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

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.

 

 I would choose either

I would choose either between the sprints or the classics, just like Humboldt suggested. For Zumba I would go with the classics, they don't have the strap like the sprints. I know lots of people that run in the classics with no problems.

 

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.

 

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:

 

 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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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.