The turning point...to minimalism

Vibram Five Fingers Classic

Background – why would I want to change?

After years of running with regular injuries in my feet, legs and hips, I had hit a road-block and big decisions needed to be made.

I had persisted for the best part of 4 years with traditional built-up motion control running shoes with custom-made orthotics without improvement in my performance, no reduction in injury and without any enhancement of the enjoyment running and racing marathon-plus distance brings. Had the combination of all this foot support weakened my feet and legs or was I just not made to run?

Would I be a convert to another endurance sport, become a spectator on the sidelines and just be happy watching and enter a sedentary lifestyle and retire from running and accept that maybe the sport just wasn’t for me?

Frustration – thinking outside the square…

None of these options interested me and I put my thinking-cap on and thought hard if there were any other alternatives that would allow me to both compete successfully and get back to running injury-free and enjoying every minute of it.

I recalled a piece of advice given to me by my podiatrist about running intermittently in a pair of Dunlop volleys or even barefoot to make my orthotics work better. I had only run very occasionally on the beach and grass ovals barefoot but, it followed that there must be benefits of running without foot support that if taken in slowly might strengthen my feet enough to allow me to run without built-up running shoes and orthotics and enjoy running without injuries and frequent niggles.

Optimism – a glimmer of hope…

I read an article on barefoot running and saw the logic of running in minimalist shoes right away. It made complete sense to me that ‘man’ was not made to run in supportive shoes and traditional running shoes had enabled us to run however we pleased, usually heel striking – the cushioning and motion control compensated slightly for this but did no good for running longevity and injury prevention. It was logical that if we ran barefoot or with minimal foot support that we would have a more fore-foot strike with less heel-strike (as it would hurt too much), less force taken with our hips and knees and  with less impact hopefully less injury and more consistent training and enjoyment of running.  

The decision – my first barefoot running shoes…

That is when I ventured into a small camping shop and asked to try on a pair of barefoot running shoes. I had done my research on the web and was keen on the Vibram Five Finger ‘classics’ – they were the cheapest in store and seemed like a good choice if I was going to take the step into minimalist running shoes. This was to be my first pair of barefoot running shoes and certainly have not been my last.

I immediately enjoyed running in the ‘classics’ despite the inevitable sore calves initially as my legs got used to my new and more efficient technique of mid-to-forefoot running. I have now clocked up numerous kilometres in them, running up to 15km at a time around the pavements and parks of Sydney as well as Brisbane and Perth (they are great when travelling as they take up no space!), with countless enjoyment of the whole running experience.

They have great durability and are still going strong with many kilometres ahead. It is hard to capture in words but the closeness to the ground, the feeling of the terrain beneath your feet and the whole ‘barefoot’ experience is one that had increased the strength of my feet and legs and made me a faster and more efficient runner, but most importantly enhanced my enjoyment of running.

The ‘classics’ are indeed one of the most adaptable five fingers shoe available, great for many uses. They are perfect for a run around the suburbs, a track session at the oval, or even just wearing casually in place of a pair of thongs. They just might not enhance the experience for technical off-road trail running if you have soft feet!

The ‘classics’ are the best first barefoot running shoes, owing to their affordability, durability, adaptability, comfort and minimalist feel which gives the whole barefoot experience that must be experienced!