*re-reads*     Sorry, I don't have a better way of describing the bad slapping sound.

Nah, it was perfect, Rana.  I actually looked over my shoulder to see who was running in flip flops!   

I've been away for a while and it's great to check back in and learn you've healed so well.  Some rugged feet you've built there!  Congrats on the project and best of luck keeping a patient pace between here and your next run!

Anderson---I need to get your wife to talk to my wife.  She gives me an unapproving look    every time I strap on my KSO's...She is starting to understand the health benefits but can't get past the pure sex appeal of VFF's.  Anyway, I'm still trying to figure out what I DON'T like doing in VFF's.....

Haha.  I'd be glad to have them talk.  Anywhere near central Florida?   
My wife had an unexpected reaction of "those are hawt" right off the bat.  She doesn't want to buy a pair of wool Classics until this fall, but is already planning outfits around them!  Cracks me up.

As an update to my original post, I have had plenty of time with a few models here at the office.  I have found that the Classics without socks are by far the best choice for a desk jockey (in fairness I still have no Treks).  Wearing them as often as I have has forced me to work harder to fight "the stank", but I love them.  KSO's and Bikilas don't get clammy when I wear Injinjis, but I find that with socks my toes feel cramped and unhappy by the end of the day--in which case what's the point? 

My new favorite office solution is a pair of Onitsuka Tiger "Tai Chi" sneakers.  They have a softer sole, but it has zero lift to the heel.  They look pretty "normal", are soft and comfy and encourage a fore/mid strike the same way as in VFF's.  The ground feel and barefoot experience is diminished, but I'm comfy all day long and able to walk with a natural stride.  Also, in the Tai Chi's I am truly as silent as a ninja!  Sadly, it appears to me that Asics has discontinued that model and they are getting scarce. 

On the weekends and between Tiger days, I'm still all about my Vibrams!  All of my old traditional shoes are collecting dust.

She sounds very shallow, maybe you like shallow

Well, anything deeper than say...6mm or so...and his feet might get wet in his VFF's. 

Welcome back, travellers.  Glad to hear it went well!  I recently spent several days in the historic district of St. Augustine, and think I might have an idea of what you mean about cobblestones, blemt.  I found it interesting and ok as long as I paid attention, but caught some awkward steps when distracted over uneven spots. 

I think I started out with something like a "sickness"...an obsession at least.  However, as time has passed, the novelty has worn off.  In its place is the realization that I hate wearing "normal" shoes anymore.  So now I need more VFF's...or other minimal options like the Onitsuka Tiger Tai Chi's I just ordered...to replace all of those heel-heavy shoes I refuse to put back on!  I guess this is a physical addiction now...not just a mental one.   

The Bikilas rock.  I wear them less often than KSO's and Classics, but when I run they are heaven.  RayKay, I think you'll be very pleased.

Hi there and grats on starting down the path of VFF addiction.     Starting with 2 pairs to choose from is a nice bonus.  I share your 5k-this-year goal, but don't expect to get to the mini-marathon level.  It will suffice to enjoy those vicariously through writers like yourself.   

Yes, same here.  My wife is an assistant in a large firm in Orlando.  She sports Classics or Sprints every other Friday (when jeans are kosher) and always stirs up interest.  I wear VFF's almost every day, so the comments have quieted down.  For some reason, my audience is far less open-minded.  *shrug*  Their loss, imho!

Wow, that is a bummer.  My wife and I haven't had issues with ours yet, but I'm starting to wonder if we're a minority.  Good luck with the next pair. 

Thanks for the message and of course I've been reading everything I can find on the VFF and training, went thru the Beginners Guide and the conversation on the Diane Rehm Show [http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-07-12/running-america] was very informative and here's another link to one of the guest, Dr. Pribut's [http://www.drpribut.com/sports/sportframe.html] Running Injuries Page. Thanks for the friendly concern and advice it's appreciated.

And thank you back for the links.  Soon as I'm off the clock I'll be checking them out.  During my commute this morning, NPR had a "coming up" announcement that was something to do with archeologists finding evidence that "these feet were made for walking".  Sadly, they were still blabbing about the oil spill when I got to work.  Speaking of which...  back to the grind!

I could see it now "Hey, did somebody bring a goat into the office?".

Hahahaha!  I'm sure you can just scrub your foot with OxyClean, soak it in Efferdent and spray it down with Lysol... 

Yes, for removing the dirt I also have used a toothbrush from time to time.  I followed the steps posted by others earlier in this thread, spraying OxyClean into the shoe, letting it sit a few, then scrubbing around with a soft toothbrush.  This has turned the dingy grays back to like-new yellow.  Then it's into the wash.  Once dry and between uses, a little spritz of Lysol. I'm not doing all of this too often...just when I perceive the growing need. 

It seems like there are many valid approaches, so I think the key is to make a little effort one way or another.  A little prevention beats a lot of compensation, etc.   The whole "keep your feet clean" step is helpful for obvious reasons.  After several months, I've caught the occassional warning sign, but have always managed to hit the "reset" back to clean smells.  *knock on wood*

funny story in outback few years back they had a boomerang on the wall and it wasn't nailed down just hanging there and my cousins stole it off the wall walked out with it and played in the parking lot until the police showed up it was a blast to watch them talk their way out of it.I've noticed a lot of restaurants have random crap on their walls.

Nice metaphor...the choice to throw that boomerang came back to hit them!   

Jeepman...can't believe you're already about to free your foot!  Seems like you just wrecked it.  Hope the unveiling goes well!

Heard about the VFF's on the Diane Rehm Show on WAMU on Monday and being a life-long runner (sprinter turned marathon-man) I had to see what this new non-running wear is all about. I'm going to pick up a pair of Bikila's this week at my local REI and begin my journey, so from a misplaced Brooklyn Tech-Engineer/Maryland Hawk hello to the VFF forum and I hope to document my journey here...

Welcome!  Hope REI has your size.  If you at least measure for size while there, you'll be able to try online vendors if needed. 

Not being sure how much you've already absorbed from this forum or other sources, let me offer some (hopefully well-placed) advice...  Please read up on the advice and stories here regarding the importance of TAKING IT SLOW in the transition to minimal running.  It seems that the established runners are sometimes more prone to early injuries or pain because they are able to push the previously-unused muscles and tendons past their limits more easily.  I was blessed with being a slacker who got out of breath before my calves were tight, but others have not been so lucky.   

There are tons of happy success stories too and it would be great to see another as you document that journey.  Good luck! 

I don't see caving in Barbados anywhere even remotely in my future, but it does sound pretty cool!  Glad you had a good time and broke it down for them ninja-style.