Photo is from http://www.vibramfivefingers.com of the Bikila Running shoe
Ok, so it’s a fancy title implying pedicures and foot-spas… But I’m talking about SHOES! So I have mentioned the wonderful glory that is the Vibram (pronounced vee-bram) Five Fingers (pronounced five fingers) and the joy they are to run in. But they really do wipe out your calves as you get used to them. I have done three-mile runs in them for the last two days, and I have to admit yesterday my calves were tired at the beginning. Now today, BOTH calves are quite tired and sore (but it is the “I was USED! sore, not the “OMG, INJURY!!!’ sore) from two days of good workouts. In these, I still continue to run faster than I do in my other running shoes – and it’s not intentional.
Photo is of moccasin #25 on http://www.sodhopper.com. Mine are a maroon base, with black leather for all accents/heel and toe caps.
I have also taken a step back from what we consider every-day “normal” shoes on the weekend (And on casual Fridays at work), in an effort to help minimize the problems that are caused by a raised heel. I have a GREAT pair of Sodhopper boots that I bought (back before I had kids and nothing better to buy with a tax return) around 11 or 12 years ago, that are still going strong. These things are even more comfortable than my Vibrams (or maybe the same comfort level) and a little more “Socially acceptable,” although they seem to inspire just as many questions when people notice them. As they are worn without socks, and have a very minimal sole in place, I can still feel the ground – although less than I can in my VFF’s, as I went with the hiking boot style sole.
The "gel cushion" or "Something in my shoe."
Dr. Scholl's Remy 2 Dress Shoe
Now, as to my work shoe… Well… Lets just say I have not found an ideal solution here. I am currently wearing these torture devices made by Dr. Scholls.. You know the “gellin like Magellan” folks? Well apparently, regardless of how nice the insoles may (or may not) be, the Dr. Scholls Remy 2 Dress shoe, with Gel soles.. are NOT comfortable. They have these little Gel ovals in them that are (I imagine) for your heel to sit in.. However, they are a touch to far forward so the very edge is partially under my heel. It in effect, gives me shoes that have “Something” in them… the sort of something that you stop, take your shoe off and shake it to try to get it to fall out, but these don’t fall out. I am going to pick up a set of insoles of some sort, rip these out and put the others in. Might make them bearable.
Ultimately I need to find some sort of minimalist-style dress shoes, but they seem to run $150.00 on average – which is far more than I want to spend on shoes that are limited to work. I wonder if I can convince my wife that I need a pair of shorter Sodhoppers (mine are 8 button with a cuff) that are pure black for wear at work. It seems in the world of minimalist runners, a common choice is some sort of loafer.. But I am not a fan of slip on shoes. I suspect this is not going to be an easily solved delima.
I run, because I am a runner. Having realized that I have always "been a runner" - even when I went years with out running, I am learning how it has integrated itself in all aspects of my life. When I started running in highschool, my perspective on life changed. Funny that I didn't realize how much it had affected it until just recently.
Once and Future Runner 
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