BareFoot Is Best: Vibram Five Finger Footwear

Ok, so the Vibram’s might not be the most attractive pair of shoes I own, but what they lack in aesthetic appeal they definitely make up for in comfort and practicality. I’ve owned the Vibram sprint for 2 weeks now and I absolutely love them! Here’s why…

Vibram’s lightweight and formfitting design mimic being barefoot…..

I practice Muay Thai barefoot, I practice Jiu Jitsu barefoot and I walk around barefoot any chance I get. Being barefoot seems to be a more natural way of being for me. I believe running barefoot an extension of that.

Only one problem…I live in Boston: there are hard concrete streets and tons of litter. I had no interest in cutting the bottoms of my feet while running.

My old running sneakers just felt too heavy for running. Nike has developed a shoe for running that is both light and formfitting, the Nike Free. I’ve received lots of amazing feedback about them and almost purchased a pair. That is…until I discovered the Vibram Five Fingers. To me, Vibram took it a step further.

Essentially, running is a natural mode of transportation. By running with shoes we are weakening our bodies, running barefoot PROPERLY prevents injuries. Our feet conform to our shoes, our pinky toes get closed in with the foot and provide a more unstable and narrow base for running and walking. The Vibram’s space out your toes so that you can develop your natural base again.

Vibram’s are comfortable yet provide sufficient support and protection….

The rubber soles protect your feet and provide a great grip. The polyamide fabric fits close and low to your foot. The fabric dries very quickly. The shoes are so lightweight it makes carrying them in a purse or bag easy.

I have tested these shoes running in my neighborhood. Now…I live in the hood. I’ve stepped over tons of small shards of glass (mostly broken Hennessy and Corona bottles), rubble, and rocks with out injury or pain.

The point of the running on the forefront (ball and toes) of your feet is to absorb shock and impact. When the heel of your feet absorbs that shock injuries occur.

To me wearing running sneakers to do any form of exercise became more of a bother and hassle. The ability to frolic and feel light on my feet fuels my desire to run and be active.

Vibram’s are not just for running…

There are many styles of the Vibram Five Finger shoes. Many provide additional support for tons of activities. I own the Vibram Sprint, these can be used for running, walking, rock climbing, swimming, martial arts, surfing, sailing, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Watch UFC’s Rashad Evans train in Vibrams

Some Tips…

If you plan on purchasing a pair of Vibram’s online, at least try them out in a store beforehand. These shoes are meant to be worn skin-tight. That drastically affects the sizing.

Don’t wear socks with your Vibram’s. I mean…you can…I guess. They do sell toe socks, but doesn’t that defeat the purpose of running barefoot?

Wash them in the washer. Vibram’s are durable and designed to be washed over and over in a washer. Keep them clean.