The Vibram VFFs fit my hard-to-fit size 8EEEE deep-arched feet very well. Minimalist shoes do take some getting used to...the +10%/week rule mentioned in one of Merrell's videos is conservative...but foot injuries are no fun, either. I started at one mile, and got to six within three weeks. The hardest part is the high cadence...try 180 steps/min and see. It's essential for barefoot running, especially downhill trail running.
I was incorporating some of these things (faster cadence and fore/mid-foot strike) on my own before I ever even heard of barefoot running. I was just trying to reduce impact stress in my knees from the 2000 ft/hr downhill elevation changes. You do feel it in your calves until you get used to it!
I backed off a bit because I was feeling some slight soreness and thickening in the plantar aponeurosis "digital slips" connecting to my toes in the bottom of my feet (see "plantar fascia" on Wikipedia or a medical reference for details). I think my forefoot strike was too hardI've compensated with a higher-stepping, shorter downhill stride. It feels a lot like you're an old Warner Brothers cartoon character, sneaking down the stairs to muted pizzicato stringed orchestra plucking, and probably looks like that, too. I don't care, my downhill running is faster, and more sure-footed, with this technique.
Sure, even the more conservative models, like the Treks, still look self-consciously gimmicky, but for me, the function overrides the birth-control aspects of the aesthetics. They're comfortable, have excellent traction, and keep your mind engaged in the act of trail-running like no other shoe. Just watch out for sharp rocks; you can still bruise your feet on them. Did I mention keeping your mind engaged? I don't run with earphones...not necessary here!
Minimal shoes aren't necessary for disciplining your stride to take transient stress off your knees, but they sure do help, especially if you have arch and/or pronation issues. Plus, it's very difficult to roll an ankle on a thin sole.
Tip: these actually don't take long to put on. In fact, since I'm not messing around optimizing lace tension, it actually takes less time than with my ASICS Kahanos. Here's the trick: keep the VFFs on the floor, and push your feet into them. Pulling them on with usually result in two small toes in one pocket. Also, and this can be critical: fasten the Velcro straps (not too tightly) with your foot fully weighted on the floor, otherwise the strap will be compressing your foot with every subsequent step.
After two years, they're holding up very well. I mostly wear them on trails, and around the house. The tread is too soft for sustained street running (wears quickly on pavement), but the traction is remarkable. The foot strike feels better with some of the heel tread worn down a bit (but still protruding). They are the most comfortable, best fitting, best ventilated and, conversely, least dust/dirt-admitting running shoes I've ever worn.
I'm 46 yrs old, and I don't remember liking a pair of shoes as much as this, ironically, since my 1987 Nike Air Max 1s. Go figure!
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I walked in this shoe for several months before I started to run in them. I am glad I did, because I noticed that muscles were sore in my feet and legs that I never knew I had. What was happening is that I had began to develope muscles in my feet and my legs that I wasn't using before in regular running shoes. Some people feel this and think it's something wrong with the shoes. I loved it! My feet got stronger, my legs got stronger and the support that these shoes give your feet are surprising due to the leather construction. I found these shoes offered more support than the ones with just the flexible nylon structure. When I finally did start to run, they performed nicely. The sole protected my feet from the track I was on and they offered great traction. I love these shoes they really put you in touch with what your body needs to do to run and walk naturally. When I run I wear the five toe socks for added comfort. Just remember, you must develope those muscles that your feet and legs use naturally to walk and run, so once you get the shoe, take it slow before you go out and start running in them, especially if you have been running in regular running shoes. THese shoes are a great investment, the size is kind of different. I wear a size 10 so I need a size 41 or 40. As in any good shoe Make sure you get the right size. Say fit!
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