News – Page 2 – Xero Shoes

Posted on May 8, 2014September 27, 2022 by — 5 Comments

Will Vibram Fivefingers make your feet stronger?

Big news today in the barefoot world: Vibram settled a class action lawsuit that claimed the company deceived customers when it claimed that VFFs would decrease foot injuries and strengthen foot muscles.

As reported in the Washington Post:

The company agreed to put aside $3.75 million to pay refunds of as much as $94 to anyone who had bought a pair since March 21, 2009, according to Runner’s World.

(Okay that was according to Runner’s World as reported by the Washington Post. The Post article was the one that showed up in my newsfeed.)

Further: Continue reading Will Vibram Fivefingers make your feet stronger?

Posted on November 18, 2013September 30, 2022 by — Leave a comment

Minimalist Running and Riding – the Xero Biathlon

Want to run a race, but there isn’t one scheduled?

Want to tackle a biathlon (running and bike riding), but there isn’t one in your neighborhood?

Want to run barefoot or in minimalist shoes, but tired of people yelling, “You can’t do that!” at you?

Getting too cold for racing in barefoot-style sandals?

Well, Frank Jones and William Nichols solved all those problems: They made their own Xero Shoes race!

Here’s the report:

Inaugural Xero Shoes Bialthlon a Resounding Success

by Frank Jones, Bare Runners News
Scott Air Force Base, Illinois

As they made their way to the medal ceremony, the sheer joy of victory remained etched in their faces. William Nichols and Frank Jones had just finished first and second in the Inaugural Xero Shoes Biathlon, sponsored by BareRunners.

The event, which took place today at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois, was the brainchild of BareRunners founder, William Nichols. “Southern Illinois is a great locale for a variety of races and athletic events,” he told this reporter. “The goal of today’s race was to highlight and emphasize the healthy running benefits of minimalist running” or “barerunning” as Nichols and his fellow barefoot enthusiasts like to call it. To participate in today’s run, competitors were required to wear Xero Shoes. “The BareRunners love these shoes, and we encourage others to ‘feel the world’ with us!”, Nichols said.

The Xero Shoes Biathlon was held entirely indoors at the Scott AFB Fitness Center. It began with a grueling five-mile sprint on stationary bikes. From there, it was a quick transition upstairs for a tough three-mile dash…52 mind-numbing laps around the indoor track! Spectators stood in awe as the competitors completed this epic battle. In the end, Nichols pulled ahead of Jones for an overall first-place finish. “I may have finished first,” he said, “but we are all winners!”

Jones, a retired USAF colonel, and today’s runner-up, praised the event sponsors: “I’d like to thank [them] for putting on a great event!” He also credited his training partner, William Nichols, “for training with me, for always keeping me motivated, and for encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone.”

Scott AFB Exercise Physiologist, Mr. Al Bromley, credits Nichols and Jones for the blossoming minimalist movement at the air base. “I see these guys every day, and I’m amazed at what they accomplish in these Xero Shoes!” he exclaimed. Bromley has been a strong supporter of the BareRunners, offering support and advice as more and more athletes kick off their shoes and run barefoot or minimalist.

Congrats to both William and Frank for an impressive race!

Here are some more photos of the triumphant duo.

Posted on November 10, 2009September 30, 2022 by — 6 Comments

Vibram Five Fingers vs. Xero Shoes huaraches

Barefoot running is becoming more popular every day.

And, with the growing number of people throwing away their shoes comes… shoes!

Barefoot shoes, that is.

Chris McDougall’s book, Born To Run, featured the Vibram Five Fingers shoes (sort of like a glove for your feet) as well as the low-tech, traditional Mexican huaraches, which the Tarahumara Indians would sometimes make by cutting a strip of rubber off of an old tire and lacing it to their feet.

The Xero Shoes huaraches are a hi-tech update, made with a 4mm Vibram Cherry sole, which gives great protection from debris and dangers, and the most barefoot-like feel you can possibly get (short of just gluing the sole to your foot).

Comparing the Vibram Five Fingers to the Xero Shoes huaraches is a bit tricky. Obviously people will have individual preferences.

Nonetheless, some comparisons are obvious:

The Xero Shoes are more minimalist.
They’re much lighter.
The soles on Xero Shoes are even more flexible and give a more barefoot feel.
Xero Shoes are easy to slip on and off, even if your feet are swollen or sweaty.
They’re less expensive.
There’s no fabric to tear.
FFs give more protection to the fronts and sides of your toes (though, I’ve never had a problem while wearing my huaraches).
Xero Shoes will fit any foot since they’re made just for you (whether you DIY or buy custom shoes) whereas some people find the toes on FF have either too much or not enough room for their particular toe shape.
You can get them (FFs have been sold out in a lot of places).
You can wear Xero Shoes without people thinking you’re a monkey-boy (or girl). 😉

I know I can sound biased, and I have no doubt some people will comment about why FFs are better than huaraches. But the bottom line is that whatever works for you, depending on your situation and desires.