NRR, VFFs for Zumba...thoughts on which ones would be best?

barefoot.zumba.runner

Barefooters
Apr 3, 2010
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I contacted Vibram a few days ago regarding this, though haven't heard back yet. What do you all think? I'm heading up to an REI to pick up some shoes for running (hoping their neoprene are the ticket) and for zumba (thinking vffs). However, not sure which ones would be best...need something that will stay on my foot when kicking, jumping etc, something with little grip (need to be able to pivot and twist etc). Thoughts? Sorry I've been mia, my internet connection has been crap and I'm not always able to upload the post template.. If I don't respond to you right away, don't take it personally :p fingers crossed that this will actually post when I submit it.....
 
For some reason, Zum, this

For some reason, Zum, this thread was locked, so I unlocked it. If you want to relock, please do.
 
My favorite VFF is the

My favorite VFF is the sprint. It is not very treaddy on the bottom, but the sole sticks just fine with the ground, or floor. Another good thing about sprint is it is open on top, but has strap to keep foot on nicely. You could go with the moc if you only plan to use them indoors. Or another choice would be for your activity the classic. I think any of those three will work great for the zumba. If you want to wear them outside go with sprint, or classic. Think the other models will be "too much" shoe for someone that wants to do zumba in them, but is also a barefoot runner.

Above all if you were allowed I would most encourage you do do it barefoot. Also note some gyms do not allow VFF. Some not at all, and others only allow the models with a closed top.
 
TJ, have no clue why it'd be

TJ, have no clue why it'd be locked. Like I said, my computer's been crap lately. Sooo, thanks for unlocking it so I can get some feedback.

Humbolt, I'll try the 3 you recommended when I'm up at REI no Thursday. I was thinking the same in regards to the others being too much for Zumba. I do occasionally do Zumba barefoot (probably once a week) though with the twisting and pivoting...it's easier to do in something that slips a bit more than a barefoot. I've got some pretty high intensity, twisting/pivoting etc going on in my classes it's nice to be able to do the moves the way I indend them to be done rather than modifying to suit my barefootedness. With the lower intensity stuff though, barefoot all the way. I agree with you there!

Adam, ditto. Thinking classics or sprints would be best. Is there a Jane? What are those about?
 
The jane is indoor only.  It

The jane is indoor only. It has the strap across the top for the jane look. It is also leather upper. A classic, or a sprint could be used for both zumba, and running. So you could kill two birds with one stone if you wanted. Out of those two choices it will come down to personal preference. Some people do not like the heel on the sprint. It does not bother me at all, and I prefer the strap on top. Though I barley wear them anymore since I mostly BF about. Other prefer the classic without the strap on top with a more normal like heel. Move around in each to see what you like best. Not sure if you are aware VFF tend to be in shortage. It is possible your local store may not have style you want in correct size. Hopefully you will get lucky. Buying VFF can be tricky in regards to what you want actually being in stock.
 
Thanks for the heads up

Thanks for the heads up Humbolt, I think I would like the strap across the top for Zumba. I'll just have to test them both out (if they're in stock). Luckily there are a few stores that carry them relatively close so hopefully that will be to my advantage regarding the shortage.

Keep you all posted!
 
Also Zum, you may want to

Also Zum, you may want to hold out and wait for the 2011 model VFFs. When I went to that Christopher McDougall event I looked at one of their new models; the Jaya. It's marketed specifically as a yoga and dance shoe. It's apparently the lightest VFF that they have ever made.

http://birthdayshoes.com/jaya:
 
Hmmm, good to know SP. Do you

Hmmm, good to know SP. Do you know when it'll come out? My Zumba shoes are falling apart fast! Though I can make my Adizeros stretch out for a while as long as I get something else to run in.
 
Wow, those look excellent!

Wow, those look excellent! Hopefully it's early spring
 
 I would recommend the

I would recommend the Sprints. I wear mine running and to an intense cardio class that I take...they're great. The Classics have this extremely long tab in the back that digs into your Achilles....big design flaw in my opinion.
 
Most VFF owners have more

Most VFF owners have more then one pair. Maybe you could get a sprint for now. Get the Jaya after it releases. This will give you a new zumba shoe soon. The sprint can be used in future for running. Then the Jaya later for full time zumba use. With the Jaya upper material I would not use that for running. Though the material looks very light, and would probably work really well for zumba.

Your other option could be get a vivo barefoot running shoe, or soft star running moc whenever. Hold out on a new zumba shoe. Get the Jaya after release.

