Vibram 5 finger shoes [Archive]

MimiYoyo

01-26-2011, 11:01 AM

I know people who have run road races in them and swear by them (including a friend who ran a half marathon). Some trail runners use them, but many have abandoned them after a few runs (especially on rocky trails).

I've seen some people try to use them for rock climbing, but that's just silly!!

I haven't tried them myself on the trails.

Revvell

01-26-2011, 11:02 AM

They feel as though you're wearing gloves on your feet.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/womens_footwear.htm

They're great for trail running and many do use them for rock climbing because you get to use your toes separately and together. If you're not used to barefoot running, they take a bit of getting used to. Your feet actually work and your muscles, tendons, ligaments get strengthened.

Aleesha Sattva

01-26-2011, 11:13 AM

those are so weird looking. those are not what i was talking about though...

Revvell

01-26-2011, 11:19 AM

those are so weird looking. those are not what i was talking about though...

Time4Me is though. :)

I get a LOT of comments when out wearing them. You'd be surprised at how many people look at your feet... or don't. lol

sport

01-26-2011, 12:41 PM

I have five fingers but am not wearing them during the winter as I do not have any socks for them.

OnMyJourney

01-26-2011, 12:44 PM

My daughter's after school group leader bought a pair last year and she absolutely loved everything about them. Initially, they are a little shocking when you see someone wearing them. I'll admit, I am vert intrigued by them and have not dismissed the possibility of buying a pair. :D

beckyh

01-26-2011, 01:39 PM

OnMyJourney

01-26-2011, 01:51 PM

I am a runner, and I am buying them in the spring! I can't wait. They actually help you to run better, and help correct your running style so that you are running the correct way. They are funny to look at, but oh so comfortable. You can also wear them in the gym to workout in!

You are reaaaaally making me want these now! lol Before I blew my knee out last year I looooved to run. Your comments in that regard really got my attention. ....wondering if I can talk my dad into gifting these to me for Valentine's day. :p:p

Aleesha Sattva

01-26-2011, 02:38 PM

can you just walk around in them? cause i'd love to 'better my feet' etc.

Revvell

01-26-2011, 02:42 PM

can you just walk around in them? cause i'd love to 'better my feet' etc.

Yup! Although they're better walking around on ground rather than cement/asphalt. That's why I like them for trails or if I'm going to an outdoor event that's on grass or dirt.

Aleesha Sattva

01-26-2011, 02:50 PM

ahhhhhhh okay. so good for hiking then. i'd love to try them.

OnMyJourney

01-26-2011, 02:52 PM

can you just walk around in them? cause i'd love to 'better my feet' etc.

My daughter's group leader wore hers to the after school program and was wearing them around town. They must be real comfy. :p

bootzey

01-26-2011, 03:08 PM

I have a pair of these. I adore them. I use them for walking, jogging, swimming, and yoga. Good all purpose shoe. Takes some getting used to and it sparks lots of conversation. I did have to buy 5 finger socks to to with them because it's cold and you either have to wear the socks with them or wear them without.

January Noir

01-26-2011, 04:37 PM

My colleague at work wore a pair when we had a community service project for the day. He was the talk of the office! I thought they were super cool and plan to buy a pair very soon. I want them in pink or purple.

JennaHoneyBear

01-26-2011, 06:04 PM

i was lucky enough to be gifted a pair of these!!

they are so wild!! definitely a conversation starter when i worethem to the store...

i felt some pops and cracks in my feet as i walked, must be my muscles and tendons actually working and strengthening

beckyh

01-26-2011, 06:19 PM

For anyone that does purchase these, which I am going to once this winter is over!! But anywhoo...please make sure that you are careful when you are wearing them to run. My running trainer told me that when you first wear them you will be soar, becuase it is changing the way you run and walk, they are making you run and walk the proper way. My running trainer, has since moved on from them and barefoot runs with electrical tape on the bottoms of his feet. He plans on running the New York Marathon barefoot. He said that when he first wore the 5 fingers he was sore, but then after a week, he became a better runner!! I can't wait until the spring and I can get some!!

