Any Vibram Five Fingers users in here?

[Deleted member 25923]

I have to say i'm intrigued by this shoe. It's not a tennis shoe so I didn't post it in the shoes section.

The concept is no frills, no shoe support, barefoot style running with some protection against the elements. In other words, if you like running barefoot but fear glass and rusty nails, these are for you.

I've got some knee pain and what not, and i'm thinking of trying some out. Anyone in here try them out?

http://vibramfivefingers.com

 

[nfor304]

i started using them about 2 years ago, and i'm still on my first pair, so they last pretty well. At first its takes a while to get used to, but now im at the point where i can run 15-20k in them without even thinking about what im wearing. To me theyve been a revelation for my running. For a long time i was stalling at a point where everytime i tried to run more often/increase my miles i would injure myself and develop overuse injuries like chronic shin splints. Since making the switch ive been completely injury free.

I would highly recommend them if you're curious, but just remember to be patient with them at first

 

[Deleted member 25923]

That's great! Thanks, I was going to ask about the durability. Did you get the classics? And do you use them for other activities?

 

[nfor304]

i got the ksos, just because they were the only ones in stock at the place i got them. I dont really use them for anything else but running, though i have played tennis in them once on a grass court... It was pretty weird, felt really aware of what my feet were doing the whole time i was playing.

Also I wear them without socks, and because theyre so snug i got a few blisters when i first started using them, but i havent had any problems since. Also apparently alot of people use them with injinji socks to prevent blisters

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Seems interesting. I had a moment today where I'd jsut rather have went barefoot but I feared the glass. I wonder if I should get the KSOs or the classics. I'm going to a store tomorrow to check em out, I hope they have them!

 

[pyrokid]

I just wear converse without the insoles. You can feel a lot at the beginning, but when they wear down it's pretty sweet. You can feel pebbles on the ground and stuff.

Way cheaper. Probably not quite as good, but way cheaper.

 

[XFactorer]

Dude, if you have knee pain, you probably need cushioning and now a latex foot-glove.

 

[maverick66]

Dude, if you have knee pain, you probably need cushioning and now a latex foot-glove.

not necessarily. The cushioning in our shoes especially the thick stuff changes the way you walk and run. This could be causing him to move in a way that is straining the hip and knees. Thick cushioned shoes are not as good as shoe companies would have you believe.

I have thought about it getting these as well. I go barefoot as much as possible. Thank god for my basement gym where I dont have to wear shoes but for walking and running these look like a great option. Let me know how you do with them.

Plus they come in camo and camo makes everything better.

 

[FlamEnemY]

A friend of mine is using them and she says those things are very comfortable.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I just tried a pair on at a running store and they felt great. I've always said I'm more comfy in no shoes. They felt pretty good. I think I may get a pair of the sprints. Plus the runner in there that used them said he's put 700 miles on them since last august and they still are holding up. He also said people used them for lifting weights.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Update: I will not get the camo!

 

[LanEvo]

I was looking at a pic, and are these things durable? Bc I see the guy walking through a field and such. What if you stepped on a rock wearing these?

 

[maverick66]

Update: I will not get the camo!

Real men wear camo.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I was looking at a pic, and are these things durable? Bc I see the guy walking through a field and such. What if you stepped on a rock wearing these?

Actually yes, as I said earlier, the guy I talked to has been using them for a year. He does all kinds of stuff in it. They are meant for hiking, running, even activities in running water.

Real men wear camo.

Never! haha, though the black and white camo looks decent, as well as the blue.

The more I think about it, I wonder if I should get the KSO or the sprints!

 

[shissncg]

I have a pair of black and camo KSOs, and a pair of KSO remix's on the way. I'm not a fan of the Bakilas, but I would pick up a pair of sprints if they had a decent color. It's much easier to strike with your midfoot while running in Vibrams. They are also very good for general training / plyometrics.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Do you use them for suicides and whatnot? How do you like the KSOs? What about the sprints are tempting?

