Re: Vibram five finger shoes
Vibram's Five Fingers are something else; you'll notice that over the past 30 months, they went from being a simple pair boating/creek crossing shoes to the leader in gym apparel. Imitators and innovators all over have reproduced or improved upon them, but one thing remains the same; they are great for stabilization.
Take a step back, now, and look at the other options out there. Merrell and New Balance, among the most popular, have created minimalist shoes, as well, but they maintain the shoe-like appearance minus the sole. These are also great for stabilization but you can give them to your average runner and see little change at first (good or bad) which is a good sign. With the Five Fingers, an average runner will make it to the 1-mile mark, maybe a little more, and then complain of all kinds of problems ranging from hot-spots and sore calves to knotted quadriceps and hammer-toe-like feelings. With the minimalist shoes, you're looking at running a standard 5-miler with no changes; however, you might notice that where you once had knee, back, or ankle twisting problems, now you have none. Of course, over time and following a modestly scheduled "break-in" period if these are your first non-typical running shoe, you will notice that you will be able to do anything in any of these minimalist shoes and really push yourself further than with those clunky old-style things.
All types of minimalist foot gear are easy to wash and I recommend doing so every three or four days. Put the pair(s) in a mesh bag and you should have no problems with other clothes or with the material on the shoes being destroyed.
Not to discredit the Five Fingers, they are great in the gym and on the sprint track, I personally have 3 pairs for mountain climbing, running, and SEAL fit, just do your research and find what's right for you before you spend $100+ on each of these pairs of shoes.
