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five-fingers.... shoes?

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kas baby

kas baby

Brilliant_Rock
Joined
Jun 5, 2009
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So, this was rather intriguing to me. Picture this: I''m walking through campus and its a gorgeous spring day. People are wearing shorts, skirts, dresses, and lots of lovely spring footwear. Nice heals, flip flops, and... wait, what did I just see? Some one wearing just their toe socks? No! Those were shoes, with toe parts! I was baffled.

Not a day later did I have a friend come up to me all excited about these new shoes she''s thinking about getting that are like toe socks- only shoes! So, I wasn''t imagining things.

Naturally, I looked them up. Vibram five-fingers shoes. Weird. However, now I have a strange urge to try a pair on, just to say I have.

Sorry for the narrative, but has anyone else heard of or seen these?
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Haha, I have heard of these. My BF wants to get a pair soon to run in. He heard something about how it''s actually better to run barefoot rather than with shoes. I think he mentioned something about the Harvard running team doing this(barefoot that is.) A friend of ours got some and tried them out when it was maybe 5 degrees, but probably colder. He enjoyed them, but hasn''t taken them outside after that. They seem pretty interesting.
 
Omg it is so funny you mention this because I saw those for the first time ever a week ago. We were on the Manuel Antonio hike in Costa Rica and this American couple were wearing matching five-toed shoes. I was like, "What the heck are those???"
 
Date: 4/7/2010 12:52:13 AM
Author: pinkstars
Haha, I have heard of these. My BF wants to get a pair soon to run in. He heard something about how it''s actually better to run barefoot rather than with shoes. I think he mentioned something about the Harvard running team doing this(barefoot that is.) A friend of ours got some and tried them out when it was maybe 5 degrees, but probably colder. He enjoyed them, but hasn''t taken them outside after that. They seem pretty interesting.
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My husband shares your BF''s philosophy!
He''s a muscle specialist who studies biomechanics, and his specialty is the foot. He treats athletes and non-athletes, and a TON of his muscle specialist colleagues walk around barefoot as much as they can. (One of them walks *everywhere* barefoot, actually. It''s crazy.) When these shoes came out a lot of them ran out to buy them!

I think they are some of the strangest looking things I''ve ever seen! I see a lot of bicyclists wearing these shoes, too.
 
How strange.

fivefingershoes.jpg
 
Ugh. I HATE those shoes so much! They''re hideous! I saw a matching couple wearing these last fall and I really can''t stand how they look. I''m sure they serve a purpose but I still hate them.
 
They are just so bizarre I don''t even know what to think
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except that I may or may not try a pair on to see what all the hype is about
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Kind of like crocs. I have a friend who swears by them, but they really aren''t aesthetically appealing in my opinion. To each their own I suppose.
 
Agree with Thing2,

They just seem freaky odd when you see them. We all assume others have digits on the their feet. We see them when they wear sandals. We appreciate great pedicures, and we move on.

But for some odd reason those things just stick with you. Like a hairball with static cling you just can''t shake it off. Your thought life is consumed with toes. Your face is all wrenched in confusion.

Life isn''t and shouldn''t be about toes. I will bring this subject up in therapy. Perhaps I can get clarity on my phobia.
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eek!
 
weird.. I would think my toes would not be a fan of these
 
I have seen them now and then amongst fellow runners and such. They do look a little weird, but, then again no weirder than the fact they are probably clad head to toe in weird stuff anyway (if they are cycling, running, etc).

I am a runner and a cyclist (mostly trail running and mountain bike but on pavement too) and would not wear these doing either. Mainly as I have seen what happens when people get their toe caught when they are wearing inadequate footwear where there toes are exposed or not well protected(hint...I would never wear flip flops when riding my bike). I do see shoes as protective gear, not just running/cycling "aids", if that makes sense. Having the toes "loose" like that I just think of scenarios like above.

I am also somewhat divided though on the whole barefoot versus shoes thing. I do think there are benefits to being barefoot as is "natural", but this does not work for everyone's foot type, etc and it certainly does not work for me in all environments (or on all surfaces). I know people who suffer severe pains from inadequate foot or arch support, etc due to their foot type (i.e. flip flops again are brutal) Walking around barefoot at the office or at home totally cool....running across jagged rocks or dirty parking lots? Not so much.

