The Shoes

I just recently got into these crazy shoes... anyone else here.

never seen shoes like that. what do they look like? feet?

Vibram 5 fingers ( strange name for something you put on toes ) ... Great for natural running

SPORT?????????

yes vibrams. sport posted because they are heavily used for running. I dont run, but these things are great on the feet.

MIke

I don't understand the craze around them. Why benefits do they have over actual barefoot running?

some foot protection.. I used to make fun of these things, till a friend of mine with them talked a good game, and I tryed them.

I use them in the colder months at various karate venues...mine lack the agressive treads.. they are comfortable and keep my feed warm and clean. I've also use fila Skeltoes as water shoes on a raft trip.. the 5 fingers are more comfortable.

mikeb540 wrote in post #14842976
I just recently got into these crazy shoes... anyone else here.

I've been wearing mine for more than a year. At first just for weightlifting and jogging, but after a while I started wearing them for everything. They just feel so great. I haven't worn "normal" running shoes in a year. I use a pair of plain black KSO for formal things where I don't want to draw attention to them and for weightlifting and jogging. I also bought a pair of Komodo Sport which I use for the same things but also for rocky trails, rocky beaches etc. The KSO have very thin soft rubber and I find walking over sharp rocks uncomfortable. The Komodo Sport has a slightly thicker and firmer rubber and feels fine on broken rocks and stuff with the trade-off of a little less ground feel.

I also have no more knee and ankle problems. I can run on concrete without pain, better balance for squats and overhead presses and I like being able to feel the ground under my feet. The shoes are also lasting well. Despite daily use for over a year, they still look great.

Another Vibram fan ... I started with the KSO model running and at the gym - but have since got a pair of Bikila's for running on the roads, and a pair of Komodo Sports for gym/box work.

For those wondering, and thinking "they look stupid" - these give you much more "ground feel", and improve balance, grip and general foot health. They also promote mid or fore foot striking when you run, something that has dramatically improved my joint health and helped resolve major knee problems I had when running.

For off road or trail purposes (I run a lot of Spartan Races and other obstacle race series), I've switched from Vibrams to something with a little more toe protection, but similar minimal, no drop sole structures - my current favorite trail shoes are Inov-8 X-Talon 190s

5 fingers are sweet, I have a pair.. I don't run any more but I use them for Karate.. and lounging around the house. Very comfortable..

i cant wait to get the new insulated ones they just released