Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes

How does the material inside feel against bare skin? Do you think Injinji toe socks would work with these?

No, go barefoot. The material inside the shoe is soft, made to wear w/o socks.

wow. I can’t imagine trailrunning in those! It’s bad enough walking over rocks with wetsuit boots on, and they have a rubber sole, seems like actually running would be quite painful. Or maybe I’m just a wuss. ;-)

Are the tops of them pretty thin too? I’m wondering if they’d work better with fins than bulkier wetsuit boots…

Ill bet they would be good for archery when doing a sneak on animals?

Re Ice’s question, the top fabric is thin and breathable.

As my story says, you should be a strong and experienced runner before putting these on for a jog. You have to run with a forefoot strike, not a heel-to-toe “roll.” They allow you to mimic a barefoot running style, though with some protection underfoot.

Weird indeed—even weirder than using poles for fitness walking still is and snowshoeing used to be. Snowshoeing finally caught on big-time. Hopefully, Nordic Walking will too. Maybe these “foot gloves” will hit big too. But then again, probably not. Tevas and other river sandals and then Crocs and clones became popular footwear styles, but they both are easy to put on and take off.
Claire @ http://nordic-walking-usa.blogspot.com

I purchased a pair and I think they would make good aqua socks for kayaking, but not for running. Good fit, but as in the review I do have some discomfort on the heals.

Hi Stephen,
I tried out a pair of Five Fingers on a Via Ferrata climb in the Dolomites last September. They were fun to climb in, but did poorly on the icy sections. I have a great photo of them in use, if you would like, I can e-mail it to you.
I have had good comments from people while I have been walking around in them.

How tough are they? I could see myself using these on many occasions, either doing calisthenics or for around camp (apres backpacking). Does the rubber show any separation from the material?

Austin—Very little wear on mine, though I run pretty light on my feet in them and stay on grass trails, smooth dirt and asphalt. They don’t get much use here in MN in the winter, though.

Rod—Please do send me those images!

stephen@thegearjunkie.com

Hey Stephen,
I have been contemplating getting me a pair of VFF. However I live outside the US, UK, and Canada, so a try out is not possible. I have used the Nike Air rifts on trails before and the feel was great but lacked the traction, so I got the Puma Complete Trail Fox, awesome shoe. As you can tell I prefer minimalist shoes, especially as I am a sprinter, but I am concerned of the complete lack of cushioning. I intend to use the VFF for speed work and short runs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dwayne,
They are minimal. Nothing really there underfoot. It’s like a second skin for barefoot runners. Would you speed train barefoot? If so, these might be the “shoes” for you. Make sure there’s a return policy if you buy online to make sure you get the right fit. As my column said, I took a whole size smaller in these than what I wear for street shoes.

I hadn’t heard of these until I saw them on JuliB.com, where Lisa Hoffman recommends them for tide pools… sounds like about the right speed, considering the look of them.

I’ve been an advocat of barefoot running for some time now and I absolutely love these things. I have the ones with the strap over the top. I don’t know if it’s the hippie in me or something else but i hate shoes and these are the perfect option for me. Like Stephen says, there is no support, only the thin sole. I use mine for hiking, running, water sports, and just wearing around town. It took some getting used to but now I can’t see myself ever running in shoes again.

Stephen, I found your site a few days ago and I’ve barely started exploring it but I really enjoy it. I hope you don’t mind a clarification? The model you’ve pictured is the KSO (“Keep Stuff Out”). The Sprint lacks the mesh in front of the strap, and has two short Velcro straps around the heel plus the instep strap.

The KSO and the Flow (same coverage as the KSO but with a 2mm Neoprene lining) aren’t going to appear on the VFF website until April 1, according to email from a VFF customer service person. (Though a few sites already advertise the KSO as being in stock and ready for delivery.) Google found me a brochure showing both new models: http://www.head2foot.se/fivefingers/pdf/fivefingers_workbook.pdf. The CS rep also told me that the Surge model (the boots) is being discontinued so if you like them, get them while you can.

I got a pair of the Sprint about ten days ago but I’m in Pittsburgh so I haven’t worn them outside, just on the treacherous terrain of carpet and hardwood floors. Toby, for me they’re fine over Injinji’s Outdoor and Performance socks as well as over bare feet. I won’t be using for real, I returned them as soon as I learned of the KSO (I hate stuff getting inside my Keens). My primary use for them will be running, I’m trying out Nicholas Romanov’s “Pose Method.”

