Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative 431 Comments

Written by Tim Ferriss Topics: Physical Performance

Tim Ferriss on Vibram Shoes from Kevin Rose on Vimeo.

“The human foot is a work of art and a masterpiece of engineering.”
—Leonardo Da Vinci

“OK, dude, what’s up with the goofy shoes?”

It was the second day of Pavel’s RKC kettlebell course, and I’d seen more than a few people wearing what appeared to be gecko feet. The sheer goofiness compelled me to ask Rudy Tapalla, a CrossFit instructor from Chicago, why on earth he would put these ridiculous gloves on his toes. He seemed to have good mojo — he was shorter than me but had a vertical jump to match Michael Jordan — so I figured he might have good reasons.

He did, though I didn’t realize it at the time.

I remained a skeptic but tested them a month later. Now, I have three pairs and find it hard to wear other shoes. Vibram Five Fingers shoes (”VFFs” to the die-hard fans) are worth a closer look.

After two weeks of wearing them, the lower-back pain I’d had for more than 10 years disappeared and hasn’t returned since I started experimentation about 8 weeks ago.

Sound ridiculously implausible?

It doesn’t once we look at how feet and posture adapt…

Nasty Pictures and Maladapted Feet

Each human foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles and tendons. It’s a surprisingly malleable structure.

From the cached version of the most excellent Nature’s Magic Bullet, referred to me by Joseph Mascaro:

Most people, including doctors, have never seen a natural foot, unaltered by footwear. The following images of habitually bare feet are taken from a study performed almost 100 years ago, published 1905 in the American Journal of Orthopedic Surgery, which examined the feet of native barefoot populations in the Philippines and Central Africa. A line can be drawn that runs through the heel, ball, and big toe of a habitually bare foot. The little toes spread naturally and fan out to provide a wide, stable base for walking or standing.

How do our shod feet compare? The following more common image, also taken from the 1905 study, demonstrates feet that are shaped like the owner’s shoes. No such line can be drawn, and the little toes crowd to a point—a comparatively unstable, narrow base for walking or standing.

The Simple Biomechanics of Bad Posture

Postural compensation is unavoidable while wearing shoes that elevate the heels. It’s necessary to maintain balance.

Chronic use of heels can result — and usually does — in some degree of kyphosis-lordosis and related pains in the lower back and mid-upper back.

Reversing Degeneration – Embracing the Barefoot Alternative


Vibram Five Finger models: KSO (blue), Classic (brown), Sprint (gray)

Laboratory studies show that the plantar arch alone returns at least 17 percent of the energy of impact. Running shoes have largely replaced our arches, but they are neither as effective nor as durable. Barefoot runners can clearly do as well as shoed runners, but it takes time to develop the strength in the foot to use our natural arch fully.

(Source: The Barefoot Route)

Ethiopian Abebe Bikila ran a world-record 2:15:17 marathon at the 1960 Olympics in Rome.

Barefoot.

The unadorned human foot is built for running. In fact, some researchers have proposed that bipedalism is an evolved trait related to “persistence hunting”, which is common among predators like wolves. Don’t think a human can run an antelope to death? Think again.

So how do we reclaim our rightful arch strength, our stability, and undo the damage of years of unnatural posture? Not to mention rediscover the joy of feeling the terrain under our feet?

Going barefoot is one option, and one that I enjoy, but there are limits. In the concrete jungle, glass and other dangers make going Bushman a roll of the dice at best. Tetanus or a trip to the ER? I’ll pass.

The Vibram Five Fingers shoes, to differing degrees, allow you to both walk without a heel (as would wrestling shoes, the Nike Free, Vivo Barefoot shoes, or thin flip-flops) and condition toe-spread, especially the big toe, for lateral stability.

I first tested the KSO (”keep stuff out”) model, which fits most like an aqua sock and has more padding than other models I tested.

I then tested the Classic model, the least complicated of all, and the Sprint model, which is almost a hybrid of the KSO and Classic.

I wear a size 9.5 men’s shoe in the US and tested EU 42 for the KSO and Classic, and an EU 43 for the Sprint.

The results, in brief:

My favorite model is, by far, the Classic. It’s easiest to get on, even with my worthless nub of a little toe, and it most closely mimics the true barefoot feel. The only downside is that, to get a snug fit and not have the heel come off the foot, you must slide the top slip-tie until it is quite tight. This will feel unusual for the first 24 hours or so. I have used the Classic to go trail running in SF and it is euphoric.

I love the KSO, but it is more of a process to get on, and far more conspicuous. At first, it’s fun to get a lot of attention with the shoes (gentlemen, you will not believe the “peacocking” effect of these puppies), but giving each person you meet a 5-minute explanation gets old fast. The Classic blends in more than the KSO or any model with straps. Black will help all models fade into the ground, but I prefer colors.

The Sprint model was so uncomfortable at first that I shelved them, never intending to test them again. It was the only model, and not due to size differences, that oddly pulled my little toe out, causing minor pain but great discomfort after even 10 minutes. I sent an e-mail to their US CEO, who responded back with a suggestion to “seat the heel”, particularly with the Sprint model. This means:

Slide your foot back to nestle your heel into the heel pocket. It’s important to get your heel deeply seated. Secure the instep strap BEFORE latching the heel straps. This will ensure the foot is positioned properly.

I have since been able to wear the Sprint model for 1-2 days at a time, no more than 1 hour of walking at a stretch, but the velcro strap can still bite into the skin without the KSO-like mesh below it. I find it the least comfortable of the three models.

But what about flat feet?

I had clinically-diagnosed arch problems as a child — flat feet supreme — and was prescribed not only custom orthopedic insoles but also exercises for the feet themselves, rolling up towels with the toes, etc.. For those who like random anecdotes, my mom e-mailed me this addition after I published this post:

You didn’t mention that you leapt at the orthopedist examining your feet, like Spidey to a wall.

Sounds like me. I was a little hellion. But we digress…

Needless to say, the exercises fell by the wayside, and I took to increasing levels of support through the shoes themselves. VFFs have been nothing short of spectacular for me, despite my history of flat feet.

Barefoot runners are often asked “but what do you use for arch support?”, to which they respond: “your arches”. I’ve found that my arches, and foot as a whole, feels better with less support rather than more.

Cautions and Cons

-Do not overdo it at first. Chances are that the ligaments and musculature of your feet is underdeveloped. Use them for no more than 1/2 – 1 mile in the first 24 hours, then take a day off. I suggest alternating VFFs with “normal” shoes or flat-soled shoes like Chuck Taylors for the first week. I now use VFFs for no more than three days in a row, as I’ve had some bruising on the heel with more, and such bruising is slow to heal and massively inconvenient. Asphalt is somewhat forgiving, concrete much less so (The Embarcadero in SF, for example), and marble or stone is brutal (casino floors in Las Vegas, etc.).

