barefoot shoes?

I remember in 2011 on the hiking trails of Oahu noticing many hikers wearing these very strange looking “shoes” – they looked like gloves for your feet. Upon asking some of the people wearing them what they thought about them, there was one lady in particular who seemed to know a lot. She stated that your feet have many small muscles and tendons that atrophy due to lack of use is a reality of wearing shoes / boots.
She also stated that podiatrists in Africa report a virtual zero incidence of foot problems such as plantar-fasciitis.
Despite the info we heard being apparently anecdotal we went to the outdoor footwear store in the windward mall in Kaneohe and bought Vibram FiveFingers with the intent to wear them hiking.
The salesperson explained that the proper fit can be less forgiving than with “regular” shoes so she patiently helped us to select the best fit.
To put them on she suggested it worked best to get one’s baby toe in first, then working the next toe and the next until finally the big toe. This was helpful as my tendency was to do the opposite by starting with the big toe but that didn’t work very well so this tip proved quite helpful.
The salesperson also suggested wearing them in the house for several hours as a trial before wearing them on our regular hikes. Indeed this helped us to get used to them as they do feel quite different than normal shoes.
Don’t remember too much about the first hikes except that they definitely felt more like being barefoot – yet provided protection from against the ouch-factor one has when actually barefoot.
Very soon we became converts and my wife and I have worn through a number of pairs.
Mainly, I’d say my feet have had less pain – which is surprising because there is more sensation when say walking on a shaper edge of a rock than with my hiking boots. However, the day after the hike any “pain” sensation is more like a feeling that many areas of the feet have gotten a workout – kinda like one feels in the chest after 3 sets of pushups.
Hiking in them gives me a greater feeling of control over how to handle the terrain as it’s like my feet have a much stronger connection to my brain opting for more finesse dealing with ruts, roots, rocks, etc. From my standpoint for sure I do recommend them over regular shoes.
The only time I find they lack is when a trail is very muddy – in which case the mud comes into the FiveFingers, or worse, they completely come off getting stuck in the mud. That’s unpleasant because it’s best to put them back on while sitting down AND when the shoes and your feet are clean and dry. Who want’s so sit in mud to put shoes on!
Another point is that it’s a bit easier to get pebbles into the shoe which I find is a lot more annoying than a pebble in a normal shoe.
The bottom line is that for me, I’ll never go back to shoes or boots for the hikes on mostly dry trails. Whether scientifically provable or not, I feel my feet are stronger and less prone to pain theoretically due to the muscles and tendons in the feet getting a work-out.

Here are some photos of a pair that I’ve worn out vs the pair I currently use:

I found the following information interesting about the Vibram FiveFingers:

Stepping into Barefoot-Inspired Shoes

Vibram FiveFingers, often shortened to “FiveFingers,” are a unique footwear line known for their individual toe compartments, resembling a gloved foot.

Philosophy of the design:

• Mimic the barefoot experience: FiveFingers aim to provide the benefits of being barefoot while offering protection and some grip. This philosophy emphasizes natural foot movement, improved balance, and proprioception (body awareness).
• Toe splay: Each toe having its own space allows for natural toe splay, which proponents believe strengthens foot muscles and improves balance.

Background:

• Designed by Robert Flipi in 2004, inspired by Native American footwear and his desire for a more natural running experience.
• Initially met with skepticism, but gained popularity among runners and fitness enthusiasts seeking a minimalist shoe experience.

Competition:

• Yes, several brands offer minimalist or barefoot-inspired shoes, including Vivobarefoot, Merrell Trail Glove, and Xero Shoes. Each brand has its own design philosophy and materials.

What people like:

• Improved balance and proprioception
• Increased foot strength and flexibility
• Lighter weight and breathability compared to traditional shoes
• Feeling more connected to the ground during activities like running, yoga, and water sports

What people don’t like:

• Can take time to adjust to the different fit and feel
• Not suitable for all terrains or activities, especially those with sharp objects
• May not provide enough cushioning or support for some people
• The toe separation can feel strange or uncomfortable for some
• Style might not be for everyone

Additional points:

• Vibram FiveFingers come in various styles for different activities, from running and hiking to water sports and casual wear.
• Research suggests potential benefits of minimalist shoes for foot health and running form, but more studies are needed.
• It’s helpful to wear around the house 1st especially if you’re not used to minimalist footwear.