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Barefoot Shoes

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1440ski
Posts: 2049 - Karma: 1,110
I am going to Hawaii soon and will be doing a lot of hiking. As you can imagine there will be a lot of swimming and mud. Typically I have worn just a standard hiking shoe but they always feel like they weigh a ton after trekking through mud or swimming. I have seen quite a few people hiking with those barefoot running shoes. The shoes that have individual slots for each of your toes. They seem like they would potentially be great for hiking in soft mud and water in Hawaii. Has anyone hiked with these shoes or had any experience with them in general? Thanks.
Jan 4 2014 2:22PM
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Shireshredder
Posts: 331 - Karma: 57
I don't think I have ever seen anyone but middle aged men wearing them, they are a bit like the Crocs of the outdoor world.

Also, a quick tip, don't wear hiking boots while swimming.
Jan 4 2014 2:26PM
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steeeez
Posts: 94 - Karma: 26
I spent a whole summer hiking without shoes
It hurts like helllllll to build up the skin on the bottom of your feet
But it's so worth it once you have

also

toe shoes look gay...
Jan 4 2014 2:29PM
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128368798788
Posts: 0 - Karma: 1,167
Dude Chacos work great honestly. Gives you the freedom for your feet but a durable surface so they don't get absolutely destroyed, like what the lava rock in Hawaii can do.

And they look a ton better than those vibram fivefinger's you're talking about IMHO. I guess its a give and take for the swimming thing. Fiverfingers for less viscosity against the water but less breathability vs Chacos greater viscosity against the water but more breathability.

Besides, getting some mud and a rock or two in the chaco is worth it vs looking like a noob in five fingers

Just my two cents

Jan 4 2014 2:39PM
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49566738265
Posts: 0 - Karma: 7,704
Ya but a Chaco is nothing but a simple sandle. You can get the same thing at Walmart, I don't get the hype. I hated my Chacos because they don't offer much more than a thong sandal for way more money.

A Keen or Teva sandal will protect your toes and fit like a shoe, I'd recommend those if you want something in this category. The Keen Newport is actually extremely comfortable for most people as well.

And Vibram toe shoes....seriously wtf. If I see one more Crossfit douchebag strutting around the gym wearing those I'm going to purposefully drop a plate on his toes just to prove a point. WTF do they think they're gaining with those $80 rubber socks?!? As someone who spent 18 years of his life racing, I cringe when I see people running or hiking in those and then complaining about pain. No shit.
Jan 4 2014 2:49PM
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-WZ-
Posts: 3600 - Karma: 6,582
Don't get toe shoes youll look like a huge pussy
Jan 4 2014 2:58PM
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128368798788
Posts: 0 - Karma: 1,167
Right but with a flop your carrying around the heel piece where as the Chaco's are connected if that makes sense. Plus they're way more durable than a Walmart or Kirkland brand knock off.... idk, I've had mine for 2 years running and they're still holding it down with great support, not just meshing to the foot then losing support all around. Just a great all around summer shoe for people who want a change from the classic hiking boot or tennis shoe. Don't have an issue with Keen or Teva's either, Chaco's just give you the most freedom while still protecting your feet soles, not necessarily your toes, while Keen and Teva's are just the next step up. I guess it really just comes down to preference.

Always thought keen's looked a lil silly as well. Again, merely preference.
Jan 4 2014 3:00PM
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Sno.
Posts: 12155 - Karma: 6,152
you don't have enough time. you cant just toss those on and go hiking, there is a process to getting your feet/body acclimated.
Jan 4 2014 3:15PM
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Aidan-G
Posts: 9415 - Karma: 10,861
JJ Casuals - watch more funny videos

Jan 4 2014 7:56PM
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Chewy.
Posts: 4113 - Karma: 4,856
They're really ugly, but I ran a Spartan race in them. They do awesome in the mud and water.
Jan 4 2014 8:52PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
I HAVE THESE SALOMON TECHAMPHIBIAN SHOES AND THEY WORK GREAT. shit, sorry about caps.

