Ever wish you could be a child again and run around barefoot all day? What could be more carefree or comfortable, especially after dashing around campus all day or dancing at the Boot until 3:00 am? The best feeling in the world is ripping off those shoes – or in my case, stilettos – and feeling the cool floor against your feet. What if I told you that you could relive those childhood moments – that carefree bliss of toes hitting the pavement – and go barefoot without getting stared at? You’d call me crazy, right? Everyone knows that walking around barefoot in public areas is taboo – nearly every store has signs prohibiting it. Well, what about walking around semi-bare feet?
The latest trend sweeping the campus is shoes that look like gloves…but they’re for your feet. Just the other day I spotted two girls wearing them – one at a Pilates class at Riley and the other just walking across campus. Originally, I thought this was a “girl-thing” until the other day. I spotted a guy wearing them as he stretched before taking a run in Audubon Park. So what’s the deal on these shoe-gloves and why are they a new trend on campus?
These are VibramFiveFingers shoes. They supposedly offer “the sensation of going barefoot with the protection and security of a sole.” The marketing gurus at Vibram profess that these are “a healthy alternative to traditional footwear because they allow feet to move in a natural way, without the constriction of shoes”. While the FiveFingers are typically advertised for fitness, consumers are purchasing them for all types of activities, including traveling and water sports. Each type of Vibram FiveFingers is uniquely designed for a specific interest. Therefore, there is a pair for everyone. For the fashion-conscious, the FiveFingers can be purchased in a variety of different colors and designs.
The company expects this trend to sweep the nation, creating a “barefoot revolution”. If you would like to hop on the bandwagon, you can purchase FiveFingers here. Plan on shelling out some bucks though as FiveFingers are not inexpensive. Ranging from $75 to $125 for men and women ($60 for kids), they are comparable to popular sneaker brands such as Nike or Reebok. Fitness gurus, celebrities and runners have joined this “barefoot revolution”. If you’re nostalgic for those carefree days (or you’re a perpetual trend follower), this revolution is for you. As for me? I’ll stick to my stilettos.