Vibram Five Fingers: Bikila

Creepy, gross, hippie, awkward, weird. All very common words to describe the look of these fabulous shoes. But looks aren't what Vibram shoes are about, they just happen to have a form following function type of aesthetic about them.

Our average notions of what shoes should look and feel like are all but thrown out the window when you put these shoes on. Socks optional, skin tight, super light and flexible, these are the Vibram Five Finger shoes.

With an individual spot for each toe, this shoe really allows one to feel as if they are walking/running/hiking barefoot. But with the comfort of a rubberized sole and cushioned material, you never feel the danger that you would when wearing nothing on your feet. Feel free to step on those pointy rocks, broken glass (not recommended but I did it) and beauty bark. No cuts, no scrapes, no splinters. It's truly a whole new feeling on your feet.

After a solid week with these shoes, walking mostly in an urban setting and some light running, I can safely say that I have never felt so light footed and comfortable while on my feet.

Admittedly, the first couple days after buying these shoes, it was hard to get used to, they were not broken in and my body had not adjusted to the sensation of walking over hard, flat surfaces in a minimalist-type shoe. But once the shoe material stretched a bit to conform to my foot and toes, and after a few hours of walking time put into the shoes, my body adjusted and I couldn't wait for an excuse to throw these on.

If you, like me, are looking for something comfortable to run and walk in, these are the shoes to get. I know that there are other "minimalist" shoes out there that don't have the weird individual toes look, but I think that makes up a good part of why these shoes are so comfortable and unique.

I don't mind the look at all, and I have no complex about people seeing my toes, and the benefit in comfort I get from them is more than worth the stares and jokes made by my friends.

And some may wonder about the smell from not wearing socks, and so far there isn't an odoriferous smell emanating from the shoes or my feet after I walk or run for a couple miles. If you put the shoe in your face and smell it, yes, you will smell feet. But it's nothing like someone would smell them from across the room or in a car.

Considering how breathable they are, my feet did not sweat, even in the 100+ degree temps we had over the July 4th weekend. Plus, they are machine washable and air drying, so no special needs in cleaning.

I picked up these things on sale at REI for $79.99, and I highly, HIGHLY recommend you try some on so you know your size and if your feet are or aren't too deformed to fit.