Vibram FiveFingers Shoes

Lilie555 · July 2012

I need to get new running shoes... and was looking for something light and comfortable.
These Vibram FiveFingers Shoes look like that.. I walk bare foot most of the day, so it seems like they would work for me..
But I only saw them online..

Does anyone have those?

Are they good?

What kind would I need for walking/running?

And where is the best place to buy them (that's not too expensive)?

slartibartfast85 · July 2012

I did for a while, They are just gimmicky. reports and study show that there is very little benefit of using expensive trainers over cheaper ones. ( according to reports on BBC panorama's series)

You are better off buying a normal pair of trainers that wont fall apart.

ChrisRS87 · July 2012

The benefit for the vibrams is the extremely thin sole, which allows for a more natural feel when running and walking. Make sure you ease in to whatever you're doing, buying a pair and immediately running 3 miles can lead to injury. Check out some articles on running with minimalist shoes. I love running in mine, though mine are sneakers with thin soles, not the vibrams.

islandmonkey · July 2012

I have them and love them. However, I would caution that you should do a lot of research on barefoot running, pros and cons, controversial points, etc. One thing I find, for me, is that I definitely can't use them on hard surfaces like pavement - just for trail running.

Strider56 · July 2012

Gimmicky is that shoe that looks like a boat. While they are not most stylistic type of shoe the vibrams are not gimmicky. They are not as good as going barefoot, but what they do have are no lift and a minimal sole. There is so much scientific evidence out there that the typical running shoe is just plain bad for you. All that extra cushion and support actually help to atrophy the muscles in your feet and help your arch to collapse, and end up causing your foot to strike the ground harder resulting in more impact to your joints.

I run often (about 5 days a week). I use Vibrams, and alternate running in my Brooks, with my goal to ultimately phase out of the running shoes altogether.

This is evident by the fact that the running shoe industry is even coming out with their no lift shoes (minimalist) and some that they are comparing to being barefoot.

prettyballgirl · July 2012

I have the Vibram FiveFinger shoes and I absolutely love them. I have run in them once, on hard concrete and it hurt somewhat. I run mostly on paved surfaces and haven't tried them on the running trails yet, however, I play softball in them and love it. I have traction, support and feel faster when running bases and running down balls. I play outfield.

hypotrochoid · July 2012

I run in my Vibrams. I run on pavement, trails, in mudruns, and on the treadmill. I love them. I hated running because it made my knees hurt. Since wearing Vibrams I'm pain free. Now, this may not work for everyone and I do think it's a matter of finding what's best for you, but for me they're awesome.

Note: It does take a bit to get used to the feeling of material between toes, especially the pinky toe. I find that massaging my feet and stretching my toes before sliding into the Vibrams help with this. Also, they have grippy bottoms and smooth bottoms. I prefer the grippy.

I got mine at REI in Seattle at one of their garage sales for around $30.

LadyPersia · July 2012

I just brought two pairs gret sale at REI right now for thm. I could not afford one pair but my son wanted one and isworking this summer so he brought me a pair. I love the feel. I love the shoe. After getting use to the feel of the shoe running was the next best thing. My son is a life guard at a by scout camp so he nevr takes them off:) I am another person who has knee pains. Iwore braces as a child to straighten my legs (hehehe it shortened my hamstrings) The vibram stopped my knee pain and quad issues I was having. Try them! Not the worst investment even if you just use them as a water shoe:)

draculaspointer · July 2012

I cant wear them

I have pretty bad hammer toes (especially for a 24 year old). I got my right foot fixed so those toes are straight (no joints) and surprisingly the shoe is comfy on that foot. However, due to 2 years of complications with the right foot, I absolutely refuse to get the left foot fixed until it gets to where I cannot walk/run...and I cant even get the shoe on that foot. My toes are too arched and the joints are completely locked. So..oh well.

But Im not convinced they are the right solution for running. I think they are a fad right now, like the sketchers shape ups were a few years ago. I see a lot of people wearing them in the gym, especially with weight lifting...but I dont see that many long distance runners wearing them...yet anyways. To each their own though. What works for some will not work for others. I suggest trying them on and walking around the store before you buy them though!

Strider56 · July 2012

The Bikila's are recommendable for running. If you have a high arch or wide feet go with the LS model at $10 more since they have the ability to adjust the fit on top.

A couple of things - take it slow - way slower than you think. Wear them around the house for a couple of hours at a time the first week. Then wear them outside for short walks. After you mastered the short walk and when you want to go running in them - do half as long as you want to. If you think you can go a mile - then only do a half mile. Essentially, you will be using muscles in your feet that have not been used for a while. You will need to build them back up. For some people that could be a few weeks and others it could be 6 months. Also, modern tennis shoes cause more of a heel foot strike which causes a lot of stress on the joints. You need to body sense while in them so that you are not heel striking. It should be a midfoot-ish foot fall and not a heel first. That alone could make a huge difference in injuring yourself and running injury free.

I had flat feet for years!!! I started using the vibrams in April. I did the water test recently where I stepped in water and then onto a dry concrete surface and notice that my arches have returned.

Vibram FiveFingers Shoes

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