I never understood how people could walk around in Vibram FiveFinger shoes, much less, hike, run on trails, and more. With all of my foot injuries, orthotics, and AFO brace, that type of barefootin’ just wasn’t possible for me. Then, in an ironic twist of bone and fate, I needed a shoe for rehab after a catastrophic leg injury. The Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots turned out to be ideal for my needs.
With spinal cord and nerve damage that leaves me with foot drop and less muscle control on my left side, I felt safer in bare feet when I first started doing physical therapy after breaking my leg to pieces. I needed to feel the ground under my feet to feel safe attempting movement. After too long in a wheelchair, I also needed to retrain my brain to recruit the right muscles, which meant I needed to watch my feet when I moved them. That’s easier to do in footwear that feels like a second skin and leaves my toes visible.
The Ground Beneath My Feet
I started wearing the Vibram FiveFinger V-Trail 2.0 Shoes, and appreciated the tactile experience and grippy soles.
As I progressed to more challenging exercises and the weather got colder, darker, and wetter, I switched to the Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots. (I did my therapy on my lawn with my physical therapist because I preferred being outside over trying to exercise in my tiny living room). The rugged treads gave me more confidence when moving through wet grass. I couldn’t afford to slip and fall. I also liked the mid-boot cut style because just having material around my ankle made me feel like I had a bit of support. The sole also has a gentle but visible arch.
When I did the plank exercise, my toes could really grip the ground. When I did step-ups onto an aerobics step, my footing felt secure. When I did any exercises that involved raising up on my toes, I could both see and feel my toes. When we did funny dance moves across the lawn to challenge my balance, my feet felt nimble with each step. No clunky shoes or too-long laces to trip me up. Wearing the Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots really was the closest thing to being barefoot, with the added bonus of the Vibram’s Megagrip treaded sole.
In-House Footwear
I am currently taking a break from physical therapy to focus on walking and swimming, but my Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots have become indoor winter footwear. I am prone to tripping often because of my injured foot, but I really get tired of wearing my heavy leg brace or using my walker or cane in my house. The Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots put me so much more in touch with the surfaces I walk on that I prefer wearing them around the house. Same when I drive. I can feel the contact with the car pedals, so I have more confidence about what I’m doing. I may not be able to hike or run five miles in these boots like others do, but the Vibram FiveFinger V-Trek boots are helping me relearn how to walk, how to drive safely, and how to have the closet to barefoot experience I can. Who knew that some women’s barefoot running shoe would be another women’s “orthopedic” shoe, but that’s how it is.
Bottom Line
I love this lightweight boot for the freedom I get from all the clunky stuff I have to wear most of the time. I feel stable indoors and outdoors, on wet and dry surfaces, and wherever else I need to walk or exercise. I actually hate take these off, and have even slept in them!
Available in Black, Black and Grey, and Military and Grey in men’s sizes. The women’s V-Trek comes in six different colors, including: Black and Grey, Military Purple, Black, Khaki, Blue, and Black with Gum color soles. (Tomorrow will post a review of the Vibram FiveFingers INSULATED V-Trek boots.
Manufacturer’s Site: https://us.vibram.com
$125 available at Amazon (free shipping with Prime) Women’s V-Trek
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