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Hi, I'm considering buying my first pair of Vibram FiveFingers shoes. My big toe is longer than the rest of my toes (this applies to both feet). The distance between the big toe and index toe is 15/32 inch (0,47 inch) or 12 millimeters . I attach an image of my foot at the end. Could this be a problem considering the fitting of the shoes to my feet? Or will I still be able to wear, function and benefit from a five fingers shoe? PS. I've done some research and found this site: http://www.myfivefingers.com/fivefingers-so-many-choices-whats-best-for-me/ in the comments section: "...Also, some people can’t wear them, because one toes is significantly more prominent the big toe..." I also found this guy with long second toe and hammerhead toe wearing FFs: But it's hard to draw any conclusion from this video because the guy hadn't at the time used them for so long. Also in my case it is the big toe that is prominent. I have emailed Vibram about this, when I recieve an answer I will post it here. In any case, I appreciate any help from the forum on this. Cheers, Dennis

I've recently purchased my first pair of Vibram's FiveFingers and because of that I've done some reading about how to correctly run barefoot — which would be, of course, the way humans are supposed to run. Lots of folks usually run by striking their heels first, but with minimalistic shoes this would injure the body: the correct technique requires to land on the forefoot. Luckily I've always run this way, so I don't have to change my habits, but this made me thinking about the correct walking technique. Back in the days of my childhood I used to walk on my forefoot all the time, at times I didn't even touch the ground with my heels — this is probably why my dorsiflexion is so shitty (I wonder if I'll ever be able to deep squat with proper form). Anyway, my parents, instructed by my doctor, tried to “force” me to walk correctly, that is to say by hitting the ground heel-first — something I now have the habit of doing. All the reading and watching about barefoot/minimalistic running made me realize human heels don't have a system to absorb the shock: that “system” is our arch and it works in conjunction with the ball of the foot. Empirically this makes sense because when I walk barefoot around the house at a decent speed, the standard way of walking hurts my heels. Does this mean the correct way of walking is to land the ball of the foot, without much reliance on the heel?

How many of you are using the wonderful Vibram Five fingers? I have worn nothing else since finding my first pairs of Sprints in MEC, in Vancouver: on seeing them in the window six years ago, my body told me unequivocally that my feet needed these! But the amazingly detailed and subtle construction can lead to a number of weak points, we have found. A common problem is that the outer rubber covering can part from the fabric—and while usually this means nothing in functional terms, everyone would agree that they look better if the rubber stays where it should be. Have a look at this little gallery: http://kitlaughlin.com/bodypress/Repairing%20Vibram%20Five%20Fingers/ The first images shows the problem: the rubber has opened away from the fabric. The second image shows the tools you will need: a curved surface against which to press another curved object, so that when you apply the glue, and clamp it all, the rubber forms perfectly on the fabric, and the internal curved shape is retained AND all parts of the separated rubber will be pressed into the fabric. This glue is flexible, by the way, and seems a very good match to the fabric and the rubber. The last image shows the clamping setup. This glue needs hours of pressure to make the repair, but it's worth it: a perfect job. I hope this is helpful. cheers to all, Kit

See here: New York Times article by Christopher McDougall The author not only teaches people how to run properly: he spent six months with the Tarahuma indians (Northern Mexico) and learned to run like they do; he is the author of the best-seller Born to Run. And if any of you are interested in the advice on how to start running in Fiver Fingers, you can't go past the advice on the excellent site Birthdayshoes.com. They have a really good Beginner's Guide to Barefoot Running that I recommend highly. Short take? Walk and run barefoot only for at least two weeks before putting on your new Vibrams, and (this is the most important bit) run Ninja-style: in other words, as softly and as quietly as you can. Running barefoot (as a tenderfoot!) will really limit your distance; don't be surprises if 200 yards is too far! Going 100% barefoot first ensures a number of things: no heel strike, consistently bent knees, and relaxed/soft feet. You do all that, and your running style will be efficient. Do not try to up your distances too quickly: while the muscles and cardiovascular systems adapt quickly, the ligaments and tendons take a lot longer. Take it easy. My final advice is not to try to run at your normal velocities, either: just get used to an upright trunk, and relaxed movement. Good luck!