Apparently these are new to the US: Feelmax Panka (amazon, since I can't seem to find if they have one.) Have a friend who's ordering a pair and will let me know how they work out for him.
Very, very flexible. Maybe not quite as much as socks.... perhaps a little stiffer than leather-only moccasins?
__________________ "My yoga class had me trembling and sweating and I feel MUCH better." - Fang
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenacious Training and Tweaking (the A lotta Alitteration thread)
I've tried some barefoot running lately. It does seem to be easier on my back and knees, but I am significantly slower and I managed to blister the bottoms of my feet, both on the ball of the foot and the heel. I have ordered some FFs so that I can do some more barefoot running without blistering my feet.
I'd like to try some trail running in the FFs, but my local trails are very rocky so I'm not sure if they'd offer enough protection. Even in my New Balance trail running shoes I can feel the rocks through the soles.
One question I've always had, though, is if barefoot running is better (or more efficient), then why don't any of the elite distance runners use FFs or run barefoot? An African runner won the olympic marathon in the 60's, but it hasn't happened since, and the top African marathoners now wear running shoes. My guess, based on my experience, is that you can run faster in regular running shoes. Barefoot running might be better for your back and strengthen your feet, but it is slower.
The FFs are very popular these days. I've been shopping, and everyone is sold out of my size. Hudson Trail Outfitters told me they sell out in a few days after getting a shipment.
just ordered the vibrams sprint model. really psyched for these. I have very normal biomechanics and normal arches, so I should be fine to run in them. will start very slow and small distances.
to the runners: what is the longest mileage you have ever done in these in one day? did you have any issues?
I run in KSOs and LOVE IT! Longest run was 10 miles... contemplated running Baltimore marathon in them, but didnt train in them enough. Alternated between KSOs and New Balance.
I had a small issue after a longer run with big toe, applied Body Glide and it was all good.
I heard next year Vibram is coming out with a shoe specifically for road runners.
I've tried some barefoot running lately. It does seem to be easier on my back and knees, but I am significantly slower and I managed to blister the bottoms of my feet, both on the ball of the foot and the heel. I have ordered some FFs so that I can do some more barefoot running without blistering my feet.
I'd like to try some trail running in the FFs, but my local trails are very rocky so I'm not sure if they'd offer enough protection. Even in my New Balance trail running shoes I can feel the rocks through the soles.
One question I've always had, though, is if barefoot running is better (or more efficient), then why don't any of the elite distance runners use FFs or run barefoot? An African runner won the olympic marathon in the 60's, but it hasn't happened since, and the top African marathoners now wear running shoes. My guess, based on my experience, is that you can run faster in regular running shoes. Barefoot running might be better for your back and strengthen your feet, but it is slower.
I totally agree. I think that there are benefits to running shoes that manifest in greater leg turnover and response/bounce.
I've seen more than a few anecdotal reports that slower yet "healthier" running is the result of the 5fingers.
So, I walk in mine, and even then I can sort of detect that my stride is shorter and my speed slightly lower.
Makes you wonder how Zola Budd would have fared with really well-built yet minimal racing flats (once she got used to them!)...
__________________ "My yoga class had me trembling and sweating and I feel MUCH better." - Fang
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenacious Training and Tweaking (the A lotta Alitteration thread)
Oh, and btw the regular soles are NO MATCH for goatheads.
__________________ "My yoga class had me trembling and sweating and I feel MUCH better." - Fang
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tenacious Training and Tweaking (the A lotta Alitteration thread)
love my KSOs
Linear Mode