-Beware the sizing. There are complaints online of the VFF website sizing suggestions being inaccurate for some people. Get sized at a retail location that carries VFFs if possible. If you can’t, check the VFF return policy on their site or order through Amazon to ensure swaps are simple.

-Be prepared to wash them. VFFs are machine washable and should be air dried. There are five-toed socks like the Injinji brand, but I have found all of them to be incredibly painful between the toes, no matter which model of shoe is worn. I now only wear VFFs barefoot. One nice side-effect of the toe separation? No more athlete’s foot or foot skin issues.

In Closing

To embrace barefoot living or the barefoot alternative, you will have to change how you walk and run, avoiding the heel strike we’ve all used since putting thick Nike padding under our soles. No need to obsess, though, as your gait will adapt naturally — reverting to a natural state, as it were — as you avoid the discomfort of doing otherwise.

The fastest runners have a style quite similar to that of a person running without shoes. They absorb shock by landing lightly on their forefeet rather than on their heels, and their landing leg is beneath the torso, with the leg slightly bent to absorb impact.

…

According to exercise physiologist and Olympic marathoner Pete Pfitzinger, the key to starting out is to go slowly. He advises walking barefoot for a few weeks to toughen up the skin on the bottom of the foot as well as the muscles in the ankles and feet. Once you are ready to run, start with a mere five minutes, increasing slowly and running barefoot every couple of days. From there, build to up to 20 minutes over a month. After a few weeks of this, the feet and ankles will be stronger, thus reducing the risk of injury. Possible places to train include sandy beaches and golf courses.

The barefoot running technique has been described as falling forward. It has also been described as gently kissing the ground with the balls of your feet.

(Source: The Barefoot Route)

For those interested in developing the most efficient and low-impact running gait, I suggest starting with the Chi Running DVD (skip the book, which gets into too much pseudo-Asian chi mumbo jumbo) and moving to the Pose Method of Running book if interested in more specific details.

Experiment with rediscovering your feet and proper biomechanics.

If a few weeks can eradicate 10+ years of lower-back pain for me, it might just do something for you.

At the very least, you get to wear some goofy shoes that encourage you to wiggle your toes.

###

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Posted on May 7th, 2009

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431 Responses to “Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative”

  • Dan
    May 7th, 2009
    12:30 am

    Hi Tim-

    A couple questions:

    1) What if you have flat feet? Does barefoot running adversely impact knees and the foot ligaments due to pronation?

    2) Our ancestors probably never ran on anything as hard as concrete sidewalk. How does this play into the barefoot running concept?

    Thanks in advance for your time.

    Dan

  • Cameron
    May 7th, 2009
    12:32 am

    Big calls Tim. If you are right I will Tip Joy your favorite charity big time. My only concern is I have tragically flat feet and have been wearing orthopedic insteps nearly my whole life. Like you, I have lower back pain. If I go bare feet it flares up as my tendons and muscles pull me into a forward leaning posture.
    From what you know so far do you think the concept works for the flat footed folk?

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      1:09 am

      Hi Cameron,

      I should have mentioned this and will add it into the post.

      But what about flat feet? I had clinically-diagnosed arch problems as a child — flat feet supreme — and was prescribed not only custom orthopedic insoles but also exercises for the feet themselves. Needless to say, these fell by the wayside and I took to increasing levels of support through the shoes themselves. VFFs have been nothing short of spectacular for me, despite my history of flat feet. Barefoot runners are often asked “but what do you use for arch support?” to which they respond: “your arches”.

      Hope that helps. I think they’re worth a shot.

      Tim

  • claus
    May 7th, 2009
    12:35 am

    Awesome,

    yesterday we talk about running, barefoot und lower-back pain. My I give it a try. But it isn’t easy to get them in Germany…

    It’s easier to get some “Knobelbecher”, sorry couldn’t resist.

    cfb

  • Sean Garnsey
    May 7th, 2009
    12:35 am

    Whoah this looks pretty awesome!!!

  • David Turnbull
    May 7th, 2009
    12:37 am

    I’m lucky enough to be able to walk completely barefoot around the area I live without the fear of stepping in glass etc, and I have been doing that for just under a 2 months.

    However, for those occassions when I go into the city, or need an actual shoe I’m a big fan of the Vivo Barefoot Aqua shoes. They seem like very traditional shoes but feel identical to barefoot walking.

    I’ll still probably pick up some Vibram shoes however because I’m guessing they’d be better for running than the Vivo’s.

  • Yavor Marichkov
    May 7th, 2009
    12:41 am

    “…and condition toe-spread, especially the big toe, for lateral stability.”

    I’ve been using flat heel shoes for some time for walking and lifting (chucks, etc) Lateral stability is new to me – thanks for pointing that out man…

    Cheers,

    -Yavor

  • andrew
    May 7th, 2009
    12:46 am

    I’ve been wearing these for about half a year now and hate wearing anything else. at first, those in close enough relationships with me to be honest thought they were hideous, but in time, most of them bought/want some. I tease and tell people they’re the only way to make friends.

    I don’t mind giving the explanations everytime as I’m usually just waiting in line or in a bus. people tend not to ask when the wearer is walking like he’s busy. most people think I can’t hear them but nearly always someone is listening.

    the best uses I’ve found for them are running and hiking. simply amazing! for hiking though, I really want some vibram flows. reviewers say small sediment can still get in the kso’s.

    I own the sprints and can vouch for the baby toe pain. I had to wear them in small doses at first, even after being a barefoot advocate. I decided that it was simply helping reposition my tiniest toe to a better position after years of being cramped and stuck with it. I can assure you, it doesn’t hurt at all after the break in period. I really love the sprints. they give you incredibly odd tanlines, though.

    I have the grey ones as well to not attract more attention, but that seems widely unsuccessful.

    I do tell people they can be bought new on eBay for under fifty if you can get lucky with size/model/colour.

    while I do have to fight my elitist urges to look with disdain upon articles about vibrams that are just discovering them when I’ve known about them for quite some time, I know I didn’t find them first, and this article was well written.

    keep spreading the word. I swear I’d be selling about a dozen a day if I had access or even pamphlets for them.

  • Jeff Lee
    May 7th, 2009
    12:49 am

    You know, I’ve been meaning to give these bad boys a try for a while now. There are a lot of people at my command that wear VFFs, and they all rave about them.

    I’ve been to Papua New Guinea twice, and I’ve seen the fanned-out toe phenomena for myself. I didn’t know if the big “Hobbit Feet” were a genetic thing or a result from walking barefoot. This clears that up!

  • Steve Nico Schweinzer
    May 7th, 2009
    12:51 am

    Hi Tim,

    I saw this shoes in one of your videos for the first time. I was fascinated, nut just because of the goofyness, but also the idea of a healthy back and the “nature walk”… I found a big german retailer (I am from austria) and will order a pair soon -> because of you ;-)

    Actually I want to take part at the KARTING WORLDCHAMPIONSHIP in BRAZIL and tryed to get Vibram as a sponsor for plane-ticket and hotel, or at least provide shoes, but the german retailer never gave response sadly.

