The idea behind minimalist running shoes is to mimic barefoot running

If you’ve been around the blog world for awhile, then you’ve most likely heard of Vibram Five Finger minimalist shoes.  If you haven’t… well then they’re those funky running “shoes” with a nice place to put your toes.  Kind of like gloves for your feet.



The idea behind minimalist running shoes is to mimic barefoot running, thus allowing the foot to move more naturally and freely.

    According to Vibram, “The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.”

Well, it kind of makes sense to me.  At least enough that I am intrigued.  I don’t, however, like the look of the 5 fingers.  There’s just something about putting your toes in a sleeve that creeps me out.  What can I say?  I’m weird.

So when I came across the New Balance Minimus made with a Vibram sole my curiosity was peaked-- enough so that I tried them on.  I instantly fell in love.  They are so light, it’s like you’re not wearing anything on your fee at all (duh!).

New Balance 20



I’m definitely a barefoot girl.  I love to walk in my bare feet and would choose not to wear shoes at all if it were possible.  I’d love to try out the concept of “bare foot” running and I think these shoes might be a good start.

I’m not sure that running in minimalist shoes is right for me, but one thing is for sure, I’ll never know if I don’t try.  I like the idea of trying something new and who knows, I might just like it.

I feel a little bad because I just asked for the Nike Free 2+ for my birthday.  This too is a minimalist shoe, but I’ll be honest I was interested in her (yes shoes are people too) more for the looks than for the use of bare foot running.

Even though Nike products are tried and true, I still feel like if I’m going to buy a minimalist shoe I’d like to have the Vibram technology.

I feel so badly because now I feel like I’m cheating on the Frees wanting the Minimus.  Don’t worry ladies there’s plenty of room for everyone over here and I will NOT discriminate.  I realize I only have 2 feet and a limited amount of time in the day, but I assure you that you’ll both be put to good use.  Now come home to mama… both of you… for my birthday… August 31st… 25 days away… I’m waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaiting!