Minimalist Shoe Experience will Continue

Last year for Christmas I received my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers.  When I opened them I was both excited and scared.  I was excited to implement all I had read about minimalist shoes and barefoot walking but also afraid that my my rheumatoid feet wouldn't be able to handle these expensive shoes that offered no support. 

As this photo shows my minimalist shoe/barefoot walking experiment was a success.  In less than one year I wore a hole in my first Vibram Five Fingers KSO Treks.  At first I was disappointed that they wore out so quickly, but my husband reminded me that I also put a lot of miles on them in a short time.  (Yay for 2011 being a great year for my joints!)

Thanks to my generous husband Steve I received my second pair of Vibram KSO Trek's for Christmas this year.  I won't be able to wear them for many months due to the cold temperatures, but my feet are looking forward to spring already.

In the meantime, here is the new pair of winter boots I bought.  Thanks to Zappos I was able to order multiple pairs of boots and send them back free of shipping charges!

Each boot I returned either caused my toes to hurt or my foot to go numb.  Finally I found a pair that seems to meet my unique needs: my feet and ankles don't go numb, my toes don't hurt, there is plenty of toe room, they are waterproof, and they are very warm. (Temperatures in Chicago haven't been extreme yet but hopefully they will hold up to the challenge.) 

I am now the proud owner of my first pair of UGGS.  Although these boots don't allow for the freedom I have in my VFFs,  I felt attracted to them one day when my daughter's friend was visiting.  I saw her UGGs sitting by the door after I had just returned yet another set of boots.  I had a strong desire to put my foot into her boot.  (Shhhh.....please don't tell.)  They felt so warm and cozy I knew I had to find a pair for myself.  Mine of course are more outdoorsy and not quite as stylish but they are exactly what I need for my long winter walks with Izzy. 

Here's to 2012 being a year of less foot pain and lots and lots of walking outdoors!