This week I run in weird frog shoes
I think it’s a particularly Australian thing to not want to appear too earnest when partaking in sporting pursuits. Blaring lyrca and customised sweats make you look like you care too much. Which is fine if you’re the best. But anything less? You’re a try-hard. I mean, what could be worse than being accused of having “all gear and no idea”?
For this week’s column I succumbed to trialing possibly the most earnest sporting accoutrement on the planet: Vibram FiveFingers, those odd little foot gloves made from rubber that allow you to run barefoot without getting glass or twig injuries. They were originally designed in Italy as a non-slip boating shoe, but a few years ago were adopted by the rather parochial and fast-growing barefoot running community. You might have seen such folk about at your gym, down at the park, running past you in a marathon. And you might have thought, “Cripes, what an earnest little frog-footed person he/she is!”.
Well, I’ve turned into just such a person. You know, it’s lucky I offloaded my pride long ago (shortly after I wrote about getting a colonic and just before tap-dancing out of a plane with Sir Richard Branson for this column). Adjusting to the FiveFingers takes a good few months and Australia’s Vibram importer Max Delacy from Barefoot Inc told me I must walk around in them as much as possible until my feet strengthened. I wore mine walking through the city to meetings, to the supermarket and into a pub when I had to drop something off to a friend. I got looks. But I held my head high.
I used to be a keen runner – 4 to 5 times a week since I was a teenager. But then I started getting hip pain. So I kind of stopped (runners never step, they shuffle), resigned to the idea that maybe humans weren’t meant to run, but have been wondering ever since whether shoes might’ve been the problem.
It so happens so did US journalist Chris McDougall. It led him to follow a hidden tribe of Mexican ultra-runners who can run barefoot for three days without stopping and without the aid of “multiple shock absorbers” and patented “heel-supported memory foam”. His findings resulted in the cultish, New York Times bestseller Born to Run, which concluded that barefooters run as our bodies were designed to.
Consider these handy-to-have-at-a-barbeque-when-arguing-against-running-shoes factoids: our feet consist of a clever weight-baring arch supported by a web of 26 bones and 100 muscles that operate like cables to a suspension bridge. You don’t have to be an engineer to know that when you support an arch or bridge from below, the whole thing goes flaccid. Ditto our feet. Ever had your arm in a plaster cast? In just six weeks there’s a 40-60 per cent atrophy of the musculature. Same for feet encased in shoes (or “foot coffins”), say countless experts.
But what about impact injuries? Doesn’t cushioning help? Actually, Canadian scientists found the more cushioning in our shoes, the harder we slap to the ground – we naturally seek the most stable surface and push through memory foams and shock absorbers to find it. Also, most injuries are due to the heel-toe motion which forces up to 12 times our weight down one locked leg. Of course, heel-toe action was only made possible with the advent of fancy running shoes in 1972 that elevated and cushioned the heel. Sans the fancy stuff, you naturally land in the middle of your foot with a bent, spring-loaded knee. Indeed, Dr Craig Richards at the University of Newcastle found there ain’t a single study in the world that shows running shoes prevent injuries, despite a $17 billion industry with a vested interest in one.
I have to say there’s something elegant about running barefoot, frog-person aesthetics aside. As my feet strengthened over the past month, I’ve been able to run further and further – a light, springy shuffle, my legs kicking behind, the rest of me naturally propelled forward, like the way I ran as a kid on the lawn. It feels free and I’ve had no hip pain for the first time in years.
I run lighter…like a little insect scuttering across a lily pond. I run comfortably. I’ve previously mentioned I’d gone off running for health reasons, but running barefoot has made it possible to run lightly and without strain.
I’m constantly astounded by the way we complicate our lives. And refreshed when it turns out that the antidote is to peel back another layer of highly marketed, unnecessary, consumerable guff. Less is – more and more so – more.
For stockists check out Barefoot Inc. Are you a fan? Would you look at me oddly in the street?
Aha!! You’ve solved a mystery that has been causing me many a sleepless night over the past week!
The other day I saw a man wearing these exact froglike contraptions and they so disturbed me that I spilled my drink all over myself while craning to get a look!
They remind me of superhero shoes–like an ordinary citizen got exposed to some bewitched lycra and rubber that bound to his feet, making him…
Running Man?
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March 21st, 2011 at 3:13 pm
…”I spilled my drink all over myself while craning to get a look”!
Bek, im sorry, but that is Hilarious !!!!!
I can’t stop laughing
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A friend of mine in Texas had a pair of those. She was a bit odd at times, so the weird toe shoes added to that image, but she swore by them, and did a lot of cross country running, so she was probably right. Doesn’t stop them looking odd though.
