bruised foot in VFF

[jbell]

I have been running in my fivefingers for almost a year now and love them, however I have developed a ongoing bruise on my left foot. The second toe joint at the ball is very sore and hard to run in. Has anyone had this happen, and what did they do about it? I am thinking about going back to a padded shoe, but dont want to. I have also recently bruised the hell out of my left heel b/c of the ball pain. Thanks for any advice!

 

[TNT]

Re: bruised foot in VFF

Strange you mention that - I had the exact same problem. I thought it was just a hard spot in the shoes - felt almost like a small pebble or hard plastic inclusion right at the spot that was hurting. I just stopped running in them and have been considering getting a new pair for a while. If anyone else has advice, I'm all ears as well.

 

[HillbillyfromAL]

Re: bruised foot in VFF

Have you tried to soak them in warm water with Epsom salt? If not try that while you let them have a break for a couple of days.

 

[jbell]

Re: bruised foot in VFF

I have not tried soaking them in epsom salt. I have had this happen before while in the Marine Corps from humping in hard sole (jungle boots) and it went away. But I just cant deal with the down time to let this heal. Im proably just going to go to different shoes for running and keep traning in the gym in the 5fingers. Any more suguestions?

 

[Chance]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

I've had really good luck with the nike lunar glides.

 

[onebadscrambler]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

Best thing would be to determine if you need a support shoe for overpronation, or a neutral shoe. I was advised to wear a neutral shoe, but run and recover more comfortably using a support shoe. I learned this through about 7 pair of different shoes. I prefer Asics gt2100 series or the gel kayano. The other 5 pairs are just worn around the house and gym now. Money invested to determine the right shoe that works for me. Good Luck.

 

[uncledillers]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

There are tuns of VFF alternatives now, Every shoe maker make a miniamlist shoe. I just handled a buddys pair of addidas toe shoes and they seem to be a lot thicker than the VFF, not to mention there are a dozen diffrent models of VFFs. Iam personaly going to ditch the "toe shoe" concept on my next pair of trainers and just going with a ultra light flat shoe.

 

[jbell]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

Im thinking I may go and buy some thin insoles and cut them to fit (cut the toe area off). Ill give this a try and report back. All Im looking for is a little padding.

 

[jbell]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

So I found some insoles that work perfect! They are Spenco RX Comfort insoles, they are 0.160" thick and have no drop (they are the same thickness everywhere). I layed my VFF liners over top and used them as a template and cut the Spencos the same. I installed the Spencos into the VFF with the original liner on top (because the VFF liner is broken into my foot and cover any inperfections in my cutting ability). They feel great just enough padding but the sensitivity of the VFF is intact and they have the same range of motion. The VFF are just a bit tighter now, they fit like they did when they were new. I am going to run tomorrow morning and cant wait. Ill proably only run 4 miles or so just incase. Ill report back with how they work, but so far Im digging it.

 

[bigmerv]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

I have been wearing VFF's for about a year and a half. I had this happen twice to me, and it only happens when I run sprints, full on sprints (40's or 60's). Otherwise even "spirited" running doesn't affect me at all. When I do straight up speed/agility work to include sprints I switch to "regular" shoes.

 

[jbell]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

Well I took the padded VFF out and did 4 miles on hard ball and had no problems at all. Im gonna do 7 miles in the AM and see how that feels.

 

[Blackhawk41]

Re: running shoes to replace VFF

Big fan of new balance minimus. Pretty light shoe,hugs the heel good lining that allows wear with or without socks. I run about 3-4 miles in them and use them for my lifting. That being said like any shoe if you start getting into heavy weights they will compress but not as bad as cross trainers.

I would recommend them for cross fitters, novice/intermediate lifters, runners who do 1-4 miles, or anyone who is looking for a good lightweight all around shoe for multiple things.