Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

[Afrobean]

They're also called minimalist shoes. Basically, they're lightweight and have thin, flexible soles that allow a similar feeling to barefoot while still providing protection from things like cuts. They're often relegated to only being for running-- barefoot running is supposed to be better for your feet-- but there are some other styles available as well.

I think I'm going to get a pair, but I have no idea how to go about it. I wouldn't want to buy online without trying them on for fit, but I also don't know of anywhere around that carries a fair variety. Any experience there? Also, although I absolutely LOVE the idea of the Vibram Five Fingers that literally have separate toes, I'm looking for something more casual, something that doesn't look like "running shoes", something I could wear everyday without anyone even questioning it.

[choof]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

crocs

on a serious note, you probably won't find "barefoot" shoes that you could wear everyday without getting strange looks

better link

http://www.zappos.com/minimalist-running

you can easily find a pair on here and then find the same/similar pair at a nearby shoe store

[devonin]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

Everybody would question anybody wearing the five-toe-shoes. Don't do that.

Barefoot running is only better for your feet if you're running on professional running tracks that are rubberized and built to have that small amount of give to them. If you're just running in the neighbourhood on the concrete, running barefoot is going to wreck you.

[Izzy]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

I tried ITG with toe shoes awhile back and for some reason I don't know where they went. They were pretty awful though. They are hard to put on and feel awkward when trying to move quickly.

[Afrobean]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

on a serious note, you probably won't find "barefoot" shoes that you could wear everyday without getting strange looks

You might be surprised. I stumbled across a pair earlier this morning that easily passed for dress shoes. They even had a "heel" on them like real dress shoes, but upon closer inspection, you could see that the heel on the out-sole was faked for looks. They look like the heel has lift, but in reality, the heel is on the same level as the toes. Because that's one of the major problems with most shoe design: heels shouldn't be raised like that.

ps@dev: there isn't a huge wealth of data on it, but it appears that fully barefoot running has a LOT of advantages. I've had to deal with plantar fasciitis in the past, and I've read a few articles that suggest barefoot or minimalist shoes can help runners who previously wore "regular" shoes while running. The human body evolved these complex mechanisms in feet. They are "designed" to be used barefoot. They are not "designed" to be manually adjusted so that the heel is higher than the toes. Anyway, I'm not necessarily looking to go running anyway. Ideally, I just want a minimalist shoe that could pass for a casual sneaker.

[Alioth]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

I personally prefer Asics over any other brand. They're just so good for running...have a pair myself and they are still good as new

[devonin]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

We're also not really designed to be walking around fully upright either, so running fully upright on concrete is not really something our amazing magical feet are built for. Running barefoot through a meadow? Sure. There's a reason the primary thing shoes do over bare feet is cushion impact.

Also interesting to note that it's been made a big deal of from the barefoot running folks, that there was a guy in the Rome olympics that won gold in the marathon running barefoot, but he only ran barefoot because the shoes he was given were too small. He came back in the next olympics wearing shoes, won the gold medal again, and broke the world record.

[Alioth]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

Asics website for those interested in getting some shoes from them. Oh well...I'm gonna start up my jogging ritual tomorrow~

[NeonSM]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

Asics are definitely a reputable brand for running. I ran XC for like 4-5 years and had like 2 pairs of those that lasted a long time. On the subject of the foot shoes, I've seen people wearing them before, they do look a bit silly; but hey, if you wanna try them wth not lol.

[Mahou]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

I think new balance and asics make the best running shoe because they have great support, different styles, and last for awhile even for a serious runner.
I've been very skeptical about buying a pair of barefoot shoes just because I'm worried i could damage something over a period of time. After all, they look more like a typical running flats than an actual running/trail shoe.

[Pseudo Enigma]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

Everybody would question anybody wearing the five-toe-shoes. Don't do that.

They look pretty cool to me... :/

[Izzy]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

Doesn't mean people won't question you about it.

[Afrobean]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

They look pretty cool to me... :/

I agree, but the toe separation is still the problem. It makes them look otherworldly. Like if a regular shoe and a regular foot had a baby. It's too uncanny.

ps once again, I'm not interested in barefoot running, I'm interested in minimalist shoes. I only mentioned it as it is tangentially relevant, and I figured if anyone was familiar, they'd be familiar thanks to how successful the barefoot running movement has been.

[Mahou]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

I agree, but the toe separation is still the problem. It makes them look otherworldly. Like if a regular shoe and a regular foot had a baby. It's too uncanny.

ps once again, I'm not interested in barefoot running, I'm interested in minimalist shoes. I only mentioned it as it is tangentially relevant, and I figured if anyone was familiar, they'd be familiar thanks to how successful the barefoot running movement has been.

In that case, your should get them. My friend says they're pretty comfortable to walk around in.

[choof]

Re: Anyone know anything about "barefoot" shoes?

no no, he wants comfy and awkward shoes without the awkward