What is the deal with those foot gloves. Does anyone have them? Do you like them?

December 07, 2011 5:48 PM PST · Flag · 5 answers

Tami Lynn

Professional II

Merrell Men's Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoes - Smoke/ Adventure...

Merrell Men's Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoes - Smoke/ Adventure Yellow 10.5

Experience barefoot comfort without giving up protection in Merrell Men's Barefoot Trail Glove Lace-Up Shoes Less is definitely more with this low-profile minimalist lace-up shoe. The Vibram® rubber outsole absorbs shock and offers protection from... read more...

These are pretty cool because I guess they feel like barefoot runners but they don't look like them. They actually look really nice.

✔ Highest voted answer

Reply · Send thanks · posted 163 days ago · 1 person agrees

1 points posted by Steven Fruchter

Wow these actually look really cool...I was just curious what responses were to this question because I didn't know what Greg meant by foot gloves...I'm gonna get these, thanks Tami :)

Brandon Gilbrech

I want to Act

Enthusiast I

MY gf just got them, it makes her calves and ankles really hurt while those muscles are being worked and stretched unlike they were before, other than that, she really enjoys the tactile feel of bare feet on the ground without the fear of getting cut or stabbed by glass or rocks.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 80 days ago

Howard Eitzen

Professional III

» The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Barefoot Running :...

» The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Barefoot Running :zenhabits

You should totally read this here article. It's very interesting. He talks about how running with shoes on is actually making your feet weaker, as constricting your feet makes it so they can't perform like they were designed to and therefor won't get stronger. They will actually get weaker because they rely on the shoes for support.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 162 days ago

Taylor McKay

Practitioner I

Vibram Fivefingers KSO (42 Mens, Black/Grey/Camo) - M1485

An alternative to traditional footwear for running and fitness training, the Vibram FiveFingers KSO can make the foot stronger and healthier by allowing your anatomy to work naturally and move more freely.2 mm EVA midsole enhances plating protecti... read more...

Are you talking about these toe shoes? Dude, they are awesome...nothing else like them. I've never run faster, better, or stronger. My wife and I both wear them, a different pair for different occasions, and we learned about them through a friend who also learned from a friend, etc. They do look weird, I'll grant you that but they're really amazing. My wife started using them first and when I saw what it did for her training (she was training for a marathon) I was blown away and got some for myself. The running shoes do require some getting used to because they make it necessary for you to use muscles you never knew you had in your legs but that passes quickly making you much lighter on your feet. They also have regular toe shoes for walking, playing, regular everyday use, etc. They are extremely comfortable. If you buy Marmot toe shoes you might get less looks from other people because they appear closer to shoes but I personally like the feel of Vibram's better.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 163 days ago

Richard Edwards

Professional III

My good friend is one of those crazy people who runs marathons and ULTRA marathons (anything longer than a traditional marathon). He actually just ran a freaking 100 mile race - I swear I am not making this up. It was his second, he did one a few months back, too.
Anyway, I asked him about those shoes one time and he said he has a pair that he wears a lot to run in, although not for marathons.
It's like a revolution in footwear called 'naked running' or something. The idea is to use your natural, ergonomic foot shape to enhance your performance. See, when Nike started mass producing 'running' shoes, everyone bought into it and assumed they had done their research and that their shoes were the best design for running in. As it turns out, this may not be the case. Our bodies have been evolving for thousands of years to hone certain skills like running, and strapping on those padded, oddly shaped shoes may in fact be a hinderance.
If you like to run you should try a pair. My buddy says it's a pretty cool experience, and really is the way we were meant to run.

Reply · Send thanks · posted 163 days ago

1 points posted by Tami Lynn

I wouldn't wear them around town because they look really weird, but it might be interesting to run in them sometime and see what it's like....I heard it's just like running barefoot.

Voting Summary

1.	Merrell Men's Trail Glove Barefoot Running Shoe...	50% agree
2.	» The Complete Beginner’s Guide t...	25% agree
3.	Vibram Fivefingers KSO (42 Mens, Black/Grey/Cam...	25% agree