I Love My Merrells

Earlier this summer, I blogged about my foray into the barefoot shoe movement. Unfortunately for me, the toe shoes I bought were one size too small and had already removed the tags. What I didn't mention was that I also purchased barefoot casual flats. Initially, I had my heart set on the Vivobarefoot Women's Kali Shoe. Unfortunately, they weren't available in my size locally.

I lucked out with the two Merrells that I bought. They were on sale. Here's one of them:

This is the Merrell Women's Barefoot Life Zest Glove Flat (purchased at Soft Moc). I also have the Merrell Women's Barefoot Wonder Glove  (purchased at Checkmate Shoes).

Both pairs are extremely comfortable. The rubber Vibram soles provide a little bit of cushioning without compromising on flexibility.

Even after running around in them all day at the Calgary Japanese Festival, my feet were still happy at the end of the day. My legs were another story.

There's no arch support, so one unfamiliar with the barefoot movement would think that my arches would have been screaming by lunchtime. However, I think what helped is the fact that they ARE so flexible and have zero drop.

With my heightened foot to ground connection, I've changed how I walk (no heel striking). My toes wiggled freely because of the roomy toe box. The result? My entire foot adjusted easily and quickly to the uneven ground. Terra firma. In fact, I used the little bumps to massage my feet throughout the day by rolling back and forth.

The only downside? I'm short and wearing barefoot shoes really accentuates the height difference between myself and my interviewees. >_<

However, in the whole scheme of things, I think I'm healthier with barefoot shoes: no backaches, heightened nimbleness and balance and finally, improved posture. Sounds good to me.

Treading New Ground, Exploring the Barefoot Movement

This probably comes as no surprise: as we age, our body just doesn't work the way it used to. Back pain, knee pain, arthritis, carpal tunnel...the list goes on! In my latest effort to control aches and pains, I purchased a pair of toe shoes:

The way I see it, my flat feet due to my Asian genes don't really become a problem until I wear "Western" shoes. Slippers? No problem. Flip-flops? No problem. Barefoot? Wonderful.

Why is that? I think it's because we use more of our foot to maintain our balance. In each of those shoes, I've notice that my toes work harder. There are less missteps and certainly no sprained or rolled ankles.

It's also easy to slip the shoe off and massage and stretch your feet throughout the day. However, don't take just my word on how this barefoot movement makes sense.

However, a paradigm shift is needed when walking in my Vibram Komodo Sport Five Finger Shoes. I'm a heavy heel-striker with shoes on. With minimalist, "zero-drop" or barefoot shoes, you just can't do that (well, you can try, but I really don't advise it).

I purchased my Vibrams from Mountain Equipment Co-Op. The sales associates are extremely helpful there, especially the second one I spoke with. He was full of tips on fitting and sizing.

Although, I'm still in the "first impressions stage", I can share with you what I've learned so far in my minimalist footwear experience:

• the shoes are comfy!

• you really do feel the surface better, ergo, your body adjusts quickly (especially when making sharp turns)

• my knees don't hurt as much

• normal runners are very clunky and constricting now

• a different type of shoe is needed if walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods (more cushioning)

• my toes are stronger

Click on the links for more information on how to transition safely to barefoot or minimalist shoes for running or for everyday use, as well as how to thoroughly clean your toes shoes.

Next on my wish list: minimalist everyday shoes from Riva's Eco Store! However, I'm going to wait until my Correct Toe Spacers arrive first.