Vibram "Five Fingers" shoes

[HEIST]

THEY ARE NOT UGLY!!!

There are many new styles available and coming soon.
I have three pairs, KSO, Bikila and Speed.

I always had shin splints when running. I even tried getting custom made insoles etc. Nothing worked.
Until Vibram KSO. My shin splints disappeared and I've never been happier!

I've been using them for two years now, running, training and everyday use. Love'em!

Thanks!!!!

Hahah, I think guys can pull them off better than women.

Out of the three, which one is your favourite and why? I'm leaning towards getting the Bikila, or may wait until I can get a look at these new releases!

 

[Ívar Þórólfsson]

They are sooooooo comfortable...as long as you're not walking on concrete the whole time

Actually last spring I went to Seville, Spain for 4 days. I did A LOT of walking there in my Speeds (on pavement etc.) and my feet felt great.

 

[Ívar Þórólfsson]

Thanks!!!!

Hahah, I think guys can pull them off better than women.

Out of the three, which one is your favourite and why? I'm leaning towards getting the Bikila, or may wait until I can get a look at these new releases!

Ohh, tough choice!

My Speeds are my everyday shoes.
I use the KSO's and the Bikilas whilst running and training. I alternate between them. One session in KSO, Bikilas in the next. There is more ground feel with the KSO's that I love. But on the other hand, when jogging on very rough gravel the Bikilas are better. But nothing beats the feeling of jogging on a dirt/fine gravel path in the KSO's. Just for the free foot massage
I like them both equally, they have different advantages.

The Speeds have a similar sole as the Bikilas, I use them for everyday use and like them very much for that.

 

[HEIST]

Thanks so much for your insight Ivar.

 

[Ívar Þórólfsson]

Thanks so much for your insight Ivar.

You are most welcome!

B.t.w. here's a good site dedicated to barefoot(ish) running:
Toe Shoes, Barefoot Running Shoes, and Vibram FiveFingers News, Resources, and Fan Forums - Birthday Shoes

It has many reviews on Vibrams and other "barefoot" shoes.
Also a fine message board there.

 

[HEIST]

Sweet, you read my mind! I was going to find a barefoot running forum/community. I'm really excited to get my feet (and self) into shape.

 

[fishstix]

I'm a big fan of my Komodo Sports. I use them for all my training purposes (weights, running, circuit/crossfit) and some casual. IMO, they're good for nearly everything but maybe not the best at any one thing. The only issue I've had is with extreme cold. I got a pair of NB Minimus Trail Sports for situations that my Smartwool socks can't make up the difference. Those are nice shoes too but can't compete with the 5 Fingers for true minimalist running, again IMO.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I did some reading and instead of alleviating the pain temporarily (insoles/orthetics), there have been people who got their arches back by barefoot running/walking. General idea is that you are using all the muscles in your feet in a way that they're supposed to be used (there are 18 muscles in the arch alone!) and when they get stronger over time your natural arch will come back and be supported.

The one thing I will say, it depends on what has caused the arches to fall.

For me, it was most likely ligaments (they're screwed pretty much everywhere else in my body), and there isn't a whole lot you can do about those

 

[Chebass88]

Interesting to read a post I wrote almost two years ago. I haven't worn my vibrams in about a year. I haven't been doing any running, though I should. I'll use this for some inspiration.

 

[J. Crawford]

I still wear my Vibrams. I have run multiple 5ks in them, and also a Warrior Dash. I love em.

I'm also digging my New Balance Minimus shoes.

 

[Diogenes]

I've had the Kimodo Sports for about 8 months now and love them. I mainly wear them for running but wear them in lieu of my Keds or Vans on occassions.

 

[Joe Gress]

I'm also digging my New Balance Minimus shoes.

Now those look pretty nice for the summertime.

 

[fishstix]

Now those look pretty nice for the summertime.

The Trail Sport versions are great for the winter as they are waterproof and have decent insulation, especially with a nice pair of wool socks.

 

[J. Crawford]

I have the road, I think they're called, version and love them. I'm looking for something new to compliment them. I have high hopes for the new Reebok Crossfit line.

 

[Atoz]

Five Fingers wearers: If they work for you, that's great. To me they're the only shoes dumber looking than Crocs, and I have a really hard time getting past that.

 

[Diogenes]

Five Fingers wearers: If they work for you, that's great. To me they're the only shoes dumber looking than Crocs, and I have a really hard time getting past that.

It took me awhile to get used to their looks but really, they are no worse than the goofy looking spring heeled running shoes or cartoon-feet-looking basketball shoes with NASCAR level graphics that manufacturers have put out.

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[J. Crawford]

Five Fingers wearers: If they work for you, that's great. To me they're the only shoes dumber looking than Crocs, and I have a really hard time getting past that.

Quite the troll post from the mighty Atoz.

Nothing is worse than Crocs in the looks area though.

 

[lowendfriend]

What's the point of enclosing each toe separately? It seems like it would be uncomfortable!

Also seems like an athlete's foot breeding ground...

 

[Ívar Þórólfsson]

What's the point of enclosing each toe separately? It seems like it would be uncomfortable!

Also seems like an athlete's foot breeding ground...

It just feels much more natural, like walking barefooted. The human foot wasn't designed to walk in a modern day shoe. The function of the toes is to provide balance, grip and thrust when walking. Their function is severely limited in "normal" shoes.

The Vibrams are no more a breeding ground for athlete's foot than any other shoe
Also, if you are worried about excessive toe funk, just wear toe socks like I do. I always wear Injinji toe socks in my Vibrams.

 

[Simo98]

I still just go barefoot