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Published: 21st September 2011
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The Vibram Five Fingers are a very unique new shoe design. At first glance these shoes look odd, some people even think they look funny. They are called gloves for your feet. But there is a great deal of science behind them.
The philosophy behind the Vibram five finger shoes is that running barefoot is essentially better and more natural than the designed and constricted shoes many people use. People who use Five Fingers shoes like the natural movement it allows.
Unlike normal running sneakers the Vibram Five Fingers are like gloves for your feet. Each toe is housed in an individual sleeve. There is no padding in the shoe. The design is based on a concept of minimal interference between your foot and the ground.
There is some science to support this. Many people do not need the support and artificial form of a typical shoe. These people believe that this can lead to both foot problems and leg problems. The idea is to return to a natural method of movement.
The belief is that the human foot is perfectly designed. So when you put on a sneaker or shoe that changes the positioning and the stress points you are actually creating a very undesirable situation.

However, because you cannot run on a pristine beach or lawn, you do need some protection. The Vibram Five Fingers are concerned with protecting your skin, not providing arch support or any other relatively new developments. Fans of the five finger belief that that human foot is sufficiently designed to protect itself.
Much of what is lost when wearing typical shoes and sneakers is the balance and agility that is sacrificed in order to achieve cushion. However, it is questionable as to whether this cushion is actually necessary.
Despite public displays of athletic minimalism like Bikila’s, few runners have been spotted barefoot since then. Athletic gear design, if anything, has gone in a completely opposite direction. Over the next 50 years several major brands infused technology and clothing together to create high performance athletic gear. Shoes have been the largest focus. Now you can strap on a pair of Asics Gel-Kayanos and expect at least 500 miles of wear and tear before you’re advised to get rid of them. Other running shoes come equipped with micro chips that tie into GPS and audio players for a type of "in-flight entertainment" while you run.When I first started distance running my coaches told me that I over-pronated. They said that I was prone to injury because of it. My IT band would get tight. My knees might start hurting. My arches would swell up and ache. All of that might happen because of natural dysfunctions in my running form. Apparently I wasn’t the only one prone to those injuries though. According to my coaches and pretty much every distance runner around me, those injuries were just a natural part of running and everyone had to deal with it.

So I was advised to get the best running shoes and find something "with support." From the beginning I’ve run with motion control shoes with massive arch support, a 2 inch heel, and a pair of Super Feet insoles to "prevent over-pronation." Then I went out and ran. And ever since I started running marathons I’ve consistently been hurt despite buying the gear that they recommended I buy.
If this sounds familiar then don’t be shocked. There’s a good chance that 90% of you reading this are in the same boat as I was.
Fortunately, one day I stumbled across some literature on barefoot running and it’s advantages. I read about how the foot is naturally designed for running without the assistance of a shoe and of the successful barefoot runners around the world both past and present who ditched shoes and were healthier runners for it. Since coming across that literature I’ve learned more about barefoot running and have decided to test out barefoot running products.
Keeping stuff out – the KSO’s (Keep Stuff Out) line is a big improvement on the original Vibram’s that did not have a mesh upper. However, Vibram might want to experiment with elongating the mesh upper so that it travels up the base of the ankle more since I found that dirt and rocks sometimes entered the shoe from the top and not through the mesh itself.
Velcro clasp – I think a wider velcro clasp would be more comfortable and offer a tighter fit. The current clasp is only about half of an inch wide so it can be somewhat uncomfortable when clasped tightly. A thicker clasp would distribute the tightness across more of the foot, making it a bit more comfortable and also locking in a greater area of the ankle, keeping the fit nice and snug.
Toe protection – the rubber lip at the tip of the toes is a savior when running on tough terrain. However the rubber can be aggravating to the tips of the toes, especially the pinky toes. The current cut of the rubber leads the sole to end abruptly, leaving a somewhat sharp and pointy edge. Vibram should "round off" the rubber so that it transitions more smoothly at the tips of the toes. The current cut leaves a protrusion of rubber that can sometimes rub against an adjoining toe.
Many runners find that while the comfort of a traditional sneaker feels better while they are running, afterwards they have aches and pains that are absent when using the Five Fingers. The reason, many believe, is that these Vibram sneakers are not altering the natural gait. Your body is perfectly designed and anything that alters this.
There is also the added benefit of the flexibility allowed with the Vibrams. Your feet are capable of maintaining more control over terrain than normal sneakers or shoes. This is why running with these shoes actually allows for more stability and control. You will be less likely to slip and fall.
The idea of barefoot running is not new. Many countries have athletes that practice running barefoot for races. These same runners would compete barefoot if the race allowed. They understand that the natural arch of the foot is superior to the artificial arch of a running shoe.
Vibrams are a great choice for anyone who is interested in returning to a more efficient means of running. However, they do take some getting used to. You should always take it easy when first trying any piece of new equipment. Additionally you will want to be very precise on sizing. Unlike other sneakers these five finger Vibrams require you to be very accurate with size.

