Vibram FiveFingers

forthefab5

I just received my Vibram FiveFinger Bikila LS's in the mail today... can't wait to go for my first run in them!!!

Who else likes barefoot running?

fourbcrew

These sounds very interesting so much I went to the website... I just might need to invest in a pair of these even for work..Thanks for the heads up!!!

derkacs

I LOVEE ITTTT


GOT THEM ABOUT 3 WEEKS AGO!

HAVE NOT PUT MY SNEAKERS BACK ON YET!

P.s. If you like a little more cushion, less smelly feet, and no cuts/blisters, get the injinji socks.. they make it ...mmmm beautiful!!!!

taso42_DELETED

me me me ! i've been doing it just barefoot on the treadmill so far. i will probably be looking into some minimalist shoes for outdoors sort of soon.

McKayMachina

Love them. Eliminated my shin splints.

wbgolden

I wear Vibrams full time now. I run in them, I walk in them, I work in them...basically I live in them.

Please do NOT push yourself. I cannot stress this enough. It takes a while to build your feet and calves up, especially if you've been wearing shoes most of your life.

I was a 12k runner in December in full cushioned "support" shoes, then hurt my knee, then moved to VFF's full time. I just ran 4 miles for the first time today. Please, please don't hurt yourself.

EDIT: I have multiple pairs. I have Injinji socks for some days. AND, most importantly, these "shoes" have completely eliminated the foot pain I've been dealing with for most of my adult life. For colder days running, I do have a pair of Mizuno Waves that have almost zero drop and fit the minimalist bill while still providing a bit of warmth.

waguchan

Are you able to run on any kind of surface in them? I typically run on a path that is half concrete or pavement and half gravel. I thought these would be nice for a beach run, but I'm not lucky enough to live that close to a beach.

beautifulnow

I love em!! They do hurt my toes after awhile though...I have realllly little feet and my toes aren't long enough..

wbgolden

Are you able to run on any kind of surface in them? I typically run on a path that is half concrete or pavement and half gravel. I thought these would be nice for a beach run, but I'm not lucky enough to live that close to a beach.

They are good for any surface, once you get used to them. Your knees will become your shock absorbers and instantly account for any larger rocks, etc, that you encounter as you go. Having said that, the Trek Sport and KSO Trek have a different sole that work better for "trail" environments. The classics, KSO's and Bikilas are better suited for pavement and asphalt.

forthefab5

Are you able to run on any kind of surface in them? I typically run on a path that is half concrete or pavement and half gravel. I thought these would be nice for a beach run, but I'm not lucky enough to live that close to a beach.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

Hi, this is the site... they have several types of FiveFinger shoes which you can change around depending on activity. Mine will mainly be for running, with a bit of cardio and yoga thrown in so I got the Bikila LS's. LS's are made for the wider style foot. I tried fitting a regular Bikila before but the top was a bit tight... I tried these on in the office and they are perfect!!!

For your type of running, maybe the KSO's would be better for you? KSO means Keep Stuff Out... I think they are a sturdier style than the others...

GiniN

Advice for transitioning to FiveFingers?

I am barefoot whenever I am at home (wood & tile floors) and otherwise wear Crocs flip-flops when out in the world. Living in San Diego, this is year-round. Is it reasonable for me to expect that I should have a pretty easy transition to Fivefingers instead of the Crocs I have been wearing? Any suggestion about the model/style of FiveFingers to get?

Nigel99

I just started running, and was looking at getting a really good pair of running shoes. I had seen the Vibrams before, and I looked really hard at them before ultimately ending up with the Merrell Trail Glove shoes (another minimalist/barefoot type shoe).

I wore them on the treadmill yesterday and ran/walked 3 miles, and I really loved them. As mentioned above, they say you really need to get used to them, so mix them in slowly to build the different muscles you'll be using now. I'll go back and forth between my Trail Gloves and regular shoes until I build up a little bit more. I definitely felt the muscle use in my calves after the treadmill workout last night - but in a good way.

