Check this out...my brother got some shoes like this so that he could start running being he quit drinking, but he fell off the band wagon and hasn't started running yet!! Anyway, still think the concept is very cool and am interested in trying them... http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/indexNA.cfm
My experience with barefoot running did not go well. It was just a short run working out in the Wii and hurt my foot. Medical terms what happened is calleed plantar fasciatis (sp). It messed up the ligaments in my foot. Almost collapsing my arch. My advice is to not participate. Just trying to help
I SOOOO want to get a pair of those shoes... but I can't really justify spending the money right now. From the reading I've done, it is important to ease into it slowly. Don't go out for a 10 mile run - you need to start little.
oh i love barefoot running! i got back into the dark forest near my house and hike/jog barefooted for an hour or so, only...i have high arches so it can get kinda painful >.< but i love the feeling of dirt and grass under my feet :3
I've had vibram shoes for a little over a year now and they are the BEST ! I love walking and running in them. I take them when I go on vacation and go hiking through the rainforest's in tropical areas. They are awesome and for me sooo comfortable. I also use them when I go kayaking, pretty much any outdoor activity.
I adore my vibram five fingers! I live in them all summer. Hiking, boating, yard work, they are the best. I've run in them a few times, it's a different sensation since you tend to land on the balls of your feet and your calves get tired quick! Unfortunately for me, I live on gravel roads, and you step on a big piece of gravel while running in these and you will bruise your heel. Ouch!