Barely There Footwear

For more diet & nutrition tips, visit Facebook or Twitter @FitFadFan

I remember when the barely there footwear started catching on and I thought it was weird! I didn't understand how someone could run on pavement with a shoe that looked like a sock. It funny how trends work...something starts off large or clunky and then gradually gets smaller and then it gets larger again. Think about cell phones. They started huge and then turned super tiny and now they are getting larger. Well I think that's how shoes go as well. 

I wasn't going to buy into the "barefoot" shoe until I thought about obstacle course races. I was trying to decide what type of footwear would be best to run, swim, jump, etc. and not slow me down. I came across FILA Skele-Toes TriFit and decided to try them out. 

The description claimed that: With two integrated pull-tabs and the EZ slide feature in the two smallest toes, on/off is quick and easy. I personally did not think these were easy to get on and off. I had to work my foot in and then work my toes into the correct "slot" since it's the 4-toe construction. The shoes were lightweight, flexible, and waterproof, which made them easy to stretch for all activities.

There are so many options on the market and I personally wasn't going to spend much just to try these out. So I bought mine on Cyber Monday on super sale at Dick's Sporting Goods. My boyfriend opted for a FILA pair as well, but his seemed lighter weight and they laced up for easy slip on/off.

So we participated in several races and I was so happy I purchased these. They were great for swimming across a lake, tromping through mud, and running 6 miles. I would definitely suggest getting a pair or something similar if you like obstacle and mud runs. But note, after completing the races, my big toe blistered, the bottoms of my feet were a little sore, and my ankles hurt. I wasn't sure how much this had to do with the shoe since I was running on ramps, uneven ground, and rocks. Point being, these don't offer the best of support.

 

If you're serious about the whole barefoot running concept, I hear great things about Vibram Five Fingers Bikila LS. Now these shoes are a bit pricier, around $60-70 compared to FILA $20-30. The Vibram claim to have more support around the ankle, offer extreme comfort, and a sole that allows the heel to drop even.

My recommendations? Buy socks specifically designed for these types of shoes. Without socks, your toes will blister. Other than that, I personally wouldn't opt for these if I'm going for a daily jog in my neighborhood. But, they are the best for mud runs or obstacle races! What's your opinion?