A lot of people really love their Vibrams, but I'm pretty pleased with the Trail Gloves, too (in case anybody is looking at an alternative). They are getting really great reviews from barefoot runners online.

wbgolden

A lot of people really love their Vibrams, but I'm pretty pleased with the Trail Gloves, too (in case anybody is looking at an alternative). They are getting really great reviews from barefoot runners online.

My next purchase lol

forthefab5

I wear Vibrams full time now. I run in them, I walk in them, I work in them...basically I live in them.

Please do NOT push yourself. I cannot stress this enough. It takes a while to build your feet and calves up, especially if you've been wearing shoes most of your life.

I was a 12k runner in December in full cushioned "support" shoes, then hurt my knee, then moved to VFF's full time. I just ran 4 miles for the first time today. Please, please don't hurt yourself.

EDIT: I have multiple pairs. I have Injinji socks for some days. AND, most importantly, these "shoes" have completely eliminated the foot pain I've been dealing with for most of my adult life. For colder days running, I do have a pair of Mizuno Waves that have almost zero drop and fit the minimalist bill while still providing a bit of warmth.

Thanks for the warning

I'm thnking of just doing between 1-2 miles tonight in them to see how I go and then finishing my run in my regular shoes. I get plantar fasciitis and I'm hoping these shoes will eliminate that problem.

I actually prefer wearing no socks all the time, even in my New Balances... so I'll see how I go without the injinji's first...

WarriorJayne

LOVE LOVE LOVE mine.

I was known at work to kick off my chuck taylors and bum around the studio in sock feet. I loved it... Then just got stuck in this "must wear shoes" unhappy cloud. I stumbled across the Vibrams somehow, and thought "How cool!" and ended up picking up a pair of Bikila's to work out in and Classic Smartwool's to do day to day stuff in. I call them Monkey Toes because the Classics are black and have a no tread look to them.

Yesterday we headed to the local running store and I picked up the New Balance/Vibram hybrid the New Balance Minimus Trail. Its the same barefoot foot bed in a 'regular' shoe' look. No strange looks (Ill miss that)
But my pinky toe likes to revolt against the Vibram's 5 finger look... tries to migrate in with the other toes, so hopefully using the Minimus Trail, the Bikila & the Classic will help train it correctly.

wbgolden

I get plantar fasciitis and I'm hoping these shoes will eliminate that problem.

Thankfully, I've never had to deal with that, but I have heard that they should help with eliminating, or at least mitigating, PF!

rybo

Thanks for the warning

I'm thnking of just doing between 1-2 miles tonight in them to see how I go and then finishing my run in my regular shoes. I get plantar fasciitis and I'm hoping these shoes will eliminate that problem.

I actually prefer wearing no socks all the time, even in my New Balances... so I'll see how I go without the injinji's first...

I would suggest to not even go that far, unless you are already a mid to forefoot striker. There are a lot of little muscles that get worn out very quickly when you jump over to vibrams.
I started slow, but it was still months before I could run 2 days in a row. But I was up to about 5 miles in them before winter hit.

TamDTam

But my pinky toe likes to revolt against the Vibram's 5 finger look... tries to migrate in with the other toes, so hopefully using the Minimus Trail, the Bikila & the Classic will help train it correctly.

this is why I havent jumped on the ibram bandwagon... I cant stand anything between my toes and then I have this defiant/deformed pinky toe that does its own thing ( imagine the wandering eye, I have a wandering pinky toe)...



Is there something like the vibram without the spaces for the toes....where all 5 appendages could just be.... like a sock?

ETA:

I need a performance sock that is sort of like injinji's comfort split toe sock..THAT would be as close to perfect as I could expect
http://www.injinji.com/tetratsok/split_toe_mc.htm

Nigel99

this is why I havent jumped on the ibram bandwagon... I cant stand anything between my toes and then I have this defiant/deformed pinky toe that does its own thing ( imagine the wandering eye, I have a wandering pinky toe)...



Is there something like the vibram without the spaces for the toes....where all 5 appendages could just be.... like a sock?