    I hope you doind fine. You changed my life so much, it was a mess before i read your book. Honestly…

  • Pedro Custódio
    May 7th, 2009
    12:56 am

    I love them, but I’m having hard time actually finding them, or at least in size variety…

  • John Weatherford
    May 7th, 2009
    12:56 am

    Based on similar research/comments are Nike Frees. Nike created the shoe after they found that the elite runners on Stanford’s cross-country team were training barefoot despite having at their disposal free pairs of any Nike show they wanted (since Nike sponsored them).

    I’ve worn the shoes for years now, and I can attest to their goodness. I used to roll and sprain my ankle all the time and am now much more stable. My girlfriend can attest to the same phenomenon–she started wearing them after she started having hip and lower-back pain from the crazy shoes women cram their feet into on a regular basis, and she’s had similar results.

    All that to say, I’m not a shill for Nike; I’m just a fan of the barefoot (or as close to barefoot as living in a city will allow) movement. I might have to try out a pair of the FFS sometime. Great article, though–I especially like the diagram of the woman in high heels.

  • Seonaid
    May 7th, 2009
    1:00 am

    Love the picture of the falling-over woman in heels!

  • mike
    May 7th, 2009
    1:03 am

    Great Post! I’ve had great luck with the sprints, awesome powerlifting shoes, and the only thing I’ll take to the gym.

    the ‘vivo barefoot’ brand is a good alternative for not getting a thousand questions when you’re out on the town, and still want the barefoot experience

  • Chris A
    May 7th, 2009
    1:04 am

    I will second everything said. I have been wearing vibrams on and off for over a year now, and have began crossfitting and olympic lifting in them.

    Greatly improved my stability on heavy lifts over conventional athletic shoes, while at the same time making me a more efficient runner by forcing me to focus on form.

    A+ good stuff!

  • Sean Lloyd
    May 7th, 2009
    1:10 am

    A good place to start could also be the Nike Free…I’m waiting for the new ones to arrive (I’m in South Africa)

    So I’ll go from Nike Free to VFF, hopefully condition myself somewhat slowly! It’s interesting to note our natural running style i.e not landing on the heel.

    There was a great article in Mens Health a while back on this tribe of sorts who ran massive distances, wearing thin leather sandals, and they can easily outrun most modern day athletes especially in long distance runs.

  • Kris Tuttle
    May 7th, 2009
    1:31 am

    Wow they are pretty ugly. I’m going to try them on anyway at a store and see. Anything that will improve normal body function and integrity is worth checking out.

  • Chillum
    May 7th, 2009
    1:33 am

    They look like a great compromise between shod and barefoot. I’m a big fan of the more natural approach to things, but I wonder about any potential drawbacks if your feet do spread? When in Mexico a couple of years ago, our tour guide pointed out his wide, spread feet – a result of being barefoot most of his life. He said it was difficult for him to get good formal shoes for the times when he did need them, because of his foot shape. He was OK wearing sandals or flip-flops, but lace-ups were a nightmare, and the women had given up all hope of ever getting into fashionable women’s shoes.

    It would be good to hear from someone who may have been using these VFFs or similar for a long period, and whether they now have problems in wearing ‘normal’ shoes.

  • Chillum
    May 7th, 2009
    1:45 am

    Also – Zola Budd garnered world records at long-distance running in the 1980’s for Great Britain, always barefoot. She firmly believed it provided her with a bio-mechanical benefit.

    Unsurprisingly, her barefoot habits were not from Britain, but from her upbringing in South Africa. (I really can’t see barefoot walking becoming popular in Britain!)

  • Boris
    May 7th, 2009
    2:32 am

    There’s a great article in NY Mag on foot vs shoe. Awesome illustrations too. http://bit.ly/Ciucr

    Have you had any run-ins with sharp rocks or glass? How did it feel stepping on something like that? How’d the VFF’s handle themselves? (Ditto for Vivos for those who wear them)

  • Adam Steer - Better Is Better
    May 7th, 2009
    3:05 am

    I started going largely barefoot a few years ago. Whenever I can get away with it, my shoes are off. It is true that my foot has actually changed shape in that time. To the point that it makes it a bit more work on my ski boots to make them comfortable nowadays…

    I’ve never been attracted to the Vibrams though. When I do have to wear shoes, it’s usually a pair of Nike Frees. It’s not a perfect solution, but they have a lot less support than most other sneakers and allow my feet a lot opportunity to spread their wings. And they don’t look as crazy as Five Fingers… :)

    Cheers,
    Adam

  • ChristiaanH
    May 7th, 2009
    3:06 am

    Although these fivefingers aren’t new they have been getting more and more popular the last few months. I’ve been looking into them myself but so far haven’t found a store that sells all the different styles. (I’m in The Netherlands.)

    I wonder how they would handle martial arts practice, they might just be what I was looking for (a better contact with the ground while still wearing shoes. Waking on socks is to slippery and barefoot might cause problems with toenail scratching)

    It’s to bad they look a bit strange, I can imagine them helping a lot with “western” foot and back problems. I might just have to try them and tell my patients (I’m an exercise therapist) about the effects. If enough people end up wearing these they just might become accepted in daily life.

    Giving our feet all sorts of support makes for “lazy” feet and more discomfort, needing more and more support.

    You could also go completely barefoot (at least at home).. with the added advantage of a cleaner home. (You’ll want to vacuum almost daily…)

  • BCR
    May 7th, 2009
    3:10 am

    I spent a long time looking for a pair of these in the uk a few years back. Because of worries about sizing I wanted to try them on before buying any. No luck.

    Long story short – follow the sizing advice on their site – it works. (Like the advice on how to put them on – RTM Tim?)

    When I got mine they didn’t make the KSO series, which I wanted. I’ve got a pair of original and a pair of sprints. The cord for the originals irritates me too much. I love my sprints.

    Anyway – the point of my comment – Even though I think fivefingers are fantastic, there are occasions where you want similar benefits without such “goofy” shoes. Check out http://www.vivobarefoot.com/ They have a similar barefoot philosophy, ridiculously thin (but hard wearing) soles, but look “normal” at first glance. I have worn them almost every day since I bought them 12 months ago.

  • Jess
    May 7th, 2009
    3:31 am

    Thanks for the post, Tim. I had actually almost totally forgotten about Vibram until you started talking/advertising for them ;) I was quite hesitant to order an $80 weird shoe (and pay shipping, nonetheless), and now it seems a few local retailers have started stocking them, so I’ll make a trip out asap to purchase a pair.

    I originally found out about Vibram and the barefoot movement from this extremely interesting article: http://nymag.com/health/features/46213/

  • Keith Krone
    May 7th, 2009
    4:17 am

    Tim!

    Great article. I am glad you are getting the word out about being active the way that humans are intended to be active…without silly, overcushioned, oversupportive shoes!

