Barefoot shoe recommendations, anyone? page

[gallgirl]

I've tried Merrells (tight and scratchy uppers), nike free, new balance minimus. The main problem is with the uppers being tight and uncomfortable. I'd appreciate any recommendations - I'm just a walker for now. Thanks!!

[missblue]

I wear NB Minimus--the light "mesh" non-winter ones and I don't feel any problem with tightness. They also come in wider widths if that is an issue--my other shoe of choice is Minnetonka soft mocs which you can tie as loose as you like.

[Dr. Bork Bork]

Vibrams. No brainer.
If you don't want to spend a lot of money on shoes, you could also try Fila skeletoes, or just plain ol' water shoes.

[Dr. Bork Bork]

Second for vibrams. Sure, they are usually around $100, but so is any other normal shoe that is good. You pay a bit more for healthy food, why not the same for good footwear?

I have had the Sprint, the komodo-sport, and as of this week, the Spyridon LS; all of them have been worth the cost. I got the sprints 3 years ago, and still use them daily, with barely any wear on them, and no tear. The komodosports were my hiking/long walk shoes, they have been plunged into water, scraped against rocks while climbing, sunk into mud, and scalded on hot sand/pavement. They still have no signs of wear and tear.

You get what you pay for.

If you want to be really, really minimalistic, try luna sandels or huaraches.

Are you using them right? I got my komodos in October and had worn through the sole by February! LOL. They had holes by June. Just got my newest pair of komodos, and going back soon for some KSOs or Treks. Haven't decided yet.

[Paleobird]

I am an unrepentant Vibram addict. The best ones they have yet put out are the ones with the elastic laces up the front.

[cori93437]

Another unrepentant Vibram addict.
I think I have about a dozen pair... everything from the heavier duty to the lightest little leather yoga slippers (in multiple colors of course).
They are all I wear.
And they have healed some petty bad foot problems for me.
I have even used some of the black suede yoga slippers as 'formal' shoes. Hey, black suede, that's formal right?

[primal me]

I bought my Vibram Bikila's a couple months ago and every time I put them on I want to go running and I'm not a runner! They could easily be worn out on a hiking trail or on a city side walk. I love how they feel, unfortunately I haven't been able to wear them since I somehow pinched my sciatic a couple weeks ago and have had an asleep leg since then. My toes are super sensitive right now while other parts of my foot and leg have no feeling. Very unsettling and I can hardly wait for it to get better so I can get back out there walking and maybe even running!

[Metric]

I love my Komodo Sport LS Vibrams. People ask me about them on a weekly basis. I always tell people that I will never go back to wearing a typical running shoe. My shin-splints and charlie-horses have disappeared. My ankles are very much stronger (actually I twisted my ankle a week or so ago on loose concrete (I'm VERY accident prone). Sure it hurt, but about 10 seconds later, I was able to continue and finished my 30 minute walk without any pain. My ankle was swollen the next few days, but again, absolutely no pain. My posture is also a lot better... I can't say enough about how much I love these. A few people at my work have bought some and they are just as much in love with them as I am. I haven't tried the other barefoot shoes, so I can't comment on those. Best of luck .

[Paleobird]

I made it most of the way up Mt. Kilimangaro in my neon orange KSO's. I only switched to "real" boots for the last day because there was snow and slush involved.

[Ghâshûl]

I have a pair of KSO's, a pair of Invisible Shoes and a pair of VivoBarefoot shoes.
If it's warm, I prefer the invisible shoe, cause it allows my feet to get more air. The KSO's I use for running and to the gym. The vivobarefoot are my everyday shoe now, I can wear it to work with no issue, so that's cool.
Also the Vibrams tend to bother my toes after wearing them for several hours.