ETA:

I need a performance sock that is sort of like injinji's comfort split toe sock..THAT would be as close to perfect as I could expect
http://www.injinji.com/tetratsok/split_toe_mc.htm

You might want to try some of the other minimalist shoes out there. There are a few that still offer a similar "barefoot feel" experience without the toes separation. I have been using the Merrell Trail Glove, and they have Vibram bottoms, but a regular shoe look (zero toe to heel rise). They are designed to be worn without socks, and are really comfortable with a roomy toe box that may accomodate your wayward pinky toe. There are some other options out there as well.

Eventually, I will probably end up with a pair of Vibrams, as well.

TamDTam

my google search came up with these...I may have to try them out

http://zemgear.shptron.com/products/productdetail/Playa High/part_number=6000/6944.0.1.1.0.0.0.0.0?

BR1986FB

Love my Bikila LS's which I got about 2 weeks ago. Have been working out in them and running sprints. Have even done all of the hopping/jumping in the Insanity workouts in them. Great for kettlebell work. Love em!

backinthenines

I had a pair of Sprints when they first came out years ago. Then I killed a pair of KSOs. Now I have a new pair of Bikilas which are fab too. Love Vibrams.

hotelsierra

I love love love my Vibs!! !! ! ! Good Luck! As others have said, they take some time to "break-in" your legs and feet, but they are so worth it! i would wear mine full time if i didn't work in a business atmosphere.

catysthename

Can you get them anywhere? Where do you buy them?
People say it takes time to break them in, well, does it help build muscle too?

IanGiles

I have 3 pairs now and wear them (much to the dismay of my partner) almost 24/7 during the summer. They are great, got my from a place called the Kayak Shed.

hotelsierra

Can you get them anywhere? Where do you buy them?
People say it takes time to break them in, well, does it help build muscle too?

Yes, it helps to build/strengthen the muscles, tendons in your legs and feet-

Flyntiggr

I have the new women's merrells. So far so good. Minimalist running is different, so take it easy to get used to the form. You will strike more mid to fore foot vs. Your running shoes which is generally more of a heel strike for most folks. Because of this, your calves will hurt like he'll for a few weeks of running...

Flyntiggr

I ordered my merrells from zappos so that I could ensure a good fit since they have free shipping both ways.

skinnyack

I can't wait to go VFF! I have the NB Ultra minimalist Trail Runner right now for my runs, which are so light it's ridiculous! Just ran my first half in them. Goal is to be able to do the same in Vibrams (or similar) by September. Also- for those of you who can't wear vibrams to work and need a dress shoe- this can be tough! I originally tried to buy off of Terra plana. LOVED the company's enviro-friendly outlook and set up, was squirmish about the price but decided to buy anyways (about $100 for cheapest shoe), only to get them and say - uhm I don't think so. They feel FANTASTIC (I bought the Kali flat). But if you care about looks at all they were so wide (yes I get that's part of the point)- and I have a wide foot so that's saying a lot. Couldn't do it. Returned them (tried to exchange for smaller size but they don't have any 8 in stock- ANY!) and Amazon searched ballet flats. SCORE! Found a company called Ballasox- most comfortable shoe ever and Yosi Samra- very trendy fun shoes. They are just as minimalist as terra Plana flats, but look cute and come in awesome colors (if you're adventurous)- and normal colors too). Both are around $50/pair. Plus they actually have stock- which terra Plana did not. If you've ever worn a ballet shoe these are the same thing except they have a thin plastic sole instead of suede. Happy Barefooting! (Or as close to it as your job will allow).

JohnnyNull

I've done some barefoot running in the past. But actual barefoot, no Vibrams. More often now I'll just put on something that I can find that's minimal. The improvement in my form has been amazing. No more shin pain.

forthefab5

Can you get them anywhere? Where do you buy them?

Hi, I got mine from footwearetc online. I'm from Australia and they haven't released the Bikila LS's here yet and when I fitted the regular Bikila's they were too tight at the top of my foot (I have wide feet).

I would suggest though that if you were to buy them online, to do some research first as there are alot of sites out there that sell fakes. If you have the choice of trying them on for size first, that would also be better... good luck!