Vibram 5 fingers - Page 3

I've used Nike Frees for a couple of years, and have in the past several weeks been having problems with plantar fasciitis. I don't think that any of the "barefoot simulation" shoes are going to cause PF problems if you use them in moderation. But based on my personal experience, I also don't think they provide nearly as much benefit as their marketing departments would have you believe.

Probably have to stitch it on...that's what a lot of people do with their non-Nike running shoes, or put them in the tongue, but since these don't have tongues...

There will be an increased likelihood at the start and probably a decreased likelihood after prolonged usage, but overuse injuries pretty much are inevitable with running to begin with. Your friend is probably just seeking vindication for his running style.

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Advantages+of+barefoot+running

Unfortunately, your smartass little link does not improve the pain in my arches.

I'm an idiot and was thinking of shin splints. I don't think running barefoot would cause PF, because you will start striking toe/ball-first, rather than heel-first. But I don't know for sure.

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I'm recovering from plantar fasciitis, and I just picked up a pair precisely in order to strengthen my foot muscles. I don't want to spend the rest of my life wearing orthotics.

The orthotics helped address the acute pain of the PF, but now that I'm past that, I wanted something that would help prevent a relapse by strengthening my feet.

I haven't played ultimate in them yet though. I'm tempted to try, but I'm worried they won't offer much traction...

Do it, and just be aware. I run the same way on the field in them as I do on the trail, toes striking first, and I think that helps with stability. I have also adopted an odd sprinting style where I am lower to the ground and keep my feet further apart, which seems to help. I've had opponents complain because they can't hear me coming for an interception!

And your response doesn't show causation nor was foot pain ever mentioned.


I'm going to stick to cleats for ultimate just because I'm able to cut better in them. I'll let you know how big of an issue traction is in a few days after I've been able to play some rec. games in them.

Plantar fasciitis was clearly mentioned in my initial post above. Foot pain is one of its symptoms.

I never said the Nikes caused my PF, but I did not have it before and I do now. This leads me to believe that their prophylactic effect may be overstated.

While we're on the subject, here's something I googled up that I thought would be appropriate:

http://docforjocks.blogspot.com/2009...t-running.html

I started using Nike Frees specifically because I have flat feet and have had pronation-related issues (but not PF) in the past. I also have 20 years of karate training (all barefoot) and that means I'm more accustomed to exercising without highly cushioned shoes than the average person. So I came into the experiment with an open mind. I'm now less enthusiastic of the potential benefits of barefoot running than I used to be.

If you read up on the subject, you will see that while there are podiatrists who argue the benefits of barefoot running, there are also podiatrists who advise people with low arches to avoid barefoot running or the use of barefoot style shoes because they don't necessarily train your foot to avoid the ill effects of anatomically induced overpronation. Which I believe may have been the case with my situation.

If 5 Fingers work for you, great. You don't have to treat other people like idiots if their experience differs.

Normal running shoes never made sense to me to begin with.

Aside from the plantar fasciitis argument, I think it's pretty evident that barefoot running (or at least running without a raised heel) will improve running speed.

Whoops missed that in my response to you, though causation is still not present - especially since you stated that you've been using NIKE FREES for the past couple years.
I just looked at my Free 3.0s, the least supportive model, and it's ~3/4 of an inch of rubber at the heel with ~1/4 inch at the toes. That's a substantial amount when compared to barefoot and using the VFFs. They're different and as such will produce a different effect. I would say I've noticed it, but that probably isn't worth a grain of salt. I also had a noticeable effect when I switched from regular running shoes to Frees years ago.


And this is where typing in message boards causes confusion. My original response was going to be something along the lines of 'if you want to do marketing hype then look to the Newtons' and was going to say to go Google up the advantages of barefoot running. Those advantages are the reasons I have used Frees and now VFFs which is what I was pointing out. Instead, I just provided the link to show that there is evidence out there showing that there are benefits. You then took it as SOMEONE ON THE INTERNET IS ATTACKING ME which caused your reply. This then caused me to think you're an ass which prompted mine. My bad on not including more in my initial reply to you. Yours for not knowing what I was thinking

Probably too incomplete of a response, but oh well.

retronotmetro, I could not agree more with your response. I think there are too many responses here and other forums from barefoot zealots refuting other peoples opinions, almost to the point of attacking them.

I posted my less than stellar opinions about vibram and stated that they do not work for some people but was immediately refuted by adversity04. I also cautioned against the use of their size chart and I don't think it was a wise move to make specific suggestions to rely on the size charts as they might not work for everyone.

If it works for you great, but don't make assumptions that it will work for everyone.

^Panties in a twist much? I responded with things in my experience and opinion which I made clear. And I didn't respond to everything because you had some valid points. Go back and re-read it.

My sister ordered a pair, but she didnt end up using them. Unfortunately they are a size too small for me, so all my toes fit perfectly apart from my pinky toe, which makes walking hurt alot. Is there any shape difference between the male/female sizes? Different footshape etc?