Happy Feet?

You may have seen some odd-looking footwear around lately as it has warmed up a bit- those funny toe-shoes everyone is wearing and talking about are part of a new trend in the sport of running and walking that is literally sweeping the country and beyond. Claims about the weird shoes include improving posture, running form, your sex life, and making you look more glamorous, to name a few. I headed to Playmaker's this afternoon to find out what all the hype was about.

After I struggled into the special toe-socks required for the shoes, I managed to get my first pair of Vibram 5 Fingers on one foot, and was skeptical about their magical powers. I tried on the second pair barefoot, as many people choose to wear the shoes, and was still wondering why they were so great- I had broken a sweat trying to get the damn thing over my 'exceptionally high instep' the clerk noticed and commented on.

The third pair was more like a slipper, and fit OK, but I'm not sure I see these in my future shoe closet. There is a lot of press amping up the 5 Fingers as being the most natural way to walk and run, and therefore reducing the stress on bones and joints while you exercise, but I'm not sure I'm convinced they're worth the average $85 price tag. I do think they look weird and kind of cool, and I'm not above buying the inevitable knock-offs that are floating around for 1/4 of the price, however. As a bit of a gear- and training-nerd, I feel there are other ways to become more attentive to your running, walking, and postural forms- without spending a cent.

 

Comments

[Cheap ED Hardy]

What a fun pattern! It’s great to hear from you and see what you’ve sent up to. All of the projects look great! You

make it so simple to this.Thanks!