Vibram Fivefingers (1 Viewer)

[Hipple Long Ware & Peete]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

Played my first round of golf in these last week. Set a new course record.

I bought a pair of these for cross training. After my first 3 mile run, my calves felt like the were going to explode for the next couple days. I liked the way the feel, I think I have to just get more used to them. But I am curious about the golf, and why they caused you to play so well?

lol... I was mostly kidding. They are super-grippy though and actually gave me much better traction than any soft-spike golf shoes ever did.I really do love everything about these shoes though. Just super comfy and light.

I played 9 holes in mine (walking), and my feet felt MUCH better afterward than usual - not a bit tired. But my swing was "off" the whole round. For one, I think my whole setup was a quarter-inch lower to the ground due to the thinner sole, so I hit a lot of "fat" shots early on. But the bigger thing was that they just had too much flex during the swing, and I kept feeling my toes curl under on my back foot. The swing just never felt right.My assessment was that I would have to ALWAYS wear them in order to get used to the feel. Switching between them and my regular golf shoes, one or the other would always feel funny.

I quit wearing golf shoes years ago when they outlawed metal spikes. Soft-spikes don't actually do anything so I just wear my most comfortable walking shoe (now my Merell Trail Gloves). I agree that they flex a lot and grip the ground more than any other shoe, but after the 3rd beer, I didnt really notice any more.

I think you oughta revisit a PGA store etc for a review of th golf shoe tech. as my soft spikes (new pumas)  <a href="http://www.shop.puma.com/men/footwear/golf/23220,en_US,sc.html">have some crazy good grip, it's just a different kind of grip</a>.   They definitely work better than the soft spikes of old.Plus almost equally as important to 'grip', is alerting properly and keeping water out/lettings sweat out (especially if walking)

 

[E-Z Glider]

The daughter wants a pair of these for her birthday...

Has anyone found a particularly price effective place to purchase them from?

How old? If younger, I would recommend the Fila Skeletoes. They're not only cheaper, but they only have 4 "toes" (the two little toes go in the same one) which will be more comfortable for most kids. They have them in the discount shoe stores around here (payless, etc) for about $40.

 

[Das Boot]

here are some in the 50-60 buck range

<div><br></div><div>If going the gift route might wanna take her to try on a few pairs first in a B & M store, as it looks like they have a <a href="http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/SizeChartView?catalogId=40000000226&storeId=226&categoryId=&langId=-1&contentFileName=vibram_size_chart">crazy way of sizing these</a>, where it maters how long your foot is own to the 1/4 inch.</div>

How old? If younger, I would recommend the Fila Skeletoes. They're not only cheaper, but they only have 4 "toes" (the two little toes go in the same one) which will be more comfortable for most kids. They have them in the discount shoe stores around here (payless, etc) for about $40.

Thanks for the info guys, it's a birthday present, she's turning 18.

 

[AcerFC]

 

[johnnycakes]

This thread gets love that is way, way out of proportion with the quality of its contribution to the board.

 

[AcerFC]

This thread gets love that is way, way out of proportion with the quality of its contribution to the board.

My 4 year old saw them yesterday and loved them. You dont like them? From my quick look here, most do

 

[Chaka]

Found some terrain that these are possibly the worst possible shoes for: rocky terrain where the rocks are about egg-sized. I did a hike down a gorge wearing my five fingers and every step was excruciating as every step at least one rock was jabbing into the undersole of my foot. Nine miles of pure agony.

Just fyi before someone else tries the same.

For that kind of terrain the KSO Trek is much better suited.

 

[Jaysus]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

The Merrell Trail Gloves on sale at REI right now, specifically the yellow ones... but for $85, the color is not that bad.

 

[jason12vb]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

The Merrell Trail Gloves on sale at REI right now, specifically the yellow ones... but for $85, the color is not that bad.

Bought a pair of these in this color about 6 months back and love them. Surprisingly, I've gotten probably a dozen comments from women on how much they like them (I'm 33).

 

[E-Z Glider]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

The Merrell Trail Gloves on sale at REI right now, specifically the yellow ones... but for $85, the color is not that bad.

Bought a pair of these in this color about 6 months back and love them. Surprisingly, I've gotten probably a dozen comments from women on how much they like them (I'm 33).

Man, do mine ever stink. Throwing them in the washing machine isnt helping. Im thinking I shouldnt have worn them as water shoes.

 

[tommyGunZ]

got the fivefingers "speed" last week. love'm.

 

[Rick James]

do you wear socks with these things?

 

[NMYMND]

I'm a convert on the Vibram for working out/running. Saw this in a store the other day and intrigue me as a casual Friday/weekend shoe - Merrell Barefoot Tough Glove

 

[madshot31]

do you wear socks with these things?

I do, or they will get the vff stank unless you want to wash them everyday.

