Valerie Soja

There's a strange-looking shoe gaining popularity among students at Texas State. Valerie Soja has more in this Bobcat Update.

Stand up: These "gloves for your feet" are called Vibram five fingers. They are designed to simulate the experience of being barefoot while offering some protection from the elements.

Freshman Mitchell Reiter says the shoes make him feel lighter on his feet.

SB: "I like them a lot… It's just like running barefoot basically."

Some experts say that traditional athletic shoes with their structured sides and cushioned heels keep your feet restricted, making them lazy, weak, and more prone to injury. As a result the "barefoot" craze is gaining attention from coaches, personal trainers and runners.

Personal Trainer Jen Martinez says that she has felt the health benefits from running with Vibrams.

SB:  " I used to have… stop hurting and that's what matters."

Runner Kyle Graef says that although he has had a pair for a year, the shoes are not for him.

SB:

" Actually they didn't fit right… they don't really work out for me."

Stand up:

If "barefoot" shoes are for you, the Vibrams cost between 75 and 100 dollars and are sold online and in shoe stores across the country. For Bobcat Update, I'm Valerie Soja.