Classic women's shoes have non-marking Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles. A thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric fits low on the footfor comfort and quick drying. Classic is best for: Running, Fitness Training, Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates, and Travel Materials. amazon.com
Vibram FiveFingers shoes have been around for a couple of years but the word is spreading that they are good. You will find them on Amazon.com in many styles and colors for around $75.00.
Right here in Concord, Massachusetts the company, Vibram, teamed up with Dr. Daniel Leiberman of Harvard University for scientific research of barefoot and/or running without too much on the foot. They came up with FiveFingers. They remind me in a way of Crocs. People said they were ugly. They now come in many styles and so many colors! They are the most comfortable shoe I've worn and I think they're cute. I will have to let you tell me about your experiences with FiveFingers.
The idea behind them is that they mimick walking in your bare feet. Some doctors will tell you that walking/running in barefeet is not good; some will say it's great. If you have foot problems and are going to be running with FiveFingers please check with your doctor.
Some wearers say that they don't protect the foot but they do cushion them and are like gloves. Some wearers swear by them even when running on rocky gravel; some say that they can feel every pebble wearing them. I would recommend that you be able to return them unless you can find them for a great deal.
Even if FiveFingers aren't the perfect running shoe it seems they would be great for bike riding, weight training, and kayaking just to name a few fitness activities. Each style has suggested sports that the shoes would be suitable for.
"Motion studies demonstrate that when running barefoot, one naturally lands on the forefoot, directly below your center of gravity. This results in optimum balance, increased stability, less impact, and greater propulsion. According to Dr. Ivo Waerlop of the Vibram Biomechanics Advisory Board, “Running in FiveFingers improves agility, strength, and equilibrium, plus it delivers sensory feedback that allows runners to make immediate corrections in their form. This greatly improves running efficiency.” www.vibramfivefingers.com