The whole barefoot thing has been going on for many, many years...they have clubs, etc. There is a guy out there who has been barefoot for decades and runs marathons. So, I do believe there is something to it. However, on a superficial level I would like to keep my feet somewhat pretty, as superficial as that is! People who live the barefoot lifestyle tend to build up a lot of calluses and scarring and such. Not so pretty.

Then again, I also really don't like the feeling of things between my toes (not toe socks, not those pedicure-foam things....) so I am probably the wrong market anyway!
 
The shoes were mentioned in a book called Born to Run which is one man''s quest to solve his nagging foot problems from running. The title of the book comes from the theory that people are actually born to run. Many people will say that people are not born to run, but the book delves into this subject and discusses the ''running man theory''... that in man''s early past hunters could actually chase prey to "death". Man can run hundreds of miles, no other animal can do that. The book also mentions the Raramuri Indians in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico and how running is such a part of their culture. They are extremely strong runners and they run barefoot. Really fascinating read!
 
Date: 4/7/2010 10:33:39 AM
Author: RaiKai
I have seen them now and then amongst fellow runners and such. They do look a little weird, but, then again no weirder than the fact they are probably clad head to toe in weird stuff anyway (if they are cycling, running, etc).

I am a runner and a cyclist (mostly trail running and mountain bike but on pavement too) and would not wear these doing either. Mainly as I have seen what happens when people get their toe caught when they are wearing inadequate footwear where there toes are exposed or not well protected(hint...I would never wear flip flops when riding my bike). I do see shoes as protective gear, not just running/cycling ''aids'', if that makes sense. Having the toes ''loose'' like that I just think of scenarios like above.

I am also somewhat divided though on the whole barefoot versus shoes thing. I do think there are benefits to being barefoot as is ''natural'', but this does not work for everyone''s foot type, etc and it certainly does not work for me in all environments (or on all surfaces). I know people who suffer severe pains from inadequate foot or arch support, etc due to their foot type (i.e. flip flops again are brutal) Walking around barefoot at the office or at home totally cool....running across jagged rocks or dirty parking lots? Not so much.

The whole barefoot thing has been going on for many, many years...they have clubs, etc. There is a guy out there who has been barefoot for decades and runs marathons. So, I do believe there is something to it. However, on a superficial level I would like to keep my feet somewhat pretty, as superficial as that is! People who live the barefoot lifestyle tend to build up a lot of calluses and scarring and such. Not so pretty.

Then again, I also really don''t like the feeling of things between my toes (not toe socks, not those pedicure-foam things....) so I am probably the wrong market anyway!
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Oh, yes... Barefoot Ted! He''s also mentioned in the book.
 
I SAW THOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was thoroughly baffled. They looked like swim shoes.... or someone wearing toe socks with a clasp on them.
no no no no no no no no no
 
YUCKY.. as a foot phobic person, this is my WORST nightmare!
 
This topic is pretty big regarding runners right now. Barefoot running is the hype because like many previous posters said, it''s suppose to alleviate a lot of problems for runners. Many people swear by these “shoes”. I’ve seen foot steps instead of shoe prints on my runs during muddy days, and had to laugh. I don’t get it, and don’t know if I’ll ever try em.
 
I''ve been wearing my Vibram Five Fingers for over a year now to lift weights, work out and run short distances as regular running shoes were causing cramps in the arches of my feet when I was doing squats. I''ve also gone white water rafting and kayaking in them. I would NEVER EVER wear them as my everyday casual shoes though...EVERRRR!
 
Date: 4/7/2010 10:33:39 AM
Author: RaiKai
[ . . . ] Mainly as I have seen what happens when people get their toe caught when they are wearing inadequate footwear where there toes are exposed or not well protected(hint...I would never wear flip flops when riding my bike). I do see shoes as protective gear, not just running/cycling ''aids'', if that makes sense. Having the toes ''loose'' like that I just think of scenarios like above. [ . . . ]
Click to expand...
This is what I would be afraid of when wearing these while cycling! Toes just looks so . . . vulnerable in them.