    I have been running in Vibram FiveFingers for a couple of years now. Once you strengthen the feet and get over the mental block that comes with years of being conditioned by society that you NEED SHOES TO GO OUTSIDE anything is possible.

    I ran (and finished) an extremely rugged 50 mile trail race last September (my longest and most grueling distance in the FiveFingers) and continue to train pain free and enjoy every minute of running without the encumberance of shoes.

    I also wear my FiveFingers whenever I can. The airport security x-ray techs are regularly freaked out by them when they go through the x-ray conveyor because they say the KSO’s look just like “a pair of feet going through” the x-ray machine! HA!

    Nice job — keep up the good work and happy trails!

    Keith

  • FitBuff Brandon
    May 7th, 2009
    4:17 am

    I’ve been dying to try these for over a year, but I wear a size 15, which they don’t come close to yet.

    I’ve even emailed them to try and pay for a custom pair, but no luck. Hopefully, they continue gaining popularity and expand their sizes to the freak-footed.

    Until then, I’m making due with my next best option, the Nike Free’s, but if anyone knows of any others in large sizes, let me know!

  • Skyler Tanner
    May 7th, 2009
    4:23 am

    I’ve had more than a few discussions regarding weight training barefoot; after years of 400+lb deadlifts, my arches are still as arched as ever.

    I own pairs of both Nike Free 5.0’s and VFF KSO’s and you’re right about the peacocking effect. The only thing that I’ve found that I need a wee bit more lateral stability on when I’m helping clients start from the top on the leg press. Otherwise, todo esta bien.

    Best,
    Skyler

  • Topics about Shoes » Archive » Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative
    May 7th, 2009
    4:31 am

    [...] Tim Ferriss added an interesting post on Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot AlternativeHere’s a small excerptThe following more common image, also taken from the 1905 study, demonstrates feet that are shaped like the owner’s shoes. No such line can be drawn, and the little toes crowd to a point—a comparatively unstable, narrow base for walking … [...]

  • Drew Sports Nutritionist
    May 7th, 2009
    4:42 am

    It’s worth pointing out that chucks are a good lead into the VFF but they should be a little TOO BIG to give your foot some room to adapt.

    The same goes with chucks for deadlifting.

    If there is no room for your foot to spread then your foot won’t!

  • Brett Legree
    May 7th, 2009
    4:51 am

    Welcome to the barefoot alternative, Tim!

    I’ve been running (and walking, and driving – great clutch feedback, BTW) for well over two years with my Sprints, and just picked up some KSO’s over the winter.

    The freedom is incredible, my lower legs and feet have never been stronger, and yeah, it is kind of fun to wear them around and see who strikes up a conversation with you.

    If you want something that doesn’t look so odd (e.g. for something more formal), you could also check out Vivo Barefoot’s products. I have some for “the office” as the VFF’s didn’t cut it!

    One other thing, once you try the Vibrams, it’s just one more step to nothing at all. Trail walking totally unshod is really something (I did some of that in ‘07 when I visited New Zealand and it was amazing).

    Have fun!

    -Brett

  • No Stress Work
    May 7th, 2009
    4:53 am

    Thank you for the suggestion! This will help with my back pain!

  • Dave
    May 7th, 2009
    5:11 am

    Any problems with blisters, Tim? I tried the Classic, but rapidly got “hot-spots” on the inside ball of my foot and between my toes. After trying them for a week or so, I gave up, figuring my foot was too far out near the edges of the bell curve for the shoe to work for me.

    Is tuck with the “barefoot” style running however, using wrestling shoes and low-top Chuck Taylors.

    I’ve still got the Classics in my trunk. Should I try them again?

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      3:58 pm

      Hi Dave,

      I do occasionally get some skin discomfort on the top of the foot with the Classics. Two approaches to eliminate this: 1) get rid of any hair on the top of the foot and/or 2) just put a bit of vaseline or baby powder on the hot spots. That should do it.

      Good luck!

      Tim

  • andrea
    May 7th, 2009
    5:23 am

    I have incredible foot problems because I used to climb and we all stuffed our feet into tiny climbing shoes (totally retarded) and I have had to have surgery because of it. I am going to check these out this weekend. Wonder how they look with a suit.

    @andrew

    Great information.

    You mentioned these being great for hiking. I have an issue with rolling my ankles when I hike. Do you find that these give enough ankle support because of the wider base when you hike?

  • Steve
    May 7th, 2009
    5:23 am

    I wanted to give these a shot, but I think I need a 13 US (maybe 47 EU?).

  • Matthew
    May 7th, 2009
    5:30 am

    I’ve seen these a couple of different times now, but this is the most in-depth review yet. My curiosity had already been piqued, this just raised it even further.

    I definitely found the pictures of the bare-foot walkers interesting. I’ll have to do some more research into this now.

    Now I just have to start looking for a local retailer that carries them so I can try some on!

  • John Soares
    May 7th, 2009
    5:34 am

    Thanks for bringing these “shoes” to our attention.

    I’ve been having some minor problems with an ankle that I think they will help.

    I’m also a fairly serious student of tai chi. It will be interesting to see how the VFFs feel when I do the solo form, partner forms, and push hands.

  • Josh
    May 7th, 2009
    5:44 am

    Hey tim,

    Great post! I actually got some right after Kevin Rose made that short video of you wearing them! I wear them often now. It is a great total foot workout!

  • Michael Vanderdonk
    May 7th, 2009
    5:50 am

    Tim,

    How do your feet, and the ’shoes’ go when you’re running or exercising hard. Is sweat an issue?

  • Steve Purcell
    May 7th, 2009
    5:54 am

    Just bought a pair on Tuesday for running. Super-comfy but overpriced. Buy ‘em a bit on the small side, since I hear they stretch a bit, and a lot of runners have complained of blisters; socks are advisable. I expect there are a bunch of similarly minimal sandals that would offer comparable benefits; the independent movement of the toes is more due to the overall sole softness than the separate toe pockets.

  • Andrew
    May 7th, 2009
    6:05 am

    In the video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wI-9RJi0Qo) around 3:45 if it is noticeable that the persistence runner is wearing shoes.

  • Josh Baugher
    May 7th, 2009
    6:08 am

    This is interesting to read in conjunction with:

    The painful truth about trainers: Are expensive running shoes a waste of money?
    http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1170253/The-painful-truth-trainers-Are-expensive-running-shoes-waste-money.html

  • Jeff
    May 7th, 2009
    6:19 am

    Great post Tim!

    I also noticed the toe spread phenomenon among Bedouin children in southern Jordan who seem to have no trouble climbing rocky mountains and running about the desert barefoot. They do develop thick calluses though!

    Can’t wait to get back to the States and try out a pair.

  • Jon Ellard
    May 7th, 2009
    6:25 am

    The running technique you describe sounds a lot like Chi Running. Looks like I may be scrapping my new Nikes for VFFs in order to perfect this style!

