Vibram Five Fingers: Shoes
Every once in awhile a product, service, or company comes along that absolutely blows my mind with it’s inginuity, integrity, and quality. They are things that I would absolutely recommend to anyone without reservations. Things that I’ve been more than satisfied with in every encounter. I give them 5 stars, 100%, A+, and will keep going back to such things throught my life.
Vibram Five Fingers or “Toe Shoes” as I call them push shoes into a new realm, melding bio-enhancements, and performance sportswear into a conscious footwear that revolutionizes the whole process of walking. For the first time humans are able to walk with the agility and feeling of bare feet and the protection and grip of shoes. Three amazing characteristics set them apart from any footwear on the planet: performance, awareness, and social lubrication.
Performance:
I began invisioning this shoe years ago, and for awhile even considered dipping my feet in tool handle rubber to creat my own. I was an avid Chacoenthusiast for years, but have now completely replaced my sport sandal line with Vibram Five Fingers. They fill many niches no shoe can, and increase the human foot performance as well as facilitating safer activities. The rubber itself is some of Vibram’s best, specifically designed for gripping wet rock, crisscrossed with razor-siping for increased grip and flexibility. The seperated toes are individually covered in rubber with breathable fabric between them to maximize grip while minimizing the change to human foot dynamics.
Five Fingers provide increased stability and grip while crossing rivers, and rock hopping. Additionally, their small profile allows them to fit in most spaced a bare foot can, while providing additional warmth and protection. This makes them an ideal choice for river boating shoes, fitting easily inside most playboats, while also providing insane grip and protection for the unfortunate self-rescue or friend rescue.
Also because of their small profile and great water grip they make excellent snorkeling shoes. they fit inside many fin varieties, and make it safe and easy to walk out through the shore break before putting on the fins. This is especially useful when there is sharp coral or other dangerous or poky sea life. As climbing shoes nothing will ever come close to the specialized performance commercial climbing shoes, but Five Fingers do very well. As I stated earlier the 
rubber is designed for gripping wet rock, and therefore is not particularly sticky on dry rock. However Vibram Five Fingers are far superior to any other non climbing shoe I’ve tried. They are great for smears, large foot holds, or pockets that the whole foot can wrap around, but not so great for small toe pockets. They provide an excellent alternative for upper body workouts, promoting delicate footwork and big hand moves, but will never give you what you need to break into a new level. That being said, they are a spontaneous boulderer’s or deepwater soloer’s best friend. Many time I’ve been hiking along a river or a trail and hopped on a cool problem I would never have gotten to explore had I been hiking in other shoes.
They make excellent slacklining shoes. Slacklining is a sport requiring serious foot dexterity, feeling, and ba
lance; however, it is often painful on unaccustomed feet because of hard landings after aerial maneuvers or complex moves. With Vibram Five Fingers The dexterity and performance of bare feet is maintained while additional padding and support are gained. This and kayaking are my two favorite uses of the Toe Shoes, and I can’t imagine a better footwear for either.
for professional athletes one run per week in Vibram Five Fingers has been known to help strengthen the many seldom used, and yet very important foot muscles. More than that can damage the feet, especially if running on pavement for long distance; however a short train run is an excellent addition or alternative to workouts. link
Hiking in 5 Fingers is as amazing for short distances; however, it is important to limit the distance. The longest hike I’ve done in my Five Fingers is Bear Peak in Boulder, which is about 7 miles round trip over extremely rough and rocky terrain. Although this hike was very pleasant my feet were sore for a day afterwards.
Awareness:
The human foot is made up of many muscles and nerves usually shielded from the environment by heavy layers of leather and rubber. Vibram Five Fingers promote the connection between foot and ground bringing conscious movement to the modern human. These shoes are NOT for the mindless ambler. Small rocks, cactus, branches, puddles all suddenly become an intimate part of one’s awareness as obstacles, or assets depending on walking style and motivation.
“Barefooting” is the name given to spirited walking with conscious regards to objects in the walker’s path. Everything becomes something to jump off, run up, hop on, or flip over. In a previously standard walk suddenly the journey is now as enjoyable as the destination and often more so. Parkour, or “the art of motion” become a daily habit, and life in motion takes on a new meaning.
Social Lubrication:
Vibram Five Fingers usually get one of two distinct reactions when presented to strangers. Either “Those are freaking me out.” or “Wow, cool shoes.” So far, I’ve never been in a public place without getting or overhearing some kind of comment about the shoes. I often wear them traveling as much for the comfort, as for the reactions they get. Airports are a place where people pass either on separate journeys through life, seldom exchanging even a glance. But when something as memorable and odd as 5 Fingers presents itself people can’t help but wake up and say hello. I’ve met hundreds of people because of these shoes. Some just stop briefly to find out what they are for, but for others, the odd shoes are just the perfect social lubricant to get a conversation rolling that lasts for hours.
