Tag: hiking barefoot

Merrell Introducing Barefoot Hiking Shoes in 2013

Heavy-duty hiking boots may soon become a thing of the past thanks to the folks at Merrell. Inspired by the barefoot running craze led by shoe-maker Vibram, Merrell is introducing its new line of M-Connect hiking shoes which ditch the traditional high-top boot design for one that’s lighter, more flexible, and closer to a barefoot running shoe.

Available for both men and women, the M-Connect line will be designed for various outside activities, including running, training, and hiking. The shoes, which are lower and weigh less than modern-day hiking shoes, are meant to provide hikers with a natural glove-like fit and an overall light and flexible design. To reduce unnecessary weight, Merrell shaved some ounces off the shoes’ soles, allowing for better “ground feel,” greater surface contact, and better overall stability. Continue reading Merrell Introducing Barefoot Hiking Shoes in 2013

Vibram Brings Runners Back to (Almost) Barefoot

Vibram Five Fingers women's KSO
Vibram Five Fingers shoes have five distinct toes on each to emulate your bare feet.

Sometimes technology advancements take you back to your natural state. In the case of Vibram Five Fingers, that’s barefoot. Vibram believes the 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons, and ligaments in the foot are a marvel of evolution, and best left in their natural state. Of course living in Manhattan, or many other places, don’t make running or even walking barefoot welcoming. Perhaps the last realm of barefoot action is the beach, or possibly a grassy field. But we opt for the protection of shoes everywhere else.

Vibram Five Fingers “shoes” have five distinct toes on each foot, and the soul emulates a bare foot with an arch. The company claims going barefoot, or wearing its shoes, strengthens muscles in the feet and lower legs; improves range of motion in ankles, feet, and toes; enhances balance and agility by stimulating neural function; and improves posture and alignment by not creating heel lift. Vibram Five Fingers has a range of models that lend themselves to running, water sports, hiking, traveling, yoga, and other disciplines of fitness. There’s a few therapeutic shoes on the market that make claims like this, and we plan to follow the space and take a closer look.