A good sportsperson always blames their equipment right?
 
So today I find myself slipping my feet (after a few failed attempts to get the toes right) into a pair of Vibram® FiveFingers®
 
Never heard of them? Here is a little bit of background  …..  In 1960, Ethiopian Abebe Bikila won the Olympic Marathon in bare feet. Three decades later, Ken Bob Saxton completed his first barefoot marathon in 4:12. But, it wasn’t until 2009 that barefoot running became a hot topic. This was primarily due to a book by Christopher McDougall called Born to Run where he detailed the story of Mexico’s Tarahumara Indians who run barefoot or in tire-tread sandals while also controversial concluding that running shoes have done little to prevent injuries. And hence forth came the popularity of minimal shoes, such as the Nike Free and Vibram® FiveFingers®!
 
The debates and studies still rage on surrounding barefoot running and you can find many a web article dismissing or recommending the shoes. As with all things health and fitness there is often conflicting information so who do you trust? Well with a handful of vouchers to spend I opted to find out for myself.
 
I am traditionally an over-pronator and have been wearing my perfect pair of Asiscs for over 10 years through several 10ks, half marathons and even a marathon with no recordable running injuries. (Note: I have replaced them in this time, I’ve just kept to the exact same style!) Having spent a very uncomfortable couple months at the beginning of my running career in pain from shin-splints, I was amazed to feel an instant relief when put in the correct shoe for me. So I am an advocate of getting the correct running shoes for your specific running style (or gait as they sometimes call it). I also think you shouldn’t skimp on paying good money, getting some professional advice and an assessment of your needs.
 
So why have I now spent a large bit of cash on something that is possibly just a fad (if it’s good enough for Scarlett Johannson!) Well for one I probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t had the vouchers but primarily it’s because I was wearing my trusty runners to do all sorts of functional training with Kerry in the Warehouse circuits class and (here comes the blaming equipment bit) my feet just hurt as soon as I started to move sideways. I obviously had to stop exercising until the pain had lifted, honest! So I started to take off my shoes and continue the class in my socks. Hence the thought process commenced ….. who doesn’t like to buy new shoes (yes I’m a woman in case you haven’t guessed).
 
My Vibram® FiveFingers® claim to be “different than any other footwear on the planet. Not only do they encourage a more natural and efficient forefoot strike but bring you closer to your environment. FiveFingers® deliver a number of positive health benefits–by leveraging all of the body’s natural biomechanics, so you can move as nature intended.”
 
Are they any good I hear you ask? Well so far I am loving them! But it is early days. They recommend a “gradual transition to ensure a safe and pleasurable experience”. The Warehouse Studio is ideal for this transition due to the unique flooring so I have worn them for a circuits class and found them very comfortable with no feet pain or any other issues (except from those expected from one of Kerry’s classes). My feet felt like they had had a nice work-out too. The primary intention is to continue to use them in the Studio but someday I might venture our into the streets in them, better make it soon so it is still dark, not sure I could cope with the weird looks. Otherwise feel free to look at me weirdly in the gym if you see me with them on!