My funky shoes have become my trademark, and rightly so.  I adore them.  Given my ‘druthers, I’d wear nothing else (well, nothing else on my feet, that is..).  They are just the greatest thing to have on your feet, though they won’t help you win any fashion points!

With the Frostbite, I’ve had to switch to something different when the temperatures are below 0°C to prevent frostbite from happening again, but I’m not happy about it.  This is the case at least until Vibram gets caught up with their world-wide back orders.  They do have winter shoes, but none in stock in my size anywhere in the world, apparently.

Everyone thinks you need all this cushioning and support for your feet.  The research now shows that the more you pay for your shoes, the more likely you are to be injured.  When you buy shoes – especially for exercise – the rule of thumb is, “the less the better” if you want strong feet, and if you want to avoid injury.

According to the Vibram site:

The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.

That’s why we recommend wearing FiveFingers for exercise, play, and for fun. Stimulating the muscles in your feet and lower legs will not only make you stronger and healthier, it improves your balance, agility and proprioception.

Want more information on getting the best shoes for your feet?  Check out this excellent article

Still not convinced?  Read this: Athletic Shoes & Supports: Facts & Myths

Want to risk trying the Vibram Five Finger shoes?  Get them here -but you’ll probably have to wait until Spring.  Sigh.

Happy Walking!

Darlene

Here in Calgary, Alberta, the days are getting quite cold – and the mornings quite dark. At the peak of the cold season we’re looking at temperatures of about -25˚C (-13˚F) plus wind chill. Keeping up with walking during the winter season takes some pretty tough discipline and great clothing. I thought I’d share some of my best finds with you.

_	For the ladies: Don’t go for a walk without a GREAT sports bra. the Powerback Wirefree Bra is my personal favourite because it doesn’t pinch, twist, ride, squeeze, chafe, flop, or otherwise cause extreme discomfort.
	Next comes a good base layer set which I’ll wear if it’s -10˚C (14˚F) or colder. Make sure it’s got a “Moisture Management System” or you’ll be wet and soggy when you get home, and likely colder than you want to be. I wear the PolarMax brand – mostly because it was crazy cheap when we were in Montana!
	Next comes a turtleneck to keep arms and neck warm
	Then I add my funky injinji toe socks (which I have just discovered in colourful stripes!!!)
	Then come thermal pants to keep the wind out and the warmth in. I managed to get mine cheap at Costco, and they work great!
	Then, of course, it’s my Vibram FiveFinger shoes, which I passionately love, and prefer to never walk in anything else. These winter ones are still on my wish list. Everyone (including Vibram!) is sold out. Sigh.
	If it’s above -10 I just wear a fleece top. If it’s colder than that I move to my ski-jacket.
	Then come the 180′s to keep my ears warm and my iPod ear buds in place. I wear a wool hat over these if it’s really cold.
	And I top it off with cheap wool gloves, unless it’s below -10,in which case I wear good ski gloves.

On dark days I have a blinking reflector that goes on the back of my hat/180′s and a headlamp that goes in front.

On painfully cold days I’ll add a scarf, buy if it’s cold enough for a scarf I also need to wear ski goggles because otherwise my breath condenses on my glasses and freezes, and I’m blind. the good news is, the more stuff I put on, and the more ridiculous I look, the less recognizable I am! LOL!

I also put good cream (I like Avon’s “Moisture Therapy”) on my face and lips to prevent chapping.

If you want more information on waking in/dressing for the cold, check out this video:

Prepare for Winter Walking

And there you have it.  I need to get up earlier in the winter just to get dressed!  Hopefully I remember to go pee before I start…

Happy Walking!

Darlene