I''m not an expert in gait or foot function, so I really have no idea what''s "better" or not--shoes or bare feet. Since I''ve been with DH, though, I''ve stopped wearing flip flops, backless shoes, and stiff running shoes with too much support. I''ve never felt better, but as anyone who *is* an expert in these things will tell you: every body is different. What works for one person may cause terrible problems in another.

These shoes are just fugly, though, I''m sorry! They kind of remind me of when people wear clothes that are so tight they show body parts or textures that I just don''t want to see! They''re like camel toe of the foot or something. Just too much is being revealed, in my opinion.
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Date: 4/7/2010 12:33:57 PM
Author: BeachRunner
I''ve seen foot steps instead of shoe prints on my runs during muddy days, and had to laugh.
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That''s pretty funny!
 
I''ll bet they are stinky when they get full of toe jam!
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I''m waiting for the OPEN toe version. Gots to show off my peddie! I''m actually curious about these -- I have a pair of the Nike Air Rifts (too small now though - drat) and they were my fave shoes EVAH. So comfie. Want a new (bigger) pair. Similar rationale about running & traction & inspiration of barefoot running ... but, um, CUTER?

pinkairrift.jpg
 
Date: 4/7/2010 4:20:39 PM
Author: decodelighted
I''m waiting for the OPEN toe version. Gots to show off my peddie! I''m actually curious about these -- I have a pair of the Nike Air Rifts (too small now though - drat) and they were my fave shoes EVAH. So comfie. Want a new (bigger) pair. Similar rationale about running & traction & inspiration of barefoot running ... but, um, CUTER?
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Well, cuter than 5 toes...in a camel toe sort of way....
 
Sorry, but that pink "shoe" just reminds me of the hoof of some farm animal.
 
I met somebody this weekend that had them and was raving about them. You run differently in them, too, so you work different muscles.

My BF really wants a pair but I''m on the fence.
 
Date: 4/7/2010 11:07:31 AM
Author: portia
The shoes were mentioned in a book called Born to Run which is one man''s quest to solve his nagging foot problems from running. The title of the book comes from the theory that people are actually born to run. Many people will say that people are not born to run, but the book delves into this subject and discusses the ''running man theory''... that in man''s early past hunters could actually chase prey to ''death''. Man can run hundreds of miles, no other animal can do that. The book also mentions the Raramuri Indians in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico and how running is such a part of their culture. They are extremely strong runners and they run barefoot. Really fascinating read!
Click to expand...

I heard an interview with that author, but totally forgot the name of the book. Thank you!
 
I saw a pair when I was at TJ''s and thought they were disturbing. Haha.
 
I have a friend that has run a half marathon and a full marathon in them...and she LOVES them.

I''m still on the fence about trying them...but if it''s your cup of tea, then why not???
 
I guess I'm okay with people wearing them specifically for running. But I've only seen people wearing them when they're just out and about. I saw one guy wearing them in the hospital I work next to. And they were the really open version that almost looks like a pair of socks. It just seemed unsanitary to me on top of the fact that I HATE how they look.

ETA deco-the Nike Air Rifts are way cuter! They don't work on my feet (my toes are too long and skinny for them) but I do like them.
 
DH is guilty of wearing these. He only wears them for certain physical activities (running, disc golf, biking, non-rocky hiking). He at least agrees they are ugly, but is totally a function over fashion guy. He loves them.
 
This is going to sound silly, but they don''t look like they would fit everyone''s foot shape. Some people have really long toes, some people have short stubby toes, some people have longer middle toes than their big toe. Maybe a custom made shoe like this would work?

I don''t much like feet and only wear sandals when ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY (the pool, that''s about it). But I like this idea because of the balance and muscles that would be used when wearing them. But I don''t think they would fit my foot.
 
I just thought of something else...these would also not be good for me for several months of the year....when I am running through snow and on ice. Not enough traction (and my ice grippers would not fit over these properly as they need a "toe box"...and no room for my warm winter socks (my toes would freeze off!).

I have thought the neoprene version would be good for my kayaking and playing in the water - but having toes separate in those cases serves no benefit over regular water shoes for me.

I think I would be willing to TRY them for running on some "safer" surfaces given so many runners I know swear by them....but I am not willing to pay for them in case they don''t work out (and because of the limited use for me due to conditions and weather and such). Ha.
 
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