I’ve been running barefoot or in Vibram Five Fingers for about 9 months now. One of the most interesting things to me has been the changes I’ve felt and seen in my feet, ankles, and calves. I really wish I had taken some photos and measurements before I started so I’d have hard evidence of the changes.
Some of the changes include significant definition in my lower calves, longer and straighter toes, and more “solid” (for lack of a better word) ankles. As a result of these changes, none of my regular shoes fit me anymore. They are all to small.
But there was something that I hadn’t noticed. The other day I was at home, barefooted. I started to walk up the stairs and happened to look down at my feet. I was surprised to see that when I put weight on my forefoot my second and third toes separate. This was not the case before I started BF running. Here is a photo:
This is kind of interesting. I’m guessing its a result of my toes getting into the running and walking action like never before. But it got me thinking. It reminded me of something else. What do you think?
Am I a Vulcan?
Downtown Runner
(Live Long and Prosper)
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s wild! Very cool. Hopefully my feet will start to do the same.
I’ve noticed that my foot spreads out quite a bit when I plant my weight on my forefoot. I don’t have the toe separation like you have, but I certainly have a lot more strength and ability to spread them out like I never had before.
Dave:
Maybe you’re a Klingon!
Crap, does the mean we have to be enemies now? I was just starting to like you.
wohoa that’s crazy! I am still wanting to transition to barefoot, but darn it women are apparently only made with small feet so people don’t care my tall girl shoe size!
I am SO relieved to see your toes….which look exactly like mine! This started happening to both my feet about a month ago and I am so freaked out about it. I practice yoga regularly and can only think this is yoga related but my teachers have never seen anything like it. I also have MS and started to worry that something new was happening to me and my neurologist just looked at me funny but had no explanation. I describe it exactly as you do….Vulcun toes! thanks for helping feel normal, whatever that means.
@Kay: I’m glad my toes were helpful!! LOL Thanks for stopping by.
Hi!
I am hardly a runner, but I do go barefoot a lot. My toes are just like yours (maybe a little less hairy), and I would love to know why! It’s only on my right foot, and has been progressively getting more Vulcanish over the past year. I also have a good bit of pain in the ball of my foot….wondering if you do too?
I also think I may have an earwig living in my left ear. Just kidding about that.
I have the same thing. It just started about a year ago. I also notice a deep calas type lump on the ball of each foot which seems to be painful at times, especially with bare feet. Wish I could find the answer online. I guess I’ll be making a trip to the foot Dr.
You should totally use that picture as your icon.
I have noticed my feet spreading out as well. Most of my shoes are now too tight. I’ll have to watch and see what my toes decide to do.
Aaron,
That’s a great idea. I’ve been thinking about changing my icon in a few places. Thanks!
Bob
Hi, I have just come home from having an Ultrasound on my left foot which looks exactly like your photo. I have inflamation and also maybe degeneratin and he seems to think that I have a tight tendon which could be causing the trouble, I had a Cortizone injection which may help the inflamation but the toes may stay spread apart. and no I do not do regular exercise.
Thanks for giving a name to this weird condition! I’ve been flipping out about this. I’m not a runner but I do power walk. A couple of weeks ago I looked down and saw the same sight you did. I’ve been taping the toes together because I can’t stand looking at it. Thanks, and by the way, “Live Long and Prosper.”
Mary
Thanks for the picture. Same thing is happening to my right foot and now the same thing has started on my left foot. I have a pain on the ball of my right foot. I don’t jog but do walk and wear arch supports. Live long and prosper.
I have the same thing. It may be Morton’s Neuroma. I have orthotics now which seem to help some, but my doctor said they probably won’t return to normal which makes me really mad. He showed me how wearing heels and especially heels with pointed or narrow toes destroys your foot. But also repetitive pounding from running can produce the same thing. When I take long walks it can cause pretty severe pain, enough to make me limp. I’m now a flat shoe wearing bike rider. Good luck!
http://www.podologues.be/pdf/Morton.pdf