Barefoot Shoes

1440ski

1440ski

Active member
I am going to Hawaii soon and will be doing a lot of hiking. As you can imagine there will be a lot of swimming and mud. Typically I have worn just a standard hiking shoe but they always feel like they weigh a ton after trekking through mud or swimming. I have seen quite a few people hiking with those barefoot running shoes. The shoes that have individual slots for each of your toes. They seem like they would potentially be great for hiking in soft mud and water in Hawaii. Has anyone hiked with these shoes or had any experience with them in general? Thanks.
 
I don't think I have ever seen anyone but middle aged men wearing them, they are a bit like the Crocs of the outdoor world.

Also, a quick tip, don't wear hiking boots while swimming.
 
I spent a whole summer hiking without shoesIt hurts like helllllll to build up the skin on the bottom of your feet

But it's so worth it once you have

also

toe shoes look gay...
 
Dude Chacos work great honestly. Gives you the freedom for your feet but

a durable surface so they don't get absolutely destroyed, like what the

lava rock in Hawaii can do.

And they look a ton better than

those vibram fivefinger's you're talking about IMHO. I guess its a give

and take for the swimming thing. Fiverfingers for less viscosity against

the water but less breathability vs Chacos greater viscosity against

the water but more breathability.

Besides, getting some mud and a rock or two in the chaco is worth it vs looking like a noob in five fingers

Just my two cents

 
Ya but a Chaco is nothing but a simple sandle. You can get the same thing at Walmart, I don't get the hype. I hated my Chacos because they don't offer much more than a thong sandal for way more money.

A Keen or Teva sandal will protect your toes and fit like a shoe, I'd recommend those if you want something in this category. The Keen Newport is actually extremely comfortable for most people as well.

And Vibram toe shoes....seriously wtf. If I see one more Crossfit douchebag strutting around the gym wearing those I'm going to purposefully drop a plate on his toes just to prove a point. WTF do they think they're gaining with those $80 rubber socks?!? As someone who spent 18 years of his life racing, I cringe when I see people running or hiking in those and then complaining about pain. No shit.
 
Right but with a flop your carrying around the heel piece where as the Chaco's are connected if that makes sense. Plus they're way more durable than a Walmart or Kirkland brand knock off.... idk, I've had mine for 2 years running and they're still holding it down with great support, not just meshing to the foot then losing support all around. Just a great all around summer shoe for people who want a change from the classic hiking boot or tennis shoe. Don't have an issue with Keen or Teva's either, Chaco's just give you the most freedom while still protecting your feet soles, not necessarily your toes, while Keen and Teva's are just the next step up. I guess it really just comes down to preference.

Always thought keen's looked a lil silly as well. Again, merely preference.
 
you don't have enough time. you cant just toss those on and go hiking, there is a process to getting your feet/body acclimated.
 
I HAVE THESE SALOMON TECHAMPHIBIAN SHOES AND THEY WORK GREAT. shit, sorry about caps.

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http://www.salomon.com/us/product/techamphibian-3.html
 
I used to run cross country in high school and my brother isthe manager for his college alot of his friends wear them and like them better than normal shoes. They said they take a little to get used to but once your used to them they are great
 
I agree they look like shit, but barefoot/minimalist shoes have their place/benefits of lifting. Ever wonder why lots of weight lifters wear chucks? Same concept.
 
I wear the same kind of thing lifting with a flat indoor soccer shoe, but no I would say that a barefoot shoe does not have it's place in a weight room. You don't gain anything over a chuck (for example) with that expensive sock.
 
What I'm saying is:your flat indoor soccer shoe = expensive sock.

One is not better than the other, both offer the same benefits (barefoot stable platform).
 
this

they are my favorite mud running/hiking shoe, and also amazing for cliff diving and climbing. That being said, people will hate. Embrace it.
 
They also make plenty of different barefoot shoes without individual toes so you don't look like a douche. Merrell, New Balance, Vivo barefoot...
 
chacos are trending right now, but other than being a trend their extremely functional and cost just as much as vibrams and have way more arch support
 
chacos are trending right now, but other than being a trend their extremely functional and cost just as much as vibrams and have way more arch support
 
Toe shoes may be stupid, but minimalist is not. You foot is designed to be flat on the ground. Not in a high heeled shoe.

Get vivos or merrells.
 
They're a bitch on your arches and shins. If you are going to get them though. Buy them early and try to get a feel for them before you go on big hikes with them on.
 
You are correct in a way but the human foot evolved to walk on soft ground not the hard surfaces we normally walk around on now. The way the foot articulates with 4 arches is perfect for soft uneven ground but on a flat hard surface a shoe with some surport will be the best overall solution.

Op take a look at inov8. They have some things which may be of interest to you.
 
dont get vibrams.... either commit all the way and walk around barefoot a lot (it sucks for a bit but not too bad) or wear good shoes is my opinion
 
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