VFF at work

[zenkci]

I started wearing my new VFFs to work because the dress code allows "sports shoes". A few other guys also wear theirs; however our new boss's boss who's only been here for a couple weeks decided that we're not allowed to wear them anymore because she thought they were creepy.

I had an appointment with my doctor for just a normal checkup and I decided to tell her that since I started wearing them, my chronic back-pain had diminished quite a bit; and how our boss won't let me wear them, she was interested that they were helping me so she wrote me a note saying that she wants me to continue wearing them at work.

So I came to work the next day with note in-hand, I politely asked for a moment of her time. I explained that the help my back pain and that my doctor suggested that I should be allowed to wear them, I gave her the note and she accepted it.

Yay!

[VFF~Lover]

Maybe i should try this at school.  they wont let us wear them at school though because we have a very strict dress code and the principal hates new things. They'll let people wear boots and converse that go up to their knees and heels that are 6 inches tall but they wont allow me to wear my VFFs! sad day...

[The Yeti]

I work in a lab at an oil refinery, and because of some silly rule, we all have to wear steel toed shoes to work. I hate wearing the heavy things. As soon as I leave the lab I throw the KSOs on. I wonder if I could convince someone at vibram to make Steel toe covers for the VFFs...

[barefootin]

Good for you and I'm glad to hear you've also found relief with minimalist shoes.   I to have some that are creeped out by them..... Sorry for their luck.

As for school VFF Lover, If i were your parent(s), I'd be there in a heart beat bucking the system for you.  That's all my daughter wears to school, even for gym class.  It doesn't help her gym teacher has some as well.  My son wears them, but not to school.  He'd fit in the locker way to easy that way.  The hard soled shoes make it just enough of a challenge the other kids gave up trying to get him in there.

[barefootin]

I work in a lab at an oil refinery, and because of some silly rule, we all have to wear steel toed shoes to work. I hate wearing the heavy things. As soon as I leave the lab I throw the KSOs on. I wonder if I could convince someone at vibram to make Steel toe covers for the VFFs...

Check out my post here....  http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/birthdayshoes-com-general-discussion/love-my-kso's-but-what-about-orthotics-in-my-work-boots/msg42890/#msg42890  they may allow these with "Trek's, NB Trails or Merrell's in them.  It can't hurt to ask.
These also have a good oil resistance.  I was on an epoxy painted concrete floor where gear pack replacements were being done the other week and I was the only one not slipping around.  It actually opened up the door for their safety rep to look into them.

[equiraptor]

I work in a lab at an oil refinery, and because of some silly rule, we all have to wear steel toed shoes to work. I hate wearing the heavy things. As soon as I leave the lab I throw the KSOs on. I wonder if I could convince someone at vibram to make Steel toe covers for the VFFs...

Our guys in the datacenter need toe protection. I can understand that... and I'm glad I'm not in a datacenter!

I have a few coworkers who wear VFFs. My boss is creeped out by them but, well, I have a great boss. Instead of fussing at me to not wear them, the VFFs have become a joke at work. We even got him a pair of pink Bikilia, just to make people smile (I did re-sell them to a friend - VFFs are a bit expensive to just be a joke). I've converted a few of my other coworkers, and while one doesn't like toeshoes, he is looking at other minimalist shoes, as he'd rather be barefoot.

[qcassidy352]

I envy you all your footwear choices.  I work at a pretty conservative place, and there's noooo way VFFs would fly here.  So I go with Rockports, which are regular shoes (i.e. definitely not minimal) but do come in wide widths and are very comfortable.  What can ya do...

[barefootin]

I envy you all your footwear choices.  I work at a pretty conservative place, and there's noooo way VFFs would fly here.  So I go with Rockports, which are regular shoes (i.e. definitely not minimal) but do come in wide widths and are very comfortable.  What can ya do...

Sometimes it is just about how far you are willing push the rules...  There are quite a few that don't approve of my footware choice, but I am in compliance with our written policy.  Leather upper, closed toe, and a heal 

[VFF~Lover]

@ Barefootin, my school wont let me wear them because they say they're not shoes, which i have on many occasions pointed out the definition of a shoe.

The school hand book states that shoe choices that are allowed are "leather loafers, black or brown, boots (no paramilitary) and tennis shoes of any color." The definition of a tennis shoe is a canvas covered upper with a rubber sole.

It also says though that "administrators have the sole authority to dictate these rules and anything they believe is not in compliance with dress code will be dismissed."

I'm thinking i outta just say they're for medical purposes but then i'd have to have a note from a doctor. 

[UpNorth]

You could also point out that the TSA now consistantly treats them as shoes and insists they be removed for screening.

[VFF~Lover]

yeah, so much toe discrimination! idk, i ordered some speeds for casual use and whatnot n seeing that they have laces i dont think she could do so much about them except for argue the fact that they have toes.

[barefootin]

@ Barefootin, my school wont let me wear them because they say they're not shoes, which i have on many occasions pointed out the definition of a shoe.

The school hand book states that shoe choices that are allowed are "leather loafers, black or brown, boots (no paramilitary) and tennis shoes of any color." The definition of a tennis shoe is a canvas covered upper with a rubber sole.

It also says though that "administrators have the sole authority to dictate these rules and anything they believe is not in compliance with dress code will be dismissed."

I'm thinking i outta just say they're for medical purposes but then i'd have to have a note from a doctor. 

Keep pushing, but do it with respect.  I understand rules around open toes and flip flops/sandals in school, but Trek's in brown or black "leather"......  Do you have a really cool doctor?  I did growing up, actually still do.....   If not, save some coin over the summer for something out of the fall collection.  Good luck.....

[barefootin]

You could also point out that the TSA now consistantly treats them as shoes and insists they be removed for screening.

Yup, I've had to remove mine at most major airports I fly through for almost a year.  I still love the smaller airports or new TSA agents.  If it isn't the human feet going through their scanner that freaks them out, it's the black Injinji's that do if I'm wearing my Trek's.   

[Barefootin Family]

 I love wearing mine to work, they make being on my feet so long, a lot easier. Has anyone been asked to leave a store or restaurant that has a "no shirt, no shoes" policy? While wearing your FiveFingers, of course.

[VFF~Lover]

@ Barefootin, my school wont let me wear them because they say they're not shoes, which i have on many occasions pointed out the definition of a shoe.

The school hand book states that shoe choices that are allowed are "leather loafers, black or brown, boots (no paramilitary) and tennis shoes of any color." The definition of a tennis shoe is a canvas covered upper with a rubber sole.

It also says though that "administrators have the sole authority to dictate these rules and anything they believe is not in compliance with dress code will be dismissed."

I'm thinking i outta just say they're for medical purposes but then i'd have to have a note from a doctor. 

Keep pushing, but do it with respect.  I understand rules around open toes and flip flops/sandals in school, but Trek's in brown or black "leather"......  Do you have a really cool doctor?  I did growing up, actually still do.....   If not, save some coin over the summer for something out of the fall collection.  Good luck.....

my doctor cant see me anymore because i turned 18 last month but my mom is studying to be a nurse but ill be like 20 by then and hopefully wont have to worry about it. God forbid im still in school by then!

but yeah i just worked for spring break and got 500 bucks so i ordered some speeds from primal lifestyle, they should be here within the week or early next week. Can't wait!