They probably wont be seen on the catwalks of Paris or Rome this year or even on the tootsies of Victoria Beckham or Heidi Klum but these newcomers are a number one on the tarmac for runners in the USA and now in the UK.

Not exactly a fashion accessory unless you’re thinking of running in this year’s New York or London marathons but still a new comer to the world of comfort for those on the run!

With cushioned sneakers having been the forerunner (pun) for the jogging enthusiast and a major part of any runner’s wardrobe, the advent of the five-toed sock will be a welcome addition to the comfort of the long distance runner!

The important need to preserve the feet and joints during a grueling run, the FiveFingers brand has been taking off in America ever since they were named one of the best inventions by Time magazine back in 2007.

Over the past few years, trainers and sneakers have been building in height, sole thickness and overall size in an effort to engulf the foot in total comfort. But now Vibram, an Italian company, have decided to strip away all the unnecessary extras and have developed FiveFingers which act like a second skin and force the wearer to land on the centre of the foot and not the heel which fits with natural balance.

They have been developed to counteract the problems with injured feet that are often covered up by sneakers and trainers that simply cushion the foot along with baring a strong resemblance to chimpanzee feet!

The thin rubber has separate toe sections similar to gloves, resulting in the name, FiveFingers and have seen a huge market in running and athletics circles.