Vibram FiveFingers Shoes: For An Amazing Workout

A year ago I was introduced to these strange looking shoes, Vibram FiverFinger Shoes. I first saw them on this Canadian couple that happened to be vacationing in the Dominican Republic at the same time as I; they wore their Vibrams to a waterfall tour we did together. The tour required water shoes and theirs looked very distinct and comfortable.

After, arriving at the states I promised myself that I would get a pair. Well, I didn’t quite get the pair right away, I procrastinated, but it was always on my to do list. As I procrastinated I also researched the shoe even more, I found out that they weren’t just for water, they are for pretty much anything that deals with feet. Apparently they are the perfect shoe for running. Oddly as they might look, they provide all the support and comfort your feet needs in order for you to have a great run. They are also great for working out, yoga, cross training, water activities, hiking and of course everyday walking.

Imagine footwear that can actually help make the foot healthier, that can strengthen muscles in the feet and lower legs, improve range of motion and increase sensory reception important to balance and agility. Imagine footwear that might just make running safer and healthier, by encouraging a forefoot strike and a more natural running form that creates less impact on the knees, hips and lower back. That is what Vibram FiveFingers can offer. (Vibram FiveFingers)

I use my Vibram FiveFingers for every workout I do. The first time I used them was for my usual Nike Training Club workouts I do at home, which involves, some warm up cardio, as well as calisthenics, plyometrics, yoga and some weight exercises. The first time, the shoes felt a bit odd, but comfortable. After a few exercises at home, I decided to step it up a notch and see how the Vibram will feel at one of my favorite gym classes: Urban Rebounding. Urban Rebounding involves cardio exercises on a small trampoline, where you jog in place, bounce, kick, do squats and sprinting. I love this class, and as comfortable as the Vibram FiverFingers felt at home with I wanted them to feel the same during the class. They did! They provided the most amazing, light weight exercise. The hardest thing to describe is how fantastic these shoes are when exercising, they are extremely comfortable. Usually with sneakers, you feel them “there”, on your feet, sometimes the laces are too tight, or loose or your toes are not comfortable, nor your ankles, so you start to feel discomfort. I can proudly say, I do not feel any of that with my Vibram FiveFingers. Truly amazing.

One last thing, I want to point out that everyone in the gym class kept asking me, that I figure it’s on a lot of people’s mind when they see these shoes:

Do the shoes stink? Meaning, does wearing them after a while, while barefoot, make the shoe smell funky, like sweaty sneakers?!.
ABSOLUTELY NOT! I’ve worn them for quite a few workouts now and they smell fresh, they don’t smell at all. Not sure how they do it, but I’m very happy!

Anyways, I do intend on purchasing another pair of Vibram FiveFingers because I love them that much, and I do want to get the ones for running and test those out. I highly recommend them, aside from being the center of attention at places like the gym, where not everyone has them, yet. They are the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear.