Alternatives to Vibram Five Fingers

Question

I'd like to wear VFFs for running, but unfortunately I have odd shaped/length toes and feet that make these almost impossible to wear. Are there any reasonably priced alternatives that I could look at (complete barefoot is not an option)?

Thanks

Side note:

I visited a store in my area and asked if they carried the NBs. I was then treated to a diatribe as to how all these companies are in it only for the money, they're not for all runners, she studies podiatry and they're horrible, why would anyone recommend them, etc.

Answer 1

The Nike Free 5.0 was one of the first running shoes designed to simulate barefoot running. The "5.0" was supposed to indicate that it was half way between running with a traditional shoe (10.0) and running barefoot (0.0). You might find the 3.0 to be good for regular running.

There are lots of minimalist running shoes you just need to decide what it is that you really want.

Answer 2

http://barefootrunningshoes.org/ has a pretty comprehensive database.

My suggestion due to the irregular toe length issue would be the Vivo as it has the widest toe box.

Answer 3

• New Balance Minimus
• Merrell True Glove

Answer 4

These maybe a little closer to barefoot than you are looking for, but Luna sandals are a good option. Odd size feet are no problem because you measure your foot, send them the measurements, and they custom cut the sandals.

Answer 5

The RunAmocs from Soft Star Shoes are nice. I have a pair which I've reviewed here. Actually my review talks more about the transition to minimalist shoe running than the shoes themselves, but you can get the idea. They are very lightweight shoes with a Vibram 2mm rubber sole. When I first put them on they didn't seem to fit very snug like I'm used to. But because they are so extremely light and flexible, they actually stay on the feet very well.

My reasons for getting these instead of the Vibram Five Fingers are twofold:

1. I too have oddly shaped big toes.
2. I wanted the option to wear socks.

Answer 6

Aqua socks (aka Water Shoes or Beach Shoes) are a very cheap alternative, though you are paying for what you get. They don't last for very long before they start to fall apart (a few months perhaps).

Fit tends to vary greatly depending where you get them, but if you can find something that's snug enough to run in, then they will do the trick to protect your feet from nasty pointy things on the ground.

At around $5 for a pair, it's a good place to start if you're interested in trying out minimalist running without having to make a large investment in specially made shoes.

Answer 7

I have been very happy with my XeroShoes huarache sandals. They take a little bit of adjustment, particularly finding a tying style that fits your range of movement and is easy to tie, untie, and adjust, but I think they're the next best thing to being barefoot. The only catch is that their flagship product is DIY, which can lead to spotty results and the occasional bit of buyer's remorse when you speculate on whether you could have done the same thing yourself for cheaper. That said, whatever they use for the soles is very durable without sacrificing feeling, so I've ultimately weighed it as worth the price.