While training in mountainous Medellin Colombia, he needed more rubber to cushion his heels. Some of these injuries are from stress, falls, or imbalances. Hey Ryan and Alex. (Im betting that Ill end up getting multiple models for different occasions (V-NEOP for rain, another for extreme winter days), but would really like to check the most boxes with my first model, and try to have as few models as practical. Continue to use them every other day. With socks it seems like its too small. The Vibram KSO is a very basic hiking sandal/shoe, with individual slots for your toes and a single hook-and-loop closure. I have quite long toes and found the toe compartments of the KSO to be slightly longer than my old pair. Estonia So the first thought that came to mind when my wife said let's go hike Scotland was cool I'll buy a new pair of TrekSports for the trip. Generally, I choose minimal footwear for this kind of trip, as it allows me to experience the terrain fully. I could have run more, but in my mind, I knew that I was supposed to stick to a slow transition plan. She believes all humans contain a wild spirit and nature connects everyone. I am not a MechE, but my experience as a ChemE tells me thats the prefect material to reduce friction. Please leave questions about the article in the comments below. But, it has a very thin sole. If this is something that interests you, wear the shoes you normally would and bring these along for shorter day hikes. Also, normal shoes cause me pain. I prefer to wear FiveFingers without socks because it feels more like Im barefoot. The V-NEOPs are my favorite-looking model though. You should actually wear court shoes. What would realistically happen after a gravity magic spell is cast? And the Vibram KSO allows me to do it safely. For years, we worked out barefoot. Plus, when your toes are free it feels like you could scale the side of a building if you needed to. So, did Vibram FiveFingers cause my running injuries? I use lightweight gaiters (Dirty Girl brand -- google it) to keep pebbles out. He wore his last pair for 2.5 years and only replaced them to try a new style. Receive our newsletter bringing healthy couples practical tips and life-changing ideas based on science. Its up to your preference, but I think extra shoe at the end of your toes detracts from the barefoot feel. But, both Ryan and I have experienced injury from potentially transitioning too fast, so well talk about that in-depth later on in our Vibram FiveFingers review. Sure, Ive had some blisters in the past, but they usually happen only during the transition period and not once your feet have toughened up. When we first started to wear them they would last for years. Hello! It seems like Im in between size 42 and 43. The book cites studies pointing fingers at cushioned sneakers as the culprits, and the minimalist shoe revolution got its bible. While I had transitioned to minimalist running, Ive still never committed to barefoot running. Do you have any recommendations as to which pair? Use that measurement to reference the Vibram FiveFingers sizing chart for men and women. It would be helpful if you just copy and pasted your below questions into the comments section of our Vibram Review Then Ill post my response there too so other readers can benefit. The cold isn't a problem as long as I stay moving. I would usually walk more since I live in a more walk-able city without a car, but am visiting family in a car-city and am using one of their cars. Im glad you reached out, and I actually get this question a lot. Personally, while I might wear my VFFs or sandals on a short day hike, I am skeptical they would be sufficient on a serious multi-day trip. Based on our combined 20 years of experience wearing at least a dozen pairs of FiveFinger shoes, they last longer than the typical shoe. With the Vibrams my heel was lowered to the ground stretching my Achilles, calf muscles, hamstrings, and rocking the top of my hips back, straightening my spine. A lot depends on the ground you are going to cover. A pair of shoes over a decade old are still going strong. Some of the other models have stretchy fabric uppers, the KSO Treks have kangaroo leather which is very soft and dries quickly. I've easily hiked 5000 miles in VFF KSO's over the past four years. Heck, the very inspiration for the modern-day marathon, Pheidippides, supposedly was barefoot when he ran the first marathon after the Battle of Marathon in ancient Greece. Required fields are marked *. They are a perfect fit and really comfortable. In our experience, it doesnt feel truly barefoot unless your toes have the freedom to move individually. Grocery shop in Vibrams. I suppose the bugs could be partly addressed with a permethrin treatment. Correct me if I am wrong but it sounds like you have only worn them around the house. If so, what shoe would be a good (or the best) option and is it best to get toe socks to avoid chaffing from the sand or can this be done without too much trouble minus the socks? We find these shoes are better than any sneaker for hikes or walks that get us wet. Your feet are incredible works of art. When Ryan started exercising in Vibram FiveFingers, the appeal was instant. I will continue to wear these for many years to come! as far as the issue of warmth - they do make special five-finger, wool socks for the VFF that fit perfectly with the shoes. I am heading to Scotland in August. But the formal science out there is contradictory and the evidence is lacking. None of the other issues mentioned in the