Don't laugh until you a try a pair. After taking a class with a fellow runner who was raving about her Vibram Five Fingers (VFF's pictured at left) I decided to give them a try.
After testing out several styles at Paragon - the VFF's were not for me - however, the more middle of the road Nike Free's cranked my tractor. It's as though I was not even wearing shoes and the coolest sensation was that I could feel the entire anatomical symphony of my feet -- that would be 52 bones, 66 joints, 36 muscles, 100 tendons & thousands of nerves -- coming to life.
The $18 billion footwear market has broken out in a heated debate over the benefits of the traditional shoe versus the barefoot or minimal running styles. Ultimately, it's a personal choice and as a massage therapist my body sides with the more minimal shoe that allows me to literally step into the wisdom & majesty of the human form.
Lastly, if you decide that barefoot or minimal shoes are for you - give your body time to adjust by starting out slowly!
additional info and barefoot evaluations at:
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