Photo: amazon.com

It's important to find a fitness shoe that protect and supports your feet, but instead of opting for a fancy pair with all sorts of bells and whistles, a more basic shoe may be the way to go. Vibram FiveFingers shoes keep your tootsies in a more natural state -- almost like you're barefoot.

Vibram claims this shoe gives you the sensation of being sans-sneakers, while increasing foot strength, to improve balance, agility, speed and range of motion.

FiveFingers was once reserved for sailors and then barefoot runners, but now, the shoe designed to hug all five toes is finding its way into the mainstream market. It's a crossover shoe designed for multiple sports and activities, including ChiRunning, kayaking, windsurfing or just cruising around town -- and while you might be eager to slip your toes into a pair, be prepared for an adjustment period. You could feel a bit of discomfort for the first week or two as your feet transition. And be aware that the jury is still out on whether barefoot is better than shoes. Some skeptics say FiveFingers might adversely affect your arch, ankles, feet, shins, knees, hips and back.

Eager to try out these kicks? You can find FiveFingers at amazon.com or at select retailers -- click here to find one near you.

The human foot wasn't designed for shoes, and believe it or not most of the shoes we wear (even the athletic ones!) are actually doing more harm than good.

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There are few feelings that can compare with walking barefoot through the grass on a warm, summer day. I don't know about you, but as a kid I shunned shoes as much as possible -- as a matter of fact, I'm still barefoot a good deal of the time.

While it's fun to go around barefoot, it can also be dangerous. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has released a series of barefoot safety tips that any sandal shunner should take the time to read. Check out our gallery for all the tips (and explanations, so you can sound wicked smart when you tell your barefoot friends what to do!).

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The last time I took a long walk on the beach, barefoot, my calves let me know about it the next day, which got me thinking about how great it would be if I could do more walking barefoot. There's something really satisfying about stretching one's toes and feeling the changes in terrain while walking, plus, it obviously works the leg muscles differently than walking in shoes. However, it wouldn't be safe (or hygienic) to walk around the places I go barefoot, so that was the end of that.

Only it wasn't actually the end, because this link for Vibram FiveFingers Footwear (which we've also covered here at That's Fit a time or two) popped into my inbox the other day. You know I love fashionable footwear, and believe me, this isn't it, but it is a unique and cool concept based on barefooting, which they define as:

1. The exhilarating joy of going barefoot without leaving yourself exposed; 2. any activity requiring unconventional footwear offering the protection of a thin, flexible Vibram skin; 3. an intelligent way to deepen your connection with your natural surroundings.

Vibram FiveFingers Footwear: It's funky!(click thumbnails to view gallery)

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Barefoot running goes against everything we've been taught about supporting our foot and protecting ourselves from injury while training. So why is this trend growing in popularity, with barefoot running clubs popping up across the nation, athletes swearing by its benefits, and some runners even competing in entire marathons wearing no shoes?

While the risks of running without shoes range from blisters to serious bone injury, the benefits can be tempting. For runners looking to improve their form and stride, running barefoot can be extremely helpful. Supporters of barefoot running say it makes them more in touch with their own movement and strengthens muscles in the feet and legs that aren't usually used.

If you're intrigued, don't just set out running down the street without shoes on. A physician or personal trainer experienced in barefoot running can recommend ways to get started as safely as possible, like running in soft grass for short amounts of time for the first few weeks to see how your body adjusts.

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