Running

[Sir Biffo]

Only if you have good running technique ...

I cringe when I see some people out running in their shoes they've picked up from A-Mart allsports because they have a flashy label and about a billion "comfort" features, yet their bodys sway like palm trees in a breeze, their knees look like they're screaming for mercy and their ankles roll around like a drunk falling out of a pub.

If one of those people ran in a pair of nike frees or the five fingers or a racing flat they would probably have about a month before the serious injuries hit and that month would be full of pain. These comfort shoes seem to just be compensating for peoples poor running form, when if they had just addressed these issues when starting out they would be much faster and efficient. It's like seeing someone spaz about in the pool thrashing their arms at the speed of light being given a pull-bouy or some flippers to make them faster ... no-one would ever do this, they would address their technique issues to solve the problem.

 

[Thomas]

Only if you have good running technique ...

I cringe when I see some people out running in their shoes they've picked up from A-Mart allsports because they have a flashy label and about a billion "comfort" features, yet their bodys sway like palm trees in a breeze, their knees look like they're screaming for mercy and their ankles roll around like a drunk falling out of a pub.

If one of those people ran in a pair of nike frees or the five fingers or a racing flat they would probably have about a month before the serious injuries hit and that month would be full of pain. These comfort shoes seem to just be compensating for peoples poor running form, when if they had just addressed these issues when starting out they would be much faster and efficient. It's like seeing someone spaz about in the pool thrashing their arms at the speed of light being given a pull-bouy or some flippers to make them faster ... no-one would ever do this, they would address their technique issues to solve the problem.

Yeah spot on. Technique means everything in running and it is scary how many people run with a horrible technique. I’m probably one of them. I stopped running for quite a few years there and as soon as I picked it back up again I started getting impact injuries. My feet were right out in front of me and I was slamming them down. Also had really tense hands. Back when I was a competitive runner I had a great style and I’m the first to admit it hasn’t been easy trying to run properly.

I bought my five fingers shoes last week and have run in them 3 times. Nothing major, just little runs in them and I can feel it in my calves. Funnily enough that is the only part of my body that aches. My knees are loving me for it. I’m certainly not going to go out and belt out 7 or so kms in them but I’m not finding it hard to run properly in them. They actually force you too. If you slap your feet down you’ll feel it. You are dead right though…if you give them to someone who isn’t clued in then they’ll hurt themselves.

I know my limits. I’ve been wearing them to the gym and just about everywhere else so I can get used to them.

My wife won’t be seen in public with me when I wear them though…

 

[JoeD]

My wife won’t be seen in public with me when I wear them though…

That would be my issue. I thought i was brave venturing out in lycra on my bike but i don't think i could wear a pair of the 5 fingers.

 

[Thomas]

I get a few comments in the gym but usually "what are they like to wear".

You'll start seeing them more and more. The store in Brisbane CBD sells about 8-10 pairs a day.