The phenomenon of shoes with articulated toes is one of the strangest product trends in the outdoors and running worlds in recent years, and maybe ever. But the funny footwear is immensely popular and indeed becoming almost commonplace at backcountry trailheads and footrace starting lines across the United States. Since 2005, when Vibram S.p.A. introduced its original FiveFingers shoe, a growing niche of walkers, hikers and runners have come to appreciate the dexterous shoes’ tight fit and allowance for a natural stride.

Today, Vibram has a large line of FiveFingers shoes for men, women and children. On its website, www.vibramfivefingers.com, there are more than 25 models, including cross-trainers, causal, and running-oriented styles.
Prices range from $75 for the FiveFingers Classic model, up to $125 for the men’s or women’s KSO Trek. The latter is a Velcro-strapped toe shoe complete with kangaroo leather uppers. Yes, these are odd creations!

There are kids models with pink or blue color schemes. Some VFFs, as they’re called, have laces and tongues. The weirdest VFFs are seen in the company’s 2011 “causal line,” which includes high-tops, dressy shoes, and winter “boots” — all equipped with toes!

Vibram touts its shoes as good for tasks varying from weight lifting to rock climbing to surfing, though it is a segment of the running world that has most embraced the build. The movement of “barefoot running,” which focuses on a “natural running” stride by using minimal footwear and a different type of running technique, has taken to VFFs like no one else.




