These are the shoes that can allow us to return to a more natural way of running, the way we ran as children and the way our bodies were designed to run. The Vibram FiveFingers or toe shoes have revolutionised our thoughts on running and what is good for our body as a whole. Barefoot shoes may just be the answer to developing stronger foot, ankle and leg muscles. However the designs on stability running shoes are great and do provide our feet with what they needed, it’s just that sometimes it’s good to have a change and work our bodies differently.
I know there have been stars of the track who would swear by barefoot running and there are still people from many nations that spend a lot of time with feet exposed to the open air so that they toughen up and can run around barefoot. I guess the question is what group of people show the higher percentage of skeletal injuries that are associated with running?
However, for us northerners that have spent so much time with our feet swaddled in comfy, well cushioned running shoes we somehow are at a disadvantage. Not only do we have soft under protected soles but many of us have developed the bad habit of running with a heel strike. This is partly out of habit and a lack of knowledge when it comes to the dynamics of the body; but also because it is quite possible due to the amount of cushioning packed into the design of our road runner shoes. Vibram have paired down what is needed in a pair of running shoes to give us a different experience of the trails underfoot. Vibram Five Fingers running shoes are really just a protective layer for the sole, enough so we can comfortable run over surfaces without worrying we might get stuck with something.
Vibram shoes have many designs from the Vibram Five fingers Classic, to the five fingers KSO and the Vibram Bikila. The classic are a slip on ballet pump that can be used for walking, yoga, Pilates, and warm downs. The Bikila however, is designed with running in mind; there is an upper which encases the foot to stop stuff getting in. It has a comfortable band around the ankle; the cuff protects the foot from any potential chaffing. There is a hook and eye clasp to make sure they stay on the foot and even the sole has been modified to give extra protection under the ball of the foot and toes.
The Vibram Five Fingers can be used for sports, running, warm downs, yoga, Pilates, some are for indoor use only, most can be worn for light trekking and of course running. Just have a look at there range and see what suits. Also they have a great range of colour ways so really you have a lot of options from Vibram.