What Is Your Experience With Vibram Five Fingers?

October 1, 2011 by Toad 66 Comments

I’m not sure how much I love my vibram five fingers. I mean, I do love them. They attract eyes like nothing else in this world. They start conversations that last as long as 40 minutes or so on a plane ride from Grand Rapids, MI to Chicago. They are awesome for running. Walking too. I’ve hiked in them several times.

But, are they the best minimalist “shoe?”

I ran, walked, hiked and stood for 5 straight hours today in my KSO Vibram Five Fingers. My feet were ready to be free. I am not certain but I think my feet would have felt about the same with shoes. So, maybe I am jumping the gun a bit. Maybe VFF are the best. Maybe I need to buy one of the newest types like the Bikilas or the KomodoSport. The KomodoSport has 18 reviews on Amazon and all are 5 stars. That is VERY intriguing! Do you own these? If you do then please tell me all about them by leaving a comment below!

I want to know your experience with Vibram Five Fingers. If you have experience with other barefoot footwear (is this an oxymoron?) then please tell me about that too in the comment section.

photo credit

Filed Under: Fitness

About Toad

Is my name Todd or Toad? I'm a world traveler seeking true wellness. I'm not a fan of labels but the following describe me best: minimalist, foodie, entrepreneur, adventurer, writer, cook.

http://www.thealtereggo.com Cas

i have bikilas and have had KSOs. the bikilias are better in that there’s no plastic piece on the instep and the sole is slightly more rigid. i tend to use them for running but after wearing them, the KSOs aren’t comfortable. the KSOTreksport actually gave me cuts on my instep from the plastic piece. haven’t tried the Komodosport but really want to. If you’re using them for hiking and going on trails though, the bikilas aren’t ideal. I wore them for a trail run soon after a rainy day and they got caked with mud and lost their grip quite quickly. hope this helps.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  It does help – thanks! My KSO’s are better than any ole standard shoe but I am looking to buy a new pair when I have the money. Right now its between the Bikilas, Komodosport or possibly a new balance style. I do wish to hike so maybe the Bikilas are out the window.
- http://www.fatburningman.com Abel James
  
  I started with a pair of the KSO’s when Vibrams were first released, but became a huge Bikala lover when they came out. The 4mm sole eliminates a lot of the issues with rocks/sharp roots/etc. that cause you to jump 10 feet in the air in the KSO’s.
  - http://primaltoad.com Toad
    
    I hiked again in my KSO’s. I had to walk 3 miles before my hike up Koko Head and walked 3 miles back. I walked in my sandals and hiked up the steep mountain in my KSO’s. This time it was awesome. I loved it. However, I think there is a better pair of VFF out there for me. When I have the money I will be going into a shoe store so I can try several pairs on.
http://YouTube.com/swilliam127 William

I have a pair of KSOs, Sprints, and Bikilas. The Sprints and definitely my favorite to wear, then the Bikila then KSO (they old, worn and a little big). I do everything in my Sprints from working out to walking around during school. I would probably wear the Bikila more for working out If I was doing some really high impact stuff. I don’t really like the sole’s flexibility because it Is thicker than the others. I like the look of the thicker sole VFF but I don’t know if I’d buy another pair.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Interesting. I used to have a pair of sprints but got rid of them because I seemed to like the KSO’s better. I’m now after one of the newer models.
http://www.paleo.com.au Suz @ Paleo Network

I have a pair of Treksports & Classics and I love them! My poor pronation has complete transformed since I started wearing them.

Perhaps you should ditch the VFF’s and go completely barefoot?!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Yea but being barefoot in public bathrooms and such? And its sometimes just not feasible. The grass in the park where I worked out for the past 4 days is super rough. I was barefoot on day 1 and could not stand it. I put on my vibrams for the next 3 days and it was awesome.
  
  Do you do a lot with the classics? My friend has a pair but mostly just walks in them.
http://rivercitypc.blogspot.com Jason

I have a pair of Sprints: I decided to buy them based on looks. I understood the purported benefits of the VFF, but couldn’t bring myself to wear something so silly looking. The Sprint pushed me over the edge.