Other Notes:
I’ve traveled to many parts of the world wearing them so far, and never encountered another wearer, although a couple owners presented themselves, and many people who said they were going to go buy a pair. These shoes have not gone unnoticed by the rest of the world, and won “Best Invention of 2007, from ‘Time Magazine.’” So far they continue to be unique oddities, but I expect to see many more of them in the years to come. They can be purchased online, but I highly suggest fitting them at a local retailer before purchasing. It is essential get get them “just right.” The Pedestrian Shop in Boulder carries a full line, and REI has recently starting carrying them as well.
There are 4 models to choose from. Try each one carefully for size, style, and color because it will become an integral part of your life. It takes 2 to 3 days for your toes to get used to seperating when putting them on, but don’t be discouraged, shortly it will be completely natural.
I’ve had mine for a year and a half now, and worn them almost every day, through some pretty rough terrain. The rubber is finally wearing thin and flaking off. This is far longer than I expected them to last, and I am extremely satisfied with their craftsmanship.
Vibram Five Fingers are the best outdoor equipment invention in my lifetime, with close seconds and thirds going to hydration bladders and headlamps. Get some, and find out for yourself what an amazing world of conscious motion is waiting.
Check out Vibram Five Finger’s web page for some great info. It is totally packed with great reviews and tidbits of useful stuff.
UPDATE after 20 months:
I’ve just replaced my Vibram Five Fingers after almost two years of heavy use. Here are a couple photos of what they looked like. I was very satisfied with how the wore. And in the end they gracefully wore out, with the seams starting to show heavy wear, some parts of the sole starting to come off, and the fabric beginning to deteriorate. I’ve passed them on to a friend to finish off, and now am enjoying a bright fresh pair.
UPDATE: Check out the new Vibram Five Fingers reinvented for fall 2009. They will be available soon, but feature, more style, more leather, more movement, more indoor variates. Here’s a good review from Living Barefoot If anyone gets ahold of a pair let me know how they are. I’d definitely like to get my toes in some for a dancin’ good time!
I just got home from hiking the Grand Canyon. I did get a few blisters from my hiking boots (which I have more than worn in). I ended up hiking out in my Crocs! On the trail I ran into a guy wearing fivefingers. He said that he had no trouble hiking even in rocky conditions. I wanted to get more perspective on this, before I drive 100+ miles to a retailer. I do have very small (womans 4 1/2) and wide feet!
Anyone have any thoughts?
Thanks in advance!
Tracee,
What would your primary use for FiveFingers be? Do you wish them to replace your regular hiking shoes? I absolutely suggest you check them out! but, be a little catious. If you are not already inclined to barefeet you probably won’t like the five fingers much.
The man you encountered hiking in the Grand Canyon most likely is an extraordinary five finger hiker. It requires delicate and conscious footwork to avoid cactus, ankle rolling, sharp rocks, etc. They are by no means a replacement for good hiking shoes, especially on long treks with heavy packs.
That being said, they have changed my life, and they way I move about the earth. I would do a little more research on the five fingers web page, and make sure they have your size available. Maybe there is an online shoe store that will send you them to try on for size, that would be much better than two 100 miles drives, unless of course you can have lunch with a good friend when you get there, or coax someone into joining you for the trek.
Let me know what you decide!
Larkin
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555 look like you hike too much. I feel sorry for your shoes. 555
[...] Vibram Five Fingers: Shoes [...]
Larkin -
Thank you so much for the feedback! Sorry it took so long to get back to read your response….I had forgotten what page I was on! LOL I was just researching the Five Fingers again and came across my own post! Anyway, just got back from hiking the Grand Canyon again (just for a day hike while picking up our spring permit). I do hike about 4-5 times a week in areas that are very rocky. Will the Five Fingers hold up on the rocks? I have recently been hiking in my running shoes, as I feel I have more control when I break into a jog on the trails. I guess my main concern is stepping on a jagged rock or pebble. Will it easily puncture the sole of the shoe and damage my foot? If I am going to get them I would like to get them soon (maybe for Christmas) so I can try them out and get used to them before we head out to the canyon again in April.
Thank you so much for your response!!!
Tracee
Runnings shoes, or trailrunning shoes are excellent hikers. That’s actually what I spend most of my time wearing in the mountains. They provide great support along with light flexibility.
Keep the Five Fingers in mind as you hike through life. Try them out when you get a chance, but my suggestion is to keep up what you know is fun and workable with your feet. One day the barefooting life will give you a little shake and it will be time to toss the old running shoes and go more natural.
