Vibram Fivefingers

[Lil' Buddy]

Vibram Fivfingers.

These are intriguing. I cant tell if they are worth checking out, or just too freaky. Anybody tried them?

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/produc ... -grey.html

[RIORESIDENT]

freaky.....

and as hard as it is for me to find a proper fit, something you would want to try on before a purchase.

I think i would like them. I wonder how hard they can be to get on/off ?

[Matt'yak]

I have a hard enough time finding gloves that fit right let alone toe socks that fit my Fred Flinstone feet.

[Charlie D]

Those things remind me of Injinji socks! They would work perfectly with those boots.
As in all things, some people will like those things and some won't. I have a pair of Injinji's,,, hate 'em,,, so I don't think I would like the boots either.
However, the young lady that works with me, and a bunch of the state Ultra distance runners, love them (the socks,)( probably couldn't run in the boots. )
Go figure. Makes the world go 'round...

[depic]

pretty wild....
Dennis

[RandyJ]

I'm a life-long runner, and have, for the past few months, been working up to doing about 10-12% of my mileage barefoot on grass. Pretty amazing how good it feels once you're used to it. AND, I believe it improves overall podiatric health and helps prevent injuries. Just be sure to build up slow and don't overdo!

There are quite a few devotees of barefoot running; I've read studies that clearly indicate the more expensive the running shoe, the more likely you'll have an injury. And one study from Japan indicated that elderly people who did daily barefoot walks on cobblestone had marked overall health improvements.

I'd love to try some of these Vibrams, but haven't seen them at any local retailers. I think they would be great for park and play boating. (I feel strongly that you need a substantial shoe for any situation that might require a rope throw or other rescue; need to be able to move fast and safely over rough terrain). And these would open up more terrain to "barefoot" running.

Bottom line: I'm a now big believer in going barefoot as much as practical, and have come to conclude that shoes are an overrated conspiracy by shoe-makers and retailers. (okay, there was a little sarcasm there).

My $0.02. Post up if you have some of these FiveFingers or end up getting some.

RJ

[Cowper]

I applaud new and innovative products, and I'm sure for some folks this will be the best thing since sliced bread, so if you're one of those folks, I'm OK with that.

That said, for me, I've been tempted to go to those mitten style gloves for harsh winter paddling. Everyone who has them says mittens are warmer than gloves. What are socks and standard rodeo booties? They are mittens for your feet. Since I don't use my individual toes to improve contact with my bulkhead footbraces, I think more traditional shaped footwear will be warmer, cheaper, and actually better for my specific needs.

And even with that, I'm still glad this choice is out there and that someone posted about it here before I saw them on the river and freaked out.

[dustin harwood]

those things are crazy. if anyone tries them, let me know how they are

[Cathy]

This weekend we kayaked with a 9 year-old kid who was wearing a pair of those, although they were the shorter version--cut off at the ankle. He really liked them. He was climbing around a lot on the steep bank at Hell Hole, and they seemed to have a great grip on the rocks. The soles looked pretty thick, too. I'd like to try on a pair. -Cathy

[sjoyak]

I just purchased some and they are absolutley the most amazing footwear I have really ever owned! Although they are very funky and interesting looking they stand up to the vibram name! I have owned a pair of Chacos and I love them, but the Fivefingers are more natural! I originally bought them for the reason to have some kind of footwear, besides the cheesey looking booties, to wear inside my kayak. I couldn't fit in with my chacos or even Crocs....so I turned to these! I own the Vibram Fivefingers KSO's and they are made for pretty much anything, from Running, rock-climbing,bouldering, Kayaking/Canoeing, Yoga, and even Martial Arts.
When I purchased them the salesman told me that there was actually a guy that ran the Boston Marathon in them! I was totally surprised, because they don't have any arch support or anything that would almost be comfortable for the runners, Although many studies have shown that it is more natural to run "barefoot" and is actually better for your back and spinal cord!

I would highly recommend them for any outdoor junky they are amazing althought the down fall would be if your flat-footed, you may not find them as comfy as some do!

[gfitzge7]

My roomate has some of these. The ones that cut off at the ankle but still have the strap over the top of the foot. They have treated him very well, he tells me they have amazing traction on slick rocks, especially wading in rivers, only problem, is getting sand in them. I myself will have to order some soon.

[Butch Crain]

Just finished a short run wearing a pair of the KSOs (keeps "stuff" out).

Two noticeable sensations were a lack of the toe stubbing I usually experience barreling my 5' 7', 190 pounds downhill and an unusual flexy feeling in my feet and toes during the couple hundred yard cooldown I walked afterward.

The sizing charts recommend lengths that are at least 2, maybe 3 euro sizes down from the usual athletic sizing, so I was a little doubtful. But snug seemed to do the trick after all.

I'll see how bad my feet bark in the morning after a couple of down dogs and a few tree poses before I decide for sure.

[Butch Crain]

Yogied up this morning and the dogs say it's all good.

I think these things are f'real, as they say.

PS: APR 30

Big difference I notice is working the muscles in my ankles and right below the calf, such as they are. After many years of wearing boots almost daily to protect my ankles in the woods, I may have avoided some injuries, but that's also the weakest part of my legs. Never hurts to balance things back up.

[Owl]

I just got a pair of the KSO's a few days ago. Admittedly, my initial interest in them was because of their uniqueness. I was so intrigued by them that I just had to have a pair.

After wearing them around the house for a couple of days I'm becoming increasingly fond of them for the way they feel on my feet. I've never been much into going barefoot because my feet are kind of tender but the flexible protection provided by the VFF allows one to really feel the surfaces beneath one's feet without worring about injury. The feeling of wearing a "shoe" which lets your toes wiggle and grip the surface you're walking on is really incredible. The sole rubber is siped and quite "sticky" and makes me feel like I have amazing lizard-like traction.

They're a little pricey but I can honestly say that I've never experienced anything like this on my feet!

I wonder what my employer would think if I wore them on "casual Friday".

[drabne]

The only place I've seen them for sale in Arkansas is Wild Blue Yonder in Eureka Springs. I plan on trying them out next time I'm up there.