The Glade 4.0

I've considered a pair, but I reallt think they are best for someone who doesn't need padding, and whose natural running motion is healthy. I'm heavy enough to damage my joints without padding, and I have a tendency to run on my heels and outside edges (not much toe action) or to roll my ankle in. So until I correct this, I need the support of a real shoe.

There's a lot of silliness to this shoe, even though I am a believer of the science behind it and will likely try it. And part of the silliness is in it's name. "Fingered"?

Call it what it is. Five Toed. There are no "fingers" involved here.

Just grow a pair call the stone a stone. But no, I am sure some marketing professional who gets paid a hell of a lot more than I do said something like this: "You can't use the word toe. Because when people hear the word toe, they think of bare feet. And if they think of bare feet, they think of stink. Besides, toes creep a lot of people out for some reason and we're already pushing those people away from the design of this thing. So let's just use the word "finger" instead."

But, silliness abounds.

1. Situation. The popularity of Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) and other minimalist footwear for use as running footwear has reportedly skyrocketed in the past 12-18 months in both civilian and military populations due in large part to word-of-mouth promotion by advocates of barefoot/minimalist running, and effective marketing by Vibram and other footwear companies. Additionally, anecdotal information provided in various publications and/or web sites has suggested that barefoot and/or minimalist running is biometrically more sound than shod running. The sudden increase in the use of minimalist running shoes has prompted the United States Army Physical Fitness School (USAPFS ) to provide additional guidance as to the definition of “commercial running shoes” referenced in AR 670-1 paragraph 14-3, dated 03FEB2005. This interim guidance which is offered in accordance with AR 670-1, Paragraph 14-3 states that; “Commanders may authorize the wear of commercial running shoes with the PFU and IPFU. Commercial running shoes do not include mininalmist shoes, light weight track/road racing flats, racing spikes, toe shoes, or shoes that simulate barefoot running. Commanders and leaders at all levels will comply with AR 670-1, Paragraph 14-3.”

2. Mission. Effective upon receipt, all BOLC B and WOBC schools will update policy memorandums to reflect this interim guidance, and brief all students and cadre of the new change. This guidance will also be integrated into command briefs and/or policy letters for incoming students until such time as DCG IMT warrants guidance is no longer necessary.

Actually, running with shoes reinforces the negative motion. What you should do is start doing short distances without them (and I mean SHORT, you don't realize how weak your feet really are due to running shoes until you go barefoot) and you'll be surprised at how quickly you naturally correct to landing on the center of your foot.

Most running shoe stores (at least around here) have a treadmill and will do a gait analysis, and help you pick out shoes that provide the right kind of support to stablize you ankles and knees.

I would presume a good podiatrist can do the same thing.

The first step is understanding the problem. Then you can start making good decisions about what shoes will work best for you...

There's a lot of silliness to this shoe, even though I am a believer of the science behind it and will likely try it. And part of the silliness is in it's name. "Fingered"?

Call it what it is. Five Toed. There are no "fingers" involved here.

Just grow a pair call the stone a stone. But no, I am sure some marketing professional who gets paid a hell of a lot more than I do said something like this: "You can't use the word toe. Because when people hear the word toe, they think of bare feet. And if they think of bare feet, they think of stink. Besides, toes creep a lot of people out for some reason and we're already pushing those people away from the design of this thing. So let's just use the word "finger" instead."

But, silliness abounds.

From what people tell me, they are supposedly better to run in on any surface (depending on which model of shoe you get) since it makes you run more naturally, instead of landing on the ball of your heel and letting your bones absorb the shock.

But we'll see. If it makes my wife a fan, then.... I don't know. They are Al Bundy shoes!!!

I'll pass on the finger shoes.

My feet are like leather on the bottom anymore. My wife is constantly making me rub them with pumice or whatever that stuff is, and I can take slices of dead skin off over an eighth of an inch thick from the heels, the big toe, and that area right where the big to connets, with a knife, with no pain whatsoever.