I recently took a trip to Canyonlands (the needles) and wore my Five Fingers for an extended 11 mile hike to Druid Arch. They were phenomenal! Again, they reaffirmed that Vibram makes the most fun shoes on the planet; however, at the end of the day I put my trailrunning shoes on, and spent the next day on our 15 mile hike in them. It was not near as much fun, but my feet are not well adapted enough to spend 2 solid days of hiking in the Five Fingers. So, for any kind of overnight trips or even full day hikes I would still suggest trailrunning shoes unless you’ve spent enough time to fully integrate and develop the small foot muscle strength.
Happy travels!
Larkin,
I am considering the Five fingers KSO Treks for my local hike (Santa Monica Mtns Backbone). As a surfer, I’m quite used to barefooting, and wearing 1mm soled split-toe shoes; but only for the short distance over rocks to water and back.
What I’m wondering is how the Five Fingers feel over more jagged terrain and loose gravel on hard packed trail?
Great article!
R
Awesome! I’ve been curious about the Treks for awhile. The leather is a great idea, but I’m not sure about the breathability.
As far as feel of the Five Fingers on hardpack and jagged rocks, what you will find is an increased awareness of your feet. It takes a bit to get used to, but your feet will start to seek out the best path (most comfortable, best grip, good surfaces, etc). Now, do you want that much going into simply walking?
YES, it’s amazing, although you might have to work up to 10+ mile hikes, or alternate day by day hiking shoes for awhile.
Larkin
Thanks for your response! My local hike is a 9 mile loop, and somewhat strenuous. Terrain varies from fire road, some minor bouldering, & broken sharp rocks on top of solid rock & steep inclines. I will definitely take your advice and pack my shoes (this is supposed to be enjoyable isn’t it?).
Thanks again!
Larkin, just saw this post mentioned on twitter. Great article. I have also been wearing VFFs since late 2007. Classics were my first pair. late 2008 got a pair of KSOs I now i have the Trek model. which wear to work and hike around in colorado ( Manitou Incline 1-2x month this year so far). the Trek model are great for bouldering, even the regular KSO models (very little slip). The Trek’s leather are very breathable. during this time of the year i also wear the injinji wool socks.
and Tracee, Vibram will also be coming out with smaller versions of the Treks in the Spring time.
I 95% of the time now, i only wear VFFs, they have been great for my feet, legs and overall balance
http://www.birthdayshoes.com/ is a fan site with many details on the new models to come out this year.
Thanks for the info! My Sprints are doing awesome right now, but I’ll definitely be looking into the Treks when my current pair wears out. I get the feeling a ton of people are buying them and not that many are actually wearing them. This is causing a huge shortage in supply, but really not much of an increase in VFF being seen in the world. I find it odd, but I guess that’s what happens when people are enfatuated with the idea of something, but don’t take the time to actually experience the wonders of the product.
Anyway, great to hear you are rockin’ them most of the time!
Have an awesoem day!
Larkin
[...] Vibram Five Fingers: Shoes [...]
I have a question.. I just ordered a pair of KSO’s and i was wondering how they would perform in riding a motorocycle..
Great article by the way!
Now THAT is a question Travis. I would not suggest VFF’s for motorcycle use. They don’t have the proper ankle support, abraison protection, or heat durability for use with machinery and motorcycles. I love my Five Fingers, but when I’m getting geared for an extrication I pull on some Red Wings, or slip the bunker boots over the VFFs. Get a good boot with a safety toe!
Through five fingers shoes of the 10 benefits
1、An increased running speed – The results show that wear it and wear ordinary shoes than you can raise the rate of 4%
2、 blood circulation – wear it, every step of every part of your feet are different degrees of contact with the ground , more muscle tissue to the blood flowing through the venous system by the shock
3、 to reduce ankle sprain – the friction with the ground in direct contact with the process, reduce the torsion forces because of a sprained ankle suffered ankle happen
4、 reduce the appearance of the folder outside the tibia – shin outside the folder ( athletes in the long toe flexor strain , the phenomenon of pain along the shin bone ), iliotibial band syndrome and peri- patellar pain is a common disorder athletes . Running barefoot on the arch of the foot ( the bottom) increased use and increased soft tissue structures of the foot support for the work to increase the strength of the foot , reducing foot injury and the emergence of this disease .
5、 to reduce back pain – heel elevation to reduce the phenomenon of so hip back to their natural course , to reduce the load on lumbar facet joint .
6 、Strengthening the role of body experience – our feet can sense and transmit data in time to return to our brain , so that we can better address the challenging terrain .
7 、strengthen the muscles – if you do not use it , it will become very loose . Wear toe shoes to walk our foot muscles to strengthen .
8 、lower toe mucocele big risk – according to our traditional shoes with toes . Five fingers shoes slowly so that they extend and encourage the work of the big toe .
9、 optimal balance – a keen perception of the information timely feedback to the brain means that means better balance and faster response . This is important for the elderly and athletes .
10 、women like to correct deformed toes and heels , but has been wearing high heels will make their feet hurt and become deformed .
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