The Vibram Bikila: What makes it the Ideal Transitional Shoe into Vibram Fivefinger Barefoot Shoes?
Vibram Fivefinger Barefoot Shoes has a wide selection of footwear which have specific features, for specific types of activities. All Vibram Fivefingers, however, are great for casual wearing and walking. The best part about Vibram Fivefinger shoes is the feeling of NOT wearing shoes. If you’ve never tried on a pair, imagine wearing a mitten your entire life and trying on a glove. Fivefingers allow you to articulate & spread your toes! They let your feet act like feet!
Due to the design of, for lack of better term, “conventional” shoes, our bodies have generally been maladapted from their natural biological state of being. Our heels are meant to be on ground level, and our toes are meant to be able to spread – it’s actually extremely important for optimal balance and whole body alignment!! Unfortunately, a lot of the “conventional” shoes, even the high end ones, are designed exactly opposite to this. They have lifted heels, and narrow toe boxes. I know right?? WHAT THE HECK!
Injury, intuition & education are some of the many reasons people are making the switch to more barefoot style shoes. Vibram Fivefingers are one of the best barefoot options available, and they let your feet do their thang!! Although it is a fantastic idea to switch to barefoot shoes, if you haven’t already… it must be a gradual transition.
Preparing for the Transition
If you’re like the average person, you’ve probably spent at least 60% of your life in shoes that have a lifted heel and narrow toe box. This shoe design forces your body to use a particular set of muscles in a particular alignment that walking, running, or jumping “barefoot” does not. You’ll need to prepare by strengthening your lower leg muscles, increasing the flexibility in your feet & working the lower-leg in a completely different way! A great way… but, it may take time.
Ease Your Way Out of Shoes
A fantastic way to prepare your body for barefoot shoes, is ditching shoes wherever possible. Even if just around your home! Kick off those slippers, take off your socks, & let your feet breathe! Don’t try to do anything too strenuous, just try to hang out without shoes whenever it’s available. Even go out in the yard and walk in the grass – trust us, it feels AMAZING.
Start by Wearing your Vibram Fivefinger Barefoot Shoes 10% of the Time
Vibram recommends that you start by wearing your new Fivefingers only 10 percent of the time. Then, you can slowly increase that number over the course of a few weeks. Likely, your feet have been in a “cast” most of their life. Which means they’ll need time to strengthen the muscles and joints that haven’t been in use while in conventional shoes!
There are particular styles of Vibram Fivefingers that are the best “transitional” styles, which will help you with the switch.
The Vibram Bikila Evo
- This is an ideal running shoe for those making the transition from traditional footwear to a more minimalist approach.
- With a total sole thickness of 8.5mm, this style offers a little more protection than some other Fivefinger styles, while still allowing you to feel connected to the ground, spread your toes, and keep your body in proper alignment!
- Featuring a soft, perforated upper to maximize breathability, this model is extremely comfortable!
- Bikila Evos are extremely lightweight & their thin sole construction lets you feel your run, connecting you to the true barefoot running experience.
At Health Essentials, we are proud to say that we carry the largest selection of Vibram Fivefingers on the Island!! Come in and check out the styles of Vibram Fivefingers that we carry, and have a chance to try on these game-changing minimalist shoes!
