Barefoot Walking Lifestyle — Benefits of the Barefoot Experience

Kigo release their stylish and portable barefoot shoes

by dave johns on September 13, 2009

Have shoes will travel

Are these minimalist shoes the answer to my barefoot prayers? The jury is still out on that one as I haven’t yet tried them but they show real promise.

What has me so excited about Kigo shoes is that they are designed to be totally portable. That is a big tick in my barefoot shoe box.

Active lifestyle
I lead an active barefoot lifestyle and get around quite a lot each day. My day is taken up with commuting to work, shopping, driving and taking time to keep fit with at least two good walks. I even manage to drag my sorry ass into the gym a few days each week.

I like to conduct as much of my daily doings in barefoot mode. This may be au natural when I am taking my barefoot walks; or switching to my minimalist footwear when I need to protect my feet.

Portability rocks
My need to switch between barefoot modes each day means I always carry around my barefoot shoes. Until now shoes were just designed to be worn on the feet – this makes sense, even to me. But Kigo the little beauties have designed their shoes to be ‘portable’. This a big tick factor for the barefoot lifestyle.

Kigo says …..
I was so excited about this concept I contacted the company to find out more about their shoes. Rachelle Kuramoto who is the Director of Marketing explained to me that Kigo shoes use technologically advanced materials to create their unique fold-close design. This material is highly breathable and quick drying. Apparently Kigo have a patent pending design concept that allows each shoe to compress and stay closed. This gives Kigo shoes that barefoot lifestyle coveted portability factor.

Style and confort
Kigo make a big wind of being stylish and taking a look at their shoes I have to agree. They do look very ‘today’ although I am not known in social circles as a fashion-guru-trend-setter dude. They also make big claims for being comfortable. This is a big tick factor for all of us so it would be great to hear feedback from anyone who owns a pair of Kigo’s.

Happen the barefoot lifestyle just became a little more stylish.

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The role of the barefoot shoe

by dave johns on September 12, 2009

Why would you want to own a pair of barefoot shoes?

If you search online for barefoot shoes you will be gifted by the Google gods with whole lists of link goodies. There are countless articles that discuss the merits of running, walking climbing, sailing in barefoot shoes – the list is endless. Heck, I’d wager there is even an article somewhere discussing the benefits of sleeping in barefoot shoes.

There is a growing range of minimalist footwear products on the market and a newcomer to the barefoot experience would be excused into thinking “why would I want to wear such things? ………. are they running shoes? ……… will they help my game?”

For one good reason
Depending who you ask you will get a different answer – and all will be valid. But as a barefooter who undertakes all manner of leisure and fitness training in barefoot mode, barefoot shoes have one prime function – to protect the soles of your feet; period.

Read more of this article >>

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Barefoot shoes terrify wife!

by dave johns on September 11, 2009

OMG check out this hilarious article on barefoot shoes.

If you are into barefoot running, or wear barefoot, shoes you have to read this article written by Michelle Slatalla published online for The New York Times. What I found very funny was that that my wife had the same reaction the first time I wore them.

I have happily convinced myself that I wear them because they are totally functional when I run rock and scree terrain. Happen it’s the same logic that convinced me it was a good idea to grow a ponytail back in 1989. Not one photograph exists of me from that year.

Article illustration published with kind permission; Hadley Hooper.

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Vivo Barefoot Shoes – Product Review

by dave johns on September 10, 2009

“Why were the Vivo Barefoot shoes crying?” “Because they were a pair of sensitive soles.”

If my ‘A’ material passed right over you then I’d wager you’re not yet familiar with the concept of barefoot shoes. Take a few moments and read on and I may convince you to give them a go.

Barefoot Walking Lifestyle does not sell from this site so all reviews express my own opinions of the products unless otherwise stated. If you like any products I review then shop around for a deal or checkout the links from the bottom of each review.

Company: Terra Plana

Product: Vivo Barefoot Aqua – Black Suede (also in Brown and Red)

Overview: If you want to experience the sensations and health benefits of going barefoot, but don’t want to go completely au natural, then you will like Vivo Barefoot shoes. The Aqua suede are comfortable barefoot shoes from Terra Plana who offer a wide selection of other styles to choose from. Durable and versatile the Aqua will accommodate a wide range of activities.

Amazing barefoot running motion

by dave johns September 9, 2009

I walk but sometimes I run ….
Barefoot running is part of my regular fitness program although I would hardly call myself a ‘proper’ runner. Running allows me to walk further in a much shorter time. This barefoot logic works in my head.
When I run barefoot it is mostly across soft surfaces. I am fortunate to [...]

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Steps to develop a weekly walking plan

by dave johns September 8, 2009

Today I am a little sad. I am returning back to work after 7 weeks holiday. Although I love my job teaching, the holidays are the best part by a long walk. And it’s the long barefoot walking I get to do throughout those seven weeks that is the best of all.
It is [...]

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Benefits of the Barefoot Experience