Vibram 5 Fingers shoes

[Catrin]

I am curious if anyone here uses the Vibram 5 Fingers for any activity at all?

Whatever I decide, it won't be for running or, really, much in the way of walking. They will be used for my KB lifting & training. Regular gym shoes have too much cushioning for dedicated KB sport lifting, and I've noticed that lifting barefoot feels quite good! My coach has been encouraging me to at least go to a more minimalist shoe than my Nano 2 (4mm drop). My feet are used to a minimal shoe, which helps. I won't go into his discussion of the physiology of why they are better for dedicated KB work.

Currently considering either the 5 Fingers Women's KMD Sport or the Nike Free 1.0 Cross Bionic. I MUST find a local dealer however, I won't purchase either without trying them on. There are plenty of local dealers for the Vibrams, still haven't found a local source for the Cross Bionic. Much to my surprise, the 5 Fingers are less expensive than my usual Brooks!

[ny biker]

Have you done an internet search on the 5 Fingers shoes? I think there is a big lawsuit going on related to injuries sustained from wearing them.

I know my trainer does not recommend them.

[OakLeaf]

The lawsuit related to claims of health benefits that weren't sufficiently documented. IOW they weren't able to prove that the shoes prevent injuries in a sufficiently large percentage of people, not that they cause injuries.

I'm pretty sure Colby ran all seven of her Ironman run legs, plus who knows how many standalone marathons and halfs, in VFFs.

That said, with your history of foot surgery, they might not be the best option for you. Plus, my experience is that the shape means they have to fit perfectly or they don't fit at all. If you want something for the gym without a high heel, you might look at Altra, Lems, or any court shoe that fits.

[Catrin]

Yes, I have researched them. I wouldn't use them for running, and that is what most seem to have problems with them. I know several 60+ yr old kettlebell sport lifters, and older, who swear by them. Of course, while KB Sport is certainly a full body activity, the feet don't actually move very much.

For cross training I've other shoes. Good point though, and thanks for asking. If they would let me go to my coaching sessions barefoot I would

All that being said, am very curious about the Nike Free and Merrell Barefoot Run Vapor Gloves. Both look more like a shoe, have a very minimal drop and should provide the connection that I need. I suspect I will wind up with one of the two rather than the 5 Fingers. I might actually take one of my kettlebell herd to the store with me to see how they feel in action.

[Blueberry]

I have and love them. I use them for everything *except* running (and, of course, biking). Weights (when I'm doing that), elliptical even. I also just wear them around. I had always had a lot of foot pain - sore arches, plantar fasciitis, dropped metacarpal heads - you name it. I started wearing minimal shoes (including 5 fingers) in my daily life. Now - it's the odd day that I have any foot pain at all. It took a while, but my feet are much stronger and healthier for the change. http://www.rei.com/product/865514/vi...s-shoes-womens are my current favorites.

Bonus: the 5 fingers will very likely last longer than your usual Brooks as there isn't cushioning to break down.

The lawsuit was, as Oak said, related to health claims and whether they were substantiated. That said, with your quite extensive history of injuries, I would definitely talk to a medical professional before jumping in to prevent more injuries.

ETA: I have actually used the Merrell's too - wore out 2 pairs. Personally, I don't like them as well because my toes are too confined for me to feel as grounded. I need to look at other more "normal looking" alternatives for daily life - when time and finances permit.

[OakLeaf]

I need to look at other more "normal looking" alternatives for daily life - when time and finances permit.

Lems Mary Janes are on sale!

I might just spring for a pair myself. I need something just slightly dressier than my four pairs of Primals (or my one pair of Boulders). Like you, my foot and low back pain went away when I started working on foot strength and flexibility, and wearing foot-shaped, minimal shoes for everything but running was an important part of that.

[Catrin]

Lems Mary Janes are on sale!

I might just spring for a pair myself. I need something just slightly dressier than my four pairs of Primals (or my one pair of Boulders). Like you, my foot and low back pain went away when I started working on foot strength and flexibility, and wearing foot-shaped, minimal shoes for everything but running was an important part of that.

NICE! I am tempted...perhaps in the future.

Blueberry, the 5 Fingers you linked to are the very ones I am interested in. REI carries them locally, I MUST at least try them on! They also have a couple pair of the Merrells in stock that I want to try on. We will see what I walk out of the door with :-) I THINK they carry kettlebells, or at least dumbbells, so I can see what it feels like in the shoes I am interested in.

[GLC1968]

Catrin - what size shoe do you wear? I have many pairs of 5 fingers that I no longer wear. I'd be happy to give you a pair!

I don't wear them much because they are too warm for me in the summer and not warm enough in the winter. They fit great though! I even did a couple of long backpacking hikes in them with good success.

Now I've settled on NB Minimus Zero for running and athletics and Vivo Barefoot Kayla's (similar to their new Daisy) for most everything non-athletic. I have the Lems mary jane style and they are OK but a little too stiff for my tastes. I assume they'll 'break in' at some point. I also ordered the Lems Primal 2, but they were way too big and I haven't received the smaller size yet.

Vivo Barefoot Neo's and a couple of different Merrell's (including a child's version since I have small feet) were all too narrow for me. I've never tried any of the Nike styles.

[Blueberry]

Lems Mary Janes are on sale!

I might just spring for a pair myself. I need something just slightly dressier than my four pairs of Primals (or my one pair of Boulders). Like you, my foot and low back pain went away when I started working on foot strength and flexibility, and wearing foot-shaped, minimal shoes for everything but running was an important part of that.

Those are really neat! I like that they have boots - I might look into those (well in the future!).

I'm actually planning to try the Soft Star shoes when my budget recovers Made in Portland, and very positive reviews. I think either the Mary Janes or the Ballet Flats would work pretty well for my daily life. We shall see!

[Blueberry]

Here's a somewhat related question: has anybody that wears minimal shoes found a sandal they like? I'm looking for something that could be a Chaco replacement (so - ok with wet and hiking and general heavy wear)? I have considered the Lunas, but wasn't sure how well I would like them.

[Catrin]

Nice tip about the Merrells, thanks! My LRS doesn't carry the specific Nike 1.0 that I am interested in, though they do have the Free 3 and several New Balance 0 drops. They used to be a 5 finger dealer but no longer. As intriguing as I find the 5 Fingers for lifting, I will hold off on those.

I appreciate the input!

[Catrin]

I do like the Minimus much more than I thought I would. There IS a strangeness with the upper in the Turkish Getup, but I can live with that.

Your feet are tiny, compared to mine :-)

BTW, I post more frequently from my phone these days, and I don't always catch the...creative spellings that my phone sometimes chooses rather than what I typed. Apparently "Turkish" is one of those words