 

[nfor304]

Seems interesting. I had a moment today where I'd jsut rather have went barefoot but I feared the glass. I wonder if I should get the KSOs or the classics. I'm going to a store tomorrow to check em out, I hope they have them!

I thought the same thing before I got these, and I did actually try going barefoot a few times. The problem is a minor cut can stop you from running for up to a week, and it takes a while for the skin on your feet to become tougher. Also you get home and your feet look disgusting and you have to wash them really thoroughly, plus you look like a bit of a weirdo running around with no shoes on.

I started using a pair of thin soled canvas shoes (like this: http://www.urgefootwear.com.au/shoes/mens-winter-2010-canvas/randy-black-canvas) which seemed to have the same effect on my running as the five fingers did, but the canvas shoes died within a month due just because they were never meant for running, so I bought some five fingers.

 

[LanEvo]

How much do they cost? Bc looking at what some members say, I definitely could give these a try.

 

[shissncg]

They are about $85 for KSOs. I like the sprints because of the tarsal strap (KSO and Bakila also), which gives the shoe a more secure feeling than the classic.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Would you choose KSOs over sprints?

 

[120mphBodyServe]

These things are blatantly overpriced.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

They cost less than most top tennis shoes.......

 

[OKUSA]

Been using them for over 2 years now I believe. yeah 2 summers it was, bought 2 pairs and both of them are still in good shape.

I don't wear them in the winter though. They are great shoes, I recommend it more if people didn't call me a moron for wearing them

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Been using them for over 2 years now I believe. yeah 2 summers it was, bought 2 pairs and both of them are still in good shape.

I don't wear them in the winter though. They are great shoes, I recommend it more if people didn't call me a moron for wearing them

Haha you need to get converts!!!!


What model are you using?

 

[OKUSA]

I use the sprints and kso's, mostly the kso's since I've got pretty bad sunburn using the sprints a few times.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

I use the sprints and kso's, mostly the kso's since I've got pretty bad sunburn using the sprints a few times.

If it wasn't for the sunburn, would you be using the sprints more?

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Just got a pair of black ksos. I can't wait to try them out more. I'm waiting on a sports trainer who is also a friend on her views on barefoot running, but after talking to the guys at the store, reading a couple articles online, and a few intro to Vibram guides, I think I may just bust them out and start.

The biggest thing the people at the store and the guides say is to start slow. No need to run miles right away. They said at most, do 1/2 mile on a soft surface (astroturf, high school track, etc). They recommended windsprints. Other sites said do some barefoot running first until your skin says it's tender. I think i'll start walking around first.


They're pretty comfy and I can't wait until I'm bounding normally on vibrams!

 

[OKUSA]

Yes, definitely start out slow. I ran a mile and half right off the bat and it left me crippled for a week (cramp wise)

I had terrible blisters as well. But after that I started out slow and just vamped up the volume on grass (good idea) until I was doing 6 miles on road that wasn't too demanding recovery wise.

Eventually I did 15 miles with 3500' elevation hike in one day that only needed a day rest to fully recover.

I love hiking in them, feels a lot more involved than having clunky boots

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Fully committed and took off the tags. Wearing them is just fun! I drove with them today and it felt so weird feeling the pedals like that.

 

[autumn_leaf]

bump.

wondering how you guys are doing with these. i'm intrigued by barefoot running, but like many people, i'm afraid of glass and random objects on paths.

 

[richtor]

Has anyone tried the new new balance minimus? I like the look of the minimus trail shoes.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

Just an update. Love my KSOs! Some people make fun of me, others think they're pretty cool. When I use them, my knees don't hurt. I feel one with the ground, and only downside is some feet soreness. Can't wait to workout and run in them more once tennis is over. Seriously, they're awesome.

Also, only other downside is that I lose some height with them.

 

[autumn_leaf]

Just an update. Love my KSOs! Some people make fun of me, others think they're pretty cool. When I use them, my knees don't hurt. I feel one with the ground, and only downside is some feet soreness. Can't wait to workout and run in them more once tennis is over. Seriously, they're awesome.

