By Becky Howlett

If you want good info about Vibram Fivefingers, go to Sunflower Bike in Lawrence. The multiple clerks were extremely knowledge and happy to answer all of my many questions about barefoot shoes. Sam Gleeson, an employee at Sunflower Bike, said he thinks the market will eventually trend toward barefoot shoes that look like regular shoes, such as the current line Merrell produces.

Today was the first day I wore my FiveFingers on campus. I bought the newest type, the Komodosport, whose name makes me feel powerful and athletic without me even having to do anything. I was expecting some huge, noticeable change in the way passersby looked at me, but no one even seemed to notice my new Vibrams, which aren’t exactly low-key to begin with.

Never one to shy away from color, I chose a screaming combination of periwinkle and yellow for my first pair. In retrospect, I think the only person that noticed was my English professor, who was looking at my feet, rather than my face as I spoke in class. I like to think that English professors are generally more observant than the average college student anyway.

I noticed that I naturally starting landing on the balls of my feet, rather than on my heels. I have yet to experience any insane soreness, which I was honestly expecting after talking to several long-time wearers. I liked the feeling I got when I stepped on an uneven surface. I once encountered a rock under my toes and it was a strangely satisfying feeling to sense the rock and have my toes contour around it. I should also mention that stepping on these small rocks did not hurt at all.

After finally taking them off after a long day, my feet don’t hurt. But I do feel like I’m more aware of my toes. I will definitely be wearing my FiveFingers back to campus tomorrow.