Check out this guy who thought it would be a good idea to wear his Vibram FiveFingers AT THE SAME TIME as his flip flops.

Trendy.

What’s the most ridiculous way you’ve ever worn your barefoot shoes? Any brides out there who walked down the aisle in their Vibrams? Or recent grads who had minimalist footwear on under their gowns?

Share your story in the comments below!

Excuse Me, Sir, But You’re Doing it All Wrong! is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

It’s been a while since we shared one of our loyal community member’s stories, so there’s no better day than today!

It seems like everyone has a different reason for why they got involved with minimalist running. It’s funny how some of the biggest advocates for barefoot running laughed at the concept before they learned the overwhelming benefits. Alex was one of those people.

Here’s his story:

Like most of the stories you’ve likely heard, mine started with a pretty decent dislike of running. I started lifting weights after high school with a friend and we’d end most training sessions with a simple one-mile jog that would consistently grind me into the ground for the sheer misery of it. After a year or so of this, I decided to take a college running class because I needed the P.E. credit, I’d already taken fencing and yoga, and because I was hoping I’d get over my hatred. And for a while there I did. The entire semester was simply building up to completing three miles, and I did so without any issues. It was even getting to be peaceful, like yoga, a portion of the day where I could shut my brain off and just move. I didn’t even mind the shin-splints too terribly much…

Fast forward to after college and my working a desk job. After a few months, I could see my newly sedentary lifestyle having an adverse effect on me, so I started in on DVD programs like P90X and Insanity. They were great for what I needed at the time, but got stale and boring, and I began my own programming once I felt I was up to it. I was excited to strap on my old Nike’s and get out running again, but suddenly my body didn’t share my enthusiasm. My manageable shin splints became monstrous, my hips and lower back were screaming during and after, and I was usually hovering around just a two mile mark. Hilariously, around this time that friend that I had lifted with before told me about an article he’d read regarding running barefoot, and what’s more, these “funky toe-shoes” people were buying, and we laughed at how ridiculous they seemed, how dangerous they must’ve been.

In searching for tips on creating body weight resistance routines, I came across a blog called NerdFitness, which sought to combine health and fitness-related information with geeky pop culture references–it was just what I needed. Combing through the archives, I found several articles expounding on the usefulness of Vibrams, the value of barefoot running, and numerous references to Chistopher McDougall’s Born to Run. I found the book in a store, read the first four chapters while waiting on my girlfriend to finish a meeting she was in, went home, and immediately downloaded it. I was sold. The next day after finishing it, I Googled around looking for sales, found Travel Country, a site that is consistently selling them at a discount and bought a pair of black-and-orange (admittedly, not the color or style I would’ve liked best) for $30 and have proceeded to wear them through ever since (there’s even a little tear in the left big toe where my nail must’ve punched through).

I wear them while I’m lifting, running, going out for pleasant walks, even just casually hanging out with friends. They have proven themselves to be the most comfortable, enjoyable shoes I’ve ever owned. And best of all, no shin splints, no joint pains, and I’m training now to complete my first half-marathon (the goal is to run a full one before my 25th birthday in late 2014). Thanks to my Vibrams, I finally feel really comfortable calling myself a runner again, and I’m back to that calm, meditative, enjoyable feeling, but this time racking up miles while barely touching the ground.

My First Time: A New Approach to Fitness is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

The #1 complaint we hear from people new to the Vibram FiveFingers community is that the shoes are too expensive. It’s true that they range from about $50-$100 per pair, but any high quality performance shoe is going to cost in the $80-$120 range. If anything, Vibrams tend to run cheaper than a pair of Nike’s or Asics’ or other high end running shoes.

Here’s The Deal

But now… online retailer, Woot, has Vibrams at a ridiculously low price. Woot is currently featuring a special on Bikilas for men and women. Order the shoes online for just $27.99 – which is 69% off the list price. This style includes hook and loop closure and tear-resistant TPU toe protection. The best part? Bikilas are machine washable so you don’t have to deal with stinky shoes in the house (just let them air dry so they don’t shrink!)

Win a Pair (Or Buy a Pair for Less)

At MyFiveFingers.com, we host a monthly giveaway of Vibram shoes, but if you’re not the lucky winner, well, this special offer is a close second. Just $27.99 for a pair of shoes valued at $90!

Order now by visiting the Woot site.

Special Offer: Bikilas On Sale for $27.99 is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Eric Orton, the coach from Born to Run, has a new book out. It’s called The Cool Impossible and it seeks to teach minimalist runners how to avoid injury, embrace the barefoot lifestyle more fully, and get in the right mindset to push farther and faster.

Check out this video clip of the author briefly discussing his time spent in Mexico with the Tarahumara tribe. Though most of us have seen Chris McDougall’s perspective in Born to Run, this is a great opportunity to learn from the coach who got McDougall in the best shape of his life.

Check out BBC’s coverage of the situation and learn barefoot running tips from the Mexican tribe.

Born to Run Coach Talks Barefoot Running Tips is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

In case you haven’t yet heard the news, our sister site - The Naked Tablet - is hosting their first ever giveaway this month! The best part? Anyone is eligible to win a FREE Kindle Fire HD pre-loaded with your favorite minimalist running books and movies.

Here’s how you can enter:

LIKE The Naked Tablet on Facebook

SHARE a Naked Tablet post on Facebook

FOLLOW @nakedtablet on Twitter

MENTION The Naked Tablet on twitter with the hashtag #freekindle

It might sound like a lot, but it’s really simple. The more engagement you demonstrate and the more vocal you are about the giveaway, the better your odds are of winning the Kindle Fire.

The contest runs from May 1 – June 1, 2013.

Good luck!

