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I'm considering getting a pair of Vibram Fivevingers for hiking, kayaking, running and just everyday use, and I was wondering if any dakkaites have or had a pair and would consider giving their opinion on them? I've never worn a pair before, but the idea of having the benefits of a shoe, while retaining the feel of going barefoot really appeals to me, especially for running and hiking, but also just for everyday use.

So anyone have any advice, comments, criticism, etc of Vibram Fivefingers?

Here's a link in case anyone doesn't know what they are:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/indexNA.htm

They're pretty awesome until you realize that they're basically shoes for people that don't know how to run.

Essentially by removing the traditional cushioning that allows clueless idiots to run on their heels (and hence incur all sorts of injuries), they force you to run on the balls of your feet. Which you should be doing anyways.

Plus everyone is going to stop you in the street and ask about them, if you're going to be an early adopter, despite them being around for a while.

Vibram Fivefingers?

I did not think this was a thread about shoes when I read the title............................

They actually look really cool

I've seen various "foot glove" shoes before, but these look the best.

I've worn neoprene shoes before for watersports and diving and they have been fairly comfortable - the natural stretch of the material helps keep your feet snug.

I would imagine that these shoes are similar, while giving you a more supportive sole unit. The only problem would come if your foot does not conform to the "standard" anatomy, as decided upon by the company that makes the shoes.

I have no idea if they sell them in shops (I've never seen any in the UK anyway) but I would definitely advise that if at all possible you go and try before you buy.

SilverMK2 wrote:They actually look really cool

I've seen various "foot glove" shoes before, but these look the best.

I've worn neoprene shoes before for watersports and diving and they have been fairly comfortable - the natural stretch of the material helps keep your feet snug.

I would imagine that these shoes are similar, while giving you a more supportive sole unit. The only problem would come if your foot does not conform to the "standard" anatomy, as decided upon by the company that makes the shoes.

I have no idea if they sell them in shops (I've never seen any in the UK anyway) but I would definitely advise that if at all possible you go and try before you buy.

They have them at an REI close to my house, and I'm definitely going to be trying them to make sure they fit well before I drop 85-100 bucks on a pair.

Wouldn't want to buy some and them take them home only to find out that my toes won't fit!

I know a few people with them, they love them. They're apparently amazing for rough terrain as you still have the use of your toes in securing holds.

Guys, you should start Nike Frees or something similar. Modern feet are not suited to go straight to the Fivefinger rig. Lots of people have arch pain as a result of switching too quickly.

I own a pair of vibramfivefingers. I run in them and use them for some water sports as well. I would definitely recommend them for these activities, though you'll have to re-learn how to run, it's not as simple as just running on the balls of your feet as nurglitch makes it out to be, but it's not that complicated either.

I don't know if I would use them for every day use. They are comfortable but not amazingly comfortable for all day wear. When I'm home or not running I'd rather just walk around in socks or barefoot. At work...I think I'll pass, they're pretty ugly and I sit most of the day anyway.

I would say that you'll like them for situations where you'd want to be barefoot but want more protection/less worry about what you're stepping on. But you don't feel as close to barefoot as you might like when you're just normally walking around, so I wouldn't recommend them for that, you'll just prefer to be barefoot then and you'll still notice a difference.

Wouldnt that hurt like hell if yous stepped on a rock or something similar? It looks like a really thick sock

I wonder what these would do for people with flat feet. Would they help or cause agony on an unprecedented scale?

Peter Wiggin wrote:

Vibram Fivefingers?

I did not think this was a thread about shoes when I read the title............................

Same

Ahtman wrote:I wonder what these would do for people with flat feet. Would they help or cause agony on an unprecedented scale?

Thats a good question. I have horribly flat feet, Im talking I can only buy certain types of shoes/boots, other wise Im in pain.

Peter Wiggin wrote:

Vibram Fivefingers?

I did not think this was a thread about shoes when I read the title............................

The Pleasure Bot Overlord wrote: I approve

I don't know what it is about these, but I just shudder when I see them. I think it's all the potentially horrific toe injury I'm imagining.

KingCracker wrote:Wouldnt that hurt like hell if yous stepped on a rock or something similar? It looks like a really thick sock

They have a hard rubber sole, you hardly feel the rock.


As for the flat feet question, theoretically if you work your way into them gradually they should help a lot. There's a lot of information related to this on the fivefingers website.

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/technology/faqs_mechanics.cfm

The fivefingers may be able to help correct the flat feet over time - can you walk around barefoot?

lambadomy wrote:I own a pair of vibramfivefingers. I run in them and use them for some water sports as well. I would definitely recommend them for these activities, though you'll have to re-learn how to run, it's not as simple as just running on the balls of your feet as nurglitch makes it out to be, but it's not that complicated either.

Yeah, running/hiking and kayaking are mostly what I'm going to be using them for, possibly some rock climbing/bouldering. I have done some barefoot running, but not much, so I'm probably not going to be accustomed to the feel at first. How exactly does it affect your running??

I don't know if I would use them for every day use. They are comfortable but not amazingly comfortable for all day wear. When I'm home or not running I'd rather just walk around in socks or barefoot. At work...I think I'll pass, they're pretty ugly and I sit most of the day anyway.

I would say that you'll like them for situations where you'd want to be barefoot but want more protection/less worry about what you're stepping on. But you don't feel as close to barefoot as you might like when you're just normally walking around, so I wouldn't recommend them for that, you'll just prefer to be barefoot then and you'll still notice a difference.

This is really what I think they'll be great for. I love anything that's low-maintanence, low-worry, low-hassle, and that is exactly what these seem to be.

I love going places barefoot but cutting up your feet on rocks and whatnot really ruins a good trip.

And the extra grip they'll provide when kayaking should be great. I've got a sit on top and I regularly stand up and walk around on it while paddling, either to fish or just to stretch my legs, and there's been many a time when I've taken a less than graceful spill over the edge due to slipping on the smooth plastic.

Thanks for the review, I think I'm definitely going to be picking up a pair in the near future.