What just did not come up with devices for greater comfort when playing sports! One of the latest such innovations is unusual running shoes with separate fingers. This type of footwear allows you to free the foot as much as possible, creating the feeling that you are walking barefoot in the city.
Features and benefits
Finger shoes are an exact copy of the foot. For our country, such shoes are still rare, but in Europe and the USA, these original sneakers are quite in demand, not only among athletes and tourists, but also among ordinary people.
For the production of such sneakers used materials with good ventilation, so that the foot in them felt extremely comfortable.
Special antibacterial inserts prevent unpleasant odors.
Products are equipped with a durable rubber sole, which allows you to feel all the irregularities of the earth and creates the effect of walking barefoot. In the process of being in such sneakers, a constant foot massage is performed.
By the way, manufacturers say that you can even walk on glass in fingerless sneakers! Although the risk, of course, is not worth it.
Another advantage of the sneaker models with fingers is the lack of load on the heel area, which has a very positive effect on the musculoskeletal system. In the process of walking in finger sneakers, muscles that are not activated when walking in traditional models of sports shoes begin to work, which reduces the risk of flatfoot and problems with the spine. In addition, in such shoes is much easier to keep balance.
Sneakers with fingers are guaranteed to attract the attention of others to their owner. That is why they are chosen by active and confident people.
Models
There are many different models of sneakers with fingers. So, there are options designed for fitness, swimming, everyday walks, as well as running models.
Italian company Vibram offers the following types of finger shoes:
- Classic - sneakers with a fully open top, without laces. In appearance, they are more like moccasins.
- KSO - closed options.
- Sprint - shoes with a strap, fixing the lifting feet.
- Flow - models for water sports.
In addition, the company produces models with leather inserts.
The newest development of Vibram - running model Spyridon LS. These sneakers are named after a shepherd from Greece named Spiridon Louis, who in 1896 won the marathon at the Olympic Games. And the athlete ran on a rough dirt road and rocky hills. This model is adapted exactly to the road.
The key feature of these sneakers is an innovative sole made of thin, but heavy-duty rubber with a thickness of only 3.5 millimeters, which is reinforced with a polyester mesh. This design reliably protects the foot from pebbles, sharp twigs and other objects, and without any damage to flexibility.
The relief pattern of the tread of this shoe guarantees excellent adhesion to the surface, even if it is wet stones or dirt. Runners compare this sole with mountain bike tires.
The top of the Spyridon LS is an elastic mesh combined with polyamide. Also for its production uses a special fiber that absorbs moisture, helping to keep the athlete's feet always dry.
The Dri-Lex insole with antimicrobial effect also contributes to hygiene. Thanks to her, you can not worry about the unpleasant smell of sneakers.
To run safely in the dark, this model of sneakers is equipped with reflective elements.
There is also a special system of lacing: the laces are tightened with almost one movement, which is certainly a very important plus for professional athletes who are every second in competition.
These sneakers are very light: one pair weighs only 255-368g.
The color palette of this model is represented by black and combined models with orange, gray, olive inserts.
One more interesting model - sneakers. Air rig from company Nike with forked nose part. In them, the thumb is separated from everyone else.
To create this model in 1996, the brand was inspired by runners from Kenya, who are considered the best in the world. Since the big toe is the most mobile, the designers separated it from the rest. Over time, these sneakers have been improved and is now very popular among athletes.
Adidas also developed his own five-finger sneaker model - Adipure trainer. They are extremely light and plastic, they are remarkably ventilated and perfectly fit the leg.
However, we immediately note that these shoes, unlike the well-known Vibram Fivefingers, are designed only for training in the gym, but not for running on the ground, asphalt, and even more on rough terrain. An athlete can train in them only on a treadmill!
How to choose
You will not find sneakers with your fingers on the market or in a regular shoe store. If you want to buy such shoes, check it out on the website of brand stores.
As with any sports shoes, finger shoes should be as comfortable as possible. Their specificity is to copy the shape of your foot, otherwise otherwise there is a risk of injury and other serious problems with the legs.
Trying on such shoes before buying is just necessary! This free opportunity is provided even by online stores. You can carry out the fitting when the courier brings the sneakers to your home.
When fitting, be sure to wear sneakers on both legs. Having put on shoes, walk a little around the apartment - you should feel complete comfort.
To more accurately determine the desired size, it is advisable to carry out the following steps on the eve of the purchase:
- In the afternoon, when the legs are already slightly swollen, stand barefoot on a sheet of paper;
- Unhurriedly outline the outline of the foot;
- Measure its length with a ruler, start with the thumb;
- Round the figure to 0.5 centimeters;
- Find your size using a dimensional mesh maker.
Reviews
Immediately, we note that sneakers with fingers cause controversial opinions among potential buyers. Someone admires their exotic appearance, and someone treats it very critically, considering that the legs in such shoes look as if they are wearing gloves. Not everyone decides to buy such sneakers.
Most of the positive feedback on such shoes belongs to athletes who have experienced the convenience of sneakers on their own experience.
Particularly pleased with the thoughtful design of the sole and the quality of the tread finger sneakers, which allow you to easily and quickly run on dirt and stones.
It is also very important for athletes that running shoes with toes protect their feet from damage. All these qualities of shoes directly affect the sporting achievements of their owners.
According to those who have already tried five-finger sneakers on themselves, they create the feeling of walking barefoot. By the way, athletes wear these shoes on bare feet, considering socks inappropriate addition.
Of course, this shoe will be appreciated only if you have experienced all its advantages and disadvantages on yourself. In finger sneakers, you will feel yourself not as a modern person, but as a resident of the ancient world, as if leaving the cave in search of prey for your family.