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I hate the way they look. They give me the heeby-geebies. But my husband has been wearing them for months (not coincidentally since reading Born to Run) and he loves them. He was a non-runner, a Lycra clad – and quite fit – cyclist, but he’s super fit now, loves running and is training to do a marathon. He’s lost almost 10kg because he just loves to run and now commutes to work by running. These hideous looking shoes have literally changed our lives for the better. Just one thing though honey, please don’t wear them when we go out to dinner!
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Good to see you try the Vibram FiveFingers, particularly by wearing them in and conditioning your body (a common oversight by many that can lead to injury). I have met many people who are converted and swear by these shoes, likewise met many who have had injuries from using them.
I think people should also be aware that while there is no scientific evidence that running shoes actually prevent injury, there is also no scientific evidence that they cause injury. There is simply no evidence on either side of the debate.
The Chris McDougall book ‘Born to Run’ is a wonderful story. Period. It is anecdotal in it observations, but often held up as proof that running shoes are bad for us.
Everyone runs differently. Sans running shoes, some people will still run heel-toe, some will land on the balls of their feet, some in the middle. Everyone’s biomechanics are different and some people will simply not be able to run in barefeet/Vibram FiveFingers. Many people have found that running shoes have increased their ability to participate in the sport.
To say all running shoes are ‘marketed guff’ is misleading. There is no evidence either way.
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Wow! So bizarre to see this article… I just bought a pair of these yesterday. Been wearing them all day, and already I love them…!
Incidentally, I should add that over the past few months, I’ve taken to walking barefoot wherever I can. I hadn’t walked barefoot in years until starting again a couple months ago. It was amazing how much my whole body responded to it. Surprisingly sore at first (going out in public barefoot), the body seems to really appreciate it. But long walks and jogs always got the shoes, for obvious reasons. Once it stops raining, I’m looking forward to extended walks in these crazy ugly things.
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Heh Sarah – this is exciting! One of the reasons I don’t run is I can’t stand wearing those shoes with all the cushioning – it makes me feel unsure of my step, and really awkward!
I’ve always leaned towards barefoot exercise – yoga, pilates, bellydancing – and get my cardio through walking (and I wear flat skater shoes to walk, like converse, that have zero support). My pilates teacher has shown me a number of exercises to strengthen the muscles in my feet.
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So Sarah do you think those trainers you posted about a while back, the reebok and other brands with super thick sole that are supposed to give you a good bum, are still ok?
Cheers!
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My husband just bought a pair of these. I’ve heard of the benefits but I couldn’t stop laughing when he first put them on. Best laugh I’ve had in awhile. But I like them. They’re kind of cool.
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brilliant I’ve been thinking of giving these little uglies a go for the last couple of days, maybe I should because I love to chase my dog around the yard barefoot, but it does have the disadvantage of getting all sorts of things sticking in your feet, so why not really…
Going to look into it right now…
Love, Jules
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this is so interesting! my boyfriend loves them, but he also says that after a certain number of miles his shins get really sore. perhaps he needed to build up gradually, though. how many miles can you currently do in them? i’ve recently gone off running as well for some weird shin pain, and i swear it’s my shoes.
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My brother is a big runner and swears by these. I had totally forgotten about them, but am in the market for new running shoes so I might just have to try them. Thanks for the info!
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I saw a black runner in the Commonwealth Games Marathon in Auckland in 1990 run quite happily in real bare feet.
Those skins shoes look really weard im sure your going to get some weird looks with them
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Runners (part or full time) need to be very careful in the transition to barefoot/vibram running. Take it easy with a 3/4 week walk + run program (always following the 10% rule) otherwise you are likely to cause yourself an injury.
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[...] going barefoot, or as close to barefoot as you can, is better for your body. Thanks Sarah Wilson for the heads up. She writes: So I kind of stopped (runners never step, they shuffle), resigned to the idea that [...]
[...] Sarah Wilson writes about her experience running in Vibrams! FYI, I got mine from the Barefoot Inc concept store in Waverley and the fitting and service was fantastic. [...]
Great Post! I love my Vibrams. I’ve been wearing them for a few years now. I found running so free but you definitely have to work your way into them. Pronators (people who have feet that roll in) need to be weary when purchasing these and work on strengthening and balance exercises for the arch of the foot.
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I brought my first pair two weeks ago! LOOOVOVVEEEE! Them. Had vanity issues about wearing them in public, soon got over it, because of how comfortable walking in them is. The issue of strangeness is with others, not with those wearing them.
Hope to progress to running very soon. In the meantime I am buying a second pair this week, just for casual. I love VIBRAMS!
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March 21st, 2011 at 10:51 am
PS I had no soreness from wearing them, but then again, I have only ever worn “comfortable” shoes (hiking, runners) never been a “girlie constrictive” shoe wearer! Which was probably why my transition was pain/uncomfortable-free!
