We like this video because it pokes fun at us all, and we could all use that from time to time (even if Steven is sort of a FiveFinger hater).

Sh*t Barefoot Runners Say is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

If you just click the ‘Like’ button in the box below (right above the people’s faces), you’ll become part of the conversation about FiveFingers on Facebook! We post cool pics and have discussions on there that we’d love to have you be a part of! Just click ‘Like’ below :)

Let’s Be Friends! is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Here’s the catch. . .

You have only 3 DAYS LEFT to help. Tara is trying to raise the funds needed to make this film by this Saturday, February 4, 2012. She has raised nearly $10,000 and is in need of an additional $7,000 or this film will not be made. The film has no agenda or corporate sponsorship.

I asked Tara what inspired her to make this film.

“I read the book Born to Run and I was thrilled with the colorful descriptions of both the Copper Canyon and the Tarahumara Runners.”

Like many of us barefoot runners, Tara loves the connection she feels with the earth by being barefoot.

Tara has created a page at www.kickstarter.com to raise funds for this film. Sponsors can donate as little as $1. However, larger donations will earn you a prized award such as photos from the filming or an authentic Tarahumara outfit. Got more dough? How about a rare Tarahumara rug/blanket or having your own custom video made? Know a starving musician who needs a music video made? Tara can be yours for the right price.

But in all seriousness, many of you, like me, started running barefoot after being inspired by the stories of Christopher McDougall and the Tarahumara runners.

This is our chance to learn more about this mysterious tribe of ancient runners. Without your help, this film will not be made.

Sponsors to the project get an inside look at the “nuts and bolts” as well as the “ups and downs of the creative journey,” says Tara.

So, if you want to see a film made about the people who helped inspire the barefoot running movement, check out the promo video at Kickstarter.

Why We Run: An Independent Film about the Tarahumara is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Vibram FiveFingers at work!

What do you think?  Too much?  Too weird?  ;-)

Casual FiveFingerFriday is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Runnur at Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2012

Runnur is essentially a small backpack that is perfect for carrying around the items that usually take up a ton of space in your pockets. The company describes the product as being made for movement and an alternative to the traditional fanny pack or man purse. It lets you take everything you need when you have too much to carry in your pockets, but not enough to justify lugging around a large backpack.

Runnur Has a Spot for Everything

It looks like Hulk Hogan could use a Runnur...

Unlike fanny packs, the Runnur is worn across your body instead of around your waist. It looks like a strap you may have seen on many currier backpacks but without the larger pack at the end. It is designed with space for your ID, cash & credit cards, phone, mp3 player, sunglasses, camera, and even a water bottle.

Having seen my fair share of people hiking around Washington D.C. monuments and museums, I instantly recognized the need for a product like Runnur. In fact, I’d recommend that the manufacturers setup a booth around the Washington D.C. Mall this spring when fanny-pack-donning tourists come in droves to see the Cherry Blossoms.

Runnur is available online for $39 a piece and they can be purchased from Gorunnur.com. They come in a number of different colors and sizes so you should be able to find the perfect one for you. I asked them about sizing and they were confident that they had sizes for everyone. Their website includes instructions for finding the Runnur that will fit you based on the size t-shirt you wear. For example, women’s small and medium t-shirt wearers will want to purchase a small Runnur.

I spoke with Andrew Hamra, the creator of Runnur, and he explained that the company is open to selling custom branded versions of Runnur if purchased in bulk. Reach out to them on their contact us page for more details.

I was able to take a close look at Runnur while at the trade show and was impressed with the material used and overall quality of the product. I’ll definitely be adding this to my list of things to buy before my next hike. Let’s face it, I just don’t look good in a Fanny Pack (who does?).

Runnur – Fanny Pack of the Future is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Anybody else wanna do this?

A still photo for you:

This is a Vibram Fanboy.

Video of the Week: Vibram Tattoo is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

The Quest for Leg Sleeves

Dutch people have a preference for things that are practical. They forget that practical doesn’t have to exclude ‘fun’. As mentioned in a previous post, in the Netherlands being normal is considered crazy enough. So sportsgear is generally practical and boring (black, darkblue, maybe red or pink if you’re female). There are no crazy prints on shirts, no arm sleeves, and runningskirts are for the daring few – like me. I’m Dutch and I’m proud of it, but I hate the ‘being normal’ mentality.

So I embarked on a Quest for leg sleeves that are both practical and fun. Now why do I need leg sleeves, I hear you think. Well, I like running in the wild where there are bushes with thorns.  I also like running in the mountains where there are rocks with sharp edges. And I’m a bit clumsy. So to prevent my lower legs from looking like a battlefield, I need leg sleeves. Kneehigh socks are no option, because I wear VFFs.

