The theory goes… our bodies are designed to be able to run barefoot. Our feet and ankles naturally have the mechanical capabilities for shock absorption at all levels of impact, including running. However, because we overprotect our feet with ‘hi-tech’ padding and cushioning the natural mechanics adapt to the new shoe environment and become weaker. As our feet, ankles, knees and all the little tendons, ligaments and pieces inbetween become weaker, we’re vulnerable to injuries. You can read about this in much better detail in “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall which I have already banged on about in another post. And you can look at this helpful picture for a better explanation too.

I liked what I’d read in “Born To Run”, and I don’t have injuries but I’m very interested in preventing them, and in improving my running style. So, I found out where Vibram FFs are stocked in Sydney (list here or at the bottom of the page) and I went to go play…

different styles

• Classic: the slip on shoe. Good for walking I guess but I don’t think it would stay on for running or much more. Mostly comes in dark colours: grey, navy, black.
• Sprint: the Classic but with a strap over the foot so, better for running/ activities. Grey with red or blue.
• KSO: I like this one – it means keep stuff out :) There’s a mesh fabric over the top of the foot, and a strap, so this is good for all sports/ activities. Comes in all black which is really nice and a couple of two tone greys.
• Flow: I think these ones are for water – fishing, wading etc, I didn’t pay much attention…
• Bikila: the suuped up version of some of the previous KSO, using new fabric and materials for a better, more comfortable fit. Comes mostly in grey with luminous second colour or hot magenta & pink! These are the ones that I have, in grey/ luminous green.
• Speed: now these are really odd looking because they have laces across the top of the foot. Comfy yes, but seriously odd. Black with white or white with blue.

I chose the Bikilas but didn’t get them straight away, I had Colby ship them over from the States at half price instead :) So, today I took them out for their first spin.
There’s no denying they look odd. Flippers. Hobbit feet. And I’m sure I’ll hear more and worse! They feel odd too. Years ago I had some socks that were like gloves for feet – I loved them – but it is strange getting used to fabric between your toes. I’d been told to build up slowly with training in VFFs so the plan tonight was just to walk on them and I can’t run at the moment anyway so that suited. I walked up and down Manly beach and then over to the harbour to check on the penguins.
To start with I did feel a bit vulnerable, like I was walking in socks and would feel the ground or get really dirty. Once I got used to that it was very natural. My feet felt nice & free, the movements felt right, I couldn’t feel the ground at all and there was no sensation from impact. By the time I got home (80 minutes?) I felt a little tender/ sore in my feet and around my hips as if I’d used some new or different muscles.
No residual aching/ soreness so I’m happy they’re good. I’m looking forward to going running…

update

On my way home today i saw a guy wearing VFFs, he’d just finished running, so I asked him what he thought of them. He said to defo take it easy and build up distance – he had to chop from 22km to 3km to start with because his calves were sore. Plus, he said, be careful of where you go cos any grit in them really hurts. Good tips, thanks, see you on the tracks…

list

List via barefootinc.com.au, you can see more here.