Ground-feel at the feet is a prerequisite for safe and efficient motor control as well as improved circulation and muscular strength in the foot and ankle. Being barefoot is the best way to achieve this. Barefoot shoes also have similar beneficial effects, too.
The Vibram FiveFingers Jaya, which is one of Vibrams most lightest, barefoot-feeling shoe, is an excellent example of a barefoot shoe that improves the nerve feedback in the foot essential to engaging functional movement patterns and making your feet sufficiently strong and tolerant of more miles.
Vibram FiveFingers Jaya Review
The Vibram FiveFingers Jaya is great for walking, running in hot and cooler weather and is perfect for water sports. The outsole is also grippy for rough surfaces, too!
The Jaya has less cushioning than most Vibram shoes, so it allows for a more barefoot-like experience which is what you need to help you avoid heel strike, and adopt a forefoot strike when you run. Always remember, less protection on your feet is the best protection against mechanical errors.
The Jaya is so comfortable it feels like you’re practically wearing nothing, and despite being so light it feels like you’re wearing a little than a sock, the Jaya is still highly durable and provides excellent traction in slippery, icy conditions.
The Jaya has a warm, soft and flexible leather upper which will definitely keep your feet warm, especially when paired with toe socks, on colder days. Another comfortable feature of the Jaya’s upper is that its strapless and lace-less, giving a smooth, nearly seamless fit and allows the shoe to slide on and off with no fuss! The upper is also stretchy enough to accommodate a wider foot shape and adapt to precise foot movements.
Other Notable Features:
- Durable 5.5 mm thick rubber outsole
- High performance rubber pads on the forefoot for added traction and protection
- Machine washable, then air dry them
- Easy to pack (can be rolled up into a ball)
- More minimal than the Bikila LS
Can Be Worn For:
- Running on paved, rocky or wet roads
- Rock crawling
- Water sports
Like all Vibram FiveFinger barefoot shoes, the Jaya is completely dedicated to helping the feet transform ground feedback into functional movement patterns of the foot, knees, hips and upper body while improving the shape of your feet in ways that are protective against so many negative injurious outcomes.
If you’ve enjoy this review on barefoot shoes, you’ll love my other reviews on the best barefoot shoes for running and walking here!
If you’d like, you can show support and help keep Run Forefoot going by making a donation in any amount of your choosing:
Or, you can also support Run Forefoot by shopping at the following top minimalist shoes brands, and be sure to bookmark the links:
Vivobarefoot: https://shrsl.com/3kvih
Be Lenka: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-7600968-14330828
FeelGrounds: https://www.feelgrounds.com/?p=RunForefoot
Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/go/Run_Forefoot
Iguaneye: https://www.iguaneye.com/?ref=8tfXVc92
Soft Star Shoes: https://shrsl.com/3mp1b
Wilding Shoes: https://bit.ly/3lIygQP
Zappos: https://goo.gl/J1CeAd
Bretta Riches
BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.
Latest posts by Bretta Riches (see all)
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- Does Foot Strike Matter When Running? - 13/03/2023
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