Well, after many years of Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, my toes are a little wonky and inflexible. The VFF just won’t fit my feet comfortably. Especially the pinky toes. So, while I want to wear them, I can’t for more than an hour or two.

I DO have a pair of FILA Skeletoes, and those are PROBLEM SOLVED. However, I am not nearly as impressed with the mobility or bounce in the sole. Not terrible, just obviously not as well designed as the Bikkila sole.

Meh.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I feel the same as you… my vff are great for an hour or 2 and then they just feel tight for me.
http://www.lovingfit.com Tatianna

I’ve been seeing these things everywhere but I never actually tried them. They don’t look so comfortable I think I prefer tennis shoes or bare feet instead.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I think everyone prefers bare feet but that is just not feasible in many situations… uncleaned public restrooms?
http://www.TheCrunchyPickle.com Crunchy Pickle

I bought a pair of Merrell Pure Gloves recently. In the house I am always barefoot, but I was looking for something to wear out and about during the colder months. They are really nice – the only thing I wish is that there was a way to separate the toes more (like Vibrams do – I just happen to think Vibrams are super ugly on me because I have long feet and truly feel like a frog when I wear them….)

The Pure Gloves are light and have a Vibrams sole. I will try to check back and let you know how they keep my feet warm in the winter.
- Ben w
  
  Cool I just ordered a pair of pure gloves from zappos! The five fingers always just struck me as silly looking with the toe things – too gimmicky. I have unshoes (sandal) which are great for the summer. No cushion, no arch, all wearer:)
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Please do! I am very curious. Even though I am now following the sun, I will be back for holidays in Michigan. I don’t have any shoes!
http://thechocolatepuma.com/ heidi

i first had KSO vibrams and used them all the time. especially for trade shows (for work) when i had to stand on my feet 10+ hours. i even bought the injingi socks for them! KSO is a great pair but a little to thin for the trail running i was doing. i then bought the Bikilas to have a little more padding. i use them solely for crossfit, since i don’t run that much these days from an injury that is healing. but, in terms of crossfit, they are amazing and i switch them out with my inov8 230, depending on the weight baring load for the workout. i suggest getting ones with a little more padding if you plan to run in them more!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I do think that is one of the problems I am having. I was chasing the bus yesterday for a bit. I was running, walking, running, walking. I think I need something like the Bikilas for this. But, someone sai those aren’t the best for running. I want one that are great for both!
Colleen

I have the Merrell Pure Gloves and my husband has the Trail Gloves – we love them and wear them everyday. I just bought my son some of the new Stem shoes (he hasn’t opened them yet as it is a birthday present) – they look cool – will report back!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Please do report back! What do you use those shoes for? Everything? What about running? Hiking?
http://www.paleoperiodical.com Karen

I have TrekSports, and I love them for playground workouts, trail running, and hiking. I just ran a Warrior Dash in them and they were awesome.

However…my left pinky toe is now bruised and the nail will probably fall off. I was hoping I just needed to break them in, but I don’t think so. I’m bummed. Frequent use seems to make it worse. We’re going into fall here, so I’ll need something more substantial soon anyway.

I looked at my shoe options the other day, and after months of going barefoot or wearing VFFs or Merrells, I may have to get rid of 85% of what I own. I’m currently looking for winter options that won’t feel as restrictive.
- Robin
  
  I bought a pair of Mukluks for winter (moccasin boots) and they are awesome. Kinda expensive, but only slightly more than vibrams and they are leather with fur lining, really warm! I’m not sure what kind of winters you get, but if you get a lot of snow, then these are probly the best option.The soles are super flexible and you actually do get some ground feel. The sole is a rough textured rubber, although on the label it says the sole is “crepe”, not sure what that is.
  I got them in a men’s size because, even in moccasins, women’s shoes tend to be too narrow in the toe box for me (except for Soft Star moccasins of course but their boots have a hard sole).
  
