Words by Barefootwear Inc.
The past years have certainly brought many revolutionary changes to the world. A prime example is the way people use shoes. For thousands of years, people have grown accustomed to wearing closed footwear. When Vibram founder Vitale Bramani invented the first rubber soles for mountaineering boots in 1935, it was the beginning of a revolution. More than 70 years later, Vibram is still known around the world as the undisputed leader in soling technology for a wide range of quality performance footwear. Today, Vibram manufactures more than 34 million soles annually for more than 1,000 premium footwear brands worldwide such as Nike, Merrell, Ferragamo, Gucci, Cole Haan and Prada, to name a few.
VFF Sprint (Credit: Barefootwear Inc.)
September 14, 2010, I received a most awaited invite. An invite to something good...
The year 2006 marked the barefoot revolution as Vibram finally unveiled Vibram Fivefingers, a unique footwear design that mimics the feeling of being barefoot. It allowed people to experience the sensation and freedom of going barefoot with the protection and sure-footed grip of a Vibram sole. Made by abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric and Vibram TC-1 performance rubber weighing 5.3oz each, Vibram Five Fingers immediately took the world by storm, catching especially the eyes and feet of athletes and sports aficionados. This led to being awarded as one of Time Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2007. To date, the barefoot revolution has invaded Europe, North America, Australia and very recently—Asia.
(Credit: Barefoot Inc.)
Choices, choices... can't I have 'em all? That invite is none other than the official Philippine launch of Vibram Five Fingers held last September 22, 2010. Bloggers including myself got to pick our most desired VFF pair from the lineup presented to us which includes the Classic, Sprint, and KSO (Keep Stuff Out).
This year, the barefoot revolution reaches local shores, aiming to change the lifestyle of the active Filipino one foot at a time. Barefootwear Inc., the company that distributes the ingenious footwear in the country, recently held a sports-themed media launch at the Metropolitan Club, Rockwell Makati. The event gathered athletes, sports fanatics, celebrities and select health, sports, and fashion media personalities. Gracing the event were celebrity athletes Lorraine Lapus of the Philippine Surfing Academy, Corey Wills of Pulse Yoga, former Olympian Eric Buhain, multi sport coach and athlete Joseph Pagulayan, ultramarathoner Ronald Declarador, and Frisbee star Reema Chanco who all profess to Vibram Five Finger’s many advantages. They related their experiences with the very unique footwear, proving the versatility of this new product. The launch highlights also included the Kettlebell demonstration by the Philippine Kettlebell Club, headed by Nico D’Haenen and Running demos by the TRIMAC coaches, headed by Jay Valencia. The activities demonstrated the many benefits of the Vibram Five Fingers such as better flexibility, stronger muscles, and improved posture among others. Guests were able to try first hand barefooting while engaging in these activities.
Coach Jay Valencia of TRIMAC demonstrating how we tend to land on our heels when running using regular shoes which tends to yield more injuries.
Nico D’Haenen of the Philippine Kettlebell Club demonstrates how VFF fits perfectly with working out. As someone who regularly goes to the gym I agree that sometimes shoes restrict you from maximizing your workout.
With only just a few months of being available in the country, expect more from Vibram Five Fingers as it continues to break new grounds. As Barefootwear Inc.’s Marketing Manager Cherry Ermita puts it “the Filipino will never walk the same way again.”
Each guests shared their VFF experiences and how it fit perfectly with their lifestyle. In this photo, ultramarathoner Ronald Declarador speaks of his quests in finishing Bataan Death March Ultramarathon (102K run) and the recent Ironman 70.3 Camarines Sur in VFFs.
Can you guess who this prominent runner/blogger is? That’s the Running Diva trying on her VFF Sprint. Expect VFF invasion on the roads soon!
Here’s my spanking new red VFF Sprint, courtesy of Barefootwear Inc., as I prepare it for my test run.
The Vibram Five Fingers store is located at Level R1 Bridgeway in PowerPlant Mall, Rockwell. For inquiries, call +63 2 513 1449 or e-mail marketing@barefootwearinc.com. You could also visit the official website at www.barefootwearinc.com.
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He Dhenz, have you tried it? I’m very intrigued. Some of the readings I’ve done says that it’s also for the flat footed.
I’m looking at getting one this Christmas. 
Yes I did (review coming soon). That’s the VFF advantage–it’s for everyone regardless of foot type
Have also been hearing about Terra Plana’s evo barefoot shoes. Any reviews on that as well?
I’ve seen the shoes online, but until I can have a pair to test I won’t be able to give a review