Questions & Answers

Can't find zip online about these, yet they're available in stock at TP and a couple of online retailers.

Surprisingly, the weights listed for the Hi's are actually lower than the Neo Trails? This has to be a mistake no?

Anyway, I'm definitely considering these for a winter shoe, but I'd really love to see some more info before shelling out $185.

As usual, I think the color ways for the Neo Trails are cracked, with only two marginally acceptable options. Terra-Plana, I love your shoes, in so many ways, but I'm starting to worry about your designers.. =\

Damien, are you really that concerned about the durability of the lugs on these higher traction models? The sole on my aquas (thanks!), seem pretty indestructible, but it's the gum rubber type I think. Do the lugs feel more or less durable than the Inov-8 lugs?

Here's what I have been up to since I posted my first review of the new Invisible Shoes FeelTrue 6mm huaraches.

I absolutely love the soles, but the nylon cords just weren't working for me for running. I had quite a bit of heel slippage and, when I tightened the cords to prevent the slippage, they dug into my heels too much. I also noted that they felt a little "sloppy" in the front, although I never missed a landing. So, I decided to play around with my FeelTrue soles to see what I could do to make them better for me. First I tried the laces from my old Chuck Taylors. I used the tying style where strap makes a V across the top of the foot, goes through the ankle holes, around the heel, and then ties on top (like the Branca sanals). The wider laces were more comfortable, but I didn't really like the look and the floppy knot on top was bothersome while running. Then I tried 3/4 inch elastic nylon, but it was too wide and just didn't hold well. Neither did the thin bungee cord I tried after that. So, I looked at several different huarache designs on the interwebs and decided that the single nylon climbing strap/buckle method used by the Bedrock folks would be ideal. The design is also similar to the minimalist tying style posted on the Invisible Shoes site and that I was previously using. The only real difference is the use of the webbing instead of the cord and the buckle instead of a knot.

With a little research, I easily found the 1/2-inch flat climbing webbing and ladder buckles on-line. All-in-all, this modification cost about $10 (with shipping costs for 12 feet of the webbing and buckles), and I had enough materials to also re-do my original Invisible Shoe 4mm Cherry soles.

The only real change I had to make to the FeelTruesole was to cut a 1/2-inch slit at the ankle holes for the strap to go through. Once that was done, I was able to thread the toe strap through the hole in the toe (with quite a bit of difficulty) and then thread the rest of the strap through the ankle holes in the sole to complete the design. When finished, it is very similar to the Bedrock sandal in design.

To get the toe strap through the sole, I took a hint from one of Barefoot Ted's videos and cut a 1/2 inch slit in the end of the strap. That allowed me to thread a smaller piece of the strap through the hole and then pull the rest through with a pair of pliers. I then cut off the two pieces where the slit was and burned the cut edge to seal it.

For the toe strap under the sole, I glued that to the sole using Shoe Goo and then covered it with another layer of Shoe Goo for protection. It is a bit raised, but it isn't very noticeable when running. I have about 30 miles on them since the mod, and the Shoe Goo is holding up quite well. Another way to do it is to melt the nylon and flatten it into a hard little button that won't slip back through the hole. I'm going to try that later.

Adjustments with the buckle are fairly easy (but not as easy as the Bedrocks seem to be from their videos), and they actually hold really well. Better than I thought they would. I ran the first 3.5 miles of the Chicago Half Marathon in them (I ran the rest barefoot) and have added many miles since then. They have held onto my feet really well, and I have not had to make any adjustments. I also really like how this design eliminates the looseness when the sandal is off the ground that I felt with the original nylon laces. Oh, and the flat webbing is very comfortable. Tubular webbing would probably be even better.

It took a bit to get the strap just right so that the heel portion would stay in place. Since then, it hasn't slipped at all.

Overall, this modification is pretty simple and works very well. It takes some planning and effort, but is generally pretty simple. For me, it is a definite improvement over the original Invisible Shoes laces.

I would recommend this mod to any body who seeks a little more comfort and security from their FeelTrue sandals, especially for runners.

