[Earl]

OK, so here's the biggest "crack-pot" idea ever.

Went to my neuro yesterday. Only because his office scheduler bugged me for MONTHS to come pay a visit. Now, keep in mind since I am primary progressive there's nothing really that can be done.

His newest brightest idea? He wants me to spend $100. ($99.99) for VIBRAMS Five Finger shoes.

Yeah, those ugly shoes. In case you have never seen them (they are quite popular in Phoenix) they look like toe socks. They are basically barefoot shoes. you almost don't realize you aren't barefoot. you feel every pebble/rock/stick you step on. He said they can help with my balance,strength, and nerve damage. I personally think he bought stock in the company. I am going later today to try some on. Buying is a whole 'nuther much less likely possibility.

They are geared to runners. they are supposedly really good for you. I normally wear Birkenstocks 99.99% of the time. That has me wonder, since Birk's are good for feet, maybe these would be too.

Anyone ever try them? Seen them?

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

((and no, I'm not pulling your leg - I can see after my fake grim reaper report you might suspect))

[Kitty]

They look interesting. Looks like a good thing to wear inside the house.

I looked on ebay and they have lots of new pair for about half of what the website was asking for them.

[tkrik]

Ok, Earl, you can be our guinea pig and let us know how they feel and how they work for you. j/k

They do look interesting but I wonder how they work outside of the home. It seems to me that stepping on a pebble would actually hurt as you can feel through them. And, what about hot pavement. I guess if they are popular in Phx, hot pavement is not an issue.

Let us know what you think after you go today.

[SallyC]

Other than being about the ugliest shoe, Ive ever seen, do they offer any protection for your foot? Otherwise ya might as well go barefoot?

[Kitty]

They are supposed to help with balance. Look at the 5 reason they give to wear them:

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/abo...h_wellness.htm

I wish they'd make some with a French Manicure!

[mrsD]

I know someone who has these... walks the dog with them etc, outside. But she does not have foot issues.

I think anyone with neuropathy, foot arthritis, or sesamoiditis, should consult a foot doctor before wearing these. My podiatrist wants me wearing hard soled shoes, to protect my feet.
I know if I step on even pebbles, it kills my feet. So I have hard soled slides for indoor/outdoor, and upNorth use.

Another shoe to be careful with is those Shape-Ups from Sketchers. One could really fall down with those, or twist the lower leg and break the ankle or leg!

There may be types of foot issues where these would be helpful.
But I know for me, they would not.

[tkrik]

Good point, mrsD! I don't see how they would be beneficial if you have neuropathy in your feet as well as some of us MSers with numb feet. We could actually hurt ourselves and not even know it. One should see a podiatrist before trying something like this.

[Jomar]

Just seems weird to me , and hard to find the perfect fit I would think.

what if they rub on your toes, or the toes length doesn't fit your your toe length.
I don't even wear flip flops because of the thing between the toes LOL

[mrsD]

I agree.... I don't wear flip flops either... I can't stand the thingey between the toes.

I only wear slides (slip ons) and never sandals with a strap across the instep (with my high instep problems and nerve problems!). I am very very picky about shoes. I often go to stores, and try on all candidates and get NOTHING. When I find a pair that works for me, I buy two. So I won't have to go thru it all again soon! I can get so frustrated finding slip ons now.... I don't even want to THINK about it !

[Jomar]

LOL I do the same thing, esp if the ones that fit well are on sale!