Funky Feet Cause a Stir At ForestFit
Surely a pair of shoes can’t provoke this much of a reaction???
These incredible shoes are Vibram Five Fingers! I picked up a pair of these last month in the US, and they have been a complete revelation to me. I had heard all about these from a few other fitness professionals over the last 6 months or so, but had never had an opportunity to try on a pair.
The idea is it is just like being bare footed without the discomfort when you step on sharp, foreign objects. They allow you foot to work AS intended, using its natural shock absorption, balance and control mechanisms. Many of you know I train my clients in our Personal Training Studio in bare feet for exactly these reasons too!
After some initial discomfort where the calf muscle is allowed to stretch more compared to normal shoes, these have become my footware of choice every day as they are SO comfortable.
And then came the ultimate test, how would they fair at a ForestFit session?
Yes, there was a certain amount of scepticism from the ForestFit regulars, some staring, pointing and some funny comments. However once we got moving, everyone was fascinated with how they worked, if they were uncomfortable or what the grip was like.
The model I have are the Trek’s which are currently the most aggressively soled model, designed for ForestFit type terrain and worse. So after a 45 minute session of ForestFit, no ill effects, no slips, and no sore feet.
I’ll certainly be out in these shoes again soon.
If you want to understand why these shoes work so well, check out this article sent to me by client Gilles Frank of Parc Le’h Adventures… It has some great slow motion video footage that really highlights the difference between barefoot running and running in normal trainers.
Want to join us at the next ForestFit group where I’ll more than likely wearing my funky feet again? Click the link here to Register for ForestFit