I have attached some pictures of the finished product.

Heya,

I am heading to southern Africa in March/April/May 2012 and need some recommendations for shoes and boots.

First, I need a good all-purpose walking shoe, something that doesn't look too flashy or sporty.

Second, I need a good pair of hiking boots, for all kinds of terrain on walking safaris.

Anything anyone can recommend?

Thanks! Andrew

Has anyone got any tricks or tips when it comes to down hill running?

I continually find myself wanting to revert to a heel strike when running down hill.

Here is a short video I shot of me running in various types of minimalist footwear and barefoot on rocks and cement shot in HD and slowed down.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bw1Unz7QWbM

My minimalist preference in order of most ground feel

1- VFF (they are very well broken in having ran in them for over a year)

2- Invisible Shoes 4mm (on the way to being my favorite, still new to me and needs to get broken in)

3- Invisible Shoes 6mm

4- Merrell Trail Gloves

I ordered 3 different unit soles from Cobbler Supplies because I wanted to see what they were like. I ordered Vibram Sierra soles, which are hard-core hiking boot soles like military boots, Vibram #127 Athletic soles and Vibram Newporter soles.

I resoled my homemade hiking moccasins with the Sierra soles.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6157561958_ac13eda74b_m.jpg

These soles are really heavy and the lugs are really deep. I don't think they would work very well for a pair of huaraches, but you might be able to make it work if you used the heavy-duty Luna Leadville laces, but they would be heavy. They make the shoes feel heavy but I think I could get used to it in a few minutes and then I would never slip on any of the ball-bearing trails I hike on ever again!

I decided to make a pair of huaraches out of the Newporters. I find my Invisible shoes great for running in town, and thicker huaraches are great for running on trails and rocky stuff, but sometimes when I'm hiking, that Newflex just doesn't have enough traction. I was curious if the Newporter soles would be better than Newflex. It's heavy and fairly thick. No ground feel. But it's very flexible. Maybe not so good for running but for hiking, possibly ideal. I haven't tested them yet though.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6157561620_701c3932b2_m.jpg http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6157561316_00738275a0_m.jpg

When I was shopping at Tandy I found this leather spacer stuff that has holes already punched in it. I thought maybe I could make sandals from it. Tandy also sold buckles the same size. I threaded the lacing similar to Chacos. I wore these all day today. They feel great. I used the Vibram #127 sole on these.

I think if I was going to make a pair of huaraches for regular running, these Vibram #127 soles would work great. They are thin, flexible, the rubber feels durable and it has a non-aggressive sole pattern, it's not super heavy like the other two. If you were ever thinking of just ordering a unit sole to make one pair of huaraches rather than a whole huge sheet, these would work great.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6157018337_6fddab4e03_m.jpg http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6157561170_810c65fdba_m.jpg

(I think the 127 soling itself is about 4mm thick. I've added 1/4" of foam to these sandals in the middle, so that's why it looks pretty thick. If you aren't going to have a toe hole, your sandal can't be too floppy.)

Sorry I just have links to pictures instead of pictures. I was too lazy to upload 5 images.

I was recommended your way from my brother-in-law, John Sifferman, and hope you can share some wisdom & recommendations.

I'm looking for new footwear, both for daily living/walking and for work (I'm a teacher, so think Mary Jane style shoes), and I live in MA so I'm dealing with winter weather a good bit of the year. I'm frustrated with all the over-cushy, constricting footwear I've been told is best for my feet and am hoping to find better luck with simpler, minimalist shoes. I have a wide toe box, high instep, and narrow heel (size 10W women's). I've had plantar fasciitis issues in the past, but I haven't had a problem for the past few months (I have a 6 week old son, and my feet swelled so much during my 3rd trimester that I haven't worn much aside from flip-flops since the end of May, nor was I able to do much walking let alone anything else for the last 6 weeks or so of the pregnancy). The swelling was bad enough on one foot to cause some nerve pain, and although all the swelling went away after giving birth, I'm now discovering that anything more strenuous than a walk around the neighborhood has brought back the pain. My doctor thinks it's morton's neroma, a tissue growth around my nerves from the irritation of the swelling. Hopefully it goes away on its own, but in the meantime she advised me to find wider shoes to see if that helps. After living in little or no footwear for the summer, I'm not exactly crazy about sneakers or other overly-corrective shoes anymore. If anyone can point me in some good directions, I'd be grateful. I was already planning to go to a local store (www.evansonthecommon.com/womensfootwear.html) Saturday to see some brands in person, but I'm certainly open to other brand suggestions as well.

