Review: toesalad.com

The name comes from an 11-year old's description

of the vegetation caught between the toes of

Vibram Fivefingers after a run through the grass. Clever.

This site is subtitled: Your Resource for Barefoot and Minimalist Shoes. The author, Damien, describes it as a 'place where everyone could share with others their minimalist footwear stories, experiences, reviews, links, and photos. A place to learn, ask questions, and find out what works and what doesn't in the real world.'

It is built around shoes reviews. And plenty of them. I count 32 different brands. That does include some slippers for children, and probably some that aren't available in the UK but still it is a very useful resource. 

Each review (most at least) is broken down into specs, fit, performance, durability and verdict. Specs are fairly standard, but handily presented. For the fit and performance sections it helps to read a few reviews, to get the hang of Damien's preferences and expectations. I've been attracted to the NB Minimus Zero (partly because they are available relatively cheaply at the moment) and he has a lot to say, including some good pictures.

There's also a selection of articles on or around barefoot running. This includes a great section titled The Case for Minimalist Footwear, with 6 articles in which Damien tells the story of his journey into barefoot running. This is the sort of thing I'm after! From aching feet, to ITBS and orthotics, he appeared to be getting into discomfort management with his shoes until he stumbled across the barefoot philosophy and it proved to be a great discovery for him.

Damien says he's not a physiologist, but a 'computer geek who happens to love learning about our bodies'. And that analytical approach comes across in the articles. They're thorough, methodical and engaging, with photos to illustrate his points. But they don't read like a computer geek has written them. Thankfully!

Like many, Damien suggests beginning the transition by going genuinely barefoot. And walking, around the house, concentrating on developing a forefoot strike. This is apparently trickier than running because then a forefoot strike comes more naturally. He also suggests that a good (though not mandatory) next step is to get some Fivefingers because they are the closest thing to staying barefoot, though he acknowledges they can be pricey.

All in all a helpful site. And he responds to comments. That's always welcome!