Awesome way to be barefoot AND secure
When I measured for sizing, I used my large square quilting ruler, slid it against a wall with no trim and then put my heel against the wall. I also took care to relax the foot, and made sure none of my toes were were clenched. I suggest actually reaching down and making sure the toes are stretched out straight, as years in crummy shoes can make unhappy feet. Then for the two low side shoes I ordered the size stated, and for the high side shoe I ordered one size lower. This sizing worked for the shoes I got.
This shoe rocks for any activity where stability is a must. Once your foot is planted, it's staying there. Great for use in yoga instead of a sticky mat, great all around. I instantly loved mine, but my spouse had a tough time with his. I bought him the pair with the higher sides up the foot, and he had a terrible time getting them on and getting the toes in. This told me he really needed them, so I tried to help. Finally I figured out he doesn't have the toe muscles to move them independently, so I got him a second pair of the low cut shoes. Now he can slide his hand in and help his toes land in the right compartment.
I think this shoe is good for anyone who has a tactile issue and can't tolerate bare feet. It helps his toes to not be in the box that is a regular shoe.
I loved mine from the get go, and once the snow is out will be wearing them all over.
Pretty cool, man
I bought these shoes rather impatiently, not waiting for the snows to melt, so I haven't tried them in all the waysI want. But I wear them around, and have tried them in the dirt, snow, and asphalt, wet and dry. But consider my usage to be on the casual side.
First, I think they are great. They are fairly comfortable, as sometimes I forget I have them on. They get a quite a reaction from my peers. I am excited to try them out on the rocky beaches and boats this summer, as I'm sure they'll pay for themselves.
A few cons though: these were made for skinny feet. Mine are not bony, and my heel is relatively small (apparently). Because of this my heel does not sit all the way back in the rubber sole, leaing a small space that used to rub at first. I don't believe a smaller size would be adequate as the toes and fabric fit well.
Other than this, these shoes just take some getting used to. Remembering to not drag your feet, especially on carpet, because the rubber toe tips pretty much make your toes longer and YOU WILL FALL ON YOUR FACE. Watch for puddles, unless you want you feet soaked. Whenn sitting in a chair, don't rest your feet on the tips of your toes, because they can get pretty sore. Nothing thats really too big of a deal, just remember these aren't your everyday shoes. Sounds easy, right? Not when you forget you've even got 'em on :)
Best, Strangest Shoes Around
I was worried about getting these, as they were the most expensive shoes (or clothes in general) I ever bought. My feared turned out to be unfounded. You really can feel the ground while wearing them, and they are much more comfortable to run in than anything else I have (which is admittedly not much).They certainly do get looks and comments; I got the blue/gray which are even "louder". Everyone comments about how interesting they are, and I rarely get unapproving looks.One word of warning, you probably should be careful when starting to wear them. I got a horrible blister/bruise on my foot because I ran over some rocks like I would in usual shoes. Not a problem now, but something to watch out for. I wouldn't advise going trail running or hiking first thing.Also, not related to the sprints, but the KSOs (which I got in person); be careful with the sizes, especially if you have even slightly high arches. I had to go two sizes up from what the size chart said to even be able to get them on. This will vary, but the tops are fairly tight in comparison to length.
Can I get a paycheck....
I purchased the Women's Classic and FiveFingers Sprint just before I went on a 2-week competition tour with our local area drum & bugle corps. I am up and down a food truck ramp each day from 6am-11:00 pm. Needless to say, they were the perfect footwear for me! The only downside(s) 1] the Sprint did rub against my heel and cause a little chafing. Maybe cause they don't have an adjustable band like the Classic. 2] They have an odor (I think this is due to the rubbber bottom) and since I have never had a foot odor problem, I plan to purchase several pairs of socks to see if that would help. Otherwise, these are the most comfortable shoes I've purchased in a very long time. Nothing feels better than barefooting (or in this case, the next best thing!) I've been questioned by many people whenever I wear them and I think I AM one of your unpaid sales persons in disguise. Hopefully, some of those who inquired will have already purchased a pair or two and they can then write their own testimony. Thank you.