Thanks in advance!

I'm not a runner, a walker, or really an exercise hobbyist at all. Just a guy with a bad foot. Let me explain:

About a year ago, I began having foot pain in my left foot. Right in the arch. Shoes with any support whatsoever became miserable to wear. My doctor said it was plantar fasciitis....whatever. I can go a week in flip flops and feel awesome, but kick on the Adidas's and it's miserable.

My question is...most of the "barefoot" or "minimalist" shoes that i've researched are recommended for running, but i've never seen seen anything for just regular use...home, work, walking around town, etc. Any suggestions from a pro?

-Nash

Hi all-

I have been running on and off most of my adult life. I gained A LOT of weight a few years back and wasn't doing much of anything. Stripped the weight off (over 60lbs) and have been running again since spring. My knees betray me often and as you can see-I found my way to bf running. I was told in the past to wear motion control shoes which I did. Out of curiousity I threw on an old pair of flat Adidas shoes I had(well, flatter than my Asics) and went for a run. OH MY GOD I never wanted to put those Asics on again.

Tried barefoot-never wanted to put the Adidas on again. I'm cycling through the Ascis, my Minimus trail and my good ol' two feet. Trying to be careful as I personify "too much too soon." It is with great sadness I reiterate I am in Chicago. The clock is ticking on my barefoot outside runs as we round fall :(

Thanks for having me here!

I'm sure these have come up before, but has anyone used these in winter?

http://www.botachtactical.com/neviov.html

I have switched to minimal shoes, but I live in Chicago and I'm out walking the dog two hours every day, even in -20* weather and knee deep snow.

I was hoping these would work and I bought a pair to wear over my minimal shoes.. Figure I can wear the VFF and put a pair of huge wool socks on over if need be.

I was wearing Bogs, which are nice and wide if you take out the insole, but the bottom is stiff. The NEOS look like they have an uber-thin sole.

I'm very excited to be getting them in the mail, and I figure I can even put them on over flip flops, maybe... :0)

PL

Interesting article about these boots that look like they are a great minimalist boot for in the snow. http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/making-mukluks-the-satisfaction-of-warm-toes/?ref=fp_blog_title

VIVOBAREFOOT and Lee Saxby have just launched their new barefoot running coach training program in the USA. The first US program date will be held from October 26th - October 30th in Denver Colorado.

For more details, you can check-out their newly re-designed website here: http://trainingclinic.vivobarefoot.com/

Based on my experiences with the session I had with Lee at Outdoor Retailer this past summer, and the seminar I was able to attend with Tina Dubois a few weeks ago in Edmonton, this clinic should be great.

Wish I could be there! Unfortunately I have other plans... plans that include trekking through the mountains of Montana. More on that trip in the forthcoming weeks...

Hi there! I'm new here... 35 year old chica (it still feels weird calling myself woman. Sounds too old maybe?)

I was another orthotic wearer. Had my first pair in Europe when I was 3! I am now wearing minimal shoes or am barefoot to walk in 5 miles every day. I feel comfortable walking in minimal footwear and have no pain.

I used to run with a heavy heel strike (used to do so when I walk, too)and I have bad genetics on my dad's side of the family. Everyone on that side has had knee replacements, arthritis, etc. I never ran more than ten miles a week, but I really messed up my knee.

I had my knee scoped 5 years ago and I had a bone spur and grade 4 (worse kind, bone on bone) osteoarthritis. This is not meniscal cartilage, which is mostly pain-free after surgery. It is articular cartilage and I can still feel pain in it if I overdo things. Physical therapy does not help.

