I walked 5.2 miles tonight. I'm feeling very virtuous because it was 31 deg F when I left, and a little colder by the time I got home. I don't really like the cold, but I stayed comfy during my walk, thanks to a hand-knitted sweater, kerchief and mitts. And my heavy coat. :)
I'm walking in my Soft Star shoes. Mine look exactly like this, but I got them on sale and paid a good bit less! :) These are my second pair of Soft Star moccasins. They look a little more like real shoes than my Vibram Five Fingers do, and I can wear socks with them. The sheepskin lining helps keep my feet toasty warm while I walk in the cold too. I really don't think I get any more footsore in these minimal shoes than I do in regular hiking boots. I'm always a little footsore when I get home, but not as bad as I'd expect. I think it's because the minimal shoes kinda force you to walk differently, and to land more lightly. That makes them better for my crap knees and hip too.
My sister, who's also getting back into walking for exercise, has gone a different route. She's got custom orthotics that she feels she needs to prevent foot pain. That's fine. We all have different needs and different solutions. But since my silly little shoes are working for me (so far!), I'll stay with them.
I'm with you.. my feet, ankles & back do much better when I'm barefoot or wearing minimal shoes. Those Soft Star shoes are really neat looking.. priced well too!
Posted by: Mouse | January 03, 2010 at 11:11 PM
I need to try those Soft Star shoes. I wish 5 Fingers had a winter version.
Posted by: Kat | January 04, 2010 at 11:35 AM