Are these shoes actually good for your feet, paleo?

[kurite]

Im not advocating the use of these shoes, I saw them in an ad and thought that it seemed somewhat paleo but I know very little about feet/shoes so someone please look. If this is inappropriate because its a link to an advertisement than please ban this post.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/indexNA.cfm

[kurite]

Was reading up on these shoes and found that quite a few crossfit athletes use these. Crossfitters generally are fellow paleo dieters. Once again not advocating the shoes but im definately getting a pair.

[Josh]

One of the barefoot running guys rates them well, so I think they're ok, but he favours vivo barefoot more. I'm not sure the individual toes are that necessary for most purposes.

[kurite]

But both of these are healthier for your feet than convential shoes?

[djr_81]

But both of these are healthier for your feet than convential shoes?

Yes, if you walk correctly. If you walk like most and strike the ground with the back of your foot it could be more damaging to have a minimal sole.
FWIW I have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I bought them not long after starting to eat RAF last August.  Between the diet and "fox walking/running" I've rebuilt my arches from completely flat feet to noticeable arches. YMMV.

[kurite]

Yes, if you walk correctly. If you walk like most and strike the ground with the back of your foot it could be more damaging to have a minimal sole.
FWIW I have a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I bought them not long after starting to eat RAF last August.  Between the diet and "fox walking/running" I've rebuilt my arches from completely flat feet to noticeable arches. YMMV.

Yes I realize the wrong striking area on your foot can result in leg problems. I have already read several guides on how to properly barefoot run and have already started to practice. My friend also does quite alot of barefoot running and helps me with any questions.

Thanks for the review


Anyone know if these shoes can be used instead of hiking boots while backpacking? Or is this just dangerous?

[Sitting Coyote]

Vibram offers a version of their FiveFingers with a thicker, more heavily textured sole for hiking and trekking, although I don't know the name of it off hand.  I just bought a pair for running, and I like them a lot.  I also think the individual toes are useful for those of us who hunt, because when you are stalking you can use your toes to grab sticks and move them out from where you want to step so you don't snap them when you put your foot down. 

[kurite]

Vibram offers a version of their FiveFingers with a thicker, more heavily textured sole for hiking and trekking, although I don't know the name of it off hand.  I just bought a pair for running, and I like them a lot.  I also think the individual toes are useful for those of us who hunt, because when you are stalking you can use your toes to grab sticks and move them out from where you want to step so you don't snap them when you put your foot down. 

Very cool. What do you hunt?

[djr_81]

Vibram offers a version of their FiveFingers with a thicker, more heavily textured sole for hiking and trekking, although I don't know the name of it off hand.  I just bought a pair for running, and I like them a lot.  I also think the individual toes are useful for those of us who hunt, because when you are stalking you can use your toes to grab sticks and move them out from where you want to step so you don't snap them when you put your foot down. 

KSO Treks.

[kurite]

I wanted to purchase born to run because apparently its a great book for getting into barefoot running but didn't know which one everyone is talking about. Is it born to run by  Christopher McDougall that everyone is talking about?
thanks

[djr_81]

I wanted to purchase born to run because apparently its a great book for getting into barefoot running but didn't know which one everyone is talking about. Is it born to run by  Christopher McDougall that everyone is talking about?
thanks

Yes.
Link to a thread here on the forum about the book.

[Sitting Coyote]

Very cool. What do you hunt?

My primary quarry is whitetail deer, but i'll put in for a moose permit this year and would take any legal herbivore.  I'm also toying with the idea of buying a turkey tag this year, as i had a couple good shots last year during deer season but had to pass because i didn't have a tag.