Any distance / fun runners wearing Vibram Five Fingers?

[9elf]

Anyone on the Orb of Knowledge (Pelican-off topic) that wears the Vibram Five Fingers shoes for running?

I am going to give them a go and was wondering if there was any experiences here.

Thanks
Craig.

[billwagnon]

My take is - don't bother. Your feet are made for running. Get out there and use them for what they evolved to do.

I started barefoot May 6 and I'm averaging 19 miles a week now, on asphalt concrete grass and dirt. Mostly concrete and asphalt all over town, on some surfaces that would have been mighty difficult to walk on in May.

Check out the barefoot forum on Runner's World. They have a lot of people using the VFF and other minimal footwear in addition to barefoot there.

***
Also if you can find it read "Born to Run" by Christopher McDougall. I ordered it used at the beginning of the month from Borders Marketplace and I'm still waiting on it.

[9elf]

Thanks Billwagnon,


I am currently reading 'Born to Run' and that is what has brought my attention to the shoes. I really enjoy running and like almost everyone else, I have had my share of injuries. This has caused me to give up running for 12 months at a time on various occasions. I had even given up a life goal of running the marathon due to these injuries.

I always bought the best Asics, the best Nikes etc.

While reading this book, that I just can't put down, I have had a glimmer of hope of distance running again. I will buy these shoes with hope and an open mind.

You are lucky that the shoes are around the US$75 dollar mark. Over here (Australia) they are US$160. I am hoping to find a US store that will post them to me. Do you have any recommendations?

I will check out that website.
Thanks mate
Craig.

[m21sniper]

As a guy that's ran umpteen-gillion miles in my former life in the infantry, i always wished i was one of the dude's that got the 'runners high'.

I got the exact opposite. Any time i got done a long run(or really any run), i just wanted to puke and go to sleep.

[RPKESQ]

I learned to shoot, just so I would not have to run.

I have and still do run. I am careful of the surfaces (sand, grass or unpacked dirt only) so as to protect my joints and ligaments. But I have never enjoyed running like some. I would rather bicycle or hike steep terrain or be dragged at high speed behind a car on rough asphalt than run.

[dhoward]

Barefoot? Aren't you afraid of stepping in dog poop?

[Burnin' oil]

There is a dude that does long-distance trail runs in flip-flops. I prefer a sensible sling-back pump.

[m21sniper]

Originally Posted by RPKESQ

But I have never enjoyed running like some. I would rather bicycle or hike steep terrain or be dragged at high speed behind a car on rough asphalt than run.

Finally, some common ground.

[Zef]

A good habit for runners is to run barefoot on grass every week, this solicit (re-enforcing) the muscles not involved when supported by modern NASA type running shoes, so give opportunities to get them involved a bit....I'm doing this and never had an injury to my running involved loved muscles.

[dhoward]

One more reference to to your 'love muscle' and I'm going to report this thread.
If I can't see coyote-burger, I'll certanly not tolerate this pish-posh....

[Zef]

Originally Posted by dhoward

One more reference to to your 'love muscle' and I'm going to report this thread.
If I can't see coyote-burger, I'll certanly not tolerate this pish-posh....

tolerate....tolerate...

[TheMentat]

I can see the benefit to running barefoot, and I see how the Vibram allows you to maintain that style. But I don't understand why they need to separate the toes...

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by 9elf

Thanks Billwagnon,


I am currently reading 'Born to Run' and that is what has brought my attention to the shoes. I really enjoy running and like almost everyone else, I have had my share of injuries. This has caused me to give up running for 12 months at a time on various occasions. I had even given up a life goal of running the marathon due to these injuries.

I always bought the best Asics, the best Nikes etc.

While reading this book, that I just can't put down, I have had a glimmer of hope of distance running again. I will buy these shoes with hope and an open mind.

You are lucky that the shoes are around the US$75 dollar mark. Over here (Australia) they are US$160. I am hoping to find a US store that will post them to me. Do you have any recommendations?

I will check out that website.
Thanks mate
Craig.

Might find one the guys over here that would ship them for you. I would volunteer but I don't have a store that sells those near me.


Try Zappos.com also.

[BRPORSCHE]

Originally Posted by 9elf

Thanks Billwagnon,


I am currently reading 'Born to Run' and that is what has brought my attention to the shoes. I really enjoy running and like almost everyone else, I have had my share of injuries. This has caused me to give up running for 12 months at a time on various occasions. I had even given up a life goal of running the marathon due to these injuries.

I always bought the best Asics, the best Nikes etc.

While reading this book, that I just can't put down, I have had a glimmer of hope of distance running again. I will buy these shoes with hope and an open mind.

You are lucky that the shoes are around the US$75 dollar mark. Over here (Australia) they are US$160. I am hoping to find a US store that will post them to me. Do you have any recommendations?

I will check out that website.
Thanks mate
Craig.

I don't live far from a vibram dealer if you want me to buy you a pair and ship it. How much would it cost to ship from houston?

[emcon5]

Anyone else think "Vibram Five Fingers" sounds like a marital aid?

[Tobra]

Those are not biomechanically sound. The gait depicted is for a forefoot strike, which cannot be maintained over distance. You would be better served using a good running shoe and some type of orthotic device.

I trust you went to see a podiatrist for your running maladies.

[9elf]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

I don't live far from a vibram dealer if you want me to buy you a pair and ship it. How much would it cost to ship from houston?

That is very kind of you Tom. I will send you a PM.

I recently received 4 of those RS T-shirts in one package from Shaun (Shaun 84 Targa) via USPS and the shipping was US$15. So I hope this is a good guide, not that I know where in the US Shaun posted from.

Craig.

[HardDrive]

Originally Posted by emcon5

anyone else think "vibram five fingers" sounds like a marital aid?

+1

[9elf]

Originally Posted by emcon5

Anyone else think "Vibram Five Fingers" sounds like a marital aid?

....... very good.

[Les Paul]

Good god. Those are the most hideous things I have ever seen. Whatever floats your boat I guess. I was a runner too. 35+ years.