Right. Leg Sleeves. In the Netherlands. I actually found leg sleeves in a store. Compression sleeves available in black and white. I bought a pair, I used them on a few different occasions, but they had some shortcomings:

• They are compression sleeves. I don’t need compression. For me the feeling is too tight.
• They are so tight that I can’t get them off without help.
• They stay wet. Even after the weather brightened, they didn’t dry.
• They are only available in black and white.

My Quest went on. In the Netherlands this was the only type I could find, so I got a friend of mine who went the US to buy me a pair of leg sleeves there. These were pink, less compressive, but too short for my long legs. So fail again. I did try them on runs, but they were just not satisfying.

Then, finally, my running buddy Esther sent me a website of an American webshop (Ink ‘n Burn) that sells clothing for (ultra)runners that is colorful and at the same time practical! And they sell Leg Sleeves! So I got myself a pair. This is what they look like:

My cat also likes Ink 'n Burn Leg Sleeves

The photo was taken after a long run in the rain and mud. They do get wet, but as soon as the rain stops, the sleeves are dry. Almost immediately!

As you can see, they are not black or white, but nice and colorful. The front is made of a powerful wicking material with the print you see (they also sell other prints) and the back is made of a more elastic material so you get a snug fit that isn’t too tight. You can order them in different sizes and they make them for both men and women. Mine are a women’s M. I’m very happy that they fit my very long legs, but I know you can also custom order them in longer (or shorter) sizes.

Since they dry very quickly, they don’t feel cold. Actually I didn’t feel them at all! But they look awesome! And they’ve stayed this vibrant and goodlooking after several times in my washing machine.

There is just one disadvantage about them: I am addicted to them and I only have one pair. :-D

Review: Leg Sleeves is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

I’ve written about the Navy Exchange (NEX) several times in the past, but for those non-military folks, the NEX is a pseudo department store on many Navy bases.  The size and inventory can range widely, with some as small as a 7-11 and others more comparable to a Macy’s and Sears combined.

The picture below is of the Little Creek Navy Exchange in Virginia Beach, VA, which is a pretty large one.  Nonetheless, I was stunned to see such a massive variety of minimalist shoes and socks!  The irony in all of this, of course, is the odd relationship that the different branches of the US Military have with FiveFingers… the Army hates them but the Air Force and Navy seem to be ok with them in certain situations.

So here is the Navy Exchange all-In on minimalist footwear (full size image here):

Minimalist socks and shoes galore!

They have Injinji socks, a good variety of Vibram FiveFingers, Adidas Adipures, New Balance Minimus, Saucony Hattori & Kinvara, and Merrell Trail & Pace Gloves.

Suffice to say, if you are looking for a pair of minimalist shoes and you are in the Navy (or have a friend or relative who is), it would behoove you to hit up the local NEX – there is no tax, and prices are typically around 20% lower!

The Navy Exchange is ‘All-In’ on Minimalist Footwear is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

The Women Stem Primal Originals

Therefore, the first pair of barefoot shoes I bought (Vibram FiveFingers Sprint) teased me with all the promise of the barefoot virtues but its snug band slowly squeezed the dream right out of me.  Thankfully, the remaining barefoot virtues kept me coming back for more, and I eventually found a pair of FiveFingers that worked for me (the Jayas).

However, I am a lawyer that works with a bunch of other lawyers in a law firm and I could never wear my FiveFingers to work on casual Fridays.  This was a huge problem because several weeks after finding barefoot shoes I threw out every sneaker I owned.  Lucky for me, Stem Primal Origins delivers a true barefoot experience with none of the tightness that occurs with some of the other barefoot models and I can wear them to work on casual Fridays!

Sizing & Specs

I realized I had found the perfect size from the second I put these shoes on to run .  Yes, size matters! Stem Primal Origins are a great looking shoe and sizing is easy.  Really, I promise.  I know there are some skeptics like me out there with our jaded attitudes formed from years of stuffing our feet into shoes with too high arches, too tight shoe bands, too small toe boxes and too snug shoes.  These problems are a thing of the past thanks to Stem.

Notice the large toe box

The Stem website advises that Stem sizing runs a bit small so make sure you order a size up.  I’m a women’s size 9 – 9 & 1/2 and I ordered a stem size 10-10.5. The wide toe box allows plenty of room for your toes without looking clownish.  The mesh is light and breathable and it has a very nice smell to it.

Stem With and Without Socks

I’ve worn the shoes for two straight weeks, both with and without socks, and I haven’t needed to wash them yet.  Stem recommends wearing Injinji socks.  I prefer to run without socks and found the shoes to be extremely comfortable without socks.  I wore normal cotton socks when I was not running.

Specs

The shoes weigh in at 6.3 ounces and lace up the front.  I don’t like to tie my shoes very tight but the shoe does allow you to tighten the shoe corset to your specific comfort level.  The Primal Origin shoes were comfortable and snug but not overly snug.

Running in Stem

After lacing the shoes I took off on my first run of about 3 miles.  I ran twelve miles the first week and fifteen miles the second week.  There were no blisters, no rubbing, and no discomfort. Best of all, my brand new pedicure was preserved for the full two weeks.   Also the shoes hold their shape rather well and I didn’t slip even during my rainy run.