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How great is “Born to Run”!! What an awesome book it is, it inspired me to begin running again, I am working my way up to the Vibrams, I have been re-training my running stride since I read the book and am going barefoot as often as possible. My husband hates the way the vibrams look and almost talked me out of it, now I am going to get them and damn the strange looks! Thanks Sarah, I always love your column & blogs.
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I converted to Vibrams about five years ago, not for actual gym exercise mostly just for casual wear. They creep the hell out of people who dont like feet, and leave awesome gorilla-like footprints if you wear them on the sand. I adore them!
I recently started wearing them for every kind of exercise I do – to and from scuba (I have seen them worn under fins WHILST diving as well!) for weights at the gym to give me proper balance and technique, and for walking. If I ran I would use them for that too. It does take a little while for the muscles in your feet to adjust so start slowly. But now I am adjusted, I feel lighter than air – and have a lot less ankle/ knee pain.
You can get heaps of different kinds for different occasions, and you can even get sparkly disco-ball ones for dressier wear! Hilarious!
I couldnt care less if people think they are ugly, to be honest – it makes me laugh how confused people get by my strange frog feet!
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March 21st, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Oh, and you can also do yoga in them – the grip is perfect and it’s heaven for cold tootsies on a winter morning!
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I have found the Five Fingers comfortable, but they don’t provide enough protection for my feet in the gym with weights and exercise machines. I also recognise that if a weight is dropped on my foot a regular gym shoe wont be enough either. A steel capped boot would only suffice in that situation. Regular gym shoes will a least give your feet adequate protection from the rough and scruff of a solid gym workout. I guess you could say it’s, horses for courses.
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Hi Sarah,
Thanks for your article about barefoot running. If you ever want to go simpler check out these shoes. You can make them yourself and these are the only things I run in…
http://www.invisibleshoe.com/
I reckon the Vibram shoes are overpriced and don’t last very well. Plus I love making my own shoes!!
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I’ve started running half way through last year and alternate from regular runners to five fingers. I figured the alernating between different footwear would make it easy to get used to them and it worked. When I go more offroad or longer runs I even use compatible 5 toe socks called injinji… they make the shoes look more unusual but prevent sand and dirt getting inbetween the 5fingers and my feet. I dont use socks I go for quick 3km sprints for example.
When I run on concrete the sound my 5fingers make compared to the regular runners my running group use I’m easily the quietest. I think my running has adapted to be less impact because of the less cushioning. My 2 buddies who run with me are not convinced and reckon I look like a frog man… The real test will be when I run my first city2surf this year. They’ve both ran it before and if I manage to beat their times on my first shot It will be a victory for 5fingers…. I’m on track even though never ran 14km in one go.
My feet feel a bit heavier if I run say 10km towards the end using regular shoes. I definetely get more in the groove when I have the 5fingers but for some reason I continue to use both shoes. By the way I’ve just completed 1000km from when I first started running
Any other beginners using 5fingers?
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[...] MINX Sarah Wilson | Vibram Fivefingers…I’m a Convert (Sunday life) | Fit Minx has been dying to try these adorably daggy bare foot running shoes for months, will she [...]
Hi Sarah!
Just wanted to warn you – my partner got some a few months ago and they actually caused him to get a severe stress fracture in his foot! The doctor said he has seen so many injuries from these shoes, and said that they are no good for running on concrete/roads/hard surfaces – only for grass and sand.
He has spent the last 8 weeks on crutches with his foot in a moon boot with twice weekly physio – and even after the moon boot is off, he’s still not allowed to run for another 2 months!
Just wanted to let people to know to be careful!
Cheers
Mia
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Sorry Mia but the doctor has no idea making a statement like “no good for running on concrete/roads/hard surfaces “. If the running technique is bad these shoes can make things worse. That’s of course if you are pounding the ground hard especially if it’s a hard surface like concrete. With these shoes if you’re running on concrete it’s easy to identify if you’re pounding the ground unnecessarily hard. You’d hear a clear noise so the technique needs to be modified. So as I said doesn’t mean the shoes are no good for running on hard surfaces. People run with no shoes at all. Surely that’s even less cushioning than the Vibrams. Sorry to hear about your partner’s misfortune but I think it’s hard to have conclusive evidence that the shoes actually caused it. If you do have that proof then why not go after the manufacturer in the courts? I doubt things will go well pursuing that avenue. I doubt the doctor would even want to put in in writing.