very cool running/walking experience
I bought these shoes to try running in them so that I could have a barefoot experience. I have long toes so I had to buy 1/2 size up but they fit like a glove. Because I am not used to walking barefoot anywhere, I wore them at short intervals and I noticed a difference right away in my feet, calves and even my spine. They separate the toes and are just like walking barefoot in places you wouldn't walk barefoot! Running in them is a new experience and took some time getting used to. Although I don't run long distances in them yet, I am working up to it. The only thing I do not like about them is that I will not be able to wear them in cooler weather. They are not insulated so my feet get cold quickly even when I wear them to the air conditioned supermarket! I don't think I will be able to wear them out in winter, although I believe they do have a style that is specifically for colder weather.
Rx for bare feet- vibram 5 finger shoes
im on my feet alot, constantly walking. i love them because they are very light weight, in fact so light that i forget that i even have them on. the family went on vacation to Florida and i wore nothing but my five fingers. we went to the beach, pool, mall, u name it i wore it. this is coming from someone who had ACL reconstruction surgery and i cant wear every type of shoe.
The only thing is that on all day at busch gardens from open to close gave my a blister on each foot right at the bottom of my second toe and the ball of my feet hurt at the end of the day for a few days. Not for anything but, i dont think my feet were ready for that type of activity yet. so when they say brake them in slowly please do so. ur feet will thank you for it! other wise my friends an dfamily loved them. they call them my "Avitar" shoes. lol
Great shoe!
Love comfortable shoes and going barefoot. I do not like heels with much height and any kind of pointed (even slightly pointed) shoes. Some of the pros and cons I cannot adequately address because I have not had them long enough. I ordered slate color but had to send them back because of the sizing issue. I got black second time but I think the slate would be a better color. I measured as instructed and even got a piece of cardboard (foot a bit larger on cardboard) to measure my foot. But in spite of measuring a thousand times, I had to return the shoe for on two sizes smaller. I do put a thin insert into the shoe to absorb excess moisture cutting of the excess at the toes. I think the socks could be a better quality and a more tightly woven material. Wish I could get a job helping with color and design construction!!
Love em, and never going back
Dancer, fitness instructor, massage therapist, world traveler...I gotta have the right stuff on my feet. Prone to pain in my arches (after too many squats) and pain in my knees (after running on pavement, yuck), I was ready for something that helped me, not hurt me. My husband is a barefoot believer and got me curious, so I got some. I LOVE em! No more knee pain, arch pain, and much better articulation of my feet and toes, I will never buy an overhyped athletic shoe again. Only complaint: even after washing the shoes and line drying, the footbed seems to absorb odor noticeably, but it won't stop me from making them my only pair of active shoes. People are always stopping and pointing, asking questions, and basically think I'm an alien or celebrity with something so strange on my feet. Go Vibram!
Crazy Cool
I use these shoes for running. My sister recommended them as I am training for a marathon and they simulate the RIGHT way to run - barefoot running. I do alot of trail running and these are NOT great for that. You feel every rock and acorn out there! They take alot of getting used to. I got bad blisters on my toes the first few times I wore them. They also made my calves hurt since I was running a whole new way.
They are however, fantastic for track running, treadmill running, yoga, pilates, etc. I use them alot when I lift weight and always get a ton of questions. It's definiatly a fashion statement and gets alot of attraction! Just be ready to have an adjustment period with them!
Shoes that Fixed My Feet
What a great shoe! I have always had feet problems with corns and calluses. I purchased these fivefingers for some beach fun, but I ended up wearing them every day. Now my feet no longer hurt.
They are so amazing, I hiked up and down Pikes Peak in Colorado (26 miles going from 7,000 feet to 14,000 feet). Pikes Peak is just one example of the hundreads of miles I have walked in these shoes.
I have had the sprint for 6 months and I am going to purchase the flow for the winter. My only grip is that I purchased 1 size too small, but this is my fault, not the shoes!
Thank you Fivefingers for fixing my feet!