2:27 marathon in running flats and have 5 members of my running team who run in the 2:19 - 2:23 range. We all wear runnning shoes! As I have said before name ONE elite runner who trains in these barefoot running shoes. There isn't one elite runner I can think of. Again this is a craze that was started by the Book Born to Run. It doesn't mean it is actually a good way to go in terms of foot gear for running. It is a fad and it is making a ton of money for the barefoot running shoe companies. But is is causing a crazy amount of injuries and there isn't one study that has shown that barefoot running is beneficial.

[G8RDPM]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I have seen numerous runners develop stress fractures and other related injuries. I run with a very accomplished running team and ever single one of us does not understand this obsession with barefoot running which we all think is ridiculous. Most of us have 20 plus years of running experience. I have averaged 100 miles a week for the last 12 years and there is no way I could do this with barefoort running. I have run a 2:27 marathon in running flats and have 5 members of my running team who run in the 2:19 - 2:23 range. We all wear runnning shoes! As I have said before name ONE elite runner who trains in these barefoot running shoes. There isn't one elite runner I can think of. Again this is a craze that was started by the Book Born to Run. It doesn't mean it is actually a good way to go in terms of foot gear for running. It is a fad and it is making a ton of money for the barefoot running shoe companies. But is is causing a crazy amount of injuries and there isn't one study that has shown that barefoot running is beneficial.

I have not seen any studies showing that is is beneficial either.

[blackmsport]

they look really cool

[z32turbo]

Never seen those before.

[onryo]

I wore a pair for a while just as shoes and didn't have much luck with them. I naturally walk heavy on my heels. As a result, my heels and arches would start to hurt after walking a few miles. I know a lot of people love them. Me... not so much.

[rsg]

You guys should read the book "Born to Run".

[sleddog]

Certainly a unique pair of footware........
I just can't think the support would be to good?!?! But, I'm no shoe expert.

[Watch-My-Wrist]

Thanks for the question, always love finding something different to wear-



I LOVE my Vibram Merrell shoes, but hate toe socks, so these might not work for me. Gotta feel bad for those unlucky few who have 6 toes though. :P

[threemonkeys]

I only run on Assics. I would suggest you go to a local running store and get some opinions on certain shoes based on your mechanical requirements. I would stay away from the big box stores as the kids there don't know jack.

[mtrunner]

Definitely not for the beginner runner and to be honest I am not too sure I buy into this whole barefoot running craze. This whole craze was basically started by the book Born to Run. All I can say is there are not too many elite runners out there running barefoot. I think you would be better off getting a decent pair of normal running shoes.

[garGARgar]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

Definitely not for the beginner runner and to be honest I am not too sure I buy into this whole barefoot running craze. This whole craze was basically started by the book Born to Run. All I can say is there are not too many elite runners out there running barefoot. I think you would be better off getting a decent pair of normal running shoes.

Agree. Although, I do have a pair of KSOs that I use probably once every 2 weeks--they really work on your calves. I do think that runnning with a good pair of shoes is better for you. I really like Brooks shoes (have 2 of 'em). I suggest visiting your local running shop and having them take a look at your gait. They'll be able to recommend a shoe suitable to you.

[STEELINOX]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

Definitely not for the beginner runner and to be honest I am not too sure I buy into this whole barefoot running craze. This whole craze was basically started by the book Born to Run. All I can say is there are not too many elite runners out there running barefoot. I think you would be better off getting a decent pair of normal running shoes.

Agree !

[axxeman01]

I went ahead and got a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 7, I'd never heard of the brand, but they were recommended at the store I went to and they feel good.

http://www.zappos.com/multiview/7709246/259670

[mfer]

Shoes are very personal. You need to try them on at a running store. Nike fit some people better, Reebok others, Ascii for me, my bro wears Newtons, etc. There is no one perfect shoe.

Also, the barefoot running shouldn't be done by itself over long distance. A blended approach is most often recommeneded. (both heal/conventional shoes and toe running/barefoot style).

[ippon20]

I wear KSO's all day long. They have helped my lower back pain go away IMO. However, I still wear Nike shox when going for very long runs.

[George Burdell]

I have several pair. They're great. The KSO is good all-around, the Bikla is good for running, and the KSO Trek is great for hiking/running trails. If you're just starting to wear them, I recommend the free Merrell "go barefoot" iPhone app. It it starts you barefoot very slowly - walking short distances, then walking/running, then running and doing strength exercises, and ultimately running 1.5 miles barefoot.

If you just buy a pair and try to run several miles out of the gate, you won't be happy.

[Rbdport]

Look at the couch-to-5k running program to get started. A simple and effective progression that minimizes injuries.

[kareemthedream33]

I wear Nike free run 2. Like them alot

[Mike B]

I've been a huge Nike Shox fan for 4+ years, and have gone though many pairs.

Although I don't run for long distances (3 miles at the max most times), the shox have worked the best for me. A friend of mine had those barefoot looking shoes, and I LOL'ed big time when I first saw them, but I could see that they could be very comfortable to wear.

[kareemthedream33]

Originally Posted by G8RDPM

Though I'm not a watch expert( but learning a lot here),I am a board certified foot and ankle surgeon. I have spent a long time learning( and continue to learn more)about biomechanics of foot function.
Some people with excellent mechanical function of their feet will do well with these minimalist shoes,other not so much. I have seen a few patients recently that are experienced runners with stress fractures and other pathology.

One of my partners who is a world class athlete has just started running with similar minimalist shoes. He has had recent Achilles tendonosis.
In order to use these,you must change your stride. There are books on this subject.

Thanks for the good info, Doc. I have been using these shoes and I find them comfortable. Does this mean they already suit my stride or is it possible that I'm doing damage without even noticing?

[figbo]

Go right ahead,I'll catch up with you in a while!

[G8RDPM]

Originally Posted by kareemthedream33

Thanks for the good info, Doc. I have been using these shoes and I find them comfortable. Does this mean they already suit my stride or is it possible that I'm doing damage without even noticing?

THey probably work well for your stride. Barefoot running requires a midfoot strike rather than a heel strike as with traditional running shoes.