D.

I wear my Sprints both with and without Injinji socks.
I wear either Sprint or KSO on the golf course. Sprint tends to collect sand from traps, but it’s easy to empty them out. I can put on my Sprints easily by leaving them flat on the ground and sliding my feet in; holding them in the hands and sliding them on (like socks) does not work so well. The KSO are harder to put on (or perhaps I have yet to find the right technique).
Walking the golf course in VFFs feels delicious. Traction for swinging is excellent on dry grass; marginal on really wet grass.
Fit for VFFs is based strictly on foot length (back of heel to tip of longest toe). The VFF web site translates this measurement into a size. The translation is different for different models. (I have 11-inch feet and wear a size 44 Sprint and size 43 KSO).

I just purchased a pair of Vibram KSO’s and I have mixed feelings.

During my initial run with them, I stepped on a twig (not a branch, merely a twig) which rolled over and ripped a hole in the upper of the Vibrams, over the big toe. I am fully onboard with mimicking the barefoot running technique, but I seriously question the durability of these shoes.

I purchased the Vibrams from Rock Creek Outfitters online. I immediately emailed my concerns that the shoes didn’t make it through my first run and their response was that they were unwilling to take them as a return or exchange. Essentially, I had wasted $80. If you want to purchase these shoes, DO NOT BUY THEM FROM ROCK CREEK OUTFITTERS. They will not offer any sort of customer service when necessary.

Hmm, too bad. Must have been a sharp twig! I have run many miles in mine and the uppers are fine.

I’d contact Vibram direct to see about warranty.

For folks wondering about how to fit any and all of the 4 current (winter 08) models of VFF’s, here’s an overview of how to fit each one, and how they fit – especially if you have an “odd” foot shape. also covered: how to size and fit with sox.

As a barefoot runner for nearly 7 years, the most important thing is to properly ‘transition’ to barefoot running. VFFs are a decent alternative when barefooting isn’t possible, but they do not substitute the slower training needed before you can use them. Regardingheel-striking, this is caused ONLY when wearing traditional running shoes die to their positive heel design. This along with over-cushioned design element cause the feet to become lazy and causer a medley of injuries. Check out www.BarefootRunner.com to learn more as well as keep an eye on Skora footwear, which I’m trying to launch for late ’09 / early ’10. www.skorashop.com Happy trails! David.

I have a pair of classic and i really love it!I wear it indoor, and i always notice people saying omg:)Its very comfortable!When its really hot , the sidewalks are hot tooo and i have to hurry:)So i recommend it it to everybody!

http://www.runcolo.com/Product-Reviews/Vibram-Five-Fingers.html

I have the Classics, love ‘em!

Hi Laura,

Hope you’re still enjoying the FiveFingers. I certainly have. Unfortunately they seemed to have a defect though and have started to fall apart! I wrote a review to explain here: Review @ ChristopherRCooper.com

Hi Stephen, wonderful post on the Vibram FiveFinger shoes. It was so good I included it in a post that we just did about the best reviews in and information for the Vibram FiveFingers .Thanks for the information!

Bought KSO’s Friday 9/11, played Frisbee and did some light callisthenics’s Sat, and love them. Did some plyometrics and sprints on Monday, lifted weights on Tuesday (squats, deads) and though my calves are still sore (from monday) I can see these becoming my default workout shoe

also found a great site with a lot of info, has some new models too that i haven’t seen out yet.. but i think thats in one of their blog posts. www.vibramfivefingersshoes.com

I’ve had my Five Fingers for nearly two years and love them….they go on all water/beach trips. Where they really rock is on a beach with LOTS of shells – and sharp edges, like clam digging/oyster harvesting. With open sandals there is still the opportunity to cut the sides of your feet…not so with these. I agree that if you need more foot support or have knee problems, running is not meant with Five Fingers, but beachcombing and general outside stuff where you want to feel barefoot? They are very comfy.

I am looking for a lightweight pair of shoes for my cheerleader son.. He needs something that is not bulky to help with his tumbling. These look perfect, does anyone have experience with this?

i would imagine vff would be awesome for something like cheerleading. they are SO lightweight and flexible.

you shouldn’t feel embarassed.. they’re nice shoes! stands out a bit, i wear them with these:

http://barefootrunningshoes.org/accessories/five-finger-socks/

Nice and short review.
I do like my VFF classic a lot! I use them for strenght training, yoga, hiking and lately I’ve been using them for a run once a week. Lovely and I will be getting another pair soon.

