Rubber Running Socks

One of the joys of summer is being able to go barefoot. I don’t run, but my son, my nephew and Omaha bff J are all runners. So usually I’m hearing about 5 mile runs, mini-marathons, blisters, shin splints and all the other daily runners’ chatter.

The latest runners’ chatter: last week my son little M bought a pair of rubber running socks by Vibram FiveFingers. Designed for all types of sports including running, watersports, yoga, and gym workouts these “barefoot” workout shoes are designed to protect and strengthen the foot while enhancing performance. They look strange: like tight rubber toe socks. But they have extra padding on the bottom. He’s run in them several times already and says his feet and shins feel great, but his calf muscles are sore from the different running position.

My nephew warns that barefoot shoes can be very problematic on concrete, and podiatrists aren’t recommending them. He tells me the barefoot running kick started by the book Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen. It documents a Mexican tribe of amazing runners that only run in their bare feet and sandals. The book’s author Christopher McDougall makes the case that we are all built to run barefoot, so we should all start doing it. My nephew also says that some experts say running shoes are unnatural and lead to more injuries than they help prevent.

Omaha bff J is checking into women’s styles and colors. What’s your verdict?

Vibram $85 – $110 at shoe and athletic stores, or online at www.vibramfivefingers.com. Assorted mens and womens styles and colors.

Moi comment: Why don’t they call them FiveToes??? fyi: He also bought a pair of 5-toe socks to go with the FiveFinger shoes, I guess to keep his feet warm in the colder months.