  I completely got rid of all my shoes after wearing Soft Stars for a few months! I just can’t bring myself to go back to strapping rubber blocks on my feet! I just bought a pair of Puma ankle boots. they are actually very minimal, especially if you take out the insoles, and the toe box is wide, in fact, they are shaped like a foot, go figure! The sole is a bit stiffer than I would like but it’s zero drop, still I’m looking into getting it modified by a shoe maker. My problem now is finding something I can wear with a dress LOL!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Yea that is one problem with vff’s – not great for cold winters!
jennifer

I bought a pair of Komodosport Vibrams a few months ago and I love them. Very comfortable. We moved recently, and my Komodos were missing in action. I was so sad. Then we found them! I wear them to run errands and am looking forward to taking them hiking. Wish I could wear them all the time, but they don’t look quite right in business casual.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Glad to hear that! I am eying this model!
Bevie

I never got myself a pair, unfortunately. I would like to, because, as you pointed out, they are unusual and certain to start interesting conversation. I just cannot justify spending money on fancy shoes when I can barely bring myself to put on shoes when required for work, and I am perfectly happy bouncing around my yard barefoot. If someone can convince me they are worth it though, I might look for a pair for walking in the woods, I do need to protect my little toes when I am in strange places and regular shoes just annoy me.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  They are great for situations that you describe. I prefer to be barefoot too but that is not always an option. It is but its not feasible. Public restrooms? Harsh hiking? You need protection.
http://speedkin.com Diane

I absolutely LOVE my KSOs. It took a while to convince my uber-cheapskate self to pony up the cash for them because, previously, I stuck with $3 flip flops and floppy boat shoes. However, the money was well worth it. It’s now two or three years later and they’re still going strong. Except for a stint with a broken toe and really muddy garden work (I’m too lazy to clean them every time I go out), I’ve worn them nearly everywhere. I play with running 5Ks now & then and the VFFs have made them downright fun and nearly effortless, like running was as a kid. Cool stuff!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  That’s great that they work for you! 3 years is a long ass time!
Pingback: Primal Toad's Lifetime Primal Adventure | Mark's Daily Apple Health and Fitness Forum page
http://theprimaljunkfoodie.blogspot.com Patricia

I got a pair of KomodoSports for my birthday and LOVE them! I wear flip flops or go barefoot 9 months out of the year so they have been super easy to transition to. I can’t wait to buy my daughter a pair of the kid’s VFFs when she is big enough for the smallest size!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Do you now where your komodosports instead of wearing flip flops?
Jakob

I love mine, but they do smell alot. Any idea how to treat them (I wash them in the washing machine once a week).
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I have that problem too now! They stink and are tough to clean. Anyone have any tips?!
Rudy

I have had KSO’s for about 6 months. They are great for outdoorsy stuff but not walking on concrete. I run in them on soft surfaces but will hurt afterwards if I run on concrete. Start out wearing them for short periods and work your way up to longer durations or you will feel it. Great fit and makes me feel like a little kid again. Need to run with a mid-foot strike not on the heel (see Merrell’s web page for some great tutorials).
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I’ve been running on concrete and you are right – they hurt!
Ryan

I run/walk in New Balance Minimus Trail. I love them and they feel great, but I’m ready to get them off when I’m done exercising. I don’t think you’ll ever find a shoe that beats being barefoot.

That being said, I still recommend the Minimus Trail.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  True. Not sure if anything will ever beat barefoot. It felt great to take the shoe off and it feels good to take off my vibrams and to even slip off my sandles.
http://thepennypinchingpaleo.com Kim

I got my first pair about two weeks ago, as a reward for my first ten pounds lost on Paleo\Primal. It was quite a splurge but I love them! (I wanted a reward that would encourage me to be more Primal, and boy do they!)

I researched online and it didn’t look like you could save much buying them that way, and I had read about fitting problems, so I decided to buy them locally. I am so glad I did! I tried on about 20 different pairs. All different styles, in men’s and woman’s sizes. My feet must’ve grown a half size since my last pregnancy, because most of the shoes were either too tight or too loose. I really liked the KSO’s but they were too long in the heel. They fit everywhere else but there. Very strange. I finally discovered that the Bikalas fit me perfectly (in the women’s size). They look crazy but feel wonderful! I mainly use them for walking and some sprinting. I went to an outdoor event in them and stood for hours. I was very comfortable. I love my VFF’s! They are comfy and definitely eye-catching!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  I think this is something I need to do. Go to a local store and try on a bunch of pairs. I have yet to do this. I may find something that fits me right because I think that might be one of my problems. I’ll have to do this for sure when I can afford another pair!
Kiersten