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

I've never worn socks with them.

My Sprints (synthetic material) don't smell too bad; when they do, it comes out in the wash.

My KSO Treks (kangaroo leather) stink to high heaven, and no amount of washing seems to overcome it.

 

[NMYMND]

I've never worn socks with them.My Sprints (synthetic material) don't smell too bad; when they do, it comes out in the wash.My KSO Treks (kangaroo leather) stink to high heaven, and no amount of washing seems to overcome it.

Have you tried sealing them in a gallon freezer bag with some baking soda? Leave overnight and then either wipe down or wash. Might absorb some of the odor.

 

[PizzaDeliveryGuy]

The only success that I have had with dealing with swamp foot is to put my shoes in the freezer when they are drying out from sweat/water. It has to do with the heat combining with the moisture that leads to the unholy smell that wet shoes seem to get. It isn't 100% but I was able to wear my shoes in front of people w/out running them out of the room.

 

[madshot31]

The only success that I have had with dealing with swamp foot is to put my shoes in the freezer when they are drying out from sweat/water. It has to do with the heat combining with the moisture that leads to the unholy smell that wet shoes seem to get. It isn't 100% but I was able to wear my shoes in front of people w/out running them out of the room.

A solid way to clean them is to takes them in the shower with you. Put some body wash in the shoes and squish it around with your feet into the toe pockets. Rinse and repeat until the water isn't nasty when done. Then toss them in the wash and air dry. This helps get much of the dirt/sweat out of the shoe that the washer can't help with. I have also heard of people using some type of denture cleaning tablets at 2X-3X the normal dose producing good results. Never tried it though since I wear socks and they don't get funky.

 

[jamil]

been running and working out in my KSO's for about 6 months now.. might be time to get some of the Komodo's. Does anybody have a pair of those?

 

[nephilim]

The only success that I have had with dealing with swamp foot is to put my shoes in the freezer when they are drying out from sweat/water. It has to do with the heat combining with the moisture that leads to the unholy smell that wet shoes seem to get. It isn't 100% but I was able to wear my shoes in front of people w/out running them out of the room.

A solid way to clean them is to takes them in the shower with you. Put some body wash in the shoes and squish it around with your feet into the toe pockets. Rinse and repeat until the water isn't nasty when done. Then toss them in the wash and air dry. This helps get much of the dirt/sweat out of the shoe that the washer can't help with. I have also heard of people using some type of denture cleaning tablets at 2X-3X the normal dose producing good results. Never tried it though since I wear socks and they don't get funky.

have a pair of kso´s i use for golf/running. a wash with a double rise seems to work fine. of course i don´t stick my nose in the piggy toe hole to check... othoh, i also don´t stick my nose in my just-washed underwear ### crack fold to check for freshness...

 

[the moops]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

Got myself a pair of these last week.I tried on some fivefingers a while back, but my little toe is all sorts of small, so the damn thing would pop out of its rightful place and crowd into my other toe. Didn't think much about trying anything new until I realized I was running in the Warrior Dash on Saturday, and my running shoes were way old and super uncomfortable.

I picked up a pair of the Merrell Trail Gloves on Thursday. Wore them barefoot for a 3 mile walk on Thursday night, didn't wear them Friday, then wore the Saturday barefoot for the 5K race.

I have always had issues breaking in new shoes. My heels protrude in some weird way or something, for it really takes me like 2 dozen times of wearing new shoes for a couple hours at a time for them to feel comfortable. Not the case with these Merrell's. Not a single pinch point or blister or anything. My feet felt fine after sloshing through mud and running on rocks.

Big fan.

 

[Wrigley]

I officially joined the "Barefoot Revolution" today. Went with the Merrell Barefoot Trail Glove. All the benefits of going barefoot without the gimmicky individual toe thingies. Seems a bit ridiculous to pay so much for such a lightweight shoe, but they're getting great reviews and I envision myself wearing these everywhere this summer.

Got myself a pair of these last week.I tried on some fivefingers a while back, but my little toe is all sorts of small, so the damn thing would pop out of its rightful place and crowd into my other toe. Didn't think much about trying anything new until I realized I was running in the Warrior Dash on Saturday, and my running shoes were way old and super uncomfortable.

I picked up a pair of the Merrell Trail Gloves on Thursday. Wore them barefoot for a 3 mile walk on Thursday night, didn't wear them Friday, then wore the Saturday barefoot for the 5K race.

I have always had issues breaking in new shoes. My heels protrude in some weird way or something, for it really takes me like 2 dozen times of wearing new shoes for a couple hours at a time for them to feel comfortable. Not the case with these Merrell's. Not a single pinch point or blister or anything. My feet felt fine after sloshing through mud and running on rocks.

Big fan.

