Vibram Fivefingers are the greatest shoes with toes I’ve ever bought. They have been a complete lifestyle change in the way I exercise and run. After some of research, finding the right size, and practicing natural techniques my body has definitely benefited from this barefoot style of running.
The Hunt for the perfect shoe
Like many people, I have always had a hard time finding the right shoe. They were all either too tight, too narrow, too loose, or the heel being too high. I began researching websites and talking with people who swore their life on barefoot running. At first, it doesn’t seem plausible for someone like me who just runs occasionally.
I was worried about the concrete hurting my feet, all the possible debris that could cut my feet, and any injuries that would outweigh the benefits of barefoot running. However, I came across numerous concepts that the modern shoe is far worse than any of the things I was worried about. I had been denying many muscles, tendons, and bones their natural movement for numerous years.
It all makes sense that as a child running around barefoot they never complain about their feet hurting. It’s only the adults that constrict themselves to high-heeled running shoes which have problems. I was also informed that my running stride was unnatural too.
Landing on your heels was the root of all running injuries: back injuries, jarring the knees, shin splints, and ankle rollovers. They have manufactured the modern shoe to adopt to these unnatural tendencies. With the shoes with toes, they force you to have a closer consciousness with your stride.
Landing on the ground with the balls of your feet first in turn keeps your body straighter for a healthier run. Your legs have natural ‘shock absorbers’ in the feet and calves to help with this stride transformation.
Going for Shoes With Toes
With the knowledge in hand, my cousin convinced me to finally buy a pair of Vibrams. I bought the Vibram Classic because these looked like the easiest to put on. It took awhile for me to learn how to put these on properly. At times they felt uncomfortable. This was due to me slipping them on without making sure each toe was properly seated.
The most difficult toes are the 4th and 5th (pinkie toe). After awhile, I finally was able to learn how to slip them on quickly without discomfort. Originally, I just bought the size I thought would fit me best which was a tad too large. I didn’t pay attention to how they should actually fit.
The large size was rubbing the back of my heel and causing blisters, so I would just tighten the Classic’s string to combat this. Finally, after getting tired of the blisters I went and exchanged them for a smaller size that fit a lot more snug. Without the strap pulled tight, there was no room for movement in the shoe.
Running and walking in these were by far more comfortable than the looser fit. I no longer had to even use the strap at all. With the more snug fit, I can still run without pulling the strap whatsoever. The only time I would use the strap is if I was in a wet hiking environment. Only to keep any debris out. The best analogy to comfort is that they should fit almost like a rock climbing shoe.
When you first buy rock climbing shoes, they fit like a glove and are difficult to wear for more than a couple hours. Now, rock climbing shoes differ because they constrict as the Vibrams are making you use more muscles. Be sure to go get properly sized the first time so you don’t have any of the irritations that I came across.
Getting used to the toed shoes
Even if they feel comfortable once you put them on, they can’t stay on for long without your muscles getting tired. Since many of my tendons and muscles had atrophy, listen to the recommendation of only wearing two to three times a week until you slowly build them back up. During the off days I switched to a very loose/thin fitting shoe like Converse.
That way I wasn’t negating any of the benefits from the Vibrams. Focusing on my new stride seemed difficult as first as my running distance was cut down to almost 1/4th of what I normally do. Not because I was tired, but because muscles in my feet and legs I’d never felt before were so pumped. Waking up the mornings after those first runs with the shoes with toes certainly caused some laughter while I crawled to the bathroom.
My muscles were so sore it was difficult to walk the first 5 minutes of the day. As painful and funny as it was, it was a great relief to realize the first attempts at this new style of running was already paying off. After a month or two I was back to my normal running distance. I have yet to have any injuries with the Vibrams.
The thin sole I was worried about has ran over sharp glass, rocks, and wood without any pain. The polyamide top is also thick enough to stop a bee stinger from penetration (weird encounter). I also feel that during this process it made me become more aware of my surroundings and the ground I was running on. Running became a bit more fun and eventually, I would have workouts that lasted twice as long as before.
Conclusion
The Vibrams Classics are a great buy; however, I plan to buy the Speed or Bikila LS just for running. The Classics are very good for everyday/lifestyle use. They don’t advertise them as a water shoe, but these work great as a water moccasin of any sort. Be sure to go in and make sure you try them all too.
As much as I like the Classic, the Sprints were very uncomfortable to me. The strap dug into the skin too much, and without the polyamide top like the KSO’s it was unbearable. So go change your life and experience the beneficial revolution of shoes with toes!
- Anonymous
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