The De-evolution of My Feet

Many of you know that I have scrapped shoes and go barefoot as much as possible. That doesn't mean I actually walk around outside in my bare feet--I'm not (that) stupid, you know. My family gave me my first pair of Vibram FiveFingers (VFF) for father's day last year, and I've been wearing them every day since.

Being active--specifically running--has been a part of my life for so long, that I had to take a risk to see if something so seemingly strange could really help me back. I first thought running barefoot was just a new fad that would fade soon enough, but I am a believer--being barefoot has saved me. My knees no longer hurt, my lower legs/feet/ankles are stronger than ever, and I'm running as fast as I ever have in my 30's (once the  kids came, I just couldn't justify the time needed to compete at a high level anymore). People ask me about my VFF's all the time, and I happily relate my story and recommend that they buy a pair for themselves.

So, should you be considering a pair for yourself? Absolutely. Even Meg has a pair that she wears on occasion. The only downside is that the VFF's don't provide any warmth, so if the mercury drops below freezing, your feet are going to hurt (you can buy special socks that fit well with the VFF's, but I don't recommend them. They cost about $12-15/pair, and they take away a lot of the barefoot experience). And when it's wet and cold--which is what winter is like in the Willamette Valley--your feet stay wet and cold forever. I've dedicated wearing my first pair only when I run (or workout), and my other pair I wear at work and for other general activities. They also don't work well for cycling, so I wear my old running shoes when commuting to the office and pack my VFF's for when I get there.

Part of me still feels this is going to become a fad and everyone else will return to conventional shoes, but I can't imagine ever doing so myself . This is a new way-of-life for me, just as running has always been.

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