While on an roughly 10 km run last weekend, I realised my running shoes weren’t fitting properly. My foot was striking the ground in a less-than-ideal manner, causing the muscle on the front of my right shin to cramp up and my knees, hips and back to ache. I wasn’t entirely impressed, since last time this was happening it required a new pair of running shoes to correct. Not wanted to start the cycle again, I went and asked my good friend google what type of shoes I could try that wouldn’t wear down so quickly.
To my surprise, one of the most common suggestions was, “run barefoot.” I felt this was possibly the most moronic idea I had ever heard. If anyone has been in Toronto, or any city that has snow over the winter, during the spring, they probably know that the streets and sidewalks are strewn with gravel, broken glass, and many other knicknacks that promise a good puncture wound to the foot. However, the idea was somewhat intriguing, especially after – on separate occasions – hearing about the benefits of unsupportive shoes in building strength in the foot, and reading an article about how runners have a tendency to counteract the natural walking and running motion.
After a bit of searching, I came across the Vibram Five Fingers as a shoe that allows you to feel unshod without all the unpleasantries of infected cuts. I posted a photo on my facebook page and received several comments and questions, not to mention numerous quizzical stares on the street. So, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
Why?
Like I said, I was looking for a way to cut down on knee paint while running. Supposedly this are good for cutting down on injury, strengthening the foot, and forcing you to run properly. They were cheaper than running shoes, so I decided to try them out.
No, seriously. Why?
Yeah… so the theory behind it is that these allow you to use a more natural motion while running. You can push off the ground with the toes, which supposedly is more efficient and strengthens the foot. Another issue with running shoes, I am told, is that the cushioning has a tendency to make you heel strike, which is bad for the knees. If you heel strike in these things, you will make it about 50 metres before quitting because it’s painful. You are pretty much forced to land properly on your foot, and you learn pretty quickly to adapt to that.
Do you actually run in these things? And do they work?
I’ve taken them out for three runs since last Tuesday, and so far I’m happy with them. The first run was short, 5 km and fairly slow. My heels and the balls of my feet were a little sore the next day, but this quickly dissipated. The next two runs were about 10 km, and at my regular pace. I’ve had no issues with knee pain that I tended to get with my runners, and with the exception of blisters today (which I think I already had from walking in them a fair distance this weekend), and a little bit of tenderness in the Achilles tendon from using muscles I’m not used to using, there has been little discomfort.
You must just stick to grass, right?
Yeah, grass and sand are a little bit more comfortable to run on with these, but I use them mostly on pavement and some gravel trails.
So, this probably requires wearing those monstrosities in public.
Yep. And yes, people do stare, and yes, people ask questions. Reactions run the gamut from looks of amusement, looks of disgust, double-takes, requests for me to lift my feet above a table so people could look at the soles, requests for me to wiggle my toes, and requests of where they come from. I don’t really mind, though. Torontonians so rarely talk to strangers, which is something I miss, so it’s a welcome conversation starter.
Are these things comfortable? It looks hard to move your toes in a half-inch of hard plastic.
They are exceedingly comfortable. The sensation is very much like being barefoot, which is something I like anyway. If you like being barefoot outside, I guarantee you’ll like these. They are also quite flexible. While you may not be able to curl your toes or have the full independent movement of toes you get with barefeet, you do get a reasonable amount of control over the toes. The sole is a very flexible rubber (you can fold these in half) and fairly thin; probably about 4 mm at the thickest.
What kind of freak-store would sell these things?
You can go to the website to find retailers, but I got mine at Mountain Equipment Coop. I recommend them highly, even just for wearing around instead of sandals.
But I hate feet. Feet are gross.
That’s because you are delusional. Get over it.