    I’ve previously tried running in Bite running sandals to encourage foot spread but the straps always comes loose after 1k.

  • Justin
    May 7th, 2009
    6:27 am

    Nice send-up on fivefingers — I’ve officially redubbed these “birthday shoes” — wait for it, yeah, like “your birthday suit.” What I’ve found is that trying to explain to people that these are “Vibram Five Fingers” tends to start the whole unavoidable explanation off wrong. So instead, when ask me, “what are you wearing?” I just say “these are my birthday shoes – they’re basically like foot gloves that let me be effectively barefoot.”

    Having said that, I’m trying to bring all of the varying VFF-fans together to discuss the various activities done effectively barefoot. People do anything from running, CF, and bouldering to shopping and shuffleboarding in their bday shoes, and what is particularly “neat” about this footwear is that there seems to be a fanastic selection bias: people who get VFFs tend to be more open to strange ideas, into personal responsibility, healthy, etc.

    Anyway, nice write-up — I’d like to add to it that if you’re looking to grab some VFFs online and can’t find a local retailer to try them on at, there are some online retailers out there who do free shipping and go so far as to advise VFF buyers to buy the two sizes they think will most likely fit and just ship back the ones that don’t fit. This is what I did with my classics.

    It’s interesting to me that you find the KSOs to be more conspicuous than the Classics — could that be related to the color of your KSOs as compared to with your Classics? You *do* have the smurf KSOs. I’ve found the opposite to be true: I have grey/orange/black-soled Classics and everyone finds my grey/green/gray-soled KSOs to be much more aesthetically pleasing and less conspicuous.

  • Dave Ridarelli
    May 7th, 2009
    6:33 am

    Hey Tim-

    What’s the best barefoot alternative for people with a pair of webbed toes? I was excited to buy a pair of Vibrams but then their faq made me realized it wouldn’t work with genetically freaky feet.

  • Ryan Graves
    May 7th, 2009
    6:35 am

    @Tim-

    Just this weekend I went to a retail store in Chicago and was intrigued by these things. I tried on the KSO version and had a great deal of difficulty getting my “pinky toe” to slide into it’s slot. However, once I was in I really liked them. (Note: 1/2 size smaller is probably a good idea, their meant to be snug.)

    I didn’t buy right away because I wasn’t sure if/where I’d wear them. I’ll eventually make a purchase because I like the idea of varying my runs working these into the routine!

    I’m curious about 2 things with these shoes: could they be a replacement for climbing shoes? And, what about wearing these in water (camping)?
    Good work.

    Cheers,
    Ryan

  • Will Kamov
    May 7th, 2009
    6:39 am

    I love my KSOs. I have worn them for about a month now and they have really made running a lot more fun. The foot muscles they build also help immensely with karate. I have found only two down sides I have found so far. Firstly, the need to wash them often or else they will smell. Secondly, they wear out pretty fast if you use them as often as I do ( I don’t wear other shoes, and haven’t for three weeks), the strap on one of mine shoes wore out and only partially works now.

  • Noah
    May 7th, 2009
    6:39 am

    Tim,

    Have you explored the POSE running method at all?

  • Peter
    May 7th, 2009
    6:47 am

    Nice, Evolution of footwear. Has anyone tried the Anti-Shoe? http://www.swissmasaius.com/

  • Erick Recors
    May 7th, 2009
    6:58 am

    I bought a pair of these when I first saw Tim wearing these a few weeks ago in his video with the digg dude. I sent them back within a few hours of trying them on because they were horribly uncomfortable.

    The problem is everyone has different size toes. My big toe was to big for the shoe when the rest fit.

  • Vibram Five Fingers | Triathlon Jones
    May 7th, 2009
    7:12 am

    [...] http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/05/07/vibram-five-fingers-shoes/ [...]

  • JP
    May 7th, 2009
    7:18 am

    Nike Free 3.0’s work for me too, but possibly lack in allowing toe spread. Nike has more in R&D $ in the Free shoes than any other shoes in their line.

    Dave Ridarelli – the Nike Free shoes would work well for you w/ webbed toes.

  • Rebecca
    May 7th, 2009
    7:19 am

    Really Interesting to read this! I work for a stockist of FiveFingers in the UK and it’s fantastic to get some real feedback on them! So happy to see they got rid of your back pain!

  • Moro
    May 7th, 2009
    7:24 am

    Would love to try it, but no shipment outside USA ( why??? ). Ebay didn`t help either, only auctions with shipmnet to Poland didn`t have right size.
    I am open for suggestions :)

  • Nicki Noftz
    May 7th, 2009
    7:27 am

    Thank you Tim for getting the good word out there about these shoes. I saw them first on one of your other video blogs and had to have them. As a Pilates instructor, I know that the feet are the foundation to proper alignment and regular shoes can wreck havoc on the body. Since I have bought these shoes, I hate wearing anything else. I love the feeling of freedom in my feet as I move. I am a converter and will be buying multiple pairs as well as promoting them to all my clients. You totally ROCK!

  • Carlos Rivera
    May 7th, 2009
    7:29 am

    I have a pair and use them mostly for dragonboat practices and races. They are excellent and take little getting used to.

  • Threadgold
    May 7th, 2009
    7:30 am

    Thanks Tim!! I’ve been waiting for this post since I saw you wearing them. Now I’ll get a pair… or two!

  • Matt Savage
    May 7th, 2009
    7:33 am

    I’ve been a minimalist runner for over 3 year now and can say that running as close to barefoot as possible is definitely the way to go. I used to be constantly injured during my high school and collegiate track/cross country careers, however since switching to minimal shoes I have been able to avoid injuries since.

    Even for those that don’t want to wear ridiculous looking foot gloves, you can still get most of the benefits of barefoot running by simply wearing shoes with the least amount of crap on them, preferably something with almost no cushioning, low to the ground and is very flexible.

    My current training shoes resemble a ballet slipper with a thin layer of rubber on the bottom. I put in about 70 miles per week in them and have no injuries. Fair warning though, it took a long time to strengthen my feet and build up to that.

    Great article Tim, and I’m glad you are helping to promote this natural style of walking/running.

  • Bradley Gauthier
    May 7th, 2009
    7:33 am

    VFF’s are definitely a conversation starter! May even look at wearing them at casual networking events… as always, great post Tim! Thanks!

  • Chelle
    May 7th, 2009
    7:37 am

    I’ve owned two pairs for over a year and love them. I hate having to go back to regular shoes in the winter when the snow flies, and as soon as it melts they go back on.

    They’ve reduced my lower back pain to almost none, and my arches have been strengthened significantly. They’ve also made my knee problem disappear entirely.

  • A-ron
    May 7th, 2009
    7:38 am

    Hey Tim,

    I’ve been wearing the KSO for about a month now. At first, I tried wearing them all day and the pain between my toes made me give up on them for a while. Then I decided to just wear them when I walk the dogs, about a mile or so. They hurt at first, but are slowly becoming very comfortable. Not to mention that my feet are getting stronger.

