Running "Feet"

[TEK224]

I was in the store the other day looking for boots and saw these things that look like feet. It was hard to tell if they were a shoe or sock, but had the space for toes (kinda looked like a rubber version of toe socks).

Anyway, I went onto the store's website and read some reviews. Everyone seemed to love them for just about anything (running, hiking, going to the store, etc). People said it was a more natural feeling wearing these than (running) shoes.

Does anyone here have a pair? If so, I was just wondering what you think. I can't tell if it would provide enough support for the pounding of distance running (I'm not little). They look a little funny, but if they're good, I'd be willing to give them a shot. They cost about $85.

Any thoughts?

Terri

 

[syko]

This is what you mean: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

I have seen pepole wearing them as "shoes" in the parks.

 

[ultramickeymouse]

I have had runners in my trail ultramarathons races use them. If you can run 50K on trails with rocks, then I say they work well. I know everyone who has them, loves them!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I also know several runners who love them; they also run barefoot when it is possible (ie. on a smooth trail with no glass or sharp twigs!) and say that they would never go back to running shoes. All of them say, however, that you can't just put them on and go out there and run your usual distance. You have to start with a very short distance (like a few blocks) and build up from there. They provide absolutely no support, as they force your feet to work for themselves to support your own foot, so you have to give your feet time to work up the strength to be able to do that without injury.

I have one friend with severe PF who thought that she would never run again. After transitioning to the Vibram Five Fingers, she went on to successfully run a full Ironman, and is doing another one in 2010.