Well, I AM a boomer, dang it all. But most of the folks I'm noticing these on are younger runners. Ran with them today - wow oh wow. What a difference.
I think you should get some but I am a bit biased :) If you want a primer on them, consider taking a stroll over to my VFF fan site (birthdayshoes) and grab my beginner's guide to Vibrams.
And if you do, send me some photos and share your user story!
as a podiatrist, i would caution you against extended barefoot running (or barefoot like running--which the vibram shoes mimic). we see many injuries and recommend a well structured running shoe for daily training and racing.
they are sexy though and by the way, my 19 son likes them and has two pairs.
I have been running for 20 some years now. All the way from 7th grade through graduating from university I wore cheap cotton socks and picked up any old pair of shoes which were under 50 bucks. Blisters were second nature. But it didn't bother me too much...
A couple of years ago I discovered some good running socks. Supersock and Impi...they are great. I can't imagine how I ran so many miles in those horrible socks previous.
I have also starting taking an interest in shoes which are supposed to fit my running style. Mostly because I get more aches and pains these days. When I was younger I could eat whatever I want, maybe stretch a little bit, and then run 5-10 miles and not feel a thing. I am getting old.
I can't really imagine what it would be like to run in those Vibram things. I think it would feel weird. Do you wear socks with them? I can image getting some pretty bad discomfort from the rubbing of the shoe material on my feet. How much sole is on the shoe?
Okay, I am going to go for a run...with socks and "conventional" running shoes (which of course leads to the thought that "conventionally", before Mr Bowerman, well, way before Mr Bowerman, people I am sure ran in their bare feet).
Will, tho you and I seem to see eye to eye on many things, I cannot for the life of me figure out why I would need a pair of new fangled funny looking shoes to run over to the fridge to get me another beer... seems kinda wasteful but if it suits you, could you bring a cold one back for me, too.
Thanks for the advice. I'll keep it mind as I run in them - but so far, they've felt great on my feet.
Bryce,
Wise choice, I believe, about the cheap running shoes. I hadn't considered socks, but I usually wear running socks in my sneakers. The vibram is completely sockless. I wondered if it would irritate my toes in time, but so far, anyway, no irritation at all.
Okay, this is weird. Just got my latest Runner's World (UK Edition). On the front cover, across the top: "Barefoot Running: The Truth p88."
Here are some snippets (I haven't read it in its entirety yet):
"There is a small but highly publicised movement suggesting that the running shoe is a major cause of injury, a bastardiser of man's 'natural' running gait and a waste of money. These are the barefoot runners, who contend that many or all of us would be better off running either totally unshod, or wearing the new breed of 'barefoot shoes' that have little or no cushioning at all.
"...'I know hundreds of runner who would not be running today if they had to run in the available shoes,' says 'Barefoot Ken Bob' Saxton, founder of runningbarefoot.org. 'Shoes might not be causing the injuries, but they're not preventing them the way the companies represent themselves through their marketing.'
"...So, the conclusion from most of the experts I spoke to while compiling this piece was that, beneath the hype, barefoot running is a tool, not a lifestyle choice. Introduce it to your training regime by all means, but don't dream that it is the magical shortcut to an injury-free life. Don't kid yourself that wearing shoes that look like gloves is anything other than a fashion statement [ouch William! Vanity, vanity...]. And above all, remember that while ancient tribespeople may well be brilliant at ultramarathons, things in the West have moved on a bit of a clip since those days. We've been a shoe-wearing civilisation for several very productive millennia. Don't go throwing the baby out with the bathwater, as they say."
Within the piece (written by Dan Jones) is an inset piece by Peter Sagal entitled "Foot Loose: In a funky pair of shoes, a runner comes to terms with his toes, one day at a time." The funky pair of shoes are the ones featured in this post.
OK, I used to be a rep for a running shoe company when Nike introduced Free. These are supposed to mimic bare-foot running. Haven't seen them since version 1.0, but they really are glorified house slippers. They may have improved with Version 5.0, but buyer beware.
