Why toe shoes?
An essay into designing footwear that maximizes the minimalist experience — examining the functional needs of the foot and how shoes like moccasins and sandals like huaraches stack up. Why toe shoes come out on top.
Interview with Robert Fliri, the inventor of Vibram FiveFingers
Italian Robert Fliri is the original creator of what we now know as Vibram FiveFingers. Fliri was a student at an Italian design school back in 1999 when he originated the concept of a foot glove for outdoor use, specifically in the mountains. Here from Fliri in this 2006 interview.
Xero Shoes HFS Original Review (Long-Term)
Two years ago I got the Xero Shoes HFS Original — my first Xero Shoes shoes. I've put more than a thousand miles on them. This is my long-term review.
Xero Shoes DIY Huaraches Review
Xero Shoes are hardly shoes, at all — they're sandals. But they're not just any sandals, they're ultra-minimalist huaraches sandals. You know, like the "sandal tech" worn by the Tarahumara Indians of the Copper Canyons.
What's your story?
BirthdayShoes was founded by sharing stories from people like you. How has your life changed — from the ground up?
Vibram FiveFingers — what are they?
The history of the world's first toe shoes is as weird as the shoes themselves. This is the definitive backstory of Vibram FiveFingers.
5 million steps
How I took 13,699 steps a day and more than 5,000,000 steps in a year to improve my health, change my life, and even learn to run again. The failures — and success — of pursuing a wholly arbitrary goal.
BirthdayShoes Logo Stickers
Show your support for BirthdayShoes — get stuck!
Feiyue Tiger Claw Review
An unexpected source of minimalist shoes.
Huaraches: Review of the Original Minimalist & "Barefoot" Sandals
Vibram FiveFingers opened my eyes to minimalist shoe running. Ever since, I've been on a quest to find the best balance of lightweight protection and comfort without sacrificing flexibility and ground feel. Enter huaraches.
How to Walk Barefoot
Most of us learned to walk in heeled shoes, but learning to walk barefoot or in barefoot shoes requires listening to your body and relearning biomechanics to minimize impact. Like a fox.
Hello, World?
Notes from the founder 16 years after creating BirthdayShoes.com. (Yes, I'm still here.)