Vibram FiveFingers?

mysteryfoxes

Anyone use these instead of regular shoes? I'm considering purchasing them, and wanted some feedback from anyone who has had them. )

Thanks!

ThumperWabbt

I have a pair and find them quite comfortable around the house, but I haven't been able to wear them around outside. They take some getting used to and you have to break yourself in for them, wearing them in short chunks of time initially, and I just haven't been able to do that.

Just from how comfy they are when I'm wandering around the house, I'd say they'll be very nice once I start breaking them in for outside use...but that won't happen until late October, after I've finished my last major long walk for the year.

If you have time to break them (and yourself) in, go for it.

cbaines74

They creep me out! LOL

RainyDayKelli

From what I hear they can be great, just beware that they have no support and you can feel rocks/pebbles and stuff when you're walking in them. I know people that ADORE them and wear them everywhere, even hiking, etc.

fluffy831

I've had them for a few months and love them. I haven't run more than 4 miles in them (I worked my way up - used them on the treadmill a few weeks then hiking a few times before jogging in them). They definitely work your muscles in a different way - my calves especially.

tigerblue

Weird! But if they work. . . .

photorific

I've had a pair (the Sprint model) for nearly 2 years now, and LOVE them! They are the first shoes that I can run comfortably in. I didn't have a ramp up period, but most of my other shoes are flip-flops (flat, not wedges) and I'm always barefoot at home. I've worn them in every situation imaginable (they're really cool scrambling around the rocky tidepools of Northern CA).

jaime1208

I use them and LOVE them. I get shin splints from running in regular shoes, but not in these shoes! You have to work yourself up to running long distances in them because you will be working muscles that do not usually get used because of the support that regular shoes give your feet, but it is a natural way of running. I haven't met anyone who bought them and didn't like them.

Annalisa419

I just got a pair and love them. Mind you, I walk more and would probably prefer more support if I was a runner. My issue is that I've tried everything to prevent blisters (gels, lotions, toe caps, tape, different socks and shoes, etc.) so they're there only thing that works. I recommend going to a sporting goods store to try them on though, it's hard to get a good fit.

mysteryfoxes

Well, I'm excited. There is a store that sells them not far from my house. I'm used to being flatfooted. If I'm not in regular old flip-flops or wandering barefoot, I'm not too thrilled to be doing much. Plus my feet are sensitive and sore after a long day in shoes.

So...we shall see. :DD

hairsnob610

love them! they get stinky quick and make my feet sweat bad tho. I never usually had those issues in the past. but i use them every single day to work out in, whether I'm running, boxing, kickboxing, or strength training, i love em! I've had them about 4-5 months now.

hairsnob610

I'm extremely flat footed as well, so these have been the first to fit me the way i like.

WarriorJayne

I have several pair. One for just walking around doing what ever (black Classic Smartwools) The other two I use during CrossFit, weight lifting (Bikila- the hot pink/orange/ and gray pairs), and the New Balance Minmus (a hybrid of a New Balance shoe with wide Vibram foot bed with a closed toe) for running/walking (although Ive seen them being used and I have used them for Weight Lifting as well... Weight lifters like to be flat footed, they would prefer to lift barefoot...)

I love them. I prefer them... it does take a while to get use to them. Sometimes my pinky toe gets scared and migrates over to the next toe slot over... Its all in how YOUR foot is built. My suggestion, before you buy, try them. Find a store that carries them, and try them on. Some people and their toes dont agree with the shoes, their toes may be too long, too short etc.

Yes they can stink, just throw them in a old pillow case and wash them, then set them out to air dry... and you should be fine.

GEANDRIA

I LOVE MINE..I WEAR THEM EVERYWHERE

TinaDay1114

I just tried them this past week and LOVED them. I've been running a while, and they feel the best on my feet by far. They work your ankles, calves and all the smaller muscles in your feet because it's so flexible, and it's actually supposed to create better support for your knees, hips and back this way. They also put you more on the balls of your feet rather than pounding on your heels, which is more natural, and causes less stress on your joints.

Some people (as others have said) need a "get used to them" period, but I felt comfortable in them right away. Having your toes stretched apart feels really really good!

The ones I tried on belonged to a friend, and weren't made specifically for running, but I ran 3 miles in them the first time out. I did feel every pebble, but there is a model of VIbram (the name starts with a "B") and they are made more for running on asphalt and hard surfaces, so I'm probably going to purchase those soon.

Those of you who have them and use them hard -- have you had any trouble with them coming apart quickly? Some people on Amazon said theirs did, but I'd like to hear it from you!

mysteryfoxes

I would like to know that too.

bassettpig

I would like to know that too.

I have had mine for 2 years now and they seem to be holding up just fine. I bought them to run in but I find that my big toes have a slight bend toward the other toes of my foot and this results in a tender spot if I wear the VFFs too long, as the VFFs do NOT bend that way. My hub and I each have a pair and wear them to walk the dogs every single day, usually 3 miles, sometimes more, during the warmer weather (we are in Wisconsin).

I also heard reports of poor quality but I believe most of those complaints were during the initial "big rush" when EVERYONE wanted some and the manufacturer was having a hard time keeping up w/demand. I also heard that there were many knockoffs out there purporting to be the real thing and believe that at least some of the problems were these imitations.

Hope that helps.

I would also like to add--cheap water shoes (like what people wear for walking in the pool?) will do exactly the same thing for a fraction of the price. There is nothing magic about the separated toes; it is the lack of support and cushioning that makes them desirable, allowing you to have a "barefoot" type experience. I have a pair of Teva water shoes that I got on sale for $25 and I wear these all winter to walk the dogs with wool socks on inside. For those that live in a cold climate, that is another consideration--your VFFs will be darn chilly in the winter, even if you are able to fit a pair of the toe socks inside (I am not able to).

TinaDay1114

Thank you, Bassettpig, that helps!! I wondered, too, if the reports of "poor quality" were overblown.
And yep, I thought about the winter thing...I might have to keep my regular running shoes for that season!

TinaDay1114

P.S. This is the model for women that I'm considering buying (for running). It's on sale, and comes w/the toe socks and free shipping!

http://www.rockcreek.com/vibram/bikila-womens/21878.rc

yoginimary

I've worn nothing but minimalist shoes for over a year. I won't go back to regular shoes - I even had to change into them at a wedding because my feet hurt so much in a constraining shoe.

As far as quality goes, I go through them fairly quickly - though I did this with regular shoes as well, and I wash them frequently - they do stink. Also, the treadmill tends to rough them up more than the trail does. I have ones with holes that I use on the treadmill.

As far as winter goes, though it doesn't get that cold in Texas, I have a "winter" pair that I wear with toe socks.

I also have a pair of minimalist shoes from this place: http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1342 I've only had them for a few weeks, but love them so far. Plus, they're made in Oregon, which I love.

I started having "top of the foot" pain recently. I don't know if it was related to the shoes or not. The new shoes (Runamoc) seem to help.

rybo

I have 2 pairs, KSO & Komodo sports. love them!
I have drifted towards the komodo sports more for running, but still do some runs in the KSO's. I've done up to 8 miles in mine so far.

iluvsparkles

I love love love mine too..I have a hard time wearing regular tennis shoes now because I would just rather wear the five fingers all the time!

I might ad that I have an old ankle injury that really gives me problems, and these shoes have really helped eliminate the pain!

TinaDay1114

I might ad that I have an old ankle injury that really gives me problems, and these shoes have really helped eliminate the pain!

That's great -- I have an ankle that gets stiff sometimes, and a knee that complains, and many folks have said they don't have these issues w/the 5-fingers!