I have what may be a silly question, but I figure someone here might be able to answer! I’ve looked into the Merrell barefoot shoes and the Vivo barefoots (I just can’t get over the in-between the toe feeling), but have hesitated in taking the plunge. When I wear ballet flat type shoes, my feet ache by the end of the day. So what is the difference? I have always preferred to workout without shoes on, but I am just cautious to make the switch.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Are you wondering if you would be able to do ballet barefoot?
  - Robin
    
    LOL Toad, such a boy answer! Girls don’t do ballet in ballet flats, they just look cute in them!
    - http://primaltoad.com Toad
      
      Hahahaha
  - Kiersten
    
    LOL Yes, that was a very boy answer! But it made me laugh
- Robin
  
  Ballet flats have a hard flat sole, even though it is very thin the sole is still hard and rigid, this is what makes them different, because vibrams, and other minimalist shoes, have soft flexible soles. The flexibility of the sole is sooo important in encouraging a proper gait and forefoot striking instead of heel striking, and a flexible sole also allows the arches of the foot to flex more which is how they absorb shock. Ballet flats always hurt my feet and knees but my Soft Star moccasins don’t hurt at all (after a few days of transition).
  Hope this helps!
  - Robin
    
    Oh and my Soft Stars don’t stink BTW they have come out with a new “running moccasin”, for anyone interested in an alternative to the vibrams, called the Moc3, it looks like a good design and uses vibram soling cut to the shape of a foot. I just have their regular mocs, with soft leather soles, and use them for hiking on rough trails and just running errands.
    http://www.softstarshoes.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1822
  - Kiersten
    
    Thank you! That is exactly what I was wondering!!
Danielle

I just got my first pair, komodo sport. Don’t know if I’m the best to go by because I’ve never been much of a barefoot person and I definitely don’t have a lot of experience with these but since you asked…after struggling a bit to get them on I found it didn’t take a whole lot of time to get used to them. I walked for almost five miles in them and my feet were definitely ready to come out. No blisters or anything, just tired achy feet. The next day I had a half marathon and I was not about to go thirteen miles in new shoes. So far for just walking around they seem fine. Not sure if I will transition into running with them or not.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  They are difficult to put on at first but then it becomes a breeze. Good luck with them! You are being smart by taking baby steps with them. This is an absolute must!
http://www.thelovevitamin.com Tracy

I love them for exercise but one of them hurts my heel so bad that I know I subconsciously avoid them :/ I WANT TO LOVE THEM!!! I WANT TO!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Lol. I do too but I need to be honest with myself. They are better than standard tennis shoes but I either need a different model of vibrams or look into buying a different minimalist shoe. What model do you have Tracy?
Richard

I’ve tried Vibrams but sadly the Five Fingers design does not fit me very well, my feet are a bit too slim and I got blisters. I prefer Jingas and Merrell barefoot.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Jingas? I’ve never heard of them. Just googled them. They look pretty kick ass. I love the design – makes you stand out which is what I want in order to spread primal living!
http://erintakescontrol.wordpress.com Erin

Hopping into the discussion –

I just ran my first 5K in Vibrams yesterday. I’ve been wearing Vibrams for almost 3 months now and my pronation is completely correctly, my back woes gone, and I no longer heel strike. I remember the first actual run I did in Vibrams – my body found its stride without me consciously making the effort to do so. I’ve never had any problems with my KSO Treksports – I absolutely love them!

I noticed in the comments about the smell – I soak mine in a vinegar/water solution before putting them in the washing machine. In between washes, I also sprinkle them with baking soda and stuff them with newspaper. It keeps the stench at bay between washings! You can also handwash them with antibacterial soap, but I have only done this a few times (I’m lazy like that)…
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Glad to hear they are working out for you! So you ran your 5K in the KSO Treksports… interesting. I do think I would love the komodosport. I soaked my vff in the bathtub with water and apple cider vinegar… it helped a bit. I then hand washed them with my toothpaste which is coconut oil and baking soda and that helped a lot. They don’t stink right now since they are in a zip loc bag… lol. Maybe that’s a trick! I’ll have to do a post on how to take care of your vibrams!
  - http://erintakescontrol.wordpress.com Erin
    
