So I have always wanted the Vibram Five-Fingers, but they cost $100. And I usually have a $20 shoe budget. But I need to buy new shoes for this event anyway, which will cost around the same price. So is now the perfect time to get them?

I went to Fleet Feet Sports to get my feet measured to see what the perfect fit for me would be. At first the specialist told me I would need some support because he put me on a treadmill and recorded how I ran in a traditional shoe. But then as I tried on more shoes, he realized that the more stable shoes were actually trying to change the way I walk—which isn’t the best thing. So we ended up choosing the Mizuno shoe that costs $115. But if that shoe was just offering cushion, why not get the minimalist shoe?

So, I went to the Backpacker to look at what they had to offer. It wasn’t much. She really did not know what she was talking about, and there were not a lot of shoes to choose from. I was still a little weary about purchasing them because they did not fit perfectly.

So I went to Half Moon Outfitters. They had a wider selection. And the salesman even told me I was looking at the wrong ones for pavement walking. He sold me a pair within 15 minutes. They were $85, so $30 cheaper! They are not pink like the ones I looked at, but simple black. Oh well. I guess I will have to “pink” up my outfit instead.