When I started my Paleo journey, I saw a lot of articles about how being barefoot (like cavemen) had a better health advantage to wearing shoes. The creators or Vibram saw the benefits and created these shoes, that you can use to trek, run, hike or just go to the grocery store!
I took this straight from the Vibram website but it does a great job explaining the benefits of the shoes:
"The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.
Many experts believe the shoes we wear not only cast the foot in a protective form, but also weaken our foot and leg muscles, leaving them underdeveloped and more prone to injury. And while there are many occasions where traditional footwear is essential for protection, safety, and security, it is equally important to stimulate and exercise the foot in a more natural state on a regular basis.
That’s why we recommend wearing FiveFingers for exercise, for play, and for fun. Stimulating muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception."
You can purchase thse shoes off the website at http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/index.htm
or places like REI. :)
They are definitely an attention getter. I have been hearing a lot about them lately, popping up in convos and everywhere on the web. Be careful of imposters! Here are a couple pics:
I have the KSO, Treksport and Flow, ordered them online from Sport Chalet since the Vibram website did not have them available. Interesting fact is that they originally designed these shoes for sailing and climbing. Problem for me though is recently the Sergeant Major of the Army (highest enlisted position in the Army) decided he didn't want soldiers wearing them with the Physical Training uniform, so I have to hang mine up for the rest of the deployment. I would say I noticed a change from the first day I ran in them and for the month or so I have been wearing them. They are a little uncomfortable while breaking them in, which they recommend slowly getting your feet used to them, but after are the most comfortable shoes ever!
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