Xero Shoes
Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2013 2:03 pm
http://xeroshoes.com/index-nav-mwc.php
Initial impression: I like them a lot. You owe yourself a pair of these. (Only approx. $27 "guaranteed for 5,000 miles.)
Background: Lots of info around about benefits of barefoot, not just for running, but for any training where the "feet feel" is a positive aspect of the experience, or even just for the general health effect of strengthening the feet. Still, barefoot brings with it the concerns of safety, looking weird and general hygiene (or health ordinances,) when walking into public places. (Even though committed barefoot folks have their position on these "objections," I think that is very much a fringe or extreme group.)
VFF's were, I'd say, the ground breakers for the ("oxymoronish") "barefoot shoe movement." Safe, relatively hygienic, but for many, still goofy looking and for many, uncomfortable with the configuration for separate toes. Now there are a bunch of minimalist shoes on the market, IMO & IME, lots of great ones.
I picked up a pair of Xero shoes recently. Hard to imagine anything being any closer to barefoot and it pretty much addresses the various objections to true barefoot. (Apparently the company already has an upgrade planned, which I would grab in a heartbeat: http://www.sfgate.com/business/press-re ... 728358.php
Yesterday, I punched a hole in the "tire rubber" and ran the string through. I walked around the house for awhile last night. I have never been a fan of sandals (or flip flops) that have that piece between the toes, but the company web site discussed that on the FAQs and said (more or less) "...You get used to it." So, probably power of suggestion, but I did quickly get used to it. Plus, these fit so lightly and gently on the feet, it is pretty darn easy to get used to it quickly.
This morning I did a slow trot w/ HeavyHands, wearing Xeros, probably around 2.5 miles. Felt great. I really look forward to a lot more getting used to these.
Initial impression: I like them a lot. You owe yourself a pair of these. (Only approx. $27 "guaranteed for 5,000 miles.)
Background: Lots of info around about benefits of barefoot, not just for running, but for any training where the "feet feel" is a positive aspect of the experience, or even just for the general health effect of strengthening the feet. Still, barefoot brings with it the concerns of safety, looking weird and general hygiene (or health ordinances,) when walking into public places. (Even though committed barefoot folks have their position on these "objections," I think that is very much a fringe or extreme group.)
VFF's were, I'd say, the ground breakers for the ("oxymoronish") "barefoot shoe movement." Safe, relatively hygienic, but for many, still goofy looking and for many, uncomfortable with the configuration for separate toes. Now there are a bunch of minimalist shoes on the market, IMO & IME, lots of great ones.
I picked up a pair of Xero shoes recently. Hard to imagine anything being any closer to barefoot and it pretty much addresses the various objections to true barefoot. (Apparently the company already has an upgrade planned, which I would grab in a heartbeat: http://www.sfgate.com/business/press-re ... 728358.php
Yesterday, I punched a hole in the "tire rubber" and ran the string through. I walked around the house for awhile last night. I have never been a fan of sandals (or flip flops) that have that piece between the toes, but the company web site discussed that on the FAQs and said (more or less) "...You get used to it." So, probably power of suggestion, but I did quickly get used to it. Plus, these fit so lightly and gently on the feet, it is pretty darn easy to get used to it quickly.
This morning I did a slow trot w/ HeavyHands, wearing Xeros, probably around 2.5 miles. Felt great. I really look forward to a lot more getting used to these.
