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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As workout wear goes, Vibram Fivefingers fall into the "odd" category for sure. But if you can get past their appearence, they're the perfect fit for exercising in (almost) naked feet, says Mark over at Mark's Daily Apple.

Vibram's website says that the shoes allow your feet to move in a more natural way, let you reconnect with nature, and help you improve your balance and agility. Vibram Fivefingers protect toes from stubbing and soft soles from being injured by sharp objects during such sports as bouldering, kayaking, chirunning, barefoot running, and many more.

Have you tried Vibram Fivefingers? What did you think? Would you try these funny looking shoes, or are they just too bizarre for you? I don't know, they might be starting to grow on me!

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