I have been doing a lot of research on the value of "barefoot" running shoes. I have bad knees, particularly my right one, and have always been bummed about having to forgo running as a regular means of cardiovascular exercise. However, I was encouraged by the latest reports that our shoes play a large role in wearing down our knees, and that the most supportive way to run is--ironically--barefoot. Obviously we can't go running barefoot in the streets, so I did some sleuthing about the so-called imitation barefoot shoes. I settled for Vibram, which has the most consistent positive ratings, and liked the idea of this particular model. 1) you don't have to buy special socks and rely on cleaning them all the time; 2) these are designed to be multipurpose (running, walking, climbing, etc.); 3) they reportedly did not develop an odor (and can be easily tossed in the wash if so); the extreme durability; and the flexible nature of the adjustable elastic pull and the fabric/rubber combination. I ordered a pair and was disappointed to discover that they were a size too small (I had read that they run small, but since I am between sizes anyway I chose the half-size up--but it was still too small). I could not return them (thus I am selling the pair through Amazon) and got the next size up. It took some adjusting to, and at first they hurt the backs of my heals, but after several days of wearing them in small spurts I was finally able to slip into them easily and they fit AWESOME.
Now get this: NO MORE KNEE PROBLEMS! I run everyday in these and cannot believe how strong my knees feel. I can definitely feel the difference in how my feet work differently compared to standard running shoes. They grip and flex differently. My knees feel like someone else's...it is truly liberating to be able to run and not worry about how they'll feel tomorrow. In fact, I just ran my first 10 K race in them...a year ago I would not have believed it. I cannot recommend these enough. And FYI--I still haven't washed them and they don't smell at all. Granted, I make sure my feet are clean before putting them on, but some of my other shoes stink up instantly regardless so there must be some truth to the claim about the special wool fabric absorbing the odor differently.This is a good product. The toes have to get used to the feeling of them, however. It's weird but good.
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