Frankly if your not going to get a VFF for running I would suggest a soft star runamoc. Though follow their web site instructions on sizing your foot, and provide them all your measurements to get it right the first time. If you don't want a fully enclosed running shoe then go with classic or sprint VFF.

Also the runamocs are created on american soil in Corvallis, Oregon. You can't say that about vivo or VFF. Though depending on your winter conditions the runamoc may, or may not work for you.
 
Humbolt, if only my pennies

Humbolt, if only my pennies could stretch far enough for me to have multiple purpose minimal shoes. Sadly, not so. I'll peek at the runamocs too...I like being able to try the shoes on before buying thus going with the VFFs, I can find them in stores at least in my state (MN). Other minimal shoes, not so much. Not even much for a racing flat.

I appreciate all of your insight everyone, lots of options. NOt that that is a bad thing
 
If your on a budget with only

If your on a budget with only getting one shoe. Probably the sprint would be best. You can also use them for running. However they may not be the best for running in extreme winter weather. That would be the only down side I see for them. The Jaya probably won't last very long for running.

I would say the same about the soft star runamoc. Either would get your job done. Though the sprint is the only one of the two you can try on in person. Once you find a store with your style, and size in stock.
 
I ended up getting the

I ended up getting the Sprints today and wore them for Zumba. Toes felt a little snug, though guessing that things will loosen up the more I wear them? They were a bit stickier than I'd imagined, good for running...not great for Zumba.

I'll keep at it in them and see how things go. Overall, I do like the shoe after having worn them once.
 
The very front of your toe

The very front of your toe should not be really touching the shoe material. Their should be just very slight room in that very front area. The circumfrence of the toe takes getting used to. They should loosen up as you use them. They do take getting used to having the toe pockets. As long as your lenght is not too short your foot will adjust to the new style shoe.

You picked a good model, but your not going to get a sliding effect anymore from some other model. So I'm not sure what to tell you. Maybe lube up the bottom with vegtable oil. Otherwise you would be able to do a return if you got them at REI. Or they should be very easy to sell in a unused state, or even a lightly used state.

Personally I think zumba would be best barefoot the whole session. Though I have been doing stuff in the gym barefoot for a few years so I know my feet can handle it. Though I don't do zumba. You may feel differently, and obviously you should do what you are most comfortable with. The biggest benefit to barefeet is you don't have to spend any money.

Based on your criteria that the shoe you buy needs to be local to your area so you can try it on. I don't know that you have any other options as for a minalmilist type shoe. What about just a sock on your foot for a sliding effect ? You would not be barefoot, but it would allow more motion of sliding then just the bare skin. Maybe you are over thinking your needs possibly ? Anyway just trying to help fine tune your needs. Maybe I am off base....
 
Coming in late here, Zum, but

Coming in late here, Zum, but thought I'd add that I've tried Zumba in my KSOs and found them too sticky (as it seems you've found for your VFFs). I bought a pair of Capezio foot thongs (Undeez) last year and that's all I've used for Zumba since (though, in fairness, I haven't made it to too many Zumba classes in the last year).



Peace,
Karen
 
Wore the Sprints today in

Wore the Sprints today in class and they felt good. Just a slight bit of dust from the floor on the bottom of the shoe made a world a difference.

Humbolt, I've tried Zumba barefoot, lots. Enough to know that, the class I teach, requires something on my feet...for now anyway. I can modify the pivoting moves to prevent too much twisting/jarring ankles and knees that comes from doing them barefoot, though I'm finding that I"m already hopping and jumping enough in my routines that more is too much (modifications include picking feet up/hopping instead of twisting). I will be cutting my classes down to 4-5 per week with the start of the new year, which may help too. I feel like I can modify my moves so much though not without sacrificing my style, unfortunately. In higher impact classes anyway. Lower impact/less pivoting/jumping etc and even belly dance I definitely prefer barefoot. Hands down. I have tried socks and those are actually too slippery. Thanks again for your thoughts, I appreciate your insight.

Karen, I remember you saying you had the foot undeez. I tried a pair of something similar and my feet were too wide for them. I didn't bother trying a different style, it's too much of a pain to order them, get them in and have them not fit, deal with shipping/returning/exchanging. etc. I'm thinking I need to learn to sew and make my own :p
 
Have you thought about Zems?

Have you thought about Zems? They aren't very sticky but also aren't too slippery like socks. I've never tried anything like zumba in them but I think they could work out well for it. Mine wore out really fast but I was running over gravel and sharp rocks in them so I don't think that would be an issue for indoor sports.
 
Hmmm, good thought A.

Hmmm, good thought A. I hadn't thought of those for Zumba, from I've seen of them...they might be a good option too. Thanks!