Ageless Passions by Karen Putz

Tag: vibram five fingers

  • How I Wash My Vibram Five Fingers Shoes

    About a year ago, I heard about Vibram Five Fingers shoes from a couple of runners on Twitter.  I was curious to see how those shoes would fit because I have extra-wide feet with bunions, and finding shoes is a nightmare for me.  I picked up a pair at the Naperville Running Company and they fit– literally–like a glove.  I pretty much do everything and anything in my Vibrams.  Steven, my youngest kiddo, took to stealing my Vibrams every now and then and he wore them for track during the spring.  When I dropped him off at camp today, I saw that he once again claimed my Vibrams on his feet.

    The usual procedure for washing Vibram Five Fingers is to simply toss them in the washing machine with some towels and they come out spanking clean again.  I took my Vibrams to the river with me last week and found another way to wash ’em:

     

  • Women’s Barefoot Week at the World Barefoot Center

    Way back in March, when I first met Judy Myers, she casually mentioned that she was going to organize a Women’s Barefoot Week at the World Barefoot Center this fall.  “We never do anything for the ladies in barefooting, so we’re going to have a whole week devoted to us!” she said.

    Women’s Barefoot Week is set for November 1-6 and coming up quick!  I still haven’t found my ugly hat for the Ugly Hat contest but I know that Joann O’Connor has been madly scouring the flea markets and intends to win.

    I’m looking forward to seeing Judy and Joann again and meeting lots of new gals from all over the U.S.  Back when I was a teen, I only had the guys to barefoot with on Christie Lake (not that it was a bad thing!) but there’s something about having another gal role model that just does wonders for the soul!

    Speaking of guys, we’re going to teach Swampy, Keith St. Onge and David Small how to tap into their female sides all week. They’ll learn to embrace pink nail polish and some lovely women’s wear.  Yes, we’ll be sure to get photos.

    It won’t just be a week of fluff, we’ll be out on the water working on deep starts, tumble turns, toe holds, backwards– the goal is for every gal to learn something new and have a blast on the water.  My goal is to conquer the darn long-line deep start beast that I battled all summer.   My other goal is to learn to barefoot with my heels leading the way– that is… if the Master (KSO) determines that I’m ready for it.  Judy and Joann, my cheerleading team, have over-ridden KSO’s expertise and have signed me up for some backwards barefooting–starting off on shoes, of course.

    The World Barefoot Center is discounting their pro shop items just for the ladies that week.  After a day of skiing, we’ll be kicking back with some Barefoot Wine and fun activities.  At the end of the week, the gal who is the “Most Improved Barefooter” gets to go home with a pair of Vibram Five Fingers Barefoot Shoes. A big thank you to our sponsors!

    We have a few spots left for Women’s Barefoot Week so if you want to join us, come on out!  It can be for a day or two or the entire week.  Call the World Barefoot Center at 863-877-0039 to reserve your spot on the boat.  After all, it will be the only time of the year that Swampy gives out foot massages.