Toe Shoes in the Mountains
Posted 10 July, 2009 in Field Notes, Minimalist Shoes, North Cascades 2007-2009
This past week I completed my first backpack wearing only my Vibram FiveFingers Sprint toe shoes on my feet along with a pair of Injinji toe socks
. I’ve worn FiveFingers for a couple of years ago and am delighted by how they’ve strengthened my feet. My sweetie Darin Reid and I left Stehekin at the head of Lake Chelan (1200 ft.) in the North Cascade Mountains and completed a two night backpack for 21 miles, climbing up to 7400 ft. My feet felt remarkably good as I scrambled over and around logs in burned regions of the hillside, traversed boulder fields, and crossed snow patches. My shoes did show some extra wear, particularly between the toes from the debris and abrasion, but it did not affect their performance. For up the mountains and down, I had no blisters, no knee pain, and the delight of the world beneath my feet!
photo credit: Darin Reid
I invite you to read my other posts on my toe shoes and you can learn how others are enjoying their Vibram FiveFingers at www.birthdayshoes.com
Molly Hashimoto said on July 11, 2009:
Maria,
Wow! I am so amazed you could make the trip in your Toes!
Also appreciated your interview with Tony Foster!
Molly
Patrick Ware (LinuxRacr) said on July 16, 2009:
Maria,
You are an inspiration. I’ve always wanted to do a backpacking trip like this in my Vibram FiveFingers shoes!! I look forward to doing this myself, and also hearing about your future treks!!
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