Posts: 5,405
10/24/12 7:37 P

Let me clarify, LOL, I don't run in ballet slippers, just used them for illustration purposes, although I guess they can be made in any width. The principles of how they are made is what I wanted to point out, great ground feel. Aqua shoes are available at Walmart for under $10.00 and if you buy one size up they fit nicely even with winter socks.

Birgit

Body Fat %: 20.0

23.6 22.2 20.8 19.4

18

Posts: 10,550
10/24/12 6:22 P

You must have very thin feet to be comfy in a ballet slipper. I have found that a shoe or slipper that fits nice and feels nice when tried on doesn't always work when running or walking because as you step and roll the foot, the pressures all change. For me, my toes spread out and rub and get pinched against the sides of the shoe no matter how wide the shoe is or how fabulous it felt when putting it on. I've had my gait measured, my step measured, my foot/ankle/leg alignment measured while walking on a treadmill. Even after that and buying what we all agreed was the perfect shoe for me, I was still in pain. Drat!!

I agree about leather soles letting your feet breathe. I have some nice moccasins.

I read about the stink problem with VFF shoes. That dampened the attractiveness for me. But, like you, I really like to be able to feel the ground. But not to the point of getting hurt by a sharp rock or thorn--it's pretty rough around where I live.

Posts: 5,405
10/24/12 5:33 P

I wear nothing but minimalist shoes and have for over two years. I run in them, walk in them, do errands in them. I prefer no heel, flexible sole, no arch/midfoot support. Vibram Five Fingers (VFF's) are nice but not necessary. Anything that's similar to an aqua shoe or ballet slipper will do the job. Take a look at the birthdayshoes website. They come in boots, sneakers, dress shoes, anything you want. I have not tried a negative heel drop but don't see an advantage with it. The more similar to barefoot the better. If you can find them made from natural materials like leather your feet will breathe better. VFF's stink after a while if worn without socks.
Birgit

Body Fat %: 20.0

23.6 22.2 20.8 19.4

18

Posts: 10,550
10/24/12 4:47 P

I've had a few pairs of Earth shoes. I got them because I had back pain. I also have feet that are hard to fit into any shoe.

think about this. Even high heeled spike shoes let a person walk with the heel hitting first. I don't think the order of what hits first is an issue with either flat, high heels or negative incline shoes. The claim with Earth shoes is that it makes you stand with a more "natural" curve to your spine. Well, they didn't help my back problems; getting back into yoga did lots more for me in that area. And I mostly go barefoot (inside) or wear tabby socks with flip-flop type sandals when it's cold. And big ugly garden clogs when it is very wet and puddly out.

Some people just find Earth shoes to be real comfy so that works for them. An Earth shoe for $19.99 is a huge bargain so the risk was a good one I'd say. Try 'em out; see for yourself.

Posts: 24
10/24/12 4:29 P

So, this might be a strange post to make here, but I know a lot of people who follow the primal blueprint talk a lot about the vibram five finger shoes and how they are a more natural pattern of footfall. Well, I've had two pairs of the five-fingers, and I am a firm believer in them. That plus they are just kind of fun to wear, and they make me feel like I can run really fast - like a super hero or something. But, let's face it - who wants to wear them out running errands? They do tend to attract attention that I just don't need walking around the grocery store. I tend to just throw on regular sneakers for heading out to mix with the general public in this manner. Anyway, I happened to be browsing a favorite bargin shopping place today, looking for new sneakers for my husband, and came across Earth Brand sneakers. The idea with these is that they have a negative incline - so the heel is lower than the rest of the foot, supposedly promoting a more natural posture (having the heel strike first rather than the ball of the foot - the opposite idea of the five-fingers). Considering they were only $19.99 (down from $109.99) and actually in my size (I have ridiculously, tiny feet - shoe shopping can be a challenge), I decided to pick them up, and I am wondering if anyone else in this group has experience with them and what are your opinions or experiences?

The TL:DR version of this long winded post - Earth brand shoes, any thoughts or experience?

- A