Vibram Five Fingers: Funky shoes!

[itself]

Anyone wearing these? The gals who have reviewed them on REI swear by them, and even say they are strengthening their calves and gluts!

Lisa

[nscrbug]

There are several threads started about them and barefoot running, under the Running/Walking section. I tried a pair of women's Sprints on, but they were too small (they were the largest size). But I may try the women's Bikila (sizing is supposed to be a bit more generous...like the KSO's) when it eventually becomes more widely available.

[Tri Girl]

LOVE mine!! But... I just had to send them back to be repaired. The seam came apart on the big toe. They are less than 3 months old. I hope I get them back soon- my other shoes are all *killing* my feet.

[colby]

LOVE mine!! But... I just had to send them back to be repaired. The seam came apart on the big toe. They are less than 3 months old. I hope I get them back soon- my other shoes are all *killing* my feet.

My husband is having the same problem on his Treks - how was their service?

[Tri Girl]

My husband is having the same problem on his Treks - how was their service?

I don't know yet. I brought them back to my retailer where I bought them and they are sending them back for me. They said it would probably be a couple months at least since demand is so much higher than supply.
The store said they might fix them, but will most likely send me a voucher for a new pair.
I'm disappointed that they didn't last very long without falling apart, but I do love them so I'll buy more.

[Bike Chick]

Thanks, Colby. I remember Oak having issues with them because of her long second toe. I may have the same problem but I would still like to give them a try.

[colby]

I run in mine exclusively now, have for a couple of months, up to 18 miles at once and about 30-40 total miles a week. I have KSOs. I can't run in them barefoot (ironically) and have to wear socks because the seams in the shoes rub on my (admittedly wide) feet in my arch. I'm really keen to try the Bikila - one review I saw said they really fixed the interior of the shoe to more like a soft lining with no seams.

I have another pair of Sprints that I wear for general use, and will probably use for short triathlons (easier to put on). I kind of wish I'd have got the classics, I think they'd be easier in general and not rub the top of my foot barefoot. Oh well, live and learn. Somehow I have a feeling I'll end up with a collection to rival my Keens.

If you consider them, to make the transition easy, you should strengthen your calves and ankles first. The first few times you use them for any length of time (other than "sitting around in them because I feel like I'm cheating and really have bare feet") the backs of your calves will hurt. There have been a couple of articles that recommend standing on one foot for 30 seconds, make sure your big toe and mid-foot don't leave the ground, and then with your eyes closed for 30 seconds. If you can't do that on each foot, build up to it, then several times a day.

I definitely felt a difference in my glutes, the inside of my thighs, and my calves (among other things). Now for me it's no more shin splints, no more hip pain, and a happier body in general.

[Selkie]

I was a skeptic but after trying them, I love them. Haven't had bunion pain since I started wearing them, which was a surprise. I just wish I could wear them to work!

By the way, I washed my blue ones and they are like new.

[Bike Chick]

I'm thinking of trying a pair but was unsure of which ones to get. They are a little pricey and don't want to make a mistake. Which ones would you ladies recommend someone should start out with? Do they run true to size?

I will check out the other threads as well.

[Serendipity]

Have a pair of the KSOs and love them!
I'm still building up time with them - I run in them about hafl the distance & then switch to my regular running shoes. Also wear them when I am just working outside in the yard.
The KSOs can be a bit of a challenge to put on. Don't know if the Sprints or Classics are easier. Have been looking at the Performa - I love the look but the price, not so much!!
Something else I found interesting. Over the winter & spring I have been wearing Saucony Razor shoes for running. They had become my new favourity shoes. A few months back I realized that they have a Vibram outsole! Hmmm - could that be why they feel so comfortable?

[colby]

I'm thinking of trying a pair but was unsure of which ones to get. They are a little pricey and don't want to make a mistake. Which ones would you ladies recommend someone should start out with? Do they run true to size?

I will check out the other threads as well.

The sizing is based on the length of your foot (based on the length from heel to longest toe). If you are between sizes, generally size up. There's some good advice on Birthday Shoes: http://birthdayshoes.com/resources/ (check out the beginner's guide). The size chart on the KSOs is different than the other styles, I think. There are some styles of toes/feet that don't fit into them very well - very long second toe, very long toes in general, etc.

The Classics and Sprints are easier to get on than the ones with anything covering the top of your foot (like the KSOs). The sprints are kind of like a ballet slipper mary jane type thing (strap across the top), and the classics are just a ballet slipper (well, with rubber bottoms and toes ). A lot of runners prefer the KSOs because, true to their name, they keep stuff out better than the classic/sprints. The performa is basically an indoor-only shoe (you could probably wear it outside, but not for any serious activity).

For everyday wear and general walking, the classics/sprints aren't a bad choice (and are the cheaper option). I really like the KSO Treks, which are suede, but they don't come in smaller or womens sizes. They are more "shoe-y" and people don't really notice your toes.

For running, the KSOs seem to be the standard, or the new Bikila which just came out and is extremely hard to find still.

[Brandi]

I would love to try this if it wasn't for a nerve under my big toe. i would be afraid i would hit a rock there and that would be it!