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Barefoot shoes for webbed toes
burntheladle
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
So, I realised as I fruitlessly hunted for a pair of decent walking shoes this afternoon, that I really, really do not like to wear shoes. I am barefoot whenever I possibly can be (at home always, I tend to wear flip flops to school so I can kick them off and go barefoot in class, etc), so I was thinking about getting a pair of those vibram fivefingers...
Unfortunately, I have slightly webbed toes. My second/third toes are webbed to about a cm up, and my third/forth toes are slightly less that that. The vibram fivefingers websites seem to indicate that they are not suitable for webbed toes, while a quick google indicates that they can be modified, but I'm not hugely game to try that.
Poking around seems to suggest that Vivo Barefoot might be an okay alternative. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these? Or any other suggestions?
Unfortunately, I have slightly webbed toes. My second/third toes are webbed to about a cm up, and my third/forth toes are slightly less that that. The vibram fivefingers websites seem to indicate that they are not suitable for webbed toes, while a quick google indicates that they can be modified, but I'm not hugely game to try that.
Poking around seems to suggest that Vivo Barefoot might be an okay alternative. I was wondering if anyone has any experience with these? Or any other suggestions?
What would Zombie Pirate LeChuck Do?
burntheladle on
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You can also try looking through different brands of rock climbing shoes. There might be some that are like the Fivefingers without individual toes.
Rock climbing shoes are not good for your feet.
I can speak personally about the Five Fingers. I have been wearing them exclusively (with the exception of heavy snow days, when I wear moose-hide boots if I am going to be playing in the mountains where the snow is deep) for three years. What I can tell you is that while they are dexterous, and very flexible, it is not quite like being barefoot, although I do feel they are probably the closest thing out there right now.
They are not nearly as breathable as sandals, and on very hot days your feet will sweat. Morino wool toe socks can be worn on wet/light snow/rainy days to keep your feet warmer, but these shoes are not water proof, resistant, or anything of the like. On hot days, it can be nice to dip your feet (with the VFFs on) into a cool water source and walk around with them wet, but on some colder, rainy days you may sometimes wish your feet could be drier.
They are easy to clean, and should be washed (machine wash warm/cold, air dried) at least once a week to avoid foul odors.
They are fun to wear, great to run in if you don't heel-strike, and good for beginner to moderate rock climbing. The dexterity they provide is truly amazing, and the main reason I don't wear hard-soled shoes anymore. I've worn them during my travels around the world, in rain, snow, heat, sand, mud; used them for kayaking, martial arts, running, rock climbing, hiking, around the house. They are versatile, to say the least.
Comfort is key. Go to an REI or another brick-and-mortar store to try on a pair. If you are satisfied, buy them online from Vibram. If you have any specific questions about them, shoot me a PM if you'd like.