What the Vibram Running shoe aims to do is to protect the soles of our feet (who really wants hard, calloused and possible cut up feet) and allow us to rediscover and to get in tune with the way our body is meant to move.
These shoes may look a little different and special but actually they are really quite cool and can be used for a multitude of purposes. Whether you just want something to walk around the home or to the shops, perhaps you climb or do some light trekking or you may want the Vibram Five Fingers for running.
There are many styles made by Vibram and you can easily find the right pair for you. Most of the 5 Fingers shoes are made with a Kangaroo upper and the soles are Vibrams trademark protective sole. You can buy the Vibram Classic which is like a ballet pump or the Vibram Bikila which is specially designed for running with its more protective layer over the toes and comfortable lining around the ankle.
Whether you are after a new style of running or just want to be more in tune with your body then these shoes are the ideal.

Vibram Five Fingers shoes are new products created by the Vibram company. Essentially, the product simulates being barefoot. The thin soles are made of rubber compounds and boasts excellent slip proof grips. The shoes are made to completely contour to the shape of the foot and many people prefer to wear Five Fingers, as opposed to regular sneakers, during activities like sailing, hiking, and running.
Many fans of the specialized foot gear assert that they are a safer and more natural alternative to regular shoes. There are even claims that running and hiking with Vibram Five Fingers is better for building muscles and reduces the risk of injuries and falls. For these reasons, as well as the variety of colors and sizes they are available in, the shoes are becoming quite popular with outdoor enthusiasts and athletes.
Although the footwear don't look like regular sneakers or shoes, they should still be properly cared for. Their durable materials actually make them fairly simple to clean and maintain, just be sure not to leave them outside in the sun or rain and to periodically inspect them for wear and tear.
Since the Five Finger shoes are as close as you can get to being barefoot while wearing protective foot gear, they're bound to get a little smelly. And since wearing an odor blocking sole defeats the purpose of the shoe, you'll have to resort to other measures.
Sprinkle a little bit of corn starch or baking soda inside them every few weeks or whenever you feel it's necessary. These helpful powders will be able to sufficiently neutralize most smells without sacrificing the shoe's integrity. And, best of all, if you apply the odor absorbing powders, you won't have to wash the shoes as often.
After a day full of hiking and swimming while wearing the Vibram shoes, the easiest and fastest way to clean them off is to simply hop in the shower while wearing them. And treating the shoes as your bare feet definitely shouldn't stop when you're in the shower. As you cover yourself with soap or body wash, lather up the Five Finger shoes so that they are covered completely. Then, simply rinse them off in the water.

SPRINT SHOES and SPEED SHOES are the most versatile among all. As the name suggest they provide the same speed and swiftness to your feet. These shoes are available in cool graphic designs that not only grab your attention by their unique designs but also make you feel good by their well equipped interior. The advantage of this shoe is that your foot easily slips in effortlessly adjusting to its interior. These types are used for jogging, walking, and running.



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