The return of barefoot running....now with Five Fingers!

[CommodoreMid]

I'm debating getting a pair when my current running shoes are worn out. I don't run regularly (I go to the West Jax Crossfit) and we have a couple guys there that swear by them. My running form has always sucked (I shuffle as opposed to the figure 4 technique) and I know I would like something to have on my feet when I'm doing heavy lifting (I just do things like the crossfit total in my socks now), but how does it work with other activities besides running/lifting? Is doing things like box jumps going to hurt like hell only wearing the five fingers vice a running shoe?

 

[JONNY]

From my limited experience, you can really wear these doing anything. I probably wouldn't wear these just to walk around town in because you will get odd stares, but box jumps should be fine. What I found interesting was my running form immediately changed right when I stepped on the track. In order to avoid having the high impact of the heel strike, you have to land on the balls of your feet (but your body will automatically adjust, no thinking involved).

 

[Afterburner209]

I wear mine to crossfit and they are great. Honestly if you have decent running form, I actually prefer running shoes for runs of 2-3 miles + but anything shorter these are fine. Box jumps or any excersize in these are actually really nice. You have better awareness of your foot location and they are awesome for Olympic lifts. So the only two things I would not recommend these for are long runs (although many would argue differently) and I wouldn't wear them for sports. As your foots sweats, you lose agility while playing sports. They can smell pretty bad after a while too but you can just throw them in the washing machine.

 

[SynixMan]

I ran the Pensacola Half Marathon two weeks ago and saw a few dudes sporting these guys. So you can do distance with em if you want. They have for sure peaked my interest. I'm thinking I'll get a pair after API.

I can't wait until someone shows up to OCS with a pair of these!

 

[VulcanRider]

The Marine Corps Times ran an article on barefoot running a little while ago. They referenced a Marine who ran the Hawaii Marathon legit barefoot.

I just picked up a pair before I moved. My calves definitely hurt the next couple days after that first run, but they do make running more comfortable in a way.

 

[cfam]

I love mine. I've never been a big runner, but ever since I picked them up I've found myself running more often and for longer distances. The initial adjustment period wasn't fun (my calves ached after the first few runs), but they've been great ever since. I use them for running and for crossfit. The box jumps weren't a problem because I found myself landing on the balls of my feet anyway, so there wasn't much impact. There are at least three places in the Pensacola area that stock them too, but Intercoastal Outfitters (by McGuire's) sells out pretty quickly, so I'd get your name on the waiting list if you're interested in them.

 

[dephyler]

I ran Boston today and saw a few people sporting them. Crazier than that though, I saw some old Korean guy running in bare feet. I'm planning to try these out now that I'm going to cut my distance down a lot. I have some serious issues with calves cramping up during runs as it is, so hopefully the switch won't be too hard on me.

 

[vick]

Maybe it's been mentioned earlier in the thread, but read the book Born To Run, really interesting theory and discussion on the benefits of barefoot running and some immersion with a tribe in Mexico that run exclusively barefoot. I haven't gone so far as to try the 5 fingers yet, but considering giving it a shot.

 

[warpo2]

I ran Boston today and saw a few people sporting them. Crazier than that though, I saw some old Korean guy running in bare feet. I'm planning to try these out now that I'm going to cut my distance down a lot. I have some serious issues with calves cramping up during runs as it is, so hopefully the switch won't be too hard on me.

I'm not much of a runner but I tried running in thick socks first to get a feel for barefoot before plunking down 90 bucks for the 5 fingers. Have them now and use mostly for hiking.

 

[Afterburner209]

Maybe it's been mentioned earlier in the thread, but read the book Born To Run, really interesting theory and discussion on the benefits of barefoot running and some immersion with a tribe in Mexico that run exclusively barefoot. I haven't gone so far as to try the 5 fingers yet, but considering giving it a shot.

Echo, it was a very interesting read.

I think the bottom line with these shoes is that I can tell you a ton of people who love them and really have yet to meet someone who doesn't at the least enjoy them. If your looking for a new running/lifting shoe check em out.

 

[Chachi]

That's definitely not the type of shoe I would like to be wearing at OCS... I'm sure I'd be kicked out if I showed up with them...

 

[Pags]

That's definitely not the type of shoe I would like to be wearing at OCS... I'm sure I'd be kicked out if I showed up with them...

If you're going to OCS toe the line and dress like everyone else. I doubt you'd be kicked out, but you'd invite a lot of unwanted attention.

 

[zpatman]

Picked up my pair 2 months ago...i'm running better, my footspeed and jumping during basketball has actually increased, and i no longer have backpain while running in em...great shoes

 

[lowflier03]

Anyone know of a place in the Southeast that has either the Sprints or KSOs in a 40? Everyplace seems to be sold out and no one knows when they'll get more.

 

[BigRed389]

Anyone know of a place in the Southeast that has either the Sprints or KSOs in a 40? Everyplace seems to be sold out and no one knows when they'll get more.

Same in Hampton Roads region...both Wild River and GSS sold out of the common sizes.

Word from both is they expect supply to catch up with demand some time in fall.