Fortunately, I started training with a sport performance coach at Strive Performance who educated me on the benefits of wearing Vibram FiveFingers. I play footbalI and had suffered a serious ankle break 10 years ago that I was still having to manage while also getting constant niggles in my back and hamstrings. Since he encouraged me to wear them and let me understand their benefits, my ankle has been much better and I have had less niggles. Ultimately, I fully believe now that I am healthier with them, they reduce my chance of injury, and my performance on the football pitch has improved!
2. What do you use them for most and how have FiveFingers made a difference?
I brought them initially to train inside with them but over time, have made them the footwear that I wear day to day. Other than football boots, I very rarely wear any other shoes. My toes have started to splay more and my feet have become stronger. Wearing them day to day has given me more function in my feet which in turn has helped my entire body function better. My posture is better and I feel that every day I wear them, I am improving some part of myself as opposed to harming myself everyday wearing regular shoes.
3. How do you respond to people who don't understand the benefits?
You should try them! I educate them on how our feet should look and function and explain to them to how Vibram FiveFingers have made a difference to my body by helping reduce niggling injuries I had and also helping my performance on the football pitch.
4. How did you discover FiveFingers?
I started training with a sport performance coach at Strive Performance and from day one, he encouraged me to train with no shoes on and paid alot of attention to my feet and how improving their function would lower my risk of injury AND improve over all sport performance. On my first visit, he was already wearing Vibram FiveFingers and it didn’t take too long for me to buy a pair. Since then, I have had five pairs.
5. What other barefoot products do you wear?
I really like the injinji range of toe socks and I do wear toe spacers occasionally when I am at home. To help transition to Vibram FiveFingers, I first went to Vivobarefoot but do not wear those as often anymore now that I am transitioned fully into FiveFingers.
Thanks,
Jade Bell