Also, only other downside is that I lose some height with them.

that last part really got to my ego lol.

that's good to hear. now all i have to do is find a store in MA that sells them, guessing Boston is a good bet. i have 12EE feet so buying shoes online is always a risk.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

that last part really got to my ego lol.

that's good to hear. now all i have to do is find a store in MA that sells them, guessing Boston is a good bet. i have 12EE feet so buying shoes online is always a risk.

Yes, with vibrams, I would always go instore the first time. They have this foot shaped sizing thing. I believe the sizes are european, but i'm not sure.

 

[lucknowrocks]

not to highjack this thread, but for the barefoot runners, how are the nike frees compared to these?

 

[autumn_leaf]

Yes, with vibrams, I would always go instore the first time. They have this foot shaped sizing thing. I believe the sizes are european, but i'm not sure.

yea, the asian style kung fu shoes i sell at my store have the same sizing. always confused me, asian shoes, european sizing. ?_?

not to highjack this thread, but for the barefoot runners, how are the nike frees compared to these?

there's another thread on these that had comments about the nike frees. most people said it wasn't the same because there was more cushioning on the heels. here's the thread and a quote from one of the posters:

http://tt.tennis-warehouse.com/showthread.php?t=345378&highlight=vibram

I don't find the Nike Free to be very close at all. The Nike Frees are nice lightweight running shoes with flexible soles, but they still are heavily cushioned and have a lot of heel lift. You can feel the ground a lot better with V5Fs. But realize even V5Fs really dampen the feel of running or walking barefoot. I can run on crushed rock and rough asphalt in V5Fs and feel that the surface is rough, but it is nothing compared to running barefoot on the same surface.

A lot of minimalist runners are using the Mizuno Wave Universe 3 as a running shoe. Now that is truly a lightweight (I think it is under 4oz) running flat without a lot of cushioning or heel lift. Running flats are usually pretty minimal.

The crazy thing about V5Fs and running flats is how expensive they are. A lot of people will just run in cheap water socks to get the minimal experience if they don't have tough enough feet.

edit: here's a link to a review comparing them as well.

http://skylertanner.com/2009/05/17/nike-free-vs-vibram-five-fingers-barefoot-supremacy/

 

[lucknowrocks]

Thanks! Bit disappointing though, because the outlet place near me has the frees cheap, might just go w/the vibrams

 

[autumn_leaf]

Thanks! Bit disappointing though, because the outlet place near me has the frees cheap, might just go w/the vibrams

well it might still be a good idea to pick the nikes up since most people say you want to slowly transition into the vibrams. so if you do long distance runs an extra shoe would come in handy.

i found out there's a store that sells these only 11 minutes away, hopefully i can get mine in the next few days. deciding to get the komodosport model. those actually have treads so they're better able to stop in.

here's a fun video at 1:55 there's a good reason to buy them lol

http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/05/07/vibram-five-fingers-shoes/

after watching that i'm now deciding if i want to be discrete with the black model or an attention hog with the bright yellow.

 

[hollywood9826]

A couple dudes I disc golf with wear the KSO's. those guys swear its the best most comfortbale pair of shoes they have. They also mention how its neat to be able to feel the the bumbs in the ground when you walk over them.

Im thining of getting a pair myself. Probably Treksports.

 

[autumn_leaf]

well picked these up at a bicycle store today. Komodosport in size 44. they didn't have a size 45, i tried the 45 on in the KSO though and it did feel a bit better, but also looser. i'm a 12EE in US size and think i might be in between 44 and 45 so i'm hoping the 44 will stretch out a bit.

here are the pics:

 

[tenis1]

They are beyond ugly.

No way I would ever wear something like that.

 

[eliza]

Just an update. Love my KSOs! Some people make fun of me, others think they're pretty cool. When I use them, my knees don't hurt. I feel one with the ground, and only downside is some feet soreness. Can't wait to workout and run in them more once tennis is over. Seriously, they're awesome.