accepted answer will be a problem in Scottish summer walking: cold, plants, snakes and so on For UK conditions my own strong preference is for minimalist conventionally shaped trail shoes like the VivoBarefoot Trail Freak or the New Balance Minimus. Just like you I enjoy hiking in VFFs and I wondered how it would be to do a long backpacking trip in them. Both Ryan and I have been injured before and its not fun. Youd think the V-Run shoe would be the best running shoe, but for both of us, it just doesnt fit our feet right. It doesnt look like your size is available on Amazon so send us an email and we can share our special offer to buy on their website. Explain Certbot's HTTPS redirect configuration. Let me know what other questions you have too. Love them. Or take Abebe Bikila, the first African to ever win an Olympic gold medal, who broke the marathon world record while running barefoot in the 1960 Rome Olympics. It seems like yall highly recommend it for most activities, as well as on other sites (where it is said to be the SUV and most versatile of the VFF models). That shoe didnt fit either of us very well, and Ryans shoes started delaminating after a few runs. After that, it took about 2 to 3 days to recover and walk/run normally again. Ryan, however, wears Injinji socks and didnt get blisters with the V-Trek shoes. Read more about our policy. I have a true barefoot-foot. I would try them if I were you. Its like trying to stand on one leg on a fluffy marshmallow. Second day, my feet were in pain and I couldn't do more than 13 miles. I would NOT attempt a backpacking trip of that length with only VFFs if you have only done day hikes in the past. Sometimes dirt trails and sometimes Ill get off the path and explore. I was initially worried about that but do much better in them. According to the book, 65-80% of runners every year get injured. Is this normal? In an unbelievably true story, Chris tags along in an epic 50-mile ultramarathon race deep in Mexicos Copper Canyon in 2006. Without socks, it definitely feels snug like a glove. Each toe seems secure and less likely to fall out of their pocket. I'm afraid that your answer in its current form is likely to be converted to a comment. Which shoe do you recommend for strenuous hiking? The shoes weve already recommended for running offer the best fit, durability, and comfort. I did have some blistering at the end of my second big toes, however, I still wouldnt get the size up just because I prefer a snug shoe. Whats also not helpful, is that the Vibram website gives you choice overload. Both look and sound very promising! When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. Keep in mind that the website labels some styles as Runs small! I'm not talking about stepping on a rusty nail, that will go through any hiking sole, just your average bad luck. Since I dont plan to run in my VFFs, would you recommend that I consider other models considering what I wrote? Running my first marathon in the KSO Vibram FiveFingers shoes was a powerful experience, and I achieved my fastest time yet. Not allowed to board flight because of no UK entry Visa. Your foot should slide into the shoe, and then into the toe slots fairly easily. There are a lot of different models of Vibram FiveFingers, none of which you can find in stores. ), Thank you very much for reading all of that and considering it! I carry a pair of Altra Olympus 1.5 trail runners in my pack for multiday hikes. We have worn almost every shoe in almost every environment, from the desert in Texas to the jungles of Colombia. This Vibram FiveFingers review is based on our combined 24 years of experience wearing the minimalist toe shoes while running, trekking, and working out. I've done a lot of UK upland walking in minimal shoes, plus long Alpine treks with packs up to 30 lbs or so. Youre welcome. The best pair for running is the classic Vibram KSO. The reasons include the following: Traction - FiveFingers generally have rather thin soles. They provide all the protection and a barefoot feel. Lets say you transition to FiveFingers and then either take a break from wearing them or take a break from running. The first version of this shoe was my all-time favorite shoe. We used to live in Ecuador, which was the rainiest place weve ever hiked. My favorite shoe right now for strenuous hiking is the V-Trek (non-insulated). I prefer the V-Trail more than the V-Trek (Ryans favorite) because the low ankle doesnt rub and cause blisters. On a one-day outing I those were in my experience harmless; no problem there. I use xc for long distance with no problem. For distance runners, this shoe wont wear out and cause as much toe damage, while still providing the minimalist experience and health benefits. 