I love the Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot Dharma shoes I bought last January. I have worn no other shoe since then, except for my running shoes when running and my Vibram Five-Fingers when mowing the lawn. They are so comfortable I don't even want to take them off. Vivo Barefoot shoes are built to give you that barefoot feeling when you are walking. They have no heel, they have ultra-thin cushioning, and they have a wide toe-box to let your toes spread out. Unfortunately they are not really made for running. In the Spring Vivo Barefoot promises to come out with a running version of thier shoes, called the Evo.
Here is a video of Christopher McDougall, the author of the book "Born To Run", who advocates barefoot runing. At then end of the video you can see the Vivo Barefoot Evo running shoe.
Here are some more prototype pictures from the Barefoot Runner blog.
This podcast on The Living Barefoot Show covers the history of Vivo Barefoot and Terra Plana, speaks about Vivo Barefoot shoes in general, and talks about the release of the new EVO running shoe to be released in the spring of 2010.
Here you can sign up to be contacted as soon as the Evo is being sold.
19 comments:
So Jim, I guess my question would be, why are you still wearing running shoes? How come you don't run in the five fingers, for instance?
I use the five-fingers for strides before track workouts. I used them once on the track for a mile interval. I liked the feel and would try them more often if people didn't think it was so strange. I used them in the woods on gentle trails. I wasn't thrilled with running on rocks. I am not sure if they are great for the roads. I intend to try them on the treadmill now that I have to use it in the coming months. Do you use them a lot? on what surfaces?
I'm not really much of a runner, at least not at the moment (I have a toddler and a demanding job and no time for anything else) but when I do run it's in the five fingers. I hear what you're saying about them looking strange though. That does keep me from wearing them for anything other than outdoor activities where I won't be around a ton of people.
As to running on rocks, I prefer them, but I think it does slow you down a bit. I now hike in them exclusively and I find that the initial shock on stepping on a sharp point does go away somewhat, and the trade-off of excellent grip and superior balance is well worth it. I am a bit of a masochist about stuff like that though.
what do you wear for running shoes?
I can't find a running shoe that makes me happy anymore. The most conventional running shoe I use is the Asics Hyperspeed. It feels a little too cushiony to me, but it is a basic, light, low profile shoe. I have been using the Puma K Street since September for all my runs except the marathons when I wore the Hyperspeeds. The K Streets are light, thin, and flexible, but I get slight rubbing or pressure points from the uppers on longer runs. I used them to go 18 and 21 miles with no problems otherwise. I am not even sure if technically they are sold as running shoes or just fashion shoes. I don't think it is the shoes, necessarily, that I don't like, but I think my first metatarsal doesn't touch the ground (Morton's Foot) and support my weight while running, so my foot "does its own thing" to maintain balance. It is easier to do that in a ligtht flexible shoe. I am going to try putting pads under that metatasal to see if I can get more balanced without throwing everything else off.
These shoes look neat! If they are anything like the rest of the product line, I will probably get a pair.
I am nervous about how much they may charge for them! But they look cool! My Vivo Barefoor shoes came in handy during math class today. I showed the class the tesselating honeycomb pattern on the sole of the shoe!
Yes, they will probably cost $150+.
Is Morton's Foot where the second metatarsal is a little bit longer than the first? I have that too. A small pad is a good idea. I'm trying to run at least a mile a week totally barefoot to see if that resolves itself.
I think vivo barefoots are unconsionably expensive, although I still might get another pair now that they make them in my size. I'm hoping that this idea proves popular enough that someone will make low-cost copies, as well as dressier versions that can be worn with a suit.
Yes, In Morton's foot the second metatarsal is longer than the first. The second toe doesn't have to be longer. Here is what I am trying. I don't know how it will work long term:
http://www.bottomlinesecrets.com/article.html?article_id=49341
I just ordered my second pair of Vivo Barefoot shoes this week. I bought my first pair off eBay from England. That was much cheaper!
No, a small pad isn't best. And the fact that running in these slows you down means your feet aren't ready yet to go fast.
Question: the Nike free shoes look still have an raised back par of the sole and therefore it will not make you land on the front of your feet - something critical to bare-feet running. as most other shoes - five fingers, etc - look a bit weird: any other suggestions / is above correct assessment of nike free?
Question: does Nike free give real barefoot running experience? Seems that the sole at the back is still higher and I believe the whole purpose of barefoot is not to land on the sole but on the front of the foot? As most other shoes - five fingers, etc - are looking bit odd, was wondering if there are any alternatives and if above was correct in the first place? Thanks!
The Nike Free v 3.0 has the lowest of the heels. I had a pair but they were too small and not comfortable to run in. I liked the comfort of the first version of the Nike Free, particularly for walking around in. You are correct, there is a build up in the heel.
Thank you Jim. Any recommendations on shoes to try which look a bit less odd? I run a lot and want to try it, not for walking, but for some serious training, so find want to get "real" experience...
Hi Guido,
Currently I run in the Asics Hyperspeeds now on version 4. I just got a new pair today after over 500 miles in the last pair. They are lightweight, but not fully minimalistic. They may make a good transition shoe. They are a racing shoe, but I wear them for all of my running. This is my fifth pair. I have run in the Puma H Street and last fall the K Street. They are hard to find, though. I have not raced more than a 1/2 marathon in them. I have done marathons in the Hyperspeeds. Many of my running buddies use them for racing and track workouts only and like them. Currently, I am not trying to go more minimalistic with the running shoes as recent PT exercises for my hips have improved my stride and my feet seem more solid and balanced. I will use the 5-fingers for strides on the infield of the track.
I do only use my Vivo Barefoot shoes for any time I use shoes (not the EVO running ones). They are extremely comfortable.
Good luck,
Jim
Oh Guido,
To go back to your original question, a few runners I know like the Newton shoes for training you to run on your forefoot. I bought a pair when they first came out, but only used them a few times. They did get you up on your toes and were very comfortable. I think I tried to do regular runs with them right out of the box and I should have transitioned more into using them than I did. They are, however, expensive.
I got my wife her first pair of Nike Frees today. She does not run, but wanted a comfortable shoe.
Also you mentioned running on the front of your feet. I think the goal is to get away from heel-striking. I was a nototrious heel-striker for years. It may not be about always running on your toes, but landing flat-footed or nearly flat-footed.
If you are getting into changing your running stride-take it slowly, particularly if you are a heel-striker or wear built up shoes. The calf muscles will get sore!
Jim
Thank you Jim: very helpful! A fellow though current heel-striker ;-). Guido
Gary Mc. I have used Five Fingers now for approx 6 months. I work in retail store which sells them and I hardly wear anything else. All day at work then at night for the gym or for a run!! It took me a few weeks to get used to the movements but I have now adapted my running style to mid-forefoot. We will hopefully be getting the Vivo Evos in. Now that I started to use the Fives I struggle to go back to a normal asics! If you are a person who is not sure, I can guarentee after the transition period, you will love them!!
I think that Vivo Barefoot Evo is simply the best running shoes I've had. I mean I have bought the Nike Free Run but Vivo is just way more comfortable. I use my Vivo Barefoot Evo in my weekend run and my visits to the gym.
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