5 Fingers Running Shoes Champions of the Healthy Shoe Debate

What We're Used to Hearing About Healthy FootwearUnfavorable rumors have been circulating since the birth of FiveFingershoes. Some shoe manufacturers want you to believe that your feet need full, structured protection 24/7 in order to remain healthy and strong. However, several scientific studies proved this theory completely unfounded. In fact, the results showed that heavy, cumbersome shoes alter the structure and natural posture of your feet, leading to unhealthy, long-lasting changes and subsequently, muscle and tendon damage. Five Fingers running shoes, on the other hand, protect your feet from damage while also allowing them to retain their natural shape, utilize their own arches, and strengthen muscles and tendons at the same time.The shoe industry has, for many years, recommended that athletic shoes be selected based on certain characteristics present in the foot, such as shape, plantar surface, and arches. The main reasons for such recommendations were to prevent foot injuries and correct running strides. Until these theories were questioned, they were accepted by millions of people.Recent Studies Counter Footwear Status QuoRecent evidence shows that selecting shoes based on the above criteria could be potentially harmful and not at all practical. Think about it, if selecting shoes based on foot characteristics leads to fewer injuries, then why do so many people continue to have problems and why does the shoe industry continue to stand behind their claims? It appears that the main reason for the early recommendation was only to benefit the shoe industry and little else.One recent study undertaken involved 1,400 Marine recruits. The recruits were divided into two random groups, with one group receiving stability shoes and the other receiving shoes matched to their specific foot types. Both groups racked up almost the exact same number of injuries.Another study was undertaken to determine if selecting shoes based on foot type for long-distance runners was evidence-based. The runners studied were both recreational and competitive runners. The end result of this study was that there was absolutely no evidence that selecting shoes based on foot type was advantageous to either group.A third study, centered around 81 competitive female runners, tried to determine if shoes selected based on foot type actually prevented injuries while also improving running stride. The results showed that following this shoe selection practice was potentially harmful and not at all necessary.FiveFingers by Vibram Offer New OptionsSince the release of this new research, sales of FiveFingers running shoes with vibram five fingers treksport soles have skyrocketed. Athletes who always preferred wearing FiveFingers shoes now feel fully justified in doing so. These shoes, popular with everyone, have really taken off in the sports industry because they are so comfortable and promote good foot health.Many sports experts now condone ditching traditional athletic shoes in favor of FiveFingers shoes, claiming that the newer shoes will help prevent chronic foot injuries. Most believe that the overly cushioned soles of traditional athletic shoes cause most foot injuries. The Vibram soles used on FiveFingers shoes are therapeutic in that they stimulate and exercise the muscles and tendons of the foot. They also improve balance, agility, and muscle strength.The one thing all experts agree on is that switching from a traditional running shoe to a vibram fivefingers running shoes should be completed gradually. If, for instance, you have been running in traditional athletic shoes for several years, you should slowly initiate the process of changing over to FiveFingers.The difference between traditional running shoes and new vibram fivefingers is astounding and your feet will need a little time to make the adjustment. Once you have completed the process, you will be truly astounded at the "freedom" your feet feel when running those long distances. It's hard to determine if the real winner of the debate is FiveFingers or you!
From To: http://www.vibrams-5-fingers.com