These are those
awesome toe shoes
we were talking about.

What are those things anyway?

Though I call them toe shoes, they are really called Vibram® FiveFingers®. I think that’s a silly name, so I call them toe shoes.

They are minimalist shoes, with a thin rubber sole (made of Vibram). Because there’s not a lot to them, and because the toes are articulated, it feels a lot like walking barefoot, but without having your feet actually touching the ground (which might be really hot, rocky, covered in glass, or otherwise unpleasant).

What are they used for? Some specific sport?

They aren’t intended for any sport in particular. The Vibram website says that they can be used for trekking, yoga, and a variety of other things.

I wear them:

• around the office (though not to client meetings);
• walking around town;
• to the gym;
• for short runs (the longest I’ve run in them is two miles);
• for short hikes on well-maintained trails;
• when driving my car.

They are the most profoundly comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned (otherwise, why would I make this website?), and I wear them as often as I can.

Is the fabric between your toes uncomfortable?

Surprisingly, no. I really expected it to be weird and awkward, but it’s so thin that you don’t really notice it.

Are they warm? Do your feet get cold?

They aren’t particularly warm. They offer more insulation than sandals, but not a ton. Vibram offers a neoprene version for colder weather, but I have not tried it (and probably won’t). If it’s raining out, I probably won’t wear them, and will wear my trail runners instead.