Vibram Five Fingers: Funky shoes!

[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.