Toe Shoes Explained

The "toe shoe" trend arose when people interested in barefoot running -- but looking for some minimal amount of protection on their feet -- started trying out various types of footwear that gave them "just enough" in the way of a barrier from harsh surfaces. In addition to shoes which were the opposite of the typical, cushioned conventional running shoe, some people tried sandals, and even running in socks.

One of the options people tried was Italian sole maker Vibram's FiveFingers, originally brought to market as a water shoe. Vibram's durable soles make FiveFingers a shoe that stands up to running's demands. What resulted was the growing trend for running in "those toe shoes".

To be sure, minimalist ("barefoot") running is a trend with benefits. In "normal" running shoes, runners heel-strike and are not given much in the way of terrain feel. That heel-strike style of running is connected with shin splints, leg pain, and back pain.

Within a month of switching to Vibram FiveFingers for running, my leg pains had reduced by 90%. I run longer distances with less negative effect on my body now, too!

Are these shoes the best minimalist shoe for trail running?

I do feel it important to point out that I like a closed-toe minimalist shoe for trail running. Why? Most of all, while running on trails in Vermont in my FiveFingers, I have gotten many twigs -- and even a small branch once -- caught between my toes. This is an annoyance, and can be mildly painful.

Aside from that, I enjoy running in my FiveFingers.