The book "Born to Run" written by Christopher McDougall has brought to light an interest in a new phenomenon in running. Perhaps I should say, a new phenomenon to running in the United States.  The book, an incredible read, introduces to many runners the concept of "barefoot" running. The closer your feet are to being bare, the more allowance for your feet to be more in direct contact with the ground and to perform as the great work of art that the foot was created to be.  For many years, runners have been looking for "more" shoe..."more" support. However, recent research along with McDougall's book, points to the fact that "less" is actually more when it comes to foot strength and foot health! I can't even begin to explain all the intricacies that go along with this phenomenon...except to advise you to read McDougall's Born to Run book! I also suggest reading Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. Mr. Dreyer has long been a proponent of running as natural as possible and everything he says aligns with the principles you will learn in McDougall's book.

Today I purchased my first pair of running shoes that promises to give the wearer the most natural and barefoot experience currently available other than "sans" shoes.  They are called Vibram Five Fingers.  The shoes are much like gloves with individual compartments for each digit.  I tried on a pair and after a slight wiggling of the little ones they fell into place.  A lot like fitting those fingers into a glove.....feel for the right pocket for each finger and ahhh....its on...nice and comfy. It feels a little daunting at first, much like any entirely new experience, but then you quickly get the hang of it!

I purchased my shoes from a very friendly and helpful shoe store in Panama City, Florida.  The store's name is Sunset Shoes. They have a fine staff there, and were wearers of the shoes themselves. I counted this as a huge bonus for me, the consumer. Mr. Hardy was well informed of the mission of the shoe and shared his enthusiasm for the product as well. I highly recommend this shoe store to anyone who is interested in purchasing a pair of Vibram Five Fingers.

I left their establishment confident in my purchase and excited about my first trial run in the invention that was named "one of Time Magazine's Best Inventions of 2007". I was camping at Panama City beach for the weekend so the next logical step was to take my new barefoot buddies to the beach.  And so I did.  They were awesome! I was able to run along the shore and not be concerned with sea shells cutting into my feet. I ran over numerous shells and felt fully protected. I was not concerned at all about the shoe getting wet. Vibram Five Fingers can be worn underwater while swimming! So a few waves certainly shouldn't be of any danger.  I also felt very light on my feet. It just felt great.  The coolest thing was looking back at my "shoe" imprints and seeing what appeared to be real "footprints" in the sand!

My verdict. Buy a pair of Vibram Five Fingers and give them a try! My next venture out will be some pavement running......can't wait to see how that goes!

From one running mom to another,

Edna