Global Sports: The Near Barefoot Feeling Of Vibram Five Fingers

Saturday, November 6, 2010

The Near Barefoot Feeling Of Vibram Five Fingers

By Jean Morgan

Many shoe designs do not encourage comfort and range of motion for its wearers. In fact, people may look forward to removing their shoes after a long day's work because of the pain and restriction they experience while wearing them. Vibram Five Fingers shoes strive to provide a better shoe wearing experience.

The company began in 1935 when founder Vitale Bramani invented rubber soled boots designed for mountain climbing. Through the years, Bramani and his family members have focused on building shoes that help people in various athletic pursuits. Their latest product is intended to mimic being barefooted.

In fact, the business asserts that most people are at their most comfortable when they are barefooted. People experience the freest range of motion in their feet when they do not wear shoes. Being barefooted lets people jump higher, run and jump farther, and in general move in ways that do not promote injury to their feet. With that, the company's designers sought to recreate this experience with its own line of shoes that can be worn for practical and safety reasons while participating in these types of activities.

In fact, this range of motion appeals to marathon runners and for that reason, runners have begun wearing this shoe while they compete. Other athletes like mountain or boulder climbers, canoeists, weightlifters, and those who do yoga also have been noted for wearing this line of footwear. Athletes note that the shoes support their arches, yet do not inhibit their toes or ankles. The company's website includes information for sports enthusiasts that details how the product may enhance athletic performance.

Newspapers and media outlets also have taken notice of this product. The New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and the television station WBIR have written pieces about this product line. The company also does publicity events at major marathons, including the New York City marathon.

The company indicates that its product is not for everyone. In fact, children's sizes and styles are not yet included in this particular product line. Nor are the shoes designed to accommodate those who suffer from such conditions as webbed toes or high arches. Presently, only men and women who are free from medical foot challenges can wear these shoes. With that, the product was designed with active people and athletes in mind.

Individuals who have larger feet, however, can often find their sizes in this line. Shoes are measured in actual inches to match the measurements of a person's feet. For instance, if one's foot is ten inches long, then the shoe he or she would choose should be a size ten. The website reports that shoes are available all the way up to fifteen inches. People's toes should fit snugly in the toe pockets and their toes should graze the top of the pocket. There should be no room left in the top part of the shoe to prevent loose fitting and slipping.

People should not count on Vibram Five Fingers as being their only pair of shoes that they'll ever need. They will still need to buy shoes for other occasions; however, for those wanting to experience something akin to being barefoot, they may consider buying a pair from this product line. Athletes in particular have taken note of these shoes.

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