No they do not automatically improve posture nor do they promote proper gait.

What most people do with those barefoot shoes are, or when they go barefoot, is they walk the usual gait - heel strike, midstance, toe push-off.
Now if you are to reproduce the same gait going barefoot, you will injure your heel - have you come down with conditions like heel spur, plantar fascitis, and even stress fracture of calcaneal bone.

One must learn proper gait he/she has to do when going barefoot.
Also it's a common mistake for people to make by walking on asphalt with the barefoot shoes on.
That is a big no-no as well.

Erucious

Norway393 Posts

July 30 2011 10:11 GMT

#43

All stars are terrible.. too hard <.<

Ive been working in retail stores for a few years, and trying a few different kind of shoes, but the ones i like the best are just sports sneakers (see pic). Also, i recommend you to tell your boss/chain to supply with mats where you stand the most (behind the register, or behind a PC). If you cant persuade them, tell them you need it because your back and knees/feet are starting to hurt, and they will lose more money if you have to take sick days because of that.

Just bought these shoes - they arent the greatest but they were affordable (80 euro~~, i live in Norway so its cheap). Quite comfy.

[image loading]

Angry_Fetus

Canada444 Posts

July 30 2011 10:24 GMT

#44

On July 30 2011 19:10 LuciferSC wrote:

Show nested quote +

No they do not automatically improve posture nor do they promote proper gait.

What most people do with those barefoot shoes are, or when they go barefoot, is they walk the usual gait - heel strike, midstance, toe push-off.
Now if you are to reproduce the same gait going barefoot, you will injure your heel - have you come down with conditions like heel spur, plantar fascitis, and even stress fracture of calcaneal bone.

One must learn proper gait he/she has to do when going barefoot.
Also it's a common mistake for people to make by walking on asphalt with the barefoot shoes on.
That is a big no-no as well.

What...? They absolutely do promote proper gait. I never said you instantly gained a forefoot strike when putting on minimalist footwear. You will learn how to forefoot strike, as heel striking WILL be painful without a huge cushion. That IS promoting proper gait. It isn't hard to adapt your footstrike. A few hours for other people I've spoken to. I used to have plantar fascitis, I don't see why that matters though.

Your last paragraph is entirely wrong, as I pointed out in my previous post, and my personal experience can attest too. It might be uncomfortable for a short period, that's it.

iRk

Sweden83 Posts

July 30 2011 10:30 GMT

#45

On July 30 2011 15:22 LambtrOn wrote:
I work in a restaurant and I can be on my feet for 10+ hours a day. I own a pair of nike free run 2s. They are incredibly comfortable. My feet never hurt after longs shifts. They look sharp and I also wear them casually and go running with them because they are that awesome.
[image loading]

Yo, where did you buy those? They look awsome and sound awsome. I want a pair :D

Psychobabas

2531 Posts

July 30 2011 10:32 GMT

#46

On July 30 2011 19:30 iRk wrote:

Show nested quote +

Yo, where did you buy those? They look awsome and sound awsome. I want a pair :D

Just make sure you dont step on dogshit. Looks like a bitch to clean.

noname_

456 Posts

July 30 2011 10:34 GMT

#47

Shoe for the feeling of the barefoot?? Just go barefoot for god`s sake..

Aphasie

Norway474 Posts

July 30 2011 10:38 GMT

#48

I have a pair of what i think is an earlier model of these:
[image loading]

Mizuno Wave Riders. They are fantastic, feels like you're walking on air. Continuous stream of air trough the entire shoe, good grip and fantastic shock absorption. Great shoes.

But they are quite expensive in Norway, and maybe the US too. But its definitely a shoe and brand i would recommend.

Edit: Guess they cost about $100 on the most common shoe sizes

Martacus

25 Posts

July 30 2011 10:45 GMT

#49

I'd say if youre asking teamliquid, you should really be going for something like these

True_Spike

Poland3423 Posts

July 30 2011 10:46 GMT

#50

Normal shoes are fine - you'll get used to it over time, trust me. The pain will only be passing

Zealotdriver

United States1557 Posts

July 30 2011 13:53 GMT

#51

The best advice in here is to ask for professional advice.
Go to a retail shoe store and explain your situation. Don't be afraid to take a really long time deciding. Wear each shoe for at least 5 minutes, stand in place, and walk/run around the store. I have slightly deformed feet and ankles, and it is always a huge pain (literally) to find shoes that are comfortable. I've found that the best way to make a good choice is to test the shoes for as long as possible.

As others said, during your shift DO NOT lock your knees! Keep your legs moving and shift your weight around. This kind of constant movement will also help you lose fat faster.

Existential

Australia2107 Posts

July 30 2011 13:57 GMT

#52

On July 30 2011 15:29 Zdrastochye wrote:
+ Show Spoiler +

So comfy.

Do not wear these unless you want your feet to die!

stafu

Australia1196 Posts

July 30 2011 14:01 GMT

#53

PiRate647

Belgium187 Posts

July 30 2011 14:11 GMT

#54

any shoe that is somewhat comfortable will probably look like shit. So it`s up to you to make a choice ; and i take it you want comfort. Well my mother (chef) wears these things called fit-flops. It has been made clear to me ("OMGWTFBBQ THESE ARE SO COOOOMFYYYY") that they are quite easy on the foot. Seriously, my mom won a competition with a satisfied customer letter she wrote.

Scaramanga

Australia8090 Posts

July 30 2011 14:19 GMT

#55

On July 30 2011 23:01 stafu wrote:
[image loading]

These are the most uncomfortable shoes i have ever worn, do not get these if you have to be on your feet all day

SockArms

United States591 Posts

July 30 2011 14:21 GMT

#56

get something that fits well with a width at the toe to compensate for swelling of your feet then slap these in
http://www.drscholls.com/drscholls/productSearch.do?method=doProductDetailsLookup&searchArg=102

the extra support makes them last longer and wow do they ever help, I'm on my feet all day and before I got them it was so so fucking painful at the end of each day.

Also going to a show store rather then asking on the internet would prbly be good to they can take all sorts of measurements of your foot and find the absolute perfect shoe just for you.

ziggymondais

United States238 Posts

July 30 2011 14:22 GMT

#57

I've worked in retail for probably way too long, but whatever shoes you buy also depends on what you're doing in retail. If you are on the salesfloor buy some good walking/running shoes. If you are working in a stockroom, you'll be going up ladders and I would suggest some cross training shoes if you are doing that kind of work. If you are just cashiering, you need shoes with good support.

Whatever shoes you buy, also buy some inserts. They are a life saver.

StorkHwaiting

United States3465 Posts

July 30 2011 14:22 GMT

#58

On July 30 2011 18:35 hifriend wrote:

Show nested quote +

my god those are the most hideous things I've ever seen

What's with all the Vibrams hate? I have a pair of them and people love them. They are awesome!!

TheMooseHeed

United Kingdom535 Posts

July 30 2011 14:28 GMT

#59

I worked at tk maxx for 3 years and went through many different shoes. I would recommend a simple pair of black pumps. Cheap and comfortable.
[image loading]

Ojahh

Ireland728 Posts

July 30 2011 14:32 GMT

#60

Timbaland moccasins yo, problem solved good looking not like a sneaker, comfy to wear for 12hour+ shifts and not to expensive, last for3 to 4 years under extensive use.

I always own a pair or two for the last 15 years.

[image loading]