Click for larger image

Jan 4 2014 10:00PM
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Barefootin_Fiend
Posts: 7618 - Karma: 4,727
Click for larger image
Jan 4 2014 10:05PM
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kevmac
Posts: 347 - Karma: 1,172
I used to run cross country in high school and my brother isthe manager for his college alot of his friends wear them and like them better than normal shoes. They said they take a little to get used to but once your used to them they are great
Jan 5 2014 2:17PM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
I agree they look like shit, but barefoot/minimalist shoes have their place/benefits of lifting. Ever wonder why lots of weight lifters wear chucks? Same concept.
Jan 5 2014 3:14PM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
I could be totally wrong here but I think you are using viscosity in the wrong sense here. Do you mean permeability?
Jan 5 2014 3:16PM
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49566738265
Posts: 0 - Karma: 7,704
I wear the same kind of thing lifting with a flat indoor soccer shoe, but no I would say that a barefoot shoe does not have it's place in a weight room. You don't gain anything over a chuck (for example) with that expensive sock.
Jan 5 2014 3:48PM
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jordangaebel
Posts: 365 - Karma: 92
get the toe shoes. Just dont give a fuck about what people think about you.
Jan 5 2014 3:52PM
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Loco-Deer-Slayer
Posts: 1401 - Karma: 701
What I'm saying is:
your flat indoor soccer shoe = expensive sock.

One is not better than the other, both offer the same benefits (barefoot stable platform).
Jan 5 2014 3:53PM
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,299
this

they are my favorite mud running/hiking shoe, and also amazing for cliff diving and climbing. That being said, people will hate. Embrace it.
Jan 5 2014 3:54PM
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987321654hgfd
Posts: 5133 - Karma: 5,447
They also make plenty of different barefoot shoes without individual toes so you don't look like a douche. Merrell, New Balance, Vivo barefoot...
Jan 5 2014 4:03PM
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Ye_ol_wild_Koala
Posts: 270 - Karma: 121
I just scored a pair of Minnetonka Moosehide classics. They are pretty baller.
Jan 5 2014 4:10PM
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act.resist
Posts: 8875 - Karma: 513
chacos are trending right now, but other than being a trend their extremely functional and cost just as much as vibrams and have way more arch support
Jan 5 2014 5:26PM
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act.resist
Posts: 8875 - Karma: 513
chacos are trending right now, but other than being a trend their extremely functional and cost just as much as vibrams and have way more arch support
Jan 5 2014 5:26PM
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GayWolf420
Posts: 37564 - Karma: 121,961
fuck me sandals are the chillest
Jan 5 2014 5:46PM
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worstmemberever
Posts: 66 - Karma: 19
Too bad they are the ugliest looking things on this planet
Jan 6 2014 4:04AM
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Mr_pretzel
Posts: 4616 - Karma: 1,290
Toe shoes may be stupid, but minimalist is not. You foot is designed to be flat on the ground. Not in a high heeled shoe.


Get vivos or merrells.
Jan 6 2014 2:06PM
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worstmemberever
Posts: 66 - Karma: 19
"Thats a nice pair of barefoot shoes"
-said no one ever
Jan 6 2014 3:58PM
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Noha
Posts: 1281 - Karma: 2,684
They're a bitch on your arches and shins. If you are going to get them though. Buy them early and try to get a feel for them before you go on big hikes with them on.
Jan 6 2014 4:45PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7164 - Karma: 17,598
You are correct in a way but the human foot evolved to walk on soft ground not the hard surfaces we normally walk around on now. The way the foot articulates with 4 arches is perfect for soft uneven ground but on a flat hard surface a shoe with some surport will be the best overall solution.

Op take a look at inov8. They have some things which may be of interest to you.
Jan 6 2014 6:28PM
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Mr_pretzel
Posts: 4616 - Karma: 1,290
Support as in something with a drop or support as in cushion?
Jan 6 2014 9:04PM
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tomPietrowski
Posts: 7164 - Karma: 17,598
Neither something with medial arch surport
Jan 6 2014 9:07PM
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SamtheEagle
Posts: 1658 - Karma: 713
dont get vibrams.... either commit all the way and walk around barefoot a lot (it sucks for a bit but not too bad) or wear good shoes is my opinion
Jan 6 2014 9:10PM
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