I run in these! Can’t run in anything else. Running trails is no biggee. Just watch where you put your feet down. You’ll find the dirt feels good under your feet. I’d especially recommend these for new runners, since they teach good (better, at least) form right out of the box. And you’ll have to start over with short runs anyway.

I am just wondering if anyone has experience with these type of shoes or this type of running and ankle injuries. I am just recovering from my third ankle surgery (had a pretty bad brake three years ago and they are still fixing it….). I have been running in between the surgeries (lightly). However, I am still working on getting my ankle stronger right now before I can start running again. This approach of barefoot running sounds interesting to me and I am just wondering, if anyone would know what that would do to someone with a history of ankle problems. Would it get better or worse? Thanks for your input

We run trails with rocks, pebbles, cactus thorns, and its a pretty rough ride sometimes. anyone have 5Fingers experience in similar settings? Seems to me they might not provide enough protection…..?

Stephen,
I think you missed the point of these shoes. Read the book Born to Run, and check out the Pose method of running, it details how, and why using five fingers is actually great for people with knee problems. The Five Fingers “makes” you mid-foot strike because there is not cushioning for the heel. You end up using your foot’s arch as the shock absorber. I’ve been running in them for 6 months and have had almost no knee pain. They also teach you to mid-foot strike when wearing regular running shoes.

I have been wearing and running in the FF KSO for over a year now. All of my running had been on rugged trails. These teach you to watch where you step a little better, but work great. I just recently started running on asphalt and have had no problems. Because of the cold weather I wear my wool Injinji socks. Also, I just picked up a pair of the new KSO Trek two weeks ago. They are going to be great for the trail. They add just a little more protection and a very aggressive tread along with a kangaroo upper. I wear both pair out and about as well as to work. Heck I even wear them around the house instead of being barefoot. Love’em.

I have had these for 5 months and I love them. They are great for the gym. Doing squats feels more natural, you have you entire foot on the ground.

i want these shoes so bad. im not sure if they are good but i think im going to try some. should i?

I would love to hear how these compare to the Newton running shoes. I’m a marathoner and have been plagued by IT issues, so I’m considering a move to the barefoot running style. I’m a bit afraid to jump straight to the Vibrams. Anyone have thoughts?

I used to run cross country in high school, stopped running in college. I have tried to get back into running several times since. Knee probles always arose. Was fitted for shoes 5 times to account for it, still always ended my running. I started front-foot strike running about a month ago. I then bought a pair of VFF Sprints 2 weeks ago. I love them for running on all surfaces, and so far no significant knee pain! Fro ME at least, these are fantastic!

I bought a pair of VFF Kso last weekend and have been eager to try them out. I am also excited to see the release of the VFF Speed and Bikila later this year as Vibram has said these two models are designed better for running.

Has anyone tried these on a semi-gloss hardwood floor with yoga moves? Do they skid?

they’re pretty sticky-rubbery on the bottom so I wouldn’t guess they’d skid. Never tried them though in that scenario…

I’ve been using them in a gym with semi-polished wood floors for step aerobics and floor exercise for several months, no slipping/skipping at all.

The Injinji socks work great with FiveFingers for cold weather or for people with sensitive skin.

I am a new runner and just ran my first 5K in these shoes. I always get shin splints and hip pain in sneakers. I love these non-shoes.

Do these come in wide widths or are they pretty much “one size fits all width feet”?

Very interesting. I’ve been intrigued by the notion of bear foot running and this seems to be a good way to do it. How quickly do they dry? If you’re using them for watersports I’d imagine they’d have to dry pretty fast.

I’m 57 and have lost 35 lbs in 6 months running in FFV. I used to run in my 20s and returning always caused shin splints, plantar fasciitis, knee problems. I began running in the barefoot style (short steps, ball of foot first) with my New Balances and then switched to FFV KSO. Within a week I was running 6-9 miles, 5 days a week in my FFV w/o a problem. I’m positively evangelical. Training for a marathon….

I developed awful shin-spints from running in running shoes. I got the Sprints two years ago and I absolutely love them. I would rather not run in anything else. I use them on cement, asphalt, and trail running. I honestly have to say that they made running fun again. And the best news is, I have not had any shin splints since I started using them.
I just wish they made an insulated version for the cold Canadian winters.