1. What gets tracked, gets improved2. Your email address will not be published. Im just unable to go to the store right now to test sizes and pairs due to the pandemic. If youre in between two sizes, I usually select the smaller size. I will definitely try the V-Trains and Xcursion Fusions. The difference was immense. You only need two pairs of shoes to cover all your needs. I have been a supporter of barefoot/minimal footwear for nearly 12 years. I did not factor in foot swelling during the marathon. Work around the house in Vibrams, Even have a pair I wear to formal events. Thats why tickling someones feet paralyzes their whole body. After eight years working in the corporate world as engineers, we left our high-powered jobs to tackle our true passion helping couples engineer their best lives. The thin, flexible, and deconstructed sole allows the foot to curl and flex. If you havent run in the KSO shoes before, they do have a thinner sole and more barefoot feel. For mountain walking in Scotland five-fingers just aren't suitable, particularly with a 30lb pack and if you're doing a multi-day. As a 5K racer though, Ive recently started wondering if a lightly cushioned racing flat is quicker. Here is what I found and these are my best answers to your questions. You can always find shipping times under shipping & FAQs. Based on our experience, FiveFingers are good for the health and function of our feet and lower extremities. Im a regular runner and believer in compound, body-weight exercises, so I was intrigued by the idea of barefoot running. I've seen more than one report of broken toes in FiveFingers, which could be very unpleasant in a remote spot. Youre right, the shoes have been less durable in the last couple of years. On hikes I didnt feel like I had enough support to carry an overnight pack, although I did appreciate the light weight (11.5 oz. If someone was completely used to wearing five fingers the lack of ankle support shouldn't be a big deal even with a heavy pack. We find every product in the KSO series to be excellent make a decision based on how much protection and grip your feet need. Therefore, when you join, you get our Goals and Habits Bundle to track and plan your best 2022. Rich. Vibram does offer a 100% guarantee (on full priced shoes) in case they do not help or youre not satisfied. I love them most for running. The leather will break in and stretch. Easy Jet flight Amsterdam to Malaga with a change in London in the middle. But I feel their use has really changed my life for the better. We have clients who have converted to FiveFingers and eliminatedplantar fasciitis and runners knee. Just a few other things to consider. Why? Of course, being so accustomed to the VFFs, it might take you an even longer time to break in new hiking boots and get conditioned in them. Its no wonder that everything is so contradictory and conflicting. People want shoes that prevent injury, make them run faster, offer stability, and improve recovery. Trail obstacles - Any natural trail has some rough patches. Carrying a 30-pound pack up and down hills with a week's worth of food and gear produces different stresses on your feet and joints than a water bottle and rain jacket. I almost always wear socks. One of the easiest exercise hacks is to work out barefoot. Yes I called you two kids. In certain conditions, sandals such as Cachos can be extremely comfortable. Since then, many other brands from Nike to Xero to Vivobarefoot, now offer minimalist running shoes and sandals. Conversely, we have flat-footed clients who swear by the arch support provided by their orthotics and are unwilling to make a change. We encourage you to experiment with minimalist shoes. It only takes a minute to sign up. Well discuss the barefoot running craze,share our experience with Vibram toe shoes, and guide you on how to transition to barefoot. And we get it. I tried them on with my injini toe socks and it was better, but I really was looking forward to using this without toe socks. The fit may seem less perfect if the material between your toes starts to dig in when descending a steep slope. Consecutive days of 10+ miles of walking are common whenever Im traveling. Somewhat expensive for a sandal, but the durability is outstanding. Increase the number of workouts or the intensity as you feel appropriate. The outsoles of the Vibram KSO get the most use, and they have relatively no wear on them at all. Heres How To Fix It, Five Common Ultralight Maxims and When to Ignore Them, The 5 Best Hiking Shoes for Fast-and-Light Comfort on the Trail. This shoe has the thinnest sole and its amazing to feel the ground until you start running on gravel or a bumpy trail with small rocks. I found the straps to be a tad long, which creates a bit of a problem. Obviously, there is a price to pay for the lightness and pleasures of wearing minimal footwear in wild country. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. categorize hiking sandals in four classes. I own several pairs of Vibram Five Fingers and every time I get a new pair I hem and haw over the fit. After a ton of use the soles look brand new. I like the end of my toes to be very close or touching the toe guard. What would you recommend? With the toe slots, they felt natural and fit literally like a glove. I have been wearing vibram toe shoes since they came out. I just finished running my first marathon and I trained in multiple pairs of FiveFingers. From here, youre the best judge. This takes some time to transition. Our Vibram FiveFingers review corroborates that. There have been times when he returns too quickly from a break and feels the warning signs. Hey Rich, this is loaded with great questions. The V-Trail by Vibram FiveFingersis my favorite shoe for the trail. What are the minimum set of shoes required for hiking outdoors. If youre wondering, we have never been injured stepping on sharp objects or stubbing our toes. Be cautious, though, since stubbing your toe feels pretty close to what it would be like barefoot. Again, the XERO Mesa Trail is not a Vibram toe shoe. There was an amazing cave downriver and the water was shallow enough to wade through. If the temperatures dip below 50 F, consider bringing warmer footwear. