Vibram Five Fingers Update

I've had my Vibram Five Finger shoes (the KSO version) for 2 months now and I am closing in on 100 miles of running with them. My original Five Fingers shoe review was after just 3 weeks. Here's the update...I have been taking it rather easy with lots of slow jogs and walks on mostly tame trails with a little road and paved bike path running thrown in for variety. Nothing too fast and nothing too long. My longest run has been 10 miles. My fastest has been at around 9:00 pace. The first few runs resulted in very sore calves. The soreness would retreat after 1-2 days. Now I can run 5 miles in them with no sore calves or feet. I believe my feet are already getting stronger and I know my overall running bio-mechanics are better. I take shorter and quicker strides. I keep more of a bend in my knee and I don't heel strike. The combination of a short, quick stride with a forefoot landing reduces impact on the entire body. If you run completely barefoot, that's how you'll stride. The Five Finger shoes emulate the barefoot feel quite well.

I have also gone barefoot a few times in the last month and you AUTOMATICALLY adjust your stride for minimal impact. It's a cool sensation! For those with big fancy shoes, be warned that they do not provide extra protection from the pounding. Your foot (actually your brain) demands the sensation of a stable landing--if you have cushy shoes, your foot will land harder as the body attempts to get that solid and stable landing. Those same supportive and cushioned shoes are making your feet weak. The combination of weak feet and extra impact is not good...toss those shoes and try more minimalist (and natural) running! Start easy with some barefoot walking and short strides. Move to longer runs in minimalist shoes (Five Fingers or racing flats). I hope to eventually run a 50K trail race in my Five Finger shoes.

I encourage everyone to try a little barefoot running. If it appeals to you, try the Five Finger shoes too. They provide a lot more protection from rocks and roots while still encouraging (demanding?) a correct posture and running mechanics. I think your body will thank you.

For those interested in reading about other people's barefoot or Five Finger experiences, check out my blog links on the left side bar--particularly Running Barefoot, Birthday Shoes, Who Needs Shoes, and Barefoot Ted. They have great stories and pieces of advice for both experienced barefooters and newbies.