    I also have a couple pairs of the socks, but they hurt more between the toes than the shoes did. I don’t think the webbing between the toes is meant to be compressed beyond a certain limit. Perhaps the military could invest in some of these socks the next time they plan on torturing “the enemy”.

  • Matt Savage
    May 7th, 2009
    7:39 am

    I just want to add one more thing:

    It is believed that one of the reasons that the East Africans dominate distance running so much is that they grow up unable to afford shoes and thus are constantly running around barefoot. So, when the mature and begin a track/running career they have the added benefits of incredibly strong feet and natural running form.

  • David _ BarefootRunner
    May 7th, 2009
    7:40 am

    As a barefoot runner since 2002, I advocate a return to minimal footwear (or barefooting) in order to maintain a lifetime of injury-free running. For a full review on the VFFs as well as other minimal/barefoot alternative shoe reviews, discussions and tips visit my site.

  • Anthony
    May 7th, 2009
    7:48 am

    Hey Tim

    Bout time you got this post up…=)

    I’ve had black kso’s for just under a year now, absolutely love them, and have used them for damn near everything.

    I’m surprised you didn’t write more about the benefits of these in strength training though. Speaking of which, I think it’s beginning to catch on (here is a video from BBS, trainee is barefoot).

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3wwW_UMmyc

    And here is a video of me in my vibrams on a hybrid prototype machine

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FYoXoUQUwY

    The trainer is also wearing a pair of Kso’s

    -Anthony

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      12:32 pm

      Hi Anthony,

      I agree that the VFFs have some incredible transfer to strength training. I didn’t want to seem totally crazy while intro’ing some ppl to the “ape feet”, so I pulled back a little in this post :)

      Best,

      Tim

  • Stephen Hewitt
    May 7th, 2009
    7:49 am

    Tim

    Love my black flows and highly recommend them. I don’t seem to have the same problem with wearing the socks though. If they are put into the shoe carefully so you do not stretch the fabric round the toes they work great and reduce marks on the skin from the straps.

  • Sarah
    May 7th, 2009
    7:54 am

    I am definitely going to try this. I’ve had lower back pain. . . well, forever! Going barefoot even at home has certain disadvantages. This is a great alternative.

  • Jose Castro
    May 7th, 2009
    7:57 am

    I have had these for about two weeks and use them to fun sprints on a grass football field. The results are faster times and sore feet. The soreness wore off fairly quick and I continue to use mainly for running, though I am wearing more and more on a daily basis.

    Sweet Post….

    Jose

  • Nate
    May 7th, 2009
    8:03 am

    Tim,

    I thought it was your fancy chair that help alleviate the back pain?

  • John Smiley
    May 7th, 2009
    8:05 am

    I’ve had mine for over a year now. They are prime festival shoes. And there is indeed a huge ‘peacocking’ angle with them. Among the activities for which they’re great, do not ignore dancing. Club dancing, that is. I’ve never tried ‘em ballroom, but I’m guessing they wouldn’t work well. But club dancing! The single best pair of shoes for dancing. Ever.

  • Philip Robert
    May 7th, 2009
    8:06 am

    Tim, I picked up a pair of VFFs a year ago. I think I wore regular shoes three times last summer. Scrambling over the slickrock at Arches National Monument they felt like the best sports shoe ever invented. Later in the summer they were the perfect footwear while swimming and tubing the Comal River in New Braunfels, Texas. Vibram five fingers are now my footwear of choice.

  • Stephanie Reiley
    May 7th, 2009
    8:12 am

    The shoes are cool. I’d ask about them.

  • Drew Baye
    May 7th, 2009
    8:16 am

    I also have flat feet and after two months of wearing only VFFs my feet feel great and I also seem to have better flexibility in my calves and hamstrings. I bought a pair of Sprints about two months ago, and a pair of black KSO’s shortly after, and haven’t found the strap on the Sprints to be uncomfortable.

    While the KSOs feel more secure, I haven’t had any problem with the Sprints strength training, practicing martial arts or during occasional spontaneous bouts of parkour. During martial arts training they have made me more conscious about picking up my feet instead of sliding them during some movements because of the greater traction.

  • Skip
    May 7th, 2009
    8:16 am

    “Barefoot runners are often asked “but what do you use for arch support?”, to which they respond: ‘your arches’.” -I’ve had this exact conversation more times than I can count.

    I’ve been doing all my athletic activity (running, lifting, squash, soccer…) in VFF KSOs for 8 months now, and will never go back to regular sneakers. Hard surfaces are generally no problem, though I do agree that running on concrete for a few days in a row will bruise your feet. I’ve even worn them on winter runs in NY and Minnesota, and my feet stay perfectly warm as long as I keep them dry. They do let water in pretty easily, though, so I avoid cold weather running in rain or mud. Fortunately, they let water out quickly, too, so sweat is not a problem in hot weather. The worst road surface for barefooting is definitely gravel; it hurts, and I have to step gingerly on gravelly roads.

    I’m considering buying the Flow for use next winter; does anyone know if they’re completely waterproof? Also, does anyone have a good cleaning technique for VFFs? I’ve never had a problem with smelly feet before, but my VFFs smell awful. Yes, I’ve tried washing them by hand and in the machine, but my girlfriend still makes me store them outside.

  • Sam
    May 7th, 2009
    8:17 am

    Quick question for anyone who has these shoes: do you wear socks with them? Someone already asked about sweaty feet; I’m interested in that as well.

    Thanks!

  • Angie
    May 7th, 2009
    8:20 am

    Tim, how often do you find you’re washing them? Don’t they get stinky super quick?

  • Mike Burngasser
    May 7th, 2009
    8:25 am

    One Question:

    Are these shoes any good for heavy weight lifting (deadlifts, squats, push-press), or should I go with another type of shoe?

    If so, which shoes are best?

  • Brent
    May 7th, 2009
    8:26 am

    Tim – Thanks for the detailed update on those wicked crazy shoes. Quick question:

    Do they wear out quick? If you wear them on concrete and rough surfaces?

    ciao !

  • Duane
    May 7th, 2009
    8:29 am

    I bought a pair of these, KSO, about a year ago. They are one of the best purchases I have ever made. My fiancée calls them my “Ape Feet”. I used to have near constant foot pain; after going barefoot, and wearing these, the foot pain is almost completely gone – much cheaper than the surgery and physical therapy that my doctor said I would need to get rid of the pain.

  • Professor Brian Rothbart
    May 7th, 2009
    8:30 am

    For the past 40 years I have been active in research, investigating the link between chronic muscle and joint pain and posture. As a clinician I have noted that many of my chronic pain patients also have a postural distortional pattern which I have linked, in many cases, to two embryological foot types I first published on in 2002 (Journal Bodywork and Movement Therapy).

    There are viable options to eliminating chronic musculoskeletal pain without using drugs or undergoing surgery.

