There are a lot of factors that go into selecting an appropriate running shoe. If you run a lot, I suggest finding a local store that will do a gait analysis for you and give you shoe recommendations based on it.

As great as I think Vibrams are, you have to be careful about using them for running, and it’s something that you should gradually progress into. You may encounter some problems if you start running long distances in Virbams without your feet being used to the extra work that will be demanded from them. If you’re interested in running in Vibrams, I suggest you do some research on barefoot running first. Harvard’s barefoot running website is a good place to start.

If you’re able to walk barefoot without any issues, then I don’t think there’s any reason why the Nike Free, Vibrams, or any other shoe based on the same idea would be inappropriate for you. However, if you have an unstable ankle, it seems like a matter of common sense that you shouldn’t spend all day in a shoe like the EasyTone that will reduce your stability even further. Either way, you should consult whoever is treating your arthritis and ankle.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Given that these shoes intentionally create instability, it’s certainly conceivable that they can alter your balance enough to increase the chances of falling. Even if people find benefit from walking in these shoes, I think it’s safe to say that it’s probably not a good idea to wear them as an all purpose sneaker.

There’s one simple way to find out if they’re a contributing factor to your falls, and that’s to stop wearing them!

I am a 57-year-old woman, extremely fit, walking everywhere and at least 4 miles daily. Since the time I owned these shoes I have had 5 falls, the latest being yesterday. Last week I saw my ENT because I thought there might be a neurological problem. My hearing and equilibrium are fine. After yesterday’s fall I decided to check the web to see wheher there were any problems with the shoes, which have led me to this site.

Could this be the cause.

P.S. Prior to owning these shoes I have not had a fall in my adult life!

I think it’s great that the EasyTones are taking stress off of your toe and allowing you to remain active while you recover. However, the toes are obviously very involved in walking, running, and balancing. In my opinion, reduced involvement of the toes exemplifies how these shoes can alter biomechanics, and I think this is worthy of consideration once your toe is healed.

It’s tough to say what caused this, but it seems logical that a long day of walking in addition to favoring the one leg is likely to at least be part of it, especially with the added instability from the shoes. Hopefully the discomfort will go away after a few days of rest, otherwise you should probably have it checked out.