Do These Make My Toes Look Fat?

Well, I took the next (proverbial) step in barefoot running and bought the Vibram FiveFingers. It took about 45 minutes and a very patient REI salesperson helping to find the right ones that felt good. I originally wanted the FiveFingers Sprint because they were a little less dorky looking and had a cute Mary Jane strap on the top. But when I tried them on, my feet felt scrunched in them - they were definitely not comfortable. So, the REI guy suggested I try the KSO's (Keep Stuff Out). I hemmed and hawed because those are the ones that are full cover and look more like a shoe (and stand out more). I tried one pair on and the left shoe didn't feel right. Fortunately, they had another pair so I was able to switch them out. And so, I am now the proud owner of a pair of FiveFingers (and I really do think they make my little toes look fat).

The first day I tried them out, they felt really good and natural until about the last five minutes. Then the spot where the strap connects to the shoe on the outside started to rub and I got a teeny-tiny blister on my left foot. This wasn't a huge bummer because I had been able to run longer than I had in the past (barefoot), which was a huge accomplishment for me. Another thing I noticed after a couple FF runs is that my stride is a little different than when I am truly barefoot. I think part of it is mental -- "I have a shoe on my foot, so I don't have to pay as much attention to my form and can land harder than when I am barefoot." It's an easy trap to fall into. So now that I am more comfortable in my FF (and not getting blisters), I have to make a consicous effort to think that yes, I am still "barefoot" and I need to force my body into running lightly.

I am trying to only use my FF when I want to go on longer runs (had a superb one yesterday and felt awesome). I want to continue running truly barefoot and will probably switch off the days that I go barefoot and the days I go FF.