I. am. sold. Today, I purchased some of the most ridiculous looking shoes you've ever seen - and I LOVE them. Weeks ago, my brother sent me a link to check out these supposed amazing shoes, Vibram Five Fingers, since he knows I love running. Once I got past how silly it seemed to essentially wear a glove on my foot and read the technology behind it, I decided I had to have some.
The benefits of running barefoot have long been supported by scientific research, coaches, and athletes who’ve offered ample evidence that training without shoes allows you to run faster and further with fewer injuries.
Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion. According to Dr. Ivo Waerlop of the Vibram Biomechanics Advisory Board, “Running in FiveFingers improves agility, strength, and equilibrium, plus it delivers sensory feedback that allows runners to make immediate corrections in their form. This greatly improves running efficiency.”
No footwear comes closer to recreating the experience and natural sensation of running barefoot than Vibram® FiveFingers. It delivers all the health and performance benefits of barefoot running—with less the risk of injury. Our patented Vibram® sole acts like a second skin to protect you from elements and obstacles, so you can reap the rewards of barefoot running.
The past few weeks I have been trying to come up with an excuse to justify purchasing them. Then my ankle started hurting a bit, and I found myself pushing through the pain while enduring my daily runs. A few days ago I glanced at my shoes as I finished running and was pleased to see the soles beginning to detach. I thought to myself, "YES! Looks like I'll need some new shoes..." How convenient. Yesterday Jay sent me a photo of his new shoes and this put me over the edge - I was determined to get a pair of my own. This morning, I got on the REI website to find the nearest location. I punched the address into my Maps application on my iPhone, packed my running clothes in a bag and headed to the store. I walked into the store with a smile on my face and headed to the shoe department. I began searching and on the inside became a bit frantic when I didn't see any - since I knew REI sold them. Afterall, they have them on their website and I was told they sell them in store. I finally found one pair on the wall and waited until an associate could assist me. I told her I was interested in purchasing a pair. She looked me in the eye and said, "Good luck. We can't keep them in stock but we have a limited supply. Let's go measure you - I hope you have big feet." For once, wearing a size 10 is a good thing. Shoes don't seem to look as cute on a size 10 foot - not too mention I'm tall already and the heels always seem bigger. I don't want to be any taller than I already am! In any case, she measured my foot and I stood there waiting in anticipation as she went to the back room. I told myself not to get my hopes up - as I easily do - so not to be disappointed. I saw her turn the corner with two boxes in hand. She handed them over and said, "This is all we have in your size. The first one is slate and the other is black." Inside I was jumping for joy, as I knew the slate ones were the very pair I spotted online that I wanted! I walked over to the bench, opened the box and slipped them on my feet - there was no turning back. I immediately knew they were to be mine. I tucked them carefully back into the box, stood up and walked over to the long line of people waiting to be checked out.
After I purchased them and went back to the car, my mom wanted to see them. I think she laughed - and I'll admit, they do look silly. Silas, however, thought they were "soo cool" and wants a pair just like them. We headed directly to the lake so I could try them out. My mom took the boys to ride their bikes and feed the ducks an entire loaf of bread while I went for my run. As I started running, I knew I was in love. I felt fast. I felt 10 pounds lighter. I felt like I could run all day. I ran 4 miles, only turning around because there weren't many people on the last mile of the path. I ran it in 33 minutes, which was 2 minutes off my personal best for that mileage. I'm so excited and can't wait to get faster and continue breaking in my fabulous new shoes.
I know you're jealous of my super cool shoes. And that's okay, I encourage everyone to go get a pair. They're so comfortable maybe I'll create a new fashion trend and sport them with my everyday clothes - maybe even a dress. If you try them, I promise you'll be sold too - and you may never want to take them off. Be cool and get some gloves for your feet too.
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