Donning Vibrams is a significant step in a runner’s decision to favor a minimalist style. Many minimalist shoes hardly looks minimalist (and in the case of Nike Frees, barely are). But there’s not mistaking Vibrams – people will see you and say, “Oh, you’re one of those.”
Last week I became one of those, and I’m happy to have done so. After running in them for more than a week now, I have to say they are the best running shoes I’ve ever owned.
I should explain that I’ve been a minimalist runner for about two years, and my previous shoes were Vivobarefoots. They’re the shoes I got comfortable in, starting out small and building up to my first half marathon last fall.
So the transition from those to Vibrams was pretty small – the Vivos had a 4mm sole, and the Vibrams have a 3mm one. Both have an added footbed, the millimeter difference doesn’t seem too significant.
OK, the big question: Why do I like them? I think the most significant difference is the complete lack of tension in my feet. I think in the more traditional minimal shoes, my toes tended to grab in the shoe. For some reason, in the Vibrams my feet feel completely relaxed while I run. The calve pain that haunted me following most of my runs has completely disappeared.
The Briathlete 