The Minimalist Movement: FiveFingers vs. Frees

Okay, so I know I'm not a runner anymore (and haven't been for QUITE some time now...), but I still want to share my two cents when it comes to the minimalist running movement. Everyone's heard about it by now, and many people have tried running in these new shoes. Although I won't get into it here, I have learned that it's not the shoes that prevent injury and are better for the body, it's learning how to run with proper form ("pose running" is one example of this) that does the trick, and that these shoes just make it much easier to change your method.

Like I said, I don't do much running these days--and especially not long-distance--but I have run shorter distances in both of these shoes and do have an opinion on them. I've also done CrossFit in both of these shoes, and have found that they're a great fit for most of the movements done in a CrossFit class, as well. And, as someone who had pretty bad form when I ran before (which is what caused my injury), I know a thing or two about trying to learn to change your running form (have been trying for a year or two). So, here's my opinion on both of these shoes (I'm grading on 5 different factors--comfort, for running, for CrossFit, pain reduction/injury prevention, look) :

Vibram FiveFingers

Comfort: Pretty freaking comfortable. It really does feel like you're barefoot, once you get your toes into each little toe pocket (tough at first!). Sometimes the velcro across the top of my foot bothers me, but overall, very comfortable. Not so comfortable for me to walk around outside in (see some people walking around town in them like they're regular shoes, wearing them to work on their commute, shopping in them, etc), but I have a fairly heavy stride so it feels like a lot of pounding when I wear them on the concrete. I know, probably another type of form I should work on...

Running: Personally, I think they're GREAT for trail-running (soft surfaces) but have too little support for concrete/road running. Again, although the point is to learn to run naturally, on the balls of your feet and using all the muscles in your feet and legs, so that the pounding isn't an issue, I still think our ancestors (the people who actually ran with correct form when they ran barefoot) were not running on asphalt or such hard surfaces as we do today. I find running on concrete to be super-jarring on the body (and it's one of the many things that contributed to my stress-fracture caused by running), so I prefer just a bit more barrier between my feet and the concrete. But, I have a blast trail-running in my Vibrams, and I think that you really do feel like you're running barefoot when running in them! It's also fun to splash through puddles and mud and feel what it actually feels like on your feet (imagine!), and they DEFINITELY do remind you to run properly, because if you don't you feel the shock of your step up your leg. But, be careful and watch out for rocks and pebbles when running in these! They hurt if you don't see them coming...

CrossFit or Crosstraining: I find them to be great for CrossFit. Wonderful for doing squats and heavy lifting, and help you to feel super-light on your feet when doing things like box jumps and burpees. My feet got a bit cold in them in the winter and a bit hot/sweaty in the summer, but overall a good fit for these types of workouts. Also, I find that some days you just want to wear socks with your shoes, and I can't do that with these, but I did recently hear that they make socks for them now so maybe that will solve this issue. Also, they do begin to smell if you don't wash them regularly (yuck!!!!), and you never want to be the smelly kid in class, so don't forget to wash them...

Pain Reduction: Again, when running on trails I found that my usual aches and pains (hip, hamstring, lower back region) were definitely lessened. As mentioned, I don't like using them on concrete because that was still too jarring for my injuries.

Look: Um, personally, I think they're kind of goofy-looking and ugly (sorry to all of you who wear them everywhere!). Definitely not something I'd want to walk around town in (plus, people stare at you! especially when I first got them about a year ago and they weren't as "normal" as they are now...), but no judgment on those who do because I understand why you like them + you wear them with pride. Also, I have this whole complex about how my legs look in them...but I'll save you from that rant today :)

**As a sidenote, they advertise that you can use these for yoga, too. I've only seen one person do this and I've never tried it myself, but I guess that would work because you want to be able to spread the toes and balance on all 4 corners of your feet when you practice. I say go barefoot for yoga (why not?), but that is an option with these shoes...

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Nike Free

Comfort: Very comfortable. Really, I haven't been able to take them off since I got them and I didn't have to go through that whole awkward "breaking in new running shoes" ordeal, which has been great. I think they're perfect for walking around in (I needed something comfortable to wear when scooting around to all my classes all over town) and then wearing straight to your physical fitness activity of choice :) Seriously, no complaints whatsoever in terms of comfort thus far.

Running: I've found the Frees to be a bit more accomodating for running on concrete. I haven't used them for trail-running yet, but when running in them they remind me to stay light on my feet and to stay on the balls of my feet while running since they have minimal soles (and are SO light!), but that they don't jar the body in the same way that the Vibrams do. Call me spoiled and modern, but I like having that extra bit of padding between my body and the concrete :)

CrossFit or Crosstraining: Pretty good! Again, since they're so light they've been great for some of the met-con movements (box jumps, jumping rope, burpees), and the lack of much of a heel has made them a better fit for squats and the like (vs. regular running shoes). I do have to say that they still have slightly more padding than you'd like for some of the heavier weightlifting, but overall they're a great shoe to wear to CrossFit so that you don't have to keep changing shoes for each exercise. Plus, you get to wear socks with them! So much fun :)

Pain Reduction: Pretty good! I was definitely less aware of my normal aches and pains when running on the concrete in these, which is a plus. In normal running shoes I am aware of the pains after just a few steps, so the way that these shoes remind me to run (+ all that I've learned about proper form...don't forget that you have to make changes, too!) definitely helps with this. Also, the extra bit of cushion just helps my steps be a bit less jarring on my hip.

Look: Fairly good! Not too bulky and they have some nice colors to choose from. I still think that the soles are a bit goofy looking, but I don't think they look too weird when walking around town.


Now I'm eager to hear...what do you think? Have you tried either or both shoes? For what activities? How do you feel about them? Have they helped your running form?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Namaste,
Mary Catherine

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