Walking in Vibram Five Fingers

[Overlandman]

For the Five Finger Fans,
I noticed today that M D in Launceston have a fair selection of Vibram Five Fingers in store.
Regards Overlandman

[Rob A]

All good, for those of you who have never stretched an ankle .

[sthughes]

All good, for those of you who have never stretched an ankle .

I've had loads of ankle problems over the years, but I don't find the Five Fingers a problem on that front. I can't wear runners or other low cut shoes bushwalking cause I inevitably end up rolling my ankles, but I think with the Five Fingers because your foot is all but flat on the ground (no cushioning/thick sole lifting it above the ground) it is much better on this front.

Having said that I wore my Five Fingers again on the weekend, and was attacked by leeches like never before, they even got me through the fabric on the top of the shoes. That combined with having constantly wet feet and really hurting my toe on a log has led me to think these might go back to the strictly camp shoes category. Will keep looking at the various types of shoes about though that are of this general idea, cause they do feel very liberating.

[Miyata610]

.... and was attacked by leeches like never before, they even got me through the fabric on the top of the shoes.

Yep, I had this too.... One of the clients was freaking out watching the smaller leeches going in and out of the fabric on my footwear. LOL

[Miyata610]

Tried them in the Western Arthurs.

Ummmmm, no.

Mud becomes an issue, not just keeping it out but also the many sharp bits in the bogs.

Climbing was also a problem... my toes really aren't up to taking my weight in some of the odd toe holes, without the support of a nice strong sole. That might just be me, others may not have this problem.

Still great footwear for most tracks, and carrying bigger loads really isn't a problem for fifvefingers.

[Rob A]

I've had loads of ankle problems over the years, but I don't find the Five Fingers a problem on that front.

Thanks for that. Ive beenwondering how they would go around the beach and sailing. Might be worth a look.
I trundle along a road a couple of footpaths and bare tracks in getting down the beach and I usually go barefoot rather than have thongs/sandles wearing strips of skin off me when they get sandy and wet.
I am getting sick of picking fine shards of glass out of my feet, and grass stalk/chaff fine hair splinters which you cant see and seem to take a fortnight of sanding and digging before they finally break down or grow out.