Mindful mama

01-26-2011, 08:57 PM

I love mine!!
It seems most people need to gradually adjust to this type of shoe because they are not used to using the deep muscles of the feet. In the spring summer & fall it is a struggle to get me to wear shoes. I teach pilates, so I don't even need to wear shoes at work. I recommend these to my clients to retrain the intrinsic muscles of the feet to restore balance to the structure. These shoes are perfect because it feels like I'm barefoot and my soles are protected! My are almost worn out after 1 season. Only problem is that my feet get cold, quick. The company just teamed up with smartwool to remedy this issue.

Time4Me

01-26-2011, 09:40 PM

I stopped at a local sporting goods store and tried a pair on tonight.

The clerk wasn't real helpful. but I at least got to see them and try them, while they had several styles both in men and women they didn't have a lot of sizes.

I'm pretty heavy now, and my feet and ankles do swell late in the day. They felt a little snug on the tops of my toes, so I'd really like to have more sizes to try before making a decision. They say the men's do run wider, but they didn't have my size in any style to try on.

I definitely want to try a few more pair on... they seemed comfortable but at the price they are, would like to be able to try on more sizes/styles

Aleesha Sattva

01-26-2011, 10:42 PM

i'm thinking that they'd be great as slippers... esp the wool ones!

RawHealthyBeauty

01-26-2011, 10:46 PM

These shoes would rock my world if I have em!! :D I love going barefoot every chance I get. Thanks for sharing!! :) Hopefully for my birthday as a gift!!!! :D

Aleesha Sattva

01-27-2011, 12:13 AM

I'm getting myself a pair IF I can get into Vancouver sometime.

streetsurfer

01-27-2011, 08:22 AM

Sign me up. I've been happily using injinji five toed socks for the last year or so. It's like a bunch of small hugs for your toes and feet. They are very comfortable and seem dryer for the feet in the summer because of no skin to skin contact. I hope to get the shoes one day too.

I've read only a little about barefoot running and that it will necesitate a different running style. If I'm correct you will shift toward a forefoot plant vs a heel strike as you run. I gather it reduced jarring to the skeleton, and allows you to feel the ground better as you move along, helping you to avoid injury. I've seen one of the nature guys on tv who is always barefoot address that. I can't remember for sure without looking it up (the key to shifting to the different stride) but I think it involves leaning into the run and lifting your knees higher maybe. I originally saw a you tube video on it. Anyone interested of course, could do a search and see how to transition over. The one I watched was linked to from a barefoot runners site.

It's either the vibram site or campmor who have a sizing chart in case you are ordering over the net or phone. Measure the length of your longest foot and consult their chart.

Revvell

01-27-2011, 08:42 AM

Here are a few sites on Barefoot running ~

http://www.invisibleshoe.com/
http://www.barefootted.com/
http://barefootrunninguniversity.com/

Sign me up. I've been happily using injinji five toed socks for the last year or so. It's like a bunch of small hugs for your toes and feet. They are very comfortable and seem dryer for the feet in the summer because of no skin to skin contact. I hope to get the shoes one day too.

I've read only a little about barefoot running and that it will necesitate a different running style. If I'm correct you will shift toward a forefoot plant vs a heel strike as you run. I gather it reduced jarring to the skeleton, and allows you to feel the ground better as you move along, helping you to avoid injury. I've seen one of the nature guys on tv who is always barefoot address that. I can't remember for sure without looking it up (the key to shifting to the different stride) but I think it involves leaning into the run and lifting your knees higher maybe. I originally saw a you tube video on it. Anyone interested of course, could do a search and see how to transition over. The one I watched was linked to from a barefoot runners site.

It's either the vibram site or campmor who have a sizing chart in case you are ordering over the net or phone. Measure the length of your longest foot and consult their chart.

Time4Me

01-27-2011, 09:59 AM

I did buy a pair of the Injinji socks... they were a bit higher than I found them online but figure with shipping and not having to wait, I did get one pair to see how I liked them.

Sign me up. I've been happily using injinji five toed socks for the last year or so. It's like a bunch of small hugs for your toes and feet. They are very comfortable and seem dryer for the feet in the summer because of no skin to skin contact. I hope to get the shoes one day too.

Eva

01-29-2011, 10:18 AM

A woman named Linda came on a raw vacation I hosted and was wearing the Vibrams. She SWEARS by them. I almost got a pair before heading down to Brazil but had too many thins to do to throw that in the mess.

