Vibrams for Humans and Dogs, Alike

I got the above photo from Patty depicting her husband Moji and their dog — if you look closely you'll notice both are wearing matching Vibrams.  Yes, the dog has on Vibram-soled shoes mdash; they are "Bark'n Boots" dog boots that feature Vibram soles.

I'd heard about these Vibram-soled shoes for dogs awhile back.  I think many (myself included) wondered on seeing them, "Why would a dog need shoes?"  The irony of asking that question is that you could ask the same of us humans wearing FiveFingers!  Why not just go barefoot?  Well, just like we have our reasons, so might a dog.

To that end, I asked Patty to tell me a little bit more about both Moji and their dog and their Vibram shoes.  After all, Moji clearly has quite a physique and his dog looks awfully happy in his booties.

So what's the backstory?  Want to see more about those wild dog boots?  Read on!

Before I share Patty's note below, let me first say that you're looking at Moji Oluwa — former Captain of the Nigerian Olympic Weightlifting team in the 1996 Olympics (in Atlanta!) and winner of numerous bodybuilding competitions.  Nowadadays, while he still competes (looks like his most recent placing was just last month), Moji trains — and he does it in Vibram FiveFingers.

Anyway, here's what Patty had to say about husband and dog:

Moji trains his clients in his FiveFingers. He always had problems building calves but he now works out with them so his calves have improved a lot.

Moji has flat feet and has to wear the Vibrams because he is on his feet all day and I have a high arch so have to wear them also. I got rid of all my shoes and own only Vibrams. I have no dress shoes. I wear Vibrams everywhere and get stopped constantly asking about the shoes. We must have sold hundreds by now. Wish I could sell them personally.

Moji and I have been wearing these shoes now for 3 years. We both have 6 pairs each!

Kai is our year old SharPei and he has a problem with his feet. He shuffles when he walks so when I take him around the Rose Bowl for his walk, his feet bleed. I have been looking for good shoes, not cute shoes, but good shoes and did my research online and found these at REI. I get so many compliments and people taking pictures of him because of the shoes and because he is cute.

People love them and want to get them for their dogs. I tell them that dogs need caring for their feet just like we do. They always ask if he likes them. He loves them. He cries for his shoes to be put on. When I try to take them to wash, he cries and does not want them out of his sight. He stands there and watches me wash the shoes and follows me to see where I am drying them. He will go to them after a few hours and cry for me to put them back on. It is funny.

The Ruff Wear Bark'n Boots Grip Trex Dog Boots — they come in sets of four, of course.

We had friends over today and they saw how much Kai loves his shoes and could not believe a dog could love shoes that much. I told them because they are Vibrams even the dog knows comfortable shoes....He is going out to buy a pair now.

So there you have it — dogs love their shoes, too.  Go figure, right?

Patty tell Moji we'd love to hear more about his training in FiveFingers.  As readers can see, Moji has some pretty epic calf muscles!

A photo of the "V" Family getting ready for a walk.

Thanks for sharing Patty, Kai, and Moji!