I have been practicing running in minimal shoes and was ok for a few weeks, but I overdid it yesterday and my knee is in major pain. I think I need to wait a bit and then try running really barefoot, practice perfect form.

So, I'm wondering if anyone with advanced osteoarthritis of the knees (articular cartilage, not mensical)is able to run barefoot because of minimal impact.

I could keep walking instead, but I really like the feeling of running!! :0)

I bought a pair of Teva Zilch sandals for summer use. Unfortunately we had a bad summer where I live so I didn't use them as much as I would have wanted to. But in the few times that I could wear them the straps rubbed my skin off three times. At first I would like to say that I really love the Zilch. It is a very comfortable sandal. It looks like Teva used the latest technology in sandal making. The straps have sharp edges though. The first time I wore them they rubbed a piece of skin off right away. Loosening the straps resolved this. A few weeks later I ran for half an hour in my Zilch's. I was prepared for the sharp edged straps (I took bandages with me) but my skin got rubbed off again. So far I had only used my Zilch's for small walks, running errands, cycling etc. But on a holiday I took my Zilch's for a big walk when the skin had just recovered. And again... ...rubbed off skin. The problem is also that it doesn't help to release the straps. The strap becomes more loose at the outside of my foot and the skin damage is on the inside, near the big toe. I tried a simple solution: I fixed a small piece of Velcro with glue on the other side of it on the strap. A small piece of elastic ribbon went around the strap and got fixed on the glue (see pictures). The sharp edges are now off the skin.

Now I would like to know if other people have the same problem with the Zilch. And what is your solution?

As the weather cools down I'm finding myself getting disappointed at the thought of winter. I'm new to running and wondered if anyone has advice on running in the winter time? We get quite a bit of snow here in Utah but there are almost always dry spells throughout the winter. The trails that I enjoy will be covered in snow all year.

We do have an indoor track but I don't think I can handle running inside like that! Any advice is appreciated!

I just wrote this on introductions and then saw this topic. So I am copying and pasting from there. It is my testimony about minimalist footwear. Got interested in minimalist footwear because of an old injury resulting in chronic tendinitis. I was at the point of not being able to walk without limping most of the time. Some friends on facebook were always talking about running in their Vibrams. I didn't really know why. But through a link to Adventure in Progress one of them posted I began to research it for myself. I found that it just might be the shoes I was wearing. So after reading more I went out and bought a pair of very flat, flexible water shoes. As I simply could not afford Vibrams or Merrell and the like. Went barefoot in the house most of the time. Just wore the shoes to town and such. In a very short time it began to get better. I noticed a difference in less than a week. It's been a year and I'll never go back. I walk (fast for exercise) on a daily basis and although I can still feel it when I first start out it soon stretches out and limbers up. No more constant pain. No more limping. I hike in them also. I would like to try some of the minimalist shoes out there, but they are spendy! In particular Merrell seems to offer what I'm looking for. Something for hiking as well as walking. The Trail Glove (for Tim) or the Barefoot Lithe Glove,or Pace Glove (for me). Lots of good articles on here I'm slowly checking out. I recently started a blog about our life in Appalachia. Occasionally I've written about minimalist footwear. Here's the link if anyone is interested. http://ourappalachia.blogspot.com/