These Toe shoes are also great for bodybuilders in the gym just gives it a more natural feel and makes deadlifting alot easier

Garbage 7hours use and shot…customer service says fix w/needle and thread…$90.00 shoes. DO NOT BUY

I purchased a pair only a few months ago for $110. I had only worn them 15 times when the sewing around the toes came undone. It is unfortunate because I really liked them. I would not recommend people purchasing them.

I’ve worn mine about 20 times and they are tearing at a seam at the big toe, and also around the ankle have been unraveling since I bought them. There are two cuts/tears all the way through the sole, on my left foot where I stepped on a rock while running. They are ok for running, but running barefoot is still better. I find I have a pain in my achiles as apposed to no pain when I run actually barefoot. They are good for trailrunning/hiking. They are awful for bouldering/rockclimbing. A little worse than climbing barefoot with traction and not even close to real climbing shoe performance. They are comfortable though, and I like riding my bike with them, because they let the breeze hit my foot.

The picture looks so cool.

For those who are suffering from VFFs that are showing significant wear and tear early on, it might be worth considering if the product is a counterfeit. VFF have got a page on their website saying that people are selling counterfeit products that are substandard – something to keep an eye out for.

Beware of these shoes. My wife bought some last year and spent a month building up her feet to get used to these shoes, slowly building up her use of them as suggested by Vibrams. She used to run half marathons and WAS an amateur runner. She was able to run in these shoes twice, once for 1 mile and then for 4. On the four mile run she broke one of the bones in her foot. It wasn’t from hitting a rock or anything, it was just from running on the street like she always has done, in a location that she used to frequent. This stress fracture caused a nerve problem called RSD or CRPS. It is a very painful problem where the nerves in her foot misfire and that causes other nerves to fire and that causes a very painful loopback condition where her nerves are just freaking out. It is very painful, expensive to treat and probably will be with her the rest of her life.

Beware of these shoes. They sound great but can cause serious problems. There is a reason that runners spend big bucks on shoes with good arch support. It is needed and these shoes do not provide it.

Now, it will be interesting to see if this post is deleted since it is not praising the Vibram Five Fingers shoes.

You people are stupid for buying this. Do you know how ridiculous you look wearing them?

Hi, as someone who has their index toe longer than the big toe do you think these would still be comfortable?

Hey, I bought these a few weeks ago and have been really enjoying running in them, that is until i developed plantar faciitis in my right foot from the lack of arch support. I was wondering if anyone has found perhaps an insole or something that would help support a higher arch?

Glad I came across this article. I saw these in an ad and they piqued my interest. I’m not sure these are right for me though. I was diagnosed with a bulging disc and probably shouldn’t do anymore running. I miss it terribly though and want to get back into it, but I’m afraid I’ll mess up my back even worse. I am so frustrated! At least I can still climb though.

As a side note, anyone wanting to give these a try might check out REI. They will give you 30 days to return just about anything. I’ve returned a few pairs of climbing shoes after trying them out for a few weeks and never had a problem. Make sure to check if their policy applies to these shoes and if damage disqualifies you from a refund.

to peeps who are doubters..old enough to remember zola bud? if not, google her.

If I’m not at work wearing casual dress, I’m in flip flops or bare feet. I bought a pair of KSO Treks to do a little hiking and kayaking in. I love them. Very comfortable to do anyhting I would normally do. I don’t care how they look and if I look stupid, these shoes are great and I’ll tell anyone that.
For the people that have gotten injured in these shoes I ask, sure it was the shoes? and if it was, are you sure you were conditioned properly for them? When running you are not supposed to run heel toe, you run on the balls of your feet. Different feel different muscles.
Hiking traction is very good if you know how to use them. Great in water! My only complaint, the top strap is supposed to tighten the fit and prevent sand from getting in, this doesn’t really happen. None the less, when these wear out, I’m spending another $125 (tax) for new ones.

reply to: stevendm – 08/03/2010 04:26 Pm
i bet it is because your wife’s bones were weaker than a human females foot bones should be. i bet all the years of running in shoes, something wrong in her diet over an extended period, and age all played a much larger role than the shoes. otherwise stories like your wife’s would be more common. i know that when something bad happens we tend to blame everything before blaming ourselves but blame is not the answer, moving on is.

Salt water running at the beach. I’m concerned these may chafe and my feet will look like a skinned cat. anyone use these in/at saltwater beaches for 5 miles or more.