With Christmas rapidly approaching and shopping days swiftly diminishing, many of you may be looking for last minute gifts to reward yourself with (no need to be ashamed, we all do it!). Therefore, over the next couple of days, I will be profiling several items that may contribute (either directly or indirectly) to sports health and athletic performance. While none of these products should be considered a “be all, end all”, when incorporated correctly, they can contribute greatly to one’s current regime.
Gift idea # 4
Today’s gift idea is a bit of a shot in the dark. I, myself, have NEVER tried these Vibrams, nor have I even seen them in person, but then again, if they really do what they say they do then yes, they may contribute to sport health and performance (how many times did I just say “these”, “them”, or “they” in that last sentence by the way?). I will admit that I am not currently up to date on the “barefoot” literature, however, I do believe that many of us have weak intrinsic musculature of the feet (see here). Therefore, if FiveFingers provide biofeedback to stimulate neuromusculature activity, they MAY have a place on my shoe rack. And since, I’ve never stepped foot in one of these, then why not make it a last minute gift idea?
P.S. Using them outside the gym and in public is a different story!
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Hey Jeff,
I’ve had my Vibrams for three weeks now and I love them. So much so that I have only worn regular shoes a few times since. My wife has deemed them “socially unacceptable” so I cannot wear them to dinner and such. Fair enough.
As a trainer, I am lucky to be able to work in them all day long. Of course I train in them as well. I immediately noticed a tremendous difference when squatting and deadlifting – more torque about the hips and less about the knees. I particularly enjoy the improved contact with the floor when doing these exercises. Anyway, I just wanted to second your recommendation.
Probably the biggest obstacle for making these a last minute gift idea is that getting sizing down is very tricky — there’s no corresponding conversion for VFFs from regular shoe sizes (American or European) and VFF sizes.
You have to measure your feet and then apply that measurement to a chart to figure out your size — or go into a store and use their proprietary measuring device to approximate your size, and then just try on pairs til you find one that fits.
Meanwhile, each style fits a bit differently! It’s a complex issue.
http://birthdayshoes.com/wiki/index.php?title=Fivefingers_sizing
But worth the hassle in the end
Great point. Thanks. How does “last minute gift idea” for Christmas 2010 sound?
Maybe a gift for yourself for New Year to start your New Years resolution to start barefooting/keeping fit etc! That should give you enough time to get the sizings correct! Generally i’ve gone for half a size smaller and i know a couple of other people who have but as Justin said, every style is a bit different!