Vibram FiveFingers Shoes Give Your Feet a Workout

by Jacki Donaldson (Subscribe to Jacki Donaldson's posts)
Jul 24th 2009 12:00PM

Categories: Fitness

Photo: amazon.com

It's important to find a fitness shoe that protect and supports your feet, but instead of opting for a fancy pair with all sorts of bells and whistles, a more basic shoe may be the way to go. Vibram FiveFingers shoes keep your tootsies in a more natural state -- almost like you're barefoot.

Vibram claims this shoe gives you the sensation of being sans-sneakers, while increasing foot strength, to improve balance, agility, speed and range of motion.

FiveFingers was once reserved for sailors and then barefoot runners, but now, the shoe designed to hug all five toes is finding its way into the mainstream market. It's a crossover shoe designed for multiple sports and activities, including ChiRunning, kayaking, windsurfing or just cruising around town -- and while you might be eager to slip your toes into a pair, be prepared for an adjustment period. You could feel a bit of discomfort for the first week or two as your feet transition. And be aware that the jury is still out on whether barefoot is better than shoes. Some skeptics say FiveFingers might adversely affect your arch, ankles, feet, shins, knees, hips and back.

Eager to try out these kicks? You can find FiveFingers at amazon.com or at select retailers -- click here to find one near you.

Comments (28)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

amyt 7-24-2009 @ 6:53PM

I am dying to get a pair of five fingers. I want to wait and try them on in person though, I hear the sizing is tricky.

Deb 7-27-2009 @ 7:03PM

Just bought my first pair this weekend...they are AWESOME!!!!! Sizing was not that difficult. I went to Outdoor Provisions and had a great salesperson that helped me. It took a few minutes to get all the toes in b/c of the muscle weakness in my feet. As I walked around, my feet were free at last:) If you think this is crazy, you should get the book, "Born to Run" and read up on the research and theory behind the design. I LOVE THEM!!!

justinno 7-28-2009 @ 10:48AM

Sizing is tricky - you want to make sure you get a size to accommodate your longest toe (sometimes that's not the big toe - can be the second toe).

For a lot more info on this, you can query the "VFF fan community" via the fivefingers fan site - http://birthdayshoes.com forums. Lots of pictures and user experiences (ppl are running, climbing, hiking, even hang gliding - http://birthdayshoes.com/index.php/hang-gliding-barefoot-interview-with-davis-straub in them ).

Incidentally, I'm not sure the jury is all that out as to injuries going barefoot -- seems the jury is IN on the fact that the more expensive your running shoes, the more prone you are to get injured. And of course, you can always just "go full monty" and be totally barefoot in your running/walking/whatever without having to get VFFs. VFFs just help ease the transition.

Noah 7-25-2009 @ 12:03AM

Incidentally, I tried on a pair of these today at a the Hudson Trail Outfitters in Fairfax. I really loved how they felt when I finally got them on my feet... it took nearly ten minutes to get both shoes fitted to my toes! I highly recommend trying them on in person before ordering them online as I had to try on a couple different sizes. I have a 12" foot but I had to wear a 11.5" pair of these (46 in Vibram size).

Like I said, they felt great when I finally got them to fit!

taytayy 7-27-2009 @ 2:15PM

i luv this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

crankshaft 7-27-2009 @ 2:53PM

Fingers ? What idiot came up with that ? Toes must not be marketable. At any rate, the same people who wore or wear those butt ugly crocs will likely wear these horrid looking things.

pegleg 7-27-2009 @ 3:08PM

Good luck when plantar fasciitis flares up and costs you $500 for shoe inserts to repair your arch. There's no way these are good for your feet. Don't take the bait, naive fools!

Brandy 7-27-2009 @ 3:14PM

Actually, they've done studies showing that shoes are bad for your feet. When you have so much cushioning and other things going on, your feet stop doing what they were made to do. My store (The Trail Store in Louisville, KY) carries these and they are by far our best seller. They really do strengthen your feet, ankles, lower legs, and knees. They help uncurl crazy toes, as well. Hell, I work with a bunch of health nuts and outdoor enthusiasts. If they say they work, I'd trust them.

Ed 7-28-2009 @ 12:30PM

You might be surprised to learn that my plantar fascitis actually diminished after wearing these for only 4 days. I just got back from a weeklong trip to Japan and wore them nearly every day. A nagging hip pain also disappeared.

I love these shoes, I'm planning on buying a second pair.

Susan 7-28-2009 @ 12:57AM

Discomfort for a WEEK or TWO? No thanks. I've had my discomfort thank you, with a stress fracture and a broken toe. The jury is definitely still out here but they sure do look interesting.

grey 7-27-2009 @ 3:54PM

I don't mind buying it. i thought it looked cool, but there is one question I must ask. Will I feel the pain if I accidentally struck my toe into a corner, or a chair leg? That's something that I cannot fathom this pain. Oh, I hate it.

Melanie 7-27-2009 @ 4:25PM

I own a pair of Sprints and am going to buy some KSOs this weekend at a retailer that finally started carrying these nearby. (If 2 hours is "near"...) I really, totally, absolutely LOVE these. It took about 2-3 days to completely adjust, and I am completely inlove with them. I took them to Yosemite and wore them everywhere and I really think they are God's gift to feet. They are not great on gravel, and small rocks, but on trails, concrete, etc they are awesome.
And for the naysayers... barefooting is great. I no longer have hip and knee pain, and being barefoot is natural. Studies don't really go one way or the other and I think it's a personal thing.
Yes, stubbing your toes hurt. It's like being barefoot. Stubbing your toe barefoot hurts, so stubbing your toe in fivefingers will hurt, too. So will stepping on sharp, pointy rocks. The point is to feel like you are barefoot with protection for your sole. You learn to pay more attention when you walk, and it's really amazing.

steve 7-28-2009 @ 1:23AM

I got a pair in Florida in June. I've worn them to Honduras and now in Hawaii. At first it took about 5 minutes to get into them. Now they're easy to slip on in a few seconds. Today I climbed a mountain and walked on the beach. They feel great! Yes, you can feel sharp objects, but not like being barefoot. Since you're barefoot inside them, they'll get smelly. Just throw them in the washer once a week if you wear them a lot. Let them air dry. Not a good idea on high heat in the dryer even though I accidentally did and they still fit great! I typically wear a size 11 tennis shoe. My size is a 44.

AwakenEvil 7-27-2009 @ 5:23PM

They look like they would be fun to wear!! However I have short pinky toes and long toes next to my big toe so the fit might not go with my build!

Lynn 7-27-2009 @ 5:45PM

They sound fascinating, but the between the toes thing times 10?! – I don’t know I’d really have to try them on. I really like the idea though – I love being barefoot whenever I can get away with it and I think it is good for your feet unless you walk on something really hard like concrete or tile all day.

Sam 7-27-2009 @ 6:20PM

ugh! now that crocs are finally going out of business some morons come in with more ridiculous footwear. that's bull

Melanie 7-27-2009 @ 7:13PM

These look funny... but they are nothing like crocs. Crocs are "fashionably ugly" and supposedly comfortable.. Unlike Crocs, Fivefingers are designed for outdoor activities like running, kayaking, treking, etc and are to help your feet and the rest of your body function better. People shouldn't compare the two without being educated properly about the footwear.

ritzie cracker 7-27-2009 @ 6:47PM

I have two pairs and they are the best thing that ever hit my feet. Those people who can not get over the look of them well never. These shoes really do work and are the best thing in that I wear them from my garden right into town and into a cafe for a bite to eat. I never have to worry about shoes or the social look thing. They are great!!!