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site, Learn more about Stack Overflow the company. Its their best seller and in our experience the most durable and versatile shoe. These seem to fit well in the heel and my toes can wiggle, but dont slip out. Keep in mind, if you place an order Friday after 10:00 AM EST it will not ship until the following Monday. The following day, he had to pump the breaks due to extreme muscle soreness and stiffness in his Achilles tendons. I love the V-Trek (non-insulated) for trail running. Since Id be running over cobblestones, rocks, dirt, trails, and pavement all during The Great Wall Marathon, I switched to the V-Trail Vibram FiveFingers, which have a thicker rubber sole. Youll enjoy feeling connected to the ground and the shoes also start a lot of new conversations. Why won't this electromagnet home experiment work? But once we started lifting weights and incorporating resistance bands, we needed shoes to protect our feet. I really did feel more in tune with my feet while on the trail instead of mindlessly clomping along. This is a fairly comprehensive answer and if possible I'd like to address any criticisms with improvements to the work choster has already given us. The Specs $125 11.4 oz. I liked the V-Trail more than the V-Trek because the low ankle doesnt rub and cause blisters. I hear you. If you want this type of footwear its worth the price. In this case, would you still recommend I consider keeping the smaller size even though it seems like my big toe is already touching the end of its toe pocket? I have very slim ankles, so while this is an issue for me, it might not be for most. We tested the womens Vibram KSO Five Fingers. A boot and socks are thick enough at the ankle to mitigate injury from a small, young snake, but on the other hand I think I only saw about six snakes in the wild in my entire childhood. This will help you analyze your body and running technique at a deeper level. They're great when unencumbered, but follow the lead of all the mountain walkers out there who don't use them, at least for the first trip. I have heard about this but never experienced it. Additionally, the shoes that we do highly recommend, are not ideal for certain activities. Lastly, Vibram just launched the second version of the KomodoSport (KMD 2.0) shoe about a month ago. Also, just curious, what are your favorite pairs of Five Fingers? In time, youll be fine wearing them with and without socks. Also, its true that Vibram FiveFingers have had some quality issues in the past. Company name: O Iontex If you still have questions, well provide recommendations in the comments section of this article. GoreTex hiking boots are great when you're hiking through a lot of mud or snow. I second this. Stepping on the wrong things (sharp/pointy) can give bruises. Any opinions or links to where I can get more information would be appreciated. Very good and comprehensive answer, although I would disagree that the answer is subjective. Let me know if you have other questions. Always remember to listen to your body. Ironically, it was during my next marathon when I saw my first group of barefoot runners. Every two or three days you are going to get an eye-watering moment of pain when you do something clumsy. I have done the kso, v train and trail and all start breaking down on me in a matter of months so if you also have more tips on helping these last just a bit longer (I run a few miles daily) I would really appreciate! My pack weight varied from 20-35 lbs. Alex doesnt like wearing socks but I prefer them. And often. Socks help to make each toe feel more secure in their pocket, although there still doesnt seem to be that snug like a glove feeling. I have 18 pairs and depending what I do, I decide what pair to wear. What I use most of the time here in California is running shoes. Thanks for sharing your experience scott. We like the simple KSO shoe for walking and jogging. From HIIT to barre to weight lifting workouts, we prefer to work out in minimalist shoes like the Vibram FiveFingers or XERO Shoes. Yet, without a doubt, we give a 10/10 rating for the experience of wearing barefoot shoes and another 10/10 for convenience, travel, and cleanliness. We have partnered with Vibram FiveFingers to bring you a special offer. Dont know but it worked for me. Would be very interested in your code/offer. Now that he wears Injinji socks, they last two years or more. Can a chamber of Congress pass a bill that the other chamber passed in the past? Plus, have you ever tried doing a balance routine in sneakers?! Yosemite is my go-to hiking spot. The Vibram KSO Five Fingers are the classic, time-tested barefoot finger-style shoes. Im specifically wondering about what style you would recommend for trail running? trails with rocks, streams, mossy paths - no problem. With my thin-outer Merrells, I will often wear thicker wool socks with shorts since my feet seem to feel colder than the rest of my body. The soles, uppers and seams all look brand new and I feel confident that they will remain as such for many years to come. While wearing a minimalist shoe like Vibram FiveFingers may look barefoot enough, its not barefoot running. I have been using Vibram KSO Five Fingers since its infancy. Ryan and I have traveled to 33 countries together since 2010 when we first started wearing toe shoes. Although my feet started to hurt after about 20 something miles, which was more than I day hiked before. The EVO has a bit more grip and padding, and the Trek is a more rugged version of the original KSO. There is a place for each of your toes, and they mimic a nearly-barefoot experience.