They're on the List for my next trip back to the States. :)

scyn

01-30-2011, 12:53 AM

Been wearing mine for a few months now, and I doubt ever running in regular shoes again. The first few months (trail running) I just ran as one would wearing regular shoes, and they were great. Then I read 'Born to Run', an excellent read about the Tarahumara of Mexico, and other long distance athletes, which brought about a change in how I ran.

Instead of a long stride where the striking foot comes down heel first in front of the body, it became a short stride where the foot lands flat & directly beneath the body. This uses less energy, and is noticeably less stressing on the body (less shock from impact). There is also quite a heightened awareness of one's surroundings, as is necessary to avoid stepping on anything hard & sharp or soft & smelly.

If you can get 'Born to Run' somewhere, do check it out. You'll be running around barefoot eating chia seeds before the last page.

:excited:

klomasius

01-30-2011, 07:26 AM

How coincidental!

I was talking to another rawbie about these today. She was wearing them and is a runner (hardcore, she will be starting a run around the ENTIRE edge of Australia at the start of next year, 300 something days with a run EVERY DAY, and she's 60+!).

She said she'd never go back to normals shoes.

I'm really interested in getting a pair but will probably have to buy a knock off pair as the Vibrams are $200+ here!

scyn

01-30-2011, 11:52 AM

I'm really interested in getting a pair but will probably have to buy a knock off pair as the Vibrams are $200+ here!Maybe order online & pay for the postage? Not sure how much to ship to Australia, but it'll probably be around $100 in total...

There are quite a few minimalist running shoes on the market, but very few of them encourage the natural shape of the foot. It's strange that the majority of world class athletes were brought up wearing shoes which have deformed their feet...

KaleMama

03-02-2011, 10:49 AM

Barefoot revolution - or close to it! LOL

My BF and I want to be as grounded as we can and as barefoot as possible. Walking barefoot is amazing for you and your posture! This is as close as we'll get with shoes so we are getting a pair this Spring! Can't wait! :dance:

bananafish

03-02-2011, 04:38 PM

Was going to buy a pair online but think it'd be best to try them on first. As my shoe size is 41 or 42 depending on the shoe.

Also I've heard that you're better to buy a size smaller than you wear regularly. Can anyone confirm that?

bananafish

03-02-2011, 04:43 PM

I take it the ones on ebay from China are fakes...

JohnLemire

03-03-2011, 08:22 AM

Ive had my Vibrams for almost 2 years. I can't go back to shoes now. Nothing else, besides barefoot, are as comfortable as 5 fingers. I run, work and play in mine as much as I can. I really suggest getting a pair. If you are a runner, check out forefoot striking, its the new thing out and it's great. Run like you are supposed to, get some 5 fingers =D

beckyh

03-06-2011, 09:38 AM

I am so excited:woohoo:I just got my five finger toed shoes yesterday at REI! I was able to try them on and good thing I did, I actually had to get a size bigger! I can't wait to try them out. I have been wearing them around the house. They said on the website that you need to take it slowly when you are running with them. So I am going to take it slow, tomorrow I am going to wear them to the gym to do an aerobics class! Can't wait!!!:dance:

seRAWnity

04-14-2011, 07:16 AM

I have been checking them out for the past year or so and just finally bought a pair this past weekend!!! I LOVE THEM!! I got the classic ones for everyday wear!

It's still a bit chilly here and should have bought the socks to go with!

I wouldn't buy online because you need to find a right fit, my kids tried on 15 pairs and couldn't find a right fit, but I had no problem first ones I tried I loved!

rawnhealthy

04-14-2011, 12:15 PM

I just bought some about a week ago and they are like walking on air- I absolutely love them:heart

cara4art

04-17-2011, 11:30 PM

The sporting goods store around the corner from me just got these in not too long ago - my husband tipped me off to this, saying that they had a number of styles and that the soles were a little more substantial without spoiling the intent of the shoe. On May 7th a company representative is going to be at the store to help people find the ones that fit them best. Might be worth checking out - I've been intrigued with these for awhile. One day outside my gym a very healthy-looking young man(who it turned out was a raw foodist BTW - he had a whole trunkload of fresh produce, some sprouts and nuts - a veritable feast!)had a pair on so I had to ask him how he liked these. He said he just loves them and doesn't wear anything else on his feet.