The Giveaway: Win a Free Kindle Fire HD is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

It recently came to light that the sports apparel company, New Balance, donated $1 million to the One Fund to support the people of Boston – particularly those most affected by the horrific events. This is an incredible gesture and will surely help the families of the victims in the following weeks.

Here’s how you can show your support.

Donate to the following organizations:

One Fund Boston

The Richard Family Fund

The Lu Lingzi Scholarship Fund

Krystle M. Campbell Memorial Fund

The New England Patriots’ Fund

The American Red Cross

Race for Boston

Participate in these marathons  to support the victims.

Or, you can check out the Boston Athletic Association website for information about qualifying for the 2014 race.

As always, in this type of situation we can’t undo the physical and emotional damage inflicted on the many runners and their families, but we can do our part to help fellow athletes and the Boston community. Boston – stand strong. They picked the WRONG city.

And, don’t miss this David Ortiz clip.

How Our Running Community Can Support The City of Boston is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Here’s Steve’s story.

My very first pair of “toe shoes” were actually Adidas Adipures. My wife bought them for me for Christmas to work out in. I had been looking at Vibrams for a long time, but figured the adipures would be good too, and since they were a gift, I decided to give them a shot. After wearing them for a few days, I noticed my back pain (15 year history) was almost gone. I finally figured out it was the shoes.

Adidas Adipures

The very next thing I did was go out and buy my first pair of Vibram FiveFingers so that I could wear them out and about. I bought black KSO treks so I could wear them to work as well as out. It’s now a year later and I’ve transitioned to all VFFs. My back still feels great almost every day and I love it. I can’t even wear normal shoes now without feeling like I have clown shoes on.

KSO Treks

Oh, and those first pair of Adidas shoes have now been replaced by the new Vibram EL-X. Those are what I call minimal.

Vibram EL-X

My First Time: Steve’s Minimalist Shoe Journey is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Read this step-by-step guide for our five tips.

Figure Out Your Size

Vibrams are sized differently than most other shoes and that can make buying your first pair a little tricky. It’s always a good idea to go to a shoe store and try a few pairs on to determine the best fit for your foot. If you want to order online, you can figure out your size using this customized tool.

Shop Around

Check out a few different stores and websites before committing to the pair you want. Depending on the style and color you prefer, you could save yourself a good deal of money by looking for online deals or finding a site with free shipping. Make sure you don’t just buy a pair of Vibrams at the first store you walk into. Take your time to get the style you like at a price you’ll love.

Save Money

Vibrams aren’t any more expensive than a typical high-end sneaker – in fact they usually clock in way under a Nike or Saucony running shoe, but they aren’t cheap. Plan to spend somewhere between $50 and $120 depending on the style and color combo you choose. See these money tips for forty ways to save up so you can afford the FiveFingers you’ve got your heart set on.

Color Match

Some people scoff at the idea of picking a shoe for its color, while others insist that it’s important to look good. If you look good – you’ll feel good. When it comes to FiveFingers, you’ll certainly get some stares. The question is – do you want minimalist footwear that is as subtle and inconspicuous as possible (all black, maybe brown or gray) or are you going to go as flashy as you can? Pick the color combo that you’ll be most proud to wear!

Buy for the Right Reason

Are you the kind of person who has 10 pairs of Vibrams in the closet? Or do you wear one pair until they’re practically falling to pieces? No matter your M.O., buy Vibrams for your lifestyle. Some shoes are better suited for walking around, others are intended for running, while some are more waterproof than others and can be an asset to surfers, kayakers, or triathletes. Of course, you can always buy more than one pair, but opt for the style that is optimal for your intended use.

How To Get Your Next Pair of FiveFingers is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

How did you feel when you first saw the shoes?

When did you buy your first pair?

What compelled you to start running in minimalist footwear?

Share your story by emailing kat [at] myfivefingers [dot] com for a chance to be featured on our website.

This post is courtesy of Moiz Malik, HFS, ACSM, President of Education and Research at the Integrated Training Institute in Singapore.

I love to try new stuff especially if it’s something that people will think twice about wearing outside (like crocs or sanuk) and if it’s functional for sports.

I first found out about the FiveFinger shoes in 2010 when I was browsing around my local department store in Singapore and found a booth selling them next to Nike shoes. I thought they looked cool and asked to try on the Komodo sports model for size. It felt weird and yet, very comfortable at the same time. I wasn’t too happy about the price though (they were selling at US$200) as it was a direct import. I actually forgot about them for a few months.

Now for the story proper.

I have a history of spraining my ankle everytime I play sports. Doctors told me that I have a high foot arch and I needed shoes with good arch support. Despite getting expensive shoes with arch support, I’d always sprain both of my ankles once a month. My brother lived in Canada at the time and was coming home to Singapore for the Christmas holidays. He called one day to ask for my shoe size, saying he found a perfect Christmas gift for me, and promised that it would help with my ankle problems… When he came back for the holidays a little while later, he presented me with a pair of dark blue Komodo Sports! The exact pair that I tried on months ago.

Ever since then, I haven’t experienced a single ankle sprain and I feel more stable playing any type of sport. To date, I have 6 pairs of FiveFingers and several minimalist shoes/barefoot sandals (I make sure I research the models to see if they qualify as such first). Even though my collection has grown, my first love and my entry shoe that made me a minimalist and barefoot fan will always be my FiveFinger Komodo Sports.

My First Time: A Vibram FiveFinger Shoe Experience is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Slate reporter, Sarah Wildman, interviews her father about the 15-minute exercise regimen invented over a hundred years ago by Danish fitness guru J.P. Muller. The workout improves strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility and is intended to be performed barefoot and nude. Thankfully, this guy keeps his clothes on!

Talk about getting back to basics…

What do you think? Would you try a natural workout like this?

Video: The Naked Workout is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site