Got a pair of the Trail Gloves for my Birthday. Went for a little 2.5 mile run yesterday............today: MY CALVES ARE KILLING ME!!!! My brother, who bought them for me, told me to take it easy the first couple times out........Boy, he was right.I can barley walk today.......I'm avoiding stairs at all costs.

I'm sure the pain will subside.

Love the feel of these things.

 

[Joe T]

I golf in these.

 

[cosjobs]

Here's an article on why barefoot is better:

http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/

Here are a few videos on Vibram Fivefingers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7mELaYQ-uI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waQSQjW4D3Y

I got a pair of Vivo Barefoot (Dharma) about a month ago. They're extremely comfortable, but they're really for casual wear, not active wear. I got my Vibram Fivefingers about a week ago, and they're great for walking, running, lifting, etc.

Just thought you'd like to know . . .

Verdict?

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Here's an article on why barefoot is better:

http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/

Here are a few videos on Vibram Fivefingers:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7mELaYQ-uI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=waQSQjW4D3Y

I got a pair of Vivo Barefoot (Dharma) about a month ago. They're extremely comfortable, but they're really for casual wear, not active wear. I got my Vibram Fivefingers about a week ago, and they're great for walking, running, lifting, etc.

Just thought you'd like to know . . .

Verdict?

I've got three pair of Vibram Fivefingers now. I'm wearing one right now. I love them for walking, for going to the beach, for hiking, and sometimes just for wearing around town. Very comfortable. And super low maintenance and durable.

I won't get another pair of the Vivo Barefoot shoes. They're quite comfortable, but they're too expensive and they don't last very long. Mine became dirty-looking after just a few weeks (and you can't just throw them in the washing machine like you can with the Vibrams), and then started to rip at the seams after a few months. These were a disappointment.

 

[belljr]

bought these merrels http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050CJ87O/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?tag=bfrshoes-20

really liking them

 

[cosjobs]

bought these merrels http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050CJ87O/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?tag=bfrshoes-20

really liking them

I might check those out. I have a wide foot and cannot fit into any of the Five finger designs.

I did find some Altras that were wide enough and I love them. No more foot pain :confetti:

I'd sure like to find something as comfortable that wasn't lime green.

 

[belljr]

bought these merrels http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0050CJ87O/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?tag=bfrshoes-20

really liking them

I might check those out. I have a wide foot and cannot fit into any of the Five finger designs.

I did find some Altras that were wide enough and I love them. No more foot pain :confetti:

I'd sure like to find something as comfortable that wasn't lime green.

these are my first foray into vibram. these are a vibram sole, they are comfortable and light with a tiny bit of cusion. i dont run much but i like the feel of these.

 

[Major]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

 

[T Bell]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

You attribute that much sexual identification to footwear?

 

[johnnycakes]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

 

[cosjobs]

The kind I have (with the regular toe box, not space for each toe) required no break-in or anything. And my foot pain went away immediately and has not returned.

 

[Major]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

Fair enough. I'm not well versed with the aliases around here and who is quality/idiot/racist/etc.

In regards to Vibram, I'm just more of a form and function guy v. pure function. Great for kids. For persons over 12 yrs old, not so much #style

 

[CletiusMaximus]

I need a second pair as my first are worn out. I wear them at the gym, yard work, playing soccer, etc with the kids, at the lake. Not a runner nor a style guy.

 

[T Bell]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

You can say that about most gay guys.

 

[T Bell]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

Fair enough. I'm not well versed with the aliases around here and who is quality/idiot/racist/etc.

In regards to Vibram, I'm just more of a form and function guy v. pure function. Great for kids. For persons over 12 yrs old, not so much #style

I went to the #style discussion and didn't see your tweet.

 

[jamil]

Nike just released their true barefoot shoe. The flyknit upper makes it look like you can wear it sockless while you workout. Big downside though is the typical nike price tag. http://www.nike.com/fall13-app/us/en_us/hyperfeel

 

[Major]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

Fair enough. I'm not well versed with the aliases around here and who is quality/idiot/racist/etc.

In regards to Vibram, I'm just more of a form and function guy v. pure function. Great for kids. For persons over 12 yrs old, not so much #style

I went to the #style discussion and didn't see your tweet.

that was pretty funny...you consider stand-up or at least writing for Louis CK?

 

[jason12vb]

Nike just released their true barefoot shoe. The flyknit upper makes it look like you can wear it sockless while you workout. Big downside though is the typical nike price tag. http://www.nike.com/fall13-app/us/en_us/hyperfeel

Do they actually make reference anywhere to it being a "true barefoot shoe"? In that link I didn't see them bill it that way and the few articles I found didn't express that sentiment.

I'd take issue with them calling it a "true barefoot shoe", yet using hot words like "Sensational Cushioning" to sell it. The two biggest reasons behind the barefoot movement are to rid yourself of cushioning and support and too many companies are trying to get a piece of that market, yet still building "innovations" like support and cushion into their products to keep altering people's feet and making them need expensive technology and new shoes.