I’ve alternated and still alternate between normal running shoes “Brooks” and the Vibrams. I found that I was able to get used to them a lot better that way and I’ve also avoided hard surfaces especially at the start. After 1000km I find my speed is definitely better in the Vibrams. You still need days of rest regardless. 12km, 5km,9km already this week all in 5 fingers so having a rest day today. Will do a couple of smaller runs on weekend but more then likely I’ll go back to the normal runners just to change it up a bit.
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How amazing – I saw an article in the Q Weekend (Brisbane Paper) many months ago and started to walk in flat shoes as a result – voila, all the pain that radiated from just below my buttock to my knee and knee pain disappeared. I had previously been walking in “walking” shoes but since reading the article have been walking in Hush Puppies but wanted to get something a bit more sporting orientated because when I walk for an hour, the base of my feet get a bit sore, these sound excellent. A personal trainer that I do a group session with also suggested Nike Lights – which he wears and are based on the same principle. I had given up running because it was literally a pain in the butt! Plus the knees and hips, so I might be able to start up again.
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So I have a question. My second toe is actually longer than other toes, would this be a problem with these? I have been wanting them for a while but I’m worried that they won’t fit correctly because of this. Also, I have really flat feet, would that be a problem? I have been wearing pads(doctor prescribed) to help with an arch for years. I feet start to seriously hurt after being on them feet for a long period of time. I was thinking that these would be great for me to get into walking and running because shoes just feel so heavy. Just hoping for your opinion on this. Thanks a bunch.
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March 28th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
Yup!
I have a weird second longer toe and they still fit like a glove, which is brilliant. And I also have flat-ish feet, which isnt a big unnatural sin like some doctors/ chiros make us believe, its just the way some feet are. I binned my orthodics and special arch-support shoes ages ago and have never been happier or more pain-free – I am convinced they caused more damage than they prevented!
One thing I will mention though, is that you do need to get used to them if you are accustomed to cushioned runners. They will have trained you to have weak feet. I had a bit of pain in the first few weeks (although in my muscles in my feet, weirdly enough my knee and hip pain disappeared pretty much instantly.) Also, as a runner wearing cushioned shoes you tend to pound and slap the ground aggressively with your feet, it takes a little while to adjust to the nice pleasant stride you do in Vibrams. Kind of like a cat padding about, or a little insect like Sarah said. I gave myself several weeks and alternated Vibrams with my regular runners, until I just got annoyed at my runners and ditched them.
I would never go back now… a pair of Vibrams can be initially expensive, but compared to replacing your regular runners every 6 months (I’ve had my Vibrams for 5 years and they are still as new!) plus chiro appointments and orthodics? I love spending LESS money on something that does more for my health!
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April 2nd, 2011 at 5:41 am
Thank you so much for your input! I’m definitely going to get a pair. I wanted to get into running to get into shape and regular shoes felt so heavy and were unpleasant for me to run in.
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Just a PS. Before you invest the $280 odd for a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, check out some of the other light, minimalist running shoes available. Merrell Gloves are lightweight and have a Vibram sole that lasts forever, Nike Free is another option, New Balance has a new minimalist shoe (can’t get in Aust yet), I’m sure other shoe manufacturers like Addidas and Salamon will bring out their own versions. These shoes are not cheap, and you can easily get sucked into thinking you have to buy 5 different pairs of running shoes to find the ‘right’ one for your foot – we’ve been there! It seems all so ‘noble’, peace-loving and anti-corporation to go “barefoot” but it’s just as much an industry as any other.
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April 2nd, 2011 at 10:35 am
True. My love for Vibrams kinda centres around the fact that I have one pair, they have lasted for 5 years, and I wear them everywhere. Pretty cheap when you look at it like that. However, my partner swears by Nike Frees, which I must admit look much nicer and are much more readily available! It’s all about finding what works for you. It is great that there are so many brands to choose from now, a few years ago there werent!
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are you still wearing them?
My friend has been preaching to me for the last year about them, he wears them everywhere despite his friends telling him he will never get a girlfriend in them hehe
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Dear Sarah,
I’m going to your high-tea this Sunday. Can’t wait! The guy who organise the ticket said he will email all the details to everyone on Monday. I haven’t received any and have forgotten his name. Is there any info I need to know before turning up to the movie session?
Thank you for your time and looking forward to see you on Sunday!
xx
Padee from Cronulla
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August 26th, 2011 at 7:22 pm
I’ll see you there! His name is Jay, and he sent out details to everyone yesterday I think?
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[...] I move every morning – a mixture of walking, jogging (I’ve taken to barefoot running), yoga, ocean swimming and home weights. I also ride a singlespeed bike. My thing is this: I set [...]
[...] trialled some Vibrams earlier on this year, for a Sunday Life column on barefoot running. Of course, she doesn’t do anything half-heartedly; so after wearing them in the safety of [...]
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