You need a shoe that supports your foot. Most of us are pronators (we roll inward) and therefore need pronation support (look for an alternate color on the outside of the shoe in the arch of the sole). Pronation is the NORMAL running pattern, probably an affect of the fall.
A good shoe store can look at your existing shoes and suggest the proper shoe for you. You can get decent shoes for $75-100 at retail. Dicks or Sports Authority usually top things of at around $130.
Running barefoot is only a good idea when you have no other options. Good running shoes correct what is inherently wrong with your feet. No shoes at all will only promote that!
Next time you are in Chicago, send me a note, and we will head to the sporting goods store closest to where you are staying. The more you run, the more you need the right shoe. If I am heading your direction, I will meet you downstate somewhere!
Ugh! As a person who was born with foot problems and the shoe store had to take an imprint of my foot in order to suggest the correct fit, I can tell you bare foot (or bare foot simulation) is not a good thing!
If those don't work out in the end, try Asics 2150 or 1150, OR one of their predecessors (2140, 2130, etc) OR a direct competitor from New Balance, Adidas or other well-known brand. I caution against Nike Air and Shox, as they give too much return energy and not enough energy absorption. See previous entry regarding Nike Free. Reebok DMX is questionable. It's still air technology. Ask around about it first.
I think I really like these silly things. Did trial run today; looking forward to real run tomorrow.
Hmmmm. I think I like the clerical collar-look better. These are odd. Are they comfortable?
ReplyDeleteNo more uncomfortable than that collar! ;)
ReplyDeleteActually, they take some getting used to. Toes spread apart rather than squished together.
Pastor Weedon,
ReplyDeletePlease keep us updated. I am planning on getting a pair sometime this summer...
- Tim
You should wear a sasquatch suit and eat Jack Link's beef jerky when you run in those. Either that or dress up like a hobbit.
ReplyDeleteNot a hobbit, Pr. Frahm. There is no hair on these, um, feet.
ReplyDeleteYou are such a boomer.
ReplyDeleteWell, I AM a boomer, dang it all. But most of the folks I'm noticing these on are younger runners. Ran with them today - wow oh wow. What a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think the hair on my toes would get caught in highly uncomfortable ways.
ReplyDeleteSaw these on an episode of Married...with Children. It was a dream of Al Bundy's.
ReplyDeleteI think you should get some but I am a bit biased :) If you want a primer on them, consider taking a stroll over to my VFF fan site (birthdayshoes) and grab my beginner's guide to Vibrams.
ReplyDeleteAnd if you do, send me some photos and share your user story!
as a podiatrist, i would caution you against extended barefoot running (or barefoot like running--which the vibram shoes mimic). we see many injuries and recommend a well structured running shoe for daily training and racing.
ReplyDeletethey are sexy though and by the way, my 19 son likes them and has two pairs.
steve
I have been running for 20 some years now. All the way from 7th grade through graduating from university I wore cheap cotton socks and picked up any old pair of shoes which were under 50 bucks. Blisters were second nature. But it didn't bother me too much...
ReplyDeleteA couple of years ago I discovered some good running socks. Supersock and Impi...they are great. I can't imagine how I ran so many miles in those horrible socks previous.
I have also starting taking an interest in shoes which are supposed to fit my running style. Mostly because I get more aches and pains these days. When I was younger I could eat whatever I want, maybe stretch a little bit, and then run 5-10 miles and not feel a thing. I am getting old.
I can't really imagine what it would be like to run in those Vibram things. I think it would feel weird. Do you wear socks with them? I can image getting some pretty bad discomfort from the rubbing of the shoe material on my feet. How much sole is on the shoe?
Okay, I am going to go for a run...with socks and "conventional" running shoes (which of course leads to the thought that "conventionally", before Mr Bowerman, well, way before Mr Bowerman, people I am sure ran in their bare feet).