Also, only other downside is that I lose some height with them.

Please keep us informed. I am very interested in these new "shoes", as I am reading more on feet injury in runners. Besides, I saw world champ in marathons go barefoot.

 

[eliza]

bump.

wondering how you guys are doing with these. i'm intrigued by barefoot running, but like many people, i'm afraid of glass and random objects on paths.

I used to run on beaches barefoot, it is GREAT!!!! But you are right, in a city is all a different story....

 

[autumn_leaf]

They are beyond ugly.

No way I would ever wear something like that.

yea, that's what most people say until they try them. when i was trying them out in the store a lady customer just looked at me and went "okay..." lol.

just went for a warm up run ~800m. haven't ran in a year and that took it out of me =( lol. but these shoes work great, i have a decent mid-fore foot strike already, but i have to say these really do help with stopping heel striking because it doesn't have all the extra cushioning, and hence extra height in the heels that many shoes have today.

i now hate the sidewalk and other pavements. grass/dirt feels so much better even with all the bumps.

my run, if you can even all it that, was enough to start feeling soreness in my calves. definitely ease into these slowly if you're a runner.

 

[Deleted member 25923]

well picked these up at a bicycle store today. Komodosport in size 44. they didn't have a size 45, i tried the 45 on in the KSO though and it did feel a bit better, but also looser. i'm a 12EE in US size and think i might be in between 44 and 45 so i'm hoping the 44 will stretch out a bit.

here are the pics:

yea, that's what most people say until they try them. when i was trying them out in the store a lady customer just looked at me and went "okay..." lol.

just went for a warm up run ~800m. haven't ran in a year and that took it out of me =( lol. but these shoes work great, i have a decent mid-fore foot strike already, but i have to say these really do help with stopping heel striking because it doesn't have all the extra cushioning, and hence extra height in the heels that many shoes have today.

i now hate the sidewalk and other pavements. grass/dirt feels so much better even with all the bumps.

my run, if you can even all it that, was enough to start feeling soreness in my calves. definitely ease into these slowly if you're a runner.

Nice! You'll definitely enjoy them. I can't wear them all the time because of tennis, but I wear them as much as I can.


And yes, marathon runners run barefoot. My friends were asking me if I play tennis in my vibrams and I looked at them and said "Are you crazy? I'd break my toes. But some people run marathons in them." They couldn't believe it and all of them ganged up on me telling me that it's harder to run marathons barefoot than it is to play tennis (high level, not the messing around). I told them that people go barefoot in marathons all the time, but they just didn't want to believe it.

 

[autumn_leaf]

And yes, marathon runners run barefoot. My friends were asking me if I play tennis in my vibrams and I looked at them and said "Are you crazy? I'd break my toes. But some people run marathons in them." They couldn't believe it and all of them ganged up on me telling me that it's harder to run marathons barefoot than it is to play tennis (high level, not the messing around). I told them that people go barefoot in marathons all the time, but they just didn't want to believe it.

i think it's more of the fact that we're stopping and going much much more than any marathoner would in a match. also, running forward is natural, i don't think we ever had to continuously side step when evolving.

also, an hour later. my right calve ankle are sore... dang, i'm weak.

 

[mhstennis100]

One of my friends got them and liked them for a while. Apparently you're supposed to run on the grass or dirt in them but he ran on concrete and ended up messing his knee up.

 

[The Wreck]

I've got a pair of KSO's. Love 'em. I wear them casually and for running.

The thing about running in them is taking it VERY slow. I went out for a run in mine the first day I got them and after 3 miles, I didn't walk right for 3 days. Even now a year later, I would hesitate to run more than a couple miles in them because I haven't built up that far yet.

If you're a serious runner you have to mix them in gradually into your training, and you probably wouldn't be able to wear them exclusively for 6 months or more, if you really want to be safe. You will get hurt, but don't blame the shoes instantly. You just have to adjust and undo all the damage of all the years of running and wearing regular shoes.