Questions for Vibram Five Fingers owners

I couldn't hike in mine. Running is okay but if you step on a rock you feel it. The best I've found for hiking is trail running shoes (whatever brand fits you best). They have a bit more tread and stiffness in the sole than a normal running shoe but they don't weigh a lot more.

I literally live in my vibrams. One thing is you must break them in. You have to start off slow, especially when running or hiking because you end up stepping differently in them. So it takes a little time to work up to wearing them for running, hiking or every single day like I do.

I find them very supportive and my feet are way stronger for wearing them.

I hiked the rim of the Grand Canyon in them and they were fantastic!!!!

I would recommend them to anyone. I am even going to get them for my toddler...

They have decreased my back pain, my feet are stronger and I work out in them, too.

I hope you reward yourself with a pair and enjoy them....

You might go in and try them on, check them out in person, see how they feel.

There are several versions now, and some have thicker soles. I walk on the rocks in Arizona all the time and it doesn't bother me. Do some google research on them to make sure you want to invest in them. I know I will own several pairs eventually.

Vibrams are awesome. Anyone who has owned a pair/runs in them regularly will tell you this.
However-they take some getting used to. They are meant to be barefoot running shoes.. so you need to work into them quite slowly. I would not recommend them as a shoe that you buy to replace your regular running shoes. They'd be one you would buy to supplement with your other shoes.
I've had my vibrams for about 2 months, and I only run in them twice a week, a mile and a half each time. They strengthen muscles you don't normally use (and they will help with your unstable ankles) but it takes time. You need to work your muscles up to them. Take it slow. Walk in them for a while first, and then run.
I wore mine grocery shopping/around my college campus for the first two weeks I had them before I even started running in them. You'll feel the strain right away.

They're excellent-and worth the money. Because the support is minimal, they can last up to 3 years. (I've heard of someone having them for 5.. but that was a bit extreme). Yet, at the same time, you want to keep a good pair of running shoes to do your activities in. I can't stress this enough.

So yes-I think it'd be excellent for you to invest in a pair when you reach your goal weight. I do believe you need to be careful. But if you work into them very slowly, you might be able to only wear vibrams. I have a few runner friends (one who does marathons) who own nothing BUT vibrams. But they have been wearing them for years.
Oh-and for hiking... certain styles have more support/more rubber on the bottom that you might be able to use for hiking. Get some with the KSO (keep stuff out) label on them. And look for a good sole so you won't feel all of the rocks. It is possible though.. that'll also take some building up.

Good luck! I hope it all works out for you. Just remember-START SLOW!

I believe they make a type for hiking, I think the bikilia (not sure how its spelled) would probably be best. They have the most tread on the bottom. They do have there ups and downs. If you have weak ankles they well strengthen your feet and lower legs. They will also help with balance. You should probably work up to wearing them for hiking. The first time i ran in them i got some good blisters. And like the guy that replied already saying you can feel the rocks is the truth. Running in the grass feels great though. My knees and back don't bother me nearly as bad when i wear these. My squats and other leg exercises have all gone up, and i give some credit to these shoes. After all God intended us to run barefoot. Buy em. they will make your lower legs stronger, and you would get blisters in hiking boots anyway. Their light weight, and comfortable. Another down side to them is the way they smell. I've washed mine several times, and they still have a odor
Hope this helps

I buy my running shoes at a running store owned by two men who have competed in the Olympics and are pretty much experts on running (obviously).

They refuse to stock those shoes and say they're VERY BAD for running.

There's always gonna be nay sayers, usually people who haven't tried them.

They improve your running form to the way it should be. The human body was designed to use the foot, ankle and knees as a shock absorbing spring regardless of what age you live to. It's blatantly obvious to most people. Vibram Five Fingers are designed to promote running on the forefoot, landing on your heels sends a massive shock through the body and is the prime cause of knee and hip injuries. That's why researchers spend so much development on cushioning the heel. Racing shoes have much less cushioning for the same reason, most top athletes run on the balls of their feet.

"The proof is in the pudding" as we say in the UK.