LotsaRaw

04-18-2011, 08:49 PM

Also depends on the shape of you feet - I was stoked to buy a pair - and very dissappointed when my little Flinstone-esque feet did not fit into a pair properly! (my last two toes are too short & pudgy for the proper length "shoe"!!) I have also not had good luck with toe socks for the same reason - they are not made for pudgy toes! I am envious of all you "normal" toes people who can wear these!!

nutty

04-26-2011, 08:25 AM

Hi,

I've had my VFF for a year now. Perfect for lake living! Great for kayaking,swimming, fishing they dry super fast. I wear them all spring-fall long- nothing else. Sure you get a lot of looks and comments, but my feet and legs have never felt better!

:goodday:

dread head vegan

06-02-2011, 03:49 PM

i've been wairing them everyday for 5 months and i love them!! :heart i run, walk, hike, and swim with them :)

streetsurfer

06-03-2011, 02:54 AM

Rec'd a pair in May as a gift. My toes angle back and it leaves a little room in the end of the toe pockets but it hasn't been the problem that I expected.

As warned by one store, I find they can get smelly in fairly short order.
It seemed to me that a wash machine will shorten their life more quickly, so I am hand washing for now. I had good results using a shampoo with tea tree and peppermint oil. My first wash I used a smidge of A&H washing soda and tea tree oil. I'm looking for a vendor of Nonscents zeolite packs or granules to make deodorizing bags to slip in them between washings.

MysticTree

06-04-2011, 07:29 AM

I hate wearing shoes and socks and I think I'd find these constricting but I'd be happy to try them at some point if there was the option to but I doubt I'd buy a pair without being able to walk up and down a shop in a pair for a few minutes!

j.howell

07-16-2011, 10:29 AM

I have a pair of the vibram five finger shoes myself. the komodo sports. these ones ran me about 100 doll hairs and are made for cross training. these are the only ones that can handle lateral cuts as well and trail running and pavement/loose ground running. when i first got them, my calf's and Achilles tendon were so sore due to me never really working my feet and legs from running. after about a couple of weeks, my body adapted. now that's the only shoe i run in. absolutely love it. it taught me to do a fore foot strike (running on the toes). before, two miles was a chore and i was so fatigued afterwards. now, two miles is a breeze and im not tired when im done. i swear by these and highly recommend them to anyone. they can even rebuild your arch! our feet have so many nerve endings, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. this makes our feet extremely malleable. thats the reason why our feet are shaped to our shoes. our feet are naturally supposed to be spaced between the toes and wide. all in all, i absolutely love my vff's.

EscapeArtist

07-16-2011, 09:43 PM

Oooo i'm so jealous of those of you that love them. When I first heard of these I was SO excited to find some, and when I did I realized that I have unusually narrow feet and toes. Sigh!

Revvell

07-16-2011, 10:05 PM

Oooo i'm so jealous of those of you that love them. When I first heard of these I was SO excited to find some, and when I did I realized that I have unusually narrow feet and toes. Sigh!

I have narrow feet ~ AAA w/a quad A heel. I wear them.

nrothgarden

01-23-2012, 12:06 AM

I use them. I also like the Nike Free shoes that mimic barefoot running.

Aleesha Sattva

01-23-2012, 03:27 PM

we LOVE ours!!!

fastfreedom

01-23-2012, 06:41 PM

I didn't go through the whole thread again. I recall reading it a bit ago when it was first made. But there are shoes by Merrell called barefoot shoes. They are a barefoot shoe like the FF but without the individual toes. I like mine a lot. They have a ton of toe room in em too. And if you prefer to not have the individual toe look then they are great. And of course they are really quick to get on.

I was going to get the FF's but then I saw the Merrell's and went for them.

Revvell

01-23-2012, 08:22 PM

My new favorites ~ http://www.zemgear.com

JackMiracle

08-10-2012, 12:42 PM

Read the book "Born to Run" by Chris McDougall, and you'll see why people where em.
It is the most natural your foot can be, outside of being bare foot.

Does anyone use these? they intrigue me (what I've seen online).

My local sporting good store carries them, and I know they're somewhat expensive, but curious if anyone has comments they'd like to share as to how they feel to wear them.