Riding barefoot & Vibram 5 Fingers

[LauraLyn]

Just wondering if anyone out there is also into riding barefoot or with Vibram 5 Fingers. I started about 6 months ago riding in clips with my Vibram 5 Fingers. It was a real workout for my feet, but I think he has helped to strengthen them and my calves too. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Tapeworm]

No... just, no.


I like the Vibrams, I use them for a bit of running to keep form and conditioning in the legs. But for cycling? Nope, different actions, different requirements. Wouldn't want to crash in them either.

 

[Tinman]

cycling shoe soles need to be very stiff for optimal power transfer - its the large upper leg muscle groups that do most of the cycling work. Which is why all good cycling shoes are made with carbon fibre soles.

 

[LauraLyn]

No... just, no.


I like the Vibrams, I use them for a bit of running to keep form and conditioning in the legs. But for cycling? Nope, different actions, different requirements. Wouldn't want to crash in them either.

Yeah, the crashing is scary with Vibrams. For this reason I won't wear them on my mountain bike, too many roots, rocks, and just scary stuff to bang your foot against. On the road it would be nasty, but no more nasty maybe than any other body part.

cycling shoe soles need to be very stiff for optimal power transfer - its the large upper leg muscle groups that do most of the cycling work. Which is why all good cycling shoes are made with carbon fibre soles.

But they do strengthen the muscles in your feet, ankles, and calves. And also help you to feel better and work better the overall motion. Well, at least that is my experience.

And, if as you suggest the overall aim is to have more power transfer, then I would think relying only on the soles of the cycling shoes can be improved upon.

I'm talking about training here, not racing.

 

[twothirds]

While you're at it, why don't you take up ice climbing with your 5 Fingers.

 

[LauraLyn]

While you're at it, why don't you take up ice climbing with your 5 Fingers.

Well, I've trekked the Himalaya's with them and encountered a bit of ice there. That worked out ok. Tree climbing works fine too, but serious ice climbing . . . it could be a challenge.

 

[twothirds]

The reason I've made that statement is that the reason cycling shoes have stiff soles is to protect your foot. Five Fingers work for walking and running because they allow the foot to function as it was designed for those activities. Cycling is not something that the human body evolved with. You wouldn't strap crampons to your feet in five fingers because they wouldn't protect you from them. Same with pedals. Keep wearing them when you're on your feet. Use bike shoes on the bike. Your body will thank you.

 

[FitSsikS]

Well, I've trekked the Himalaya's with them and encountered a bit of ice there. That worked out ok. Tree climbing works fine too, but serious ice climbing . . . it could be a challenge.

Hahahahahaha!