Calgary Herald, Calgary, Canada

by Administrator | 6 comments

There is something deliciously physical about running naked in the city. It feels like you are getting away with something naughty, but at the same time, you're communing and connecting with Mother Earth.

Now, remember I am an aging man. I have folds, wrinkles and bits that no one needs to see. By being naked in Calgary, I mean no tuque, no mitts, no jacket and only one pair of underwear.

That and unfettered feet -- a footloose and fancy free way to develop a sole-to-soul connection with your workouts before the snow flies.

What is it?

The Vibram Fivefingers -- named one of the best inventions of 2007 by Time magazine -- are incredibly thin and flexible shoes that are not so much shoes as foot covers with a pocket for each toe.

The thin flexible soles allow you to feel everything against your feet. Running in the park, tromping over trails or even cruising the bike path becomes a far more focused event. Tough enough to withstand sharp rocks, roots and hot roads, the Fivefingers are not cushioned, so even with the great grip you get on any surface, the way your foot strikes with every stride is important.

The shoes also make every run, walk or hike an engaging event. As contrary as it may sound, being focused on each step allows you to run further without noticing the time go by. You develop a cool, Zen-like concentration as you run.

The Fivefingers can be considered a training device because they force your body to adapt to a new style of footwear. That, in turn, stimulates the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion. That adaptation results in increased balance, greater mobility and improved core stability. Very cool.

Who would this appeal to?

If you are already a fit and functional athlete, you will love the way the Fivefingers fit your feet and raise your awareness during workouts. Likewise, you'll love 'em if you're training to develop jump strength, leg endurance, balance or merely want to replicate your body's natural movement.

Athletics aside, these are the quintessential summer shoes. Remember hanging out barefoot as a kid? This is the same thing with added protection against sizzling asphalt, sharp rocks and chunks of glass. Wake surfers and beach walkers will dig these shoes.

Who would hate it?

If you are flat-footed, have collapsed arches or wear orthotics to correct your gait, you won't hate the Fivefingers but you will definitely notice a lack of support that may translate into ankle or knee pain. Wear the shoes for small periods of time to allow your feet and leg muscles to adapt to weight-bearing exercise. (Small periods of time would be defined as one of your weekly runs, then two and so on until any run is pain-free.)

If you are wearing pronation control shoes now, you could safely work down to midrange control shoes, on to neutral shoes and then finally the Fivefingers. It could be a matter of months or weeks, depending on your dependence on orthotics or other foot control mechanisms. Joint pain would be an indication you are rushing your progression.