Will, tho you and I seem to see eye to eye on many things, I cannot for the life of me figure out why I would need a pair of new fangled funny looking shoes to run over to the fridge to get me another beer... seems kinda wasteful but if it suits you, could you bring a cold one back for me, too.
ReplyDeleteDuring LENT? ;)
ReplyDeleteSteve,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. I'll keep it mind as I run in them - but so far, they've felt great on my feet.
Bryce,
Wise choice, I believe, about the cheap running shoes. I hadn't considered socks, but I usually wear running socks in my sneakers. The vibram is completely sockless. I wondered if it would irritate my toes in time, but so far, anyway, no irritation at all.
Okay, this is weird. Just got my latest Runner's World (UK Edition). On the front cover, across the top: "Barefoot Running: The Truth p88."
ReplyDeleteHere are some snippets (I haven't read it in its entirety yet):
"There is a small but highly publicised movement suggesting that the running shoe is a major cause of injury, a bastardiser of man's 'natural' running gait and a waste of money. These are the barefoot runners, who contend that many or all of us would be better off running either totally unshod, or wearing the new breed of 'barefoot shoes' that have little or no cushioning at all.
"...'I know hundreds of runner who would not be running today if they had to run in the available shoes,' says 'Barefoot Ken Bob' Saxton, founder of runningbarefoot.org. 'Shoes might not be causing the injuries, but they're not preventing them the way the companies represent themselves through their marketing.'
"...So, the conclusion from most of the experts I spoke to while compiling this piece was that, beneath the hype, barefoot running is a tool, not a lifestyle choice. Introduce it to your training regime by all means, but don't dream that it is the magical shortcut to an injury-free life. Don't kid yourself that wearing shoes that look like gloves is anything other than a fashion statement [ouch William! Vanity, vanity...]. And above all, remember that while ancient tribespeople may well be brilliant at ultramarathons, things in the West have moved on a bit of a clip since those days. We've been a shoe-wearing civilisation for several very productive millennia. Don't go throwing the baby out with the bathwater, as they say."
Within the piece (written by Dan Jones) is an inset piece by Peter Sagal entitled "Foot Loose: In a funky pair of shoes, a runner comes to terms with his toes, one day at a time." The funky pair of shoes are the ones featured in this post.
OK, I used to be a rep for a running shoe company when Nike introduced Free. These are supposed to mimic bare-foot running. Haven't seen them since version 1.0, but they really are glorified house slippers. They may have improved with Version 5.0, but buyer beware.
ReplyDeleteYou need a shoe that supports your foot. Most of us are pronators (we roll inward) and therefore need pronation support (look for an alternate color on the outside of the shoe in the arch of the sole). Pronation is the NORMAL running pattern, probably an affect of the fall.
A good shoe store can look at your existing shoes and suggest the proper shoe for you. You can get decent shoes for $75-100 at retail. Dicks or Sports Authority usually top things of at around $130.
Running barefoot is only a good idea when you have no other options. Good running shoes correct what is inherently wrong with your feet. No shoes at all will only promote that!
Next time you are in Chicago, send me a note, and we will head to the sporting goods store closest to where you are staying. The more you run, the more you need the right shoe. If I am heading your direction, I will meet you downstate somewhere!
Didn't see that this was posted back on Feb. 25. Did you try them? Are your feet ok?
ReplyDeleteBought them, running in them, LOVING them. On the feet, you should really read *Born to Run* - author has some very interesting arguments...
ReplyDeleteUgh! As a person who was born with foot problems and the shoe store had to take an imprint of my foot in order to suggest the correct fit, I can tell you bare foot (or bare foot simulation) is not a good thing!
ReplyDeleteIf those don't work out in the end, try Asics 2150 or 1150, OR one of their predecessors (2140, 2130, etc) OR a direct competitor from New Balance, Adidas or other well-known brand. I caution against Nike Air and Shox, as they give too much return energy and not enough energy absorption. See previous entry regarding Nike Free. Reebok DMX is questionable. It's still air technology. Ask around about it first.