About two years ago I began noticing these odd shoes on the streets and in the gym. With further research, I decided to join the forces and try the new barefoot technology. For my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) I chose the popular, very versatile, KSO, which stands for Keep Stuff Out.

This particular model is good for water sports, Pilates or yoga, trekking, running, walking and virtually anything else you wish to wear them for. I began wearing them to the gym for workouts and Cross Fit, and gradually began building my way up to running in them. I am not an avid distance runner, but for my 3-4 mile runs a few times a week they haven't let me down.

Just a few months ago, in the great city of Washington D.C., I came across the newest creation of VFF, the Bikila. This model is designed for running and fitness, so I thought they would work perfect for me. Once I slipped that first Bikila on my foot I was sold. If I might say, these were the best impulse purchase I've ever made. I began the next day by running my usual 3 mile run and my feet were jumping for joy. I thought I loved running in my KSO's, but the Bikila's felt like they were perfectly tailored for my feet alone.

VFF have been a part of my lifestyle for almost a year now and the improvements I have noticed are astounding. Good posture has always been a challenge for me. I've struggle for years with focusing on not allowing my shoulders to roll forward, hopefully preventing any injuries in the neck or spine. Since I started wearing VFF I feel that it is now vastly easier to stand up straight. The main improvement I see is in my hips and lower back. Before, after a long day of standing on my feet and keeping good posture, I would come home with achy feet and my lower back felt as though I'd been carrying a 90 lb pack all day. I wear my VFF almost every day for as long as possible and my spine alignment feels more natural and comfortable than it ever has before.

I've been practicing yoga for about 4 years now, and I am an avid supporter. However, of all the talents I've been blessed with, balance is not one of them. One of the aspects that initially caught my attention when researching VFF was the strengthening of the muscles in the lower leg and in the feet. No one really thinks about the fact that the shoes we wear every day are actually sheltering our feet and forcing them into unnatural positions. The stimulation that your feet and leg muscles feel while barefoot does not occur in most normal five fingers shoes, such as tennis shoes, heels, and boots. Well, I was wearing shoes that hurt my feet in some way, shape or form almost every day. Whether they were work shoes or play shoes, they never felt that great. Now that I wear VFF almost every day, my balance has improved tenfold. I can now hang with the big dogs in yoga class and not feel as though my body is rebelling against all those great balancing poses.

Although I get a lot of grief and funny looks about my shoes, they're worth every second of scrutiny. My focus in life is to try and live as long as possible, and to be healthy and independent throughout all my years here. If Vibram Five Finger shoes help me get closer to my goal of a long and prosperous life, then they'll forever be a part of my shoe collection.

Tags: Five Finger Shoes

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