    Using your toothpaste – GENIUS idea, Toad. I’ll have to give that a try next time.
    - http://primaltoad.com Toad
      
      Do it! I use it daily here in Hawaii When I go back to Michigan it will harden…
danielle

I got the Vibram classics, and I have been using them with my marathon training, mainly to walk around on trails on my rest days, or do cool-down walks after my runs. I have walked up to 4 miles in them at a time, but I worked my way up to that. I started off by walking for 10 minutes in them, then built up to an hour. I love how they have improved my leg strength and taken away all my foot and achilles pain. I really think they are great when you combine them with other forms of training or just walking around in, but I don’t plan on running much in them. They seem to provide me with dramatic benefits just by walking, so I’m definitely happy with what they do.
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Classics for marathon running? Those have very thin soles, right? I think they would be great for walking but a but too thin for running. Glad they are working for you!
  - danielle
    
    yes I just use them for walking, not gonna attempt to run in them. walking in them is helping a lot though with my feet and strike. thumbs up indeed!
http://www.traditionalsimplicity Michelle

Hi Todd,
I am on day 3 with my VFF. Prior to these, I have barely exercised beyond chasing my daughter around the house. I HIGHLY recommend you go to a store with good customer service to walk you through the various styles. Buying VFF was the best experience I have ever had buying shoes. However, I ended up with the Men’s Komodosports – not what I went in thinking I would be buying. Nothing can beat barefoot, but I am so glad to have finally purchased a pair of VFF for when I would normally where sneakers. I’m so glad I came back and checked you out. I had remembered your site from about a year ago. Buying the VFF’s is my first step to getting back to eating healthy. I want to go more primal versus just nourishing traditions. Your site has really grown since last time I followed. Congrats on the growth and enjoy your trip around the world!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Thanks Michelle! I wish you a lot of luck! I do agree with you… I need to go into a store and find out what style works best for me.
Andy

A little late reading through comments, but thought I would chime in. I have been running in my VFF for almost a year now. I have run in the KSO and the Bilkila. I started in the KSO, waffled on the Bilkila and when I ran them into the ground (along with the terrible foot odor they kept) I decided on going back to the KSO for running. I started trail running this winter and started going between my NB Minimus and my VFF Treks. depending on the weather and if there is snow I usually go for the Treks. Also in terms of hiking I did a 4000 footer last year and wore the NB Minimus and had NO problems (it was my highest hike ever.) I also did a shorter hike the day before in the Treks and had no prob and actually bounded up that hill like a little puppy. I recommend the KSO, never had a problem (besides the smell…but I am working on that!)
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Thanks for your input! I do love my KSO’s.
Chelsea

I am a lover of vibrams and of natural fitness in general, but I think that we’ve lost sight of the point! Ohhh it hurts my feet when I run on rocks! Boo F%^&ing-hoo! Our feet are weak and soft and squishy because we’ve caged them up for so long. I’ve done 20+ mile back packing trips on sharp rocks in KSO’s, trail run in slippery mud, climbed trees, and even swum in them. You know what? It hurt my feet! But the rest of my body thanked me. Yeah, I love being truly barefoot, but I realize we need a little protection sometimes. However, quit bitching about pain! Athleticism hurts, and succumbing to more and more marketing to upgrade your “barefoot” shoe until it is just a shoe will not make it go away! Eventually your feet will quit hurting as much, but your knees and you backs will be trashed because somehow the vibram turned back into a stupid shoe instead of a little slipper of protection, and instead of pain you have injuries again. Nike didn’t screw us in the beginning, either, but in the end they certainly did! I’d be hesitant to buy stiffer, more protective shoes that are supposed to be minimalist. Sounds like skeletal foot damage to me. And as for liking them because you think they make you look cool like some space age cave man? Come on!
- http://primaltoad.com Toad
  
  Thanks for your feedback Chelsea! Vibrams aren’t magical. They just offer a little protection for the times when barefoot is not really an option.

What Is Your Experience With Vibram Five Fingers?

Categories

Archives