Fila Skele-toes Running Shoes Review

One area of running performance that we are hearing more and more about these days is that thing called minimalist running.  Since the release of the book Born to Run to say that there has been a “craze” in barefoot running and minimalist footwear would be an understatement.  I get where the minimalist runners come from.  I mean after all, man did spend a great deal of time running barefoot throughout history, but I also relish in the fact that we’ve progressed in terms of science and technology since our prehistoric roots.  For me, I wanted to try minimalist footwear to see if it improves my running times, at least at the 5k distance as I am not certain my ankles and knees could bear the lack of shoe support for distances much farther than 3.2 miles.  My friend Dustin bought a pair of Fila Skele-toes and a pair of Vibrams Five Fingers shoes around Christmas time and decided to give the minimalist thing a go.  I was certainly intrigued by the shoes and given the price of the Skele-toes when compared to other lightweight racing flat sneakers out there, I literally could get an incredibly lightweight shoe for under $50.  Dustin let me tryout his Skele-toes for a week and I have to admit I fell in love with them.  They literally felt like a glove on my feet.  It took a bit of getting used to (like a couple hours with them on my feet walking around), but I made the decision to purchase a pair.

Being a budget-minded triathlete, weight trainer and exercises fanatic, I am always looking for ways to improve my speed on the swim, bike, and run as well as improving comfort and performance in any athletic endeavor I engage in while saving money.  You certainly can find plenty of speed-enhancing and performance products for reasonable prices, if you are willing to do your homework.

I saw a sale at Dick’s Sporting Goods and was surprised that when I went, the last year’s Skele-toes were on clearance and I was able to purchase a pair of the Amp style, which are a running type with soles designed specifically for running for under $20!!!  They even have a grip on the back and quick-tighten “laces” that honestly make them ideal for triathlon.  As you wear them and break them in, you can quickly slide you foot into them just like any other shoe.  The biggest difference between the Skele-toes and Vibrams, besides price, is that the Skele-toes have four toe pockets meaning your 4^th and 5^th toes slide into the same toe pocket.  This actually makes sliding them on and getting the toes in the correct pockets fast and simple.

So how do they feel when running?  To be honest, they feel much like any other shoe except for being extremely lightweight.  The sole also promotes more of a mid-sole foot strike which is where the minimalist aspect comes into play.  Traditional running shoes promote a heel strike, meaning the heel of each foot strikes the ground first while running, and then the foot rolls from the heel to the toes before pushing off again.  With a mid-sole foot strike, the foot hits the ground with the middle to front half of the foot, which is much more similar to the foot strike while running barefoot.  This also promotes faster running.  Think about when you are sprinting....you typically run more on your toes and the heel barely even touches the ground. 

I didn’t experience much increased soreness after my runs and I have run up to 6 miles in my Skele-toes.  One complaint of minimalist shoes is the increased soreness that many people experience, particularly in the calf muscles.  I think that the Amp version of the Skele-toes, with the soles similar to other running shoes is much more runner friendly in that respect.  I am running a 5k race in early June, so I am very excited to see how these perform and if there truly is an increase in my speed….. Stay Tuned!

I’ve also used the Skele-toes during a couple of heavy leg weight training workouts, and if you are a weightlifter, I recommend you try them!  The great Arnold was a big proponent of lifting barefoot and these shoes are as close as you can get while maintaining hygiene while avoiding getting kicked out of the gym!  You absolutely increase feel while squatting, lunging and leg pressing.  I can imagine the same while performing dead-lifts, clean and presses, or any other exercise where being grounded to the floor is important. 

Considering the price of Fila Skele-toes, you honestly can’t go wrong with giving them a try.  I see them all day long on Ebay for under $50.  Who knows, maybe you can find a close out clearance like I did and steal a pair for under $20!  (I only regret I didn’t grab all they had and list ‘em on Ebay myself).  Fila also sells socks for the Skele-toes, so you don’t have to worry about them getting all funky after a few long runs!  Being made from neoprene, I would imagine that they are great for water sports like kayaking and canoeing.  I haven’t used them in that capacity, but my ol’ buddy Dustin says that is his ultimate plans for his. 

Here’s a link to some more info on the Skele-toes available and some comments posted by other wearers: http://www.barefootdaves.com/2012/01/fila-skele-toes-20-spotted.html

Stay Focused and Happy Training Y’all!!!!!!