On a less spiritual note: Assessing my Vibrams

Yes, I bought Vibrams FiveFingers, you know those thin and funky looking shoes, with the insertions made for each one of your toes, and, and let’s not forget the technology to keep them from sticking -says the brochure/booklet. It was an investment; wanted something to handle the myriad terrains of India.

A few months later, I am ready to give my honest opinion on this finely marketed product of sportswear's latest. Here it comes: Light and easy to store in a backpack is about the only good thing I can say about them. Otherwise, there was the excitement of wearing them the first couple of time.

It is without a hint of exaggeration that I say Vibrams have succeeded in failing me on more occasions than I would have imagined in my best skeptic's mindset. A twelve kilometer walk on the tarred roads of Goa, a simple stroll from Agonda to Patnem to be precise, wearing my Vibrams, ended with an impressive blister, the like of which should warrant a great deal of motherly attention.

Using them at the beach was a huge mistake. Sand gets in, and then if they get wet, good luck getting the sand from them. And what is the problem with having sand in the Vibrams, well for one thing, it does a great job at scratching one’s skin, especially around the Achilles. But that is no big deal -right?

Now, where I really needed them to deliver was on rocky terrains, such as one might find around a waterfall, or just the sort of terrain one expects to encounter walking up a mountain path, such as that of Arunachala -a tar and rock, man-made path, rising upwards at mostly, at a gentle slant. Let’s just say that Vibrams not only provide very little cushion for the descent, but they also are more slippery than bare-feet could ever be on wet rocks, and even more so when they’re wet.

Also, they do stink. The shoe expert/salesman, from a specialized store, assured me that they are made so as not to produce odors. However, if such odors did begin to make themselves at home within these fine works of futuristic footwear, both salesman and booklet recommended that I wash them, and then throw them in the dryer for a spin. Now, guess how often I came across a washing machine, let alone one with a dryer, while in India? The answer is, I bet you got it right, zero, zilch, not once.

But, and so as not to be unfair, I’ll say that there was something good about my Vibrams. What? Might you ask, perplexed to no end. Well, they did attract loads of unnecessary attention, whenever I wore them in India. So if you enjoy being the center of the universe, and you plan on being in India, then these are the shoes for you.

And to finish this assessment, the ultimate question: Would I buy them again, if I had the opportunity to play with the wheels of time? I think not.

Be well, and be kind to your feet -give them a nice massage, or just a rub, every now and then.

Happy feet on the path

P.S: The mad teacher laughing at my feet, shakes his head, and says how about getting back on the path. The heart is hungry for the Divine, and you're talking shoes.