I'd actually be interested in this shoe if it were sub $80 (no eff'in way at $150) ... I think the plain black and white model looks cool and I could see wearing it to the gym, especially for leg days.

 

[Major]

Nike just released their true barefoot shoe. The flyknit upper makes it look like you can wear it sockless while you workout. Big downside though is the typical nike price tag. http://www.nike.com/fall13-app/us/en_us/hyperfeel

Do they actually make reference anywhere to it being a "true barefoot shoe"? In that link I didn't see them bill it that way and the few articles I found didn't express that sentiment.

I'd take issue with them calling it a "true barefoot shoe", yet using hot words like "Sensational Cushioning" to sell it. The two biggest reasons behind the barefoot movement are to rid yourself of cushioning and support and too many companies are trying to get a piece of that market, yet still building "innovations" like support and cushion into their products to keep altering people's feet and making them need expensive technology and new shoes.

I'd actually be interested in this shoe if it were sub $80 (no eff'in way at $150) ... I think the plain black and white model looks cool and I could see wearing it to the gym, especially for leg days.

Those don't look bad. I'd consider em' for the beach but prefer spending more on :style: I'll see if Mr. Porter has better offerings.

 

[Drifter]

I have pair of the water shoes for boating, etc and they are fantastic

 

[jamil]

Nike just released their true barefoot shoe. The flyknit upper makes it look like you can wear it sockless while you workout. Big downside though is the typical nike price tag. http://www.nike.com/fall13-app/us/en_us/hyperfeel

Do they actually make reference anywhere to it being a "true barefoot shoe"? In that link I didn't see them bill it that way and the few articles I found didn't express that sentiment.

I'd take issue with them calling it a "true barefoot shoe", yet using hot words like "Sensational Cushioning" to sell it. The two biggest reasons behind the barefoot movement are to rid yourself of cushioning and support and too many companies are trying to get a piece of that market, yet still building "innovations" like support and cushion into their products to keep altering people's feet and making them need expensive technology and new shoes.

I'd actually be interested in this shoe if it were sub $80 (no eff'in way at $150) ... I think the plain black and white model looks cool and I could see wearing it to the gym, especially for leg days.

Sorry I added that. This seems more barefoot than their "free" line so I added true.

 

[jason12vb]

Nike just released their true barefoot shoe. The flyknit upper makes it look like you can wear it sockless while you workout. Big downside though is the typical nike price tag. http://www.nike.com/fall13-app/us/en_us/hyperfeel

Do they actually make reference anywhere to it being a "true barefoot shoe"? In that link I didn't see them bill it that way and the few articles I found didn't express that sentiment.

I'd take issue with them calling it a "true barefoot shoe", yet using hot words like "Sensational Cushioning" to sell it. The two biggest reasons behind the barefoot movement are to rid yourself of cushioning and support and too many companies are trying to get a piece of that market, yet still building "innovations" like support and cushion into their products to keep altering people's feet and making them need expensive technology and new shoes.

I'd actually be interested in this shoe if it were sub $80 (no eff'in way at $150) ... I think the plain black and white model looks cool and I could see wearing it to the gym, especially for leg days.

Sorry I added that. This seems more barefoot than their "free" line so I added true.

That's cool...you're correct that they are closer to a barefoot shoe than anything they've released and I am a fan of their free line. It looks like a product I'd be interested in, just making sure they didn't bill it as a barefoot thing.

 

[T Bell]

You guys should just turn in your man card if you're wearing this Vibram rubbish. I don't care how comfortable they are, they look turrible...worse than Crocs

That was kind of my first impression of them, but if Maurile likes them as much as he does, that gives me pause. He has his #### together pretty well and knows lots of hot women.

Fair enough. I'm not well versed with the aliases around here and who is quality/idiot/racist/etc.

In regards to Vibram, I'm just more of a form and function guy v. pure function. Great for kids. For persons over 12 yrs old, not so much #style

I went to the #style discussion and didn't see your tweet.

that was pretty funny...you consider stand-up or at least writing for Louis CK?

#no

 

[onionsack]

Science says they're only good for grossing people out.

 

[onionsack]

Vibram will pay millions to suckers who bought their shoes

 

[jason12vb]

Thanks for the article, will definitely have to read the entire thing when I've got time.

 

[jamil]

So how do i get my money? They are still awesome to do squats in though...

 

[Chaka]

I haven't worn mine in probably 2 years (maybe more). Never had any sort of problem with them and I worked out in them a ton, no heavy running though, I just sort of stopped wearing them.

 

[johnnycakes]

The article describes them as "The favorite toe-shoe of vegan restaurant servers and 55-year-old men with ponytails".

What other kinds of people wear Vibram Five Fingers? I'll hang up and listen.