Five Fingers or MBT Shoes?

[colinkbell]

Hi. I am trying to decide between buying a pair of MBT swiss barefoot shoes or Vibram Five Fingers? My reason for buying is for lower body joint health. They are both very expensive here in Ireland so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[darryllardizabal]

Depends. Most people are better served getting into the Vibrams when they are ready. BUT, if you've been using CUSHY shoes, there's a progression to follow just like weight training. Nike Frees 7.0., 5.0, 3.0 then Vibrams. Some people can skip a few, but most people are better off just following that simple progression.

Although Vibrams are the eventual goal, sometimes your body might not like it. You may be like most, you may not be. It's on you and your nervous system. Try em both. Walk around in them at the store (if you can), see which one you really feel "alive" in.

I prefer Vibrams, but it did take some time to get used to them. The MBT's are not "barefoot," just something to keep in mind.

[ctfoster84]

I went from 8 inch boots to Vibrams, and they were instantly the greatest shoe ever.

[colinkbell]

Sorry folks i forgot to add that i have a pair of Viva Barefoot shoes. Im a bit sceptical of these Vivas as they seem very similar to cheap slipper-style shoes i can buy in Dunnes for £5. Im looking for the "real mccoy" barefeet shoes.

[ZachariahSalazarRKC]

Vivos are awesome! They last and they have a very puncture resistant sole. great for when you want a shoe that doesnt make you look like a tree frog. MBT are total crap, worst idea ever. Like training in orthopedic moonboots. Five fingers, gymnastic shoes, etc soft soles without ht are what count. If you want cheap go Asics Matflex w the gum sole. $30-$40 new and they are awesome. If you want minimalist the other main shoe i wear is the Feelmax Panka in black of course. zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[Shankara]

Originally Posted by darryllardizabal

Depends. Most people are better served getting into the Vibrams when they are ready. BUT, if you've been using CUSHY shoes, there's a progression to follow just like weight training. Nike Frees 7.0., 5.0, 3.0 then Vibrams. Some people can skip a few, but most people are better off just following that simple progression.

Although Vibrams are the eventual goal, sometimes your body might not like it. You may be like most, you may not be. It's on you and your nervous system. Try em both. Walk around in them at the store (if you can), see which one you really feel "alive" in.

I prefer Vibrams, but it did take some time to get used to them. The MBT's are not "barefoot," just something to keep in mind.

I've been wearing Chuck Taylors at work. Standing for 8-10 hrs a day. No cushion soles there. I'm planning on making the jump to VFF's on Nov. 22(bday). Is wearing the Chucks like I am good 'prep work' for the VFF's?

[darryllardizabal]

You'll still get sore in them. Chucks have a rigid sole. They are thin yes, but still rigid. I went from Nike Frees 5.0 and still got sore in them and took some time to get used to. Just like with most people your mileage will vary.

Going from chucks to Vibrams is also based on how much you are walking per day. If you aren't walking much even in your chucks than the transition will be much easier than say if you were a marathoner in Chucks.

Has to do with the actual muscle, tendon, ligament adaptation and blah blah blah.

[dreyfus]

Originally Posted by colinkbell

Hi. I am trying to decide between buying a pair of MBT swiss barefoot shoes or Vibram Five Fingers? My reason for buying is for lower body joint health. They are both very expensive here in Ireland so any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I don't think you should buy the mbt shoe, I have been hearing that they are just a fad and don't pose any real health benefits.

[DrJAG2]

Originally Posted by dreyfus

I don't think you should buy the mbt shoe, I have been hearing that they are just a fad and don't pose any real health benefits.

They pose a serious threat to the health of your wallet.

[Miamono]

I bought my VFFs for the upcoming RKC in April, as I found the cold ground at the HKC to be uncomfortable. I train in them but LOVE wearing them when I'm running around town doing errands etc. I would actually wear them all the time if I could but need to wear dress shoes for work.

If I wear heels to work my feet will usually hurt the day after. Found that if I wear my VFFs the next day or over the weekend the pain goes away. I also love that I can train in them and then leave the studio without having to change. Might get the new leather version to see if that blends in a bit better with the 'normal' shoe wearing world.