    Professor Rothbart
    Author, Forever Free From Chronic Pain

  • Mike T Nelson
    May 7th, 2009
    8:34 am

    AWESOME article Tim!!! This falls right inline with my thoughts—get your feet/ankles back to the way they were designed with mobility work (I like Z Health mobility work), then wear the most minimal things possible to not mess them up. The changes in pain and performance are amazing.

    Virtually every athlete I work with leaves with some feet/ankle work and we even lift barefoot.

    Just yesterday an athlete came in and left with 3 foot drills that enabled both of this glutes, right hamstring and both psoas muscles to work much much better.

    Keep in mind that the body is wired so that the feet/ankle position causes muscles in the hip (glutes, psoas, etc) to fire correctly due to gait (walking motion). Messed up feet/ankles = messed up hips

    Rock on!
    Mike T Nelson
    PhD (c), Z Health Master Trainer, RKC
    PS
    Congrats on the RKC! Welcome!

  • Drew Baye
    May 7th, 2009
    8:44 am

    Mike,

    I’ve been squatting, deadlifting and pressing barefoot for a few years now (training mostly at home) with no problems. If anything, I feel my balance is improved, especially during presses. A few weeks back I worked out in my VFF Sprints, and they worked fine.

    If anything, the ability to spread the toes and the lack of a compressible lift under the heel would improve lateral stability for those lifts, and squatting with flat feet (real, full squats, not the top 1/4 partials some posers try to pass off as squats) regularly should improve ankle flexibility.

  • Brian
    May 7th, 2009
    8:47 am

    Tim,

    The running techniques you describe at the end of your article are essentially the same as chi running which has developed its own kind of cult-like following.

    I haven’t tried it myself yet. It looks and sounds a bit awkward at first, but chi runners swear by it for alleviating knee pain, shin splits, etc.

  • Mikie
    May 7th, 2009
    8:59 am

    Well if that’s no sales call i just don’t know what is…. Hey i just had to buy a pair though, they are just SOOO COOL! Coming to me all the way from Italy – I can’t wait!

    Well done Tim, now what’s good and lightweight that keep the english showers at bay?

  • Kurt Sussman
    May 7th, 2009
    9:13 am

    I’ve been wearing the classics for almost a year, and I had to buy a second pair so I wouldn’t have to wear regular shoes while the VFF were in the wash (which they need a LOT). I’m using Nikwax ‘Sandal Wash’ to keep them clean and it seems to be working better than soaking them in a weak bleach solution to kill the smell.

    The other online store is Kayak Shed, kayakshed.com. They have free shipping. Now that the VFFs are being manufactured in China, Kayak Shed seems to have them in stock more.

    My balance has improved, my posture when lifting (weights or boxes or anything heavy) is vastly improved, and between the VFFs and my foam roller, I spend a lot less time at the chiropractor’s office.

  • Justin
    May 7th, 2009
    9:14 am

    Sold on the peacocking effect!

  • Scott Noteboom
    May 7th, 2009
    9:18 am

    i’ve been wearing these shoes for a while now, including running and exercising in them. for the first couple weeks, the tendons on the lower leg and my feet overall were sore post exercise– i was concerned i was possibly doing more harm than good. well, after my legs acclimated all is great. i love these shoes and think they help w/ strength, balance, and speed. -scott noteboom

  • Joe Mascaro
    May 7th, 2009
    9:18 am

    Tim,

    Great article, thanks for the link.

    Last weekend I just tried hiking barefoot for the first time. Up here in New England there’s still some snow, which felt great dispite what most people might think. I walk barefoot pretty often though, so my feet are used to it.

    I’m thinking about picking some of these VFFs up for walking in the city. There’s not much in nature that will hurt your feet, but I’m not really a fan of walking on broken glass and needles, and who knows what else is on the city streets.

    Cheers

    -Joe

  • Liam Martin
    May 7th, 2009
    9:27 am

    Tim

    So, I think I have to buy a set of these simply based on the ‘peacocking’ effect but in your video you talked about the vibram feeling kind of like a rock climbing shoe. I go to my climbing gym about once a month but still rent. Are the ‘fingerss’ hard enough to rock climb with?

    I could see some amazing advantages to having a pair of these puppies on the walls

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      3:51 pm

      Hi Liam,

      To rock climb in these, you will need STRONG toes, especially the big toes. Rock climbing shoes are designed to provide a sharp point for hooking holds. The VFFs are quite the opposite and incredibly flexible. Lots of climbers love ‘em, but you’ll need to condition your feet.

      Good luck!

      Tim

  • Great Article On Shoes And Foot Pain « John Limpus
    May 7th, 2009
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    [...] Article On Shoes And Foot Pain Five Fingered [...]

  • Sean Jacobs
    May 7th, 2009
    9:43 am

    I’m SOOOO glad you finally found these Tim! I’ve been reading your blog for a while now (ever since my brother Jesse, of Samovar, told me about you).
    I’ve been hooked (maybe not even as hooked as you though) on VFF’s for a while now. I don’t ever run in anything else. I was diagnosed with flat feet years ago as well. SOOOO flat! I had expensive orthodics to wear and was given exercises. I always had a hard time ever running more than a mile without stopping or pain propagating throughout all of my joints or getting shin splints.
    Once I started using these things I can run for many miles with real pain other than muscular or cardiovascular… it’s truly amazing!!!!

    Thanks for starting the breakout from the subcultural imagery!

  • La. Mitch
    May 7th, 2009
    9:44 am

    Trips me out how Vibram can come SO CLOSE to solving a real problem (and in the balance making themselves a fortune) but miss the foot right in front of them. It seems VFFs make the same mistake all other footwear does; they make YOUR foot have to conform to THEIR shoe. Why not do something that would really revolutionize footwear, Vibram, and create a pair of shoes that fit the feet of Tim Ferriss (or me) ONLY.

    That’s a revolution. In clothing they call it “tailoring.” It’s about time.

  • Doug
    May 7th, 2009
    9:45 am

    Tim have you ever contrasted the effects of wearing Nike Free shoes?

    i realize that they dont manually spread the toes, but the flexion and strengthening components seem on par.

    Have you had any experience?

  • Blaine Moore
    May 7th, 2009
    9:46 am

    I’m a big fan of the Five Fingers – I run in the KSOs and will wear them to marketing seminars just to help with networking. Mine are solid black so if I wear black pants then people tend not to notice right away, but reactions are great when they do.

    I love wearing them around, especially to work on days I know I won’t need to be on the production floor. When I’m running, I’ll trade off between the VFFs or going barefoot, and on days I wear shoes I usually use racing flats rather than clunky trainers now because you do get a lot more foot strength.

    It took a while before I could wear them comfortably as much as I wanted. I agree about Vegas though – it sucks walking around there in them. My feet were extremely sore after that.