If you have been running in FiveFingers for awhile you will notice that the Stem Shoes are a little heavier.  However, the extra weight is minimal and I actually found that I liked the variety of switching between my FiveFingers and the Stem Primal Origins.

Design

I loved the design of the Stem Primal Origins from the second I saw them online.  To me they are the best looking barefoot shoes on the market right now.

I love the roots growing across the shoe.  The gray and lavender color was consistent with the colors online.  The soles of the Stem shoes have a really cool design that partially mimics the skin on the soles of your feet.  I’ve bought into the idea that we have weakened our feet from years of padded shoes so the “back to our roots” slogan adopted by Stem resonates with me.

I love the design and that they are casual Friday friendly!

Its clear that the founder Andrew Rademacher is very passionate about barefoot running and his product demonstrates his commitment to the barefoot movement.

Environmental Impact

I’m a sucker for truthful environmental advertising.

I can’t stand greenwashing and Stem delivers a good product without eco-exaggeration in its advertising.  Stem has incorporated what it calls its “Eco-Rule of 50%.”  This means that Stem has managed to cut its average consumption by 50%.  In other words, Stem shoes, on average, use 50% less materials than other shoes.  This Eco-Rule of 50% is extended to Stem’s boxes which are made from about 50% less cardboard than other shoe boxes.  Notice that Stem doesn’t engage in greenwashing with these statements.  Stem doesn’t promise no impacts – it states its accomplishment and goals of reducing its average consumption by 50%, and in most cases Stem has clearly achieved that goal.

Stem has a low environmental impact

How Stem Can Improve

The only thing that I would change about the shoe is cosmetic.  The inside sole of the Stem Shoes originally had two little stem imprints where your heel sits.  I noticed that after a few runs the imprints began fading until the entire imprint had been removed.  I know its silly but I really like the little leaf imprint on the inside of the soles.

Goodbye Little Leaf Imprint

Also, the actual shoes shipped to me had a tiny bit of sticky substance on the top of the right sole. I’m not sure what it was or where it came from but this could be discouraging for new shoe owners.  The substance wasn’t too much of a problem as it washed off with a baby wipe. I’m confident this only appeared on the shoes I received.

Random Sticky Substance on New Shoes?

Conclusion

Final Verdict – Two Big Thumbs Up for the Stem Primal Origins Shoe and Stem Ancestral Footwear Company.  I like buying good products from companies that I like.  I think this shoe is just the beginning for Stem Ancestral Footwear.  I would love to see a Mary Jane or ballet flat version of the stem shoe that I could wear to work.

*I received a pair of Stems to review from the manufacturer, but the opinions are my own*

Size – It really matters! Stem Gets It Right With Its Primal Origins is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site

Welcome Terry Orsi, new contributor to MyFiveFingers.com!

One of the key components of successful barefoot/minimalist running is cadence.  It is an element that is probably the most overlooked or misunderstood in its importance.  Almost anytime I am out running and something doesn’t feel right – yep, it can most often be corrected by cadence.

The magic number is 180 steps per minute.  Of course, if you can manage a higher cadence, you’re doing great!  To get an idea of what this “magic number” is, visit this (or any other) metronome site .  Set the slider bar to 180 beats per minute and hit start.  Count off in your head to the beat . . . one, two, three, four.  (A cautionary note, don’t emphasize the first “beat” or you may find yourself driving your left foot into the ground on every “one” count.)

When I first started barefoot running, I would often count off in my head “one, two, three, four” over and over.  Another trick you can do (for you math whizzes out there) is to count your steps for 15 seconds and multiply that number by 4.  If you get a number of 180 or greater, then you are on the right track.

So, as I mentioned at the start, when something doesn’t feel right – pounding through my body, excessive noise from my minimalist shoes (slapping), hot spots developing (in minimalist shoes or barefoot)- I check my cadence.  More often than not, I have slacked off on my cadence.

Why does cadence matter so much?  Well, if your cadence is below 180 steps per minute you are likely striding out, pushing off, or being inefficient in one way or another.  A high cadence requires you to significantly shorten your stride.  By shortening your stride, you tend to run lighter (no pounding or slapping shoes) and you are less likely to “push-off” (no blisters).

A couple of final notes – running with a higher cadence does NOT necessarily mean increase your pace or “run faster”.  It simply means increase the number of times your feet touch the ground.  Also, keeping your knees bent helps with lighter impact.  Lastly, think “lift your foot, lift your foot” as you run.  This will reduce the likelihood of blister-creating “push-offs”.

So, when you’re out on your next run and something doesn’t feel right – check your cadence. Let us know what you think of cadence in the comments!

A Note about Cadence in Running is a post from: MyFiveFingers.com - a Vibram, FiveFingers, Toe Shoes, Minimalist Shoes Fan site