Just wanted to introduce ourselves. Actually I (Beth) do the writing but I write about both of us. We've been together over 25 years so it's hard to separate the two of us. Got interested in minimalist footwear because of an old injury resulting in chronic tendinitis. I was at the point of not being able to walk without limping most of the time. Some friends on facebook were always talking about running in their Vibrams. I didn't really know why. But through a link to Adventure in Progress one of them posted I began to research it for myself. I found that it just might be the shoes I was wearing. So after reading more I went out and bought a pair of very flat, flexible water shoes. As I simply could not afford Vibrams or Merrell and the like. Went barefoot in the house most of the time. Just wore the shoes to town and such. In a very short time it began to get better. I noticed a difference in less than a week. It's been a year and I'll never go back. I walk (fast for exercise) on a daily basis and although I can still feel it when I first start out it soon stretches out and limbers up. No more constant pain. No more limping. I hike in them also. I would like to try some of the minimalist shoes out there, but they are spendy! In particular Merrell seems to offer what I'm looking for. Something for hiking as well as walking. The Trail Glove (for Tim) or the Barefoot Lithe Glove,or Pace Glove (for me). Lots of good articles on here I'm slowly checking out. I recently started a blog about our life in Appalachia. Occasionally I've written about minimalist footwear. Here's the link if anyone is interested. http://ourappalachia.blogspot.com/

Things are looking up for Feelmax. Many of you have been wondering if/when Feelmax will be producing shoes again. I recently had an email conversation with the new CEO, and this is what I have learned...

<blockquote>

Feelmax has changed ownership some weeks ago, and we are starting the production in few weeks time. The initial shipment will arrive to Europe for Xmas.

Initially we will produce 4 models: Kuuva, Osma, Panka and Kuusaa. Later new improvements will be added, we are right now working on them. For examle, we will introduce child models.

The Continental sole material has been improved as well, for even better abrasion resistance and grip. We even have a "winter-version" rubber compound under testing now from Continental, for better grip on snow and ice (the compound comes from winter-tires).

We also have an improved sole design for Kuuva/Osma under testing, and it will be released soon.

</blockquote>

I am very excited about this news, as Feelmax make some great products. I know many of you have been pining for the Kuuva as a winter boot... it looks like you might still get your chance to pick some up.

Received a call from a client wanting a custom orthotic made for his VFF. I told him they are designed for barefoot and there is no room. He says "I heard there is a new style that has a removable insole" I tell him there's no structure as a base for the orthotic and still not enough space. He then says "is there anything you can do?" Suggested other barefoot options and told him that if you want correction I can make modifications to sole but it could ruin them, it's up to you if you want to a chance that it may not work. His final remark "I think I want to try, I'll call back for an appointment.

Before I get into my actual question, I'll give you a little background information that might or might not be applicable (hence the reason I'm asking those of you 'in the know').

I started running about a year ago. I'd gotten a little heavier than I liked in college and was having some significant stress-related issues that needed a healthy outlet. When I started out, I could barely run a mile without stopping to rest. A friend of mine took me to Fleet Feet (in Annapolis, MD) and I walked away with a pair of Mizuno Wave Riders. All was well, the shoes were working out wonderfully for me. Within six months, I ran my first 5k - finishing with a respectable (for me anyways) time of 23:42.

Shortly after running that race, I had the misfortune of breaking my toe in 3 places. I spent nearly 6 weeks doing the whole crutches, orthopedic boot, soft shoe progression. I tried running again post-fracture and have had nothing but problems since. I've dealt with my feet going numb (after less than a mile), my knees hurting so badly I could barely walk the next day, and plantar fascitis. I was crushed, assuming that my foot injury had throw off my gait in such a way as to prevent my from running anymore.

After reading some stuff on-line, and speaking with another friend of mine who is an avid runner, I picked up a pair of Reebok Realflex. Miraculously, all the issues I had been experiencing disappeared. No more numb feet, sore knees, or PF to speak of. After spending a significant amount of time lurking on running forums and reading literature, I've come to attribute my lack of pain to the less restrictive shoe I transitioned too (i.e. the Realflex) and my previous pains on my Mizunos. Has my gait changed as a result of my prior injury? In truth, I don't have a clue. All I do know is that it seems like less is more for me when it comes to running shoes.

All that being said, I was wondering what you avid barefooters/minimalists out there would recommend for a good transition shoe to replace my current ones (Reebok Realflex). I have spent quite a bit of time looking at both the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove and the NB Minimus Trail 10 but can't seem to make a decision either way. Unfortunately, I'd be looking at at least an hour drive to look at either of these shoes in-person so I would prefer to order them over the internet.

Anyways, any and all input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!