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      3:45 pm

      For those of you who like random anecdotes, my mom just informed me of the following via e-mail:

      “You didn’t mention that you leapt at the orthopedist examining your feet, like Spidey to a wall.”

      Ha! I was a little monster. I fully expect payback when my little ones come around.

      Tim

  • J.J. Foxhound
    May 7th, 2009
    9:48 am

    But Tim, what if I just got a pedicure and want to show off my beautiful toes? Should I make cut-outs in the shoe to display my marvelously glossy, red apple toenail polish? Do you think this will affect the support? And what about ‘peacocking’? Will these shoes have the same effect on guys as it does girls?
    Help!

    -Pretty Feet Foxhound

  • Dave Goulden
    May 7th, 2009
    9:50 am

    Tim talked about the “barefoot” running gait as “falling forward”. I’m a long time triathlete and now training for my first marathon and there is a great book called Chi Running (www.chirunning.com) that teaches you how to use this type of gait to improve your running (even if not barefoot), and reduce injuries. I highly recommend it.

  • David _ BarefootRunner
    May 7th, 2009
    9:50 am

    @Brent: The VFFs are made with flexible and super strong (Vibram) rubber – they will not wear out that easily – I run in them on pavement as well as trails.

  • Shawn
    May 7th, 2009
    9:54 am

    I’ve been wearing these for a year and no longer suffer from lower back pain, no joke. The physical benefits of the corrected posture even convinced me to get a pair of Earth shoes with a recessed heal for a similar effect in a more formal style. Definitely worth a whirl, and my new favorite shoe to wear hiking, especially in the mud.

  • Josh Bunch
    May 7th, 2009
    10:00 am

    Had those for over 1 year, I would take them over evrything else xcept barefoot everyday. I own a CrossFIt affilite, and will actuall do the majority of the workouts wo shoe xcept for just Oly lifts, and runs, which I will employ the help ofthe vibrams. The rest of the time its barefoot or flp flops fo everyday livin.

    Tim
    Great job on this site. There isnt many sites Iwill check daily as this, but the service u provide is fantastic…..jb

  • Rusty - Fitness Black Book
    May 7th, 2009
    10:12 am

    Tim,

    These look great. Can you also get them wet? I am an avid skimboarder (will even do it when it is cold outside)…I need something that feels like bare feet, but protects me from broken shells. These may be the solution for that.

    Also…these might do the trick for river rafting as well.

    Thanks for the great explanation,

    Rusty

  • Robert Allaway
    May 7th, 2009
    10:25 am

    Rusty –

    While I’m not Tim, I may be able to help. You would probably want the VFF Flow – These are designed with a neoprene sheath and are probably the best for water sports. The shoes are watersafe- they’re all machine washable.

    You could also use the KSOs or Sprints, but the lack of a securing strap makes the Classic not really a very good option, they can get pulled off in running water.

    Hope this helps!

  • Shelley
    May 7th, 2009
    10:26 am

    Cool! I’ve been looking for some new shoes. I walk around barefoot most of the time on wood floors; still, I think it makes my feet sore. Ballet seems to be the one thing that relieves my feet pains and that’s on sprung flooring. So I really have no clue what shoe would work best for me. The Nike Free 7.0 is nice– it’s extremely lightweight. I think I might try the Vibram if I can get it past my head that it’s alright to have something inbetween my toes…

  • Shelley
    May 7th, 2009
    10:34 am

    This is sort of off the subject, but Do you have any opinions on beds? Our futon on the floor is driving me crazy (I’m not sure how best to take care of it, and when we should replace it?

  • Jason Wong
    May 7th, 2009
    10:39 am

    Good seeing you at RailsConf! I’ve been using VFF’s for about a week now – I’ll report back on the effects, but I definitely feel soreness in the calves. However, I can do a 2 mile jog in them! Gonna try them for parkour on Sunday.

  • mc
    May 7th, 2009
    10:45 am

    Fabulous.

    If you’re curious about which ones to pick and how to fit ‘em and what they’re like after living in them for five months, and how great they are for getting through airport security without shoe removal,

    please take a look at
    http://begin2dig.blogspot.com/2008/11/fitting-vibram-five-fingers-and-injinji.html

    and free your feet!

  • Veronique
    May 7th, 2009
    10:46 am

    This post is absolutely spot on. I’ve owned my Vibram Five Fingers for about a year now and they are so much fun to run with! They really do capture the fun of running, like you did as a child… I am more playful with my runs (jump on things, smile more, less intense) but yet have managed to run faster. I too had the exact same complaints regarding the Sprint model (the strap rubbage would cut my skin. I own a pair of KSO and they are perfect.) If I can find a local retailer that sells classics, I would wear those to walk to work in my suit. Since purchasing my Vibram, I’ve begun to try and find the same kind of philosophies in all other shoe purchases (like buying thin soled ballet-type slippers as commute-to-work shoes (a 40 minute walk)), or moccassins for the winter and have abandoned any type of cushiony shoe. I feel solid on my feet and I have no back pain to complain of. Sadly, I do still love my heels though and can’t seem to abandon that sexy-powerful feeling they give me even if they set my body in a rocket-launch type of alignment.
    … maybe one day!

  • Max Kennerly
    May 7th, 2009
    10:56 am

    I’ve been wearing the “Sprint” model for about a year model for workouts and love them.

    The best part, to me, is how they force you to run appropriately, landing on the ball of your foot (instead of the heel) and not overstepping your stride. And by “force” I mean it — if you land on your heel, the pain will shoot right up your leg and spine.

    Only “problem” I found with them was that they totally, completely destroyed my calves, and that if I went more than two weeks without a run, I could really feel it in my calves.

    I wouldn’t use anything else to run now. After a run, my legs don’t feel like jello. Rather, every muscle from my feet to my abs feels stretched and toned and ready to go.

  • Richard Brian Penn
    May 7th, 2009
    11:13 am

    What if you have corns on your toes or some abnormality to the foot? I’m also wondering if the “designer” brands will pick up on this next?

  • Eric Siegfried
    May 7th, 2009
    11:23 am

    Going back to the first post by Dan:

    1) What if you have flat feet? Does barefoot running adversely impact knees and the foot ligaments due to pronation?

    I’m in the same boat. Any ideas here? Is it just a question of strength and flexibility work, and making sure my arches are active when I move?

  • elizabeth mars
    May 7th, 2009
    11:25 am

    Great light-shedding on the foot issue. Feels so exciting watching the world wake up to truths we shouldn’t have lost, of many varieties.

    Knowing/believing Pavel’s foot philosophies, I had briefly considered the Vibram’s but was told by a clerk at REI that they kept getting returned by people for CAUSING foot problems. From what you are reporting, I am guessing these customers simply did not acclimate correctly. I am thrilled that it might be time to give them another shot–still have some massive neck pain in my life!

    Back to your last post on your friend’s daughter with cancer, I am not sure if you read my response to you, or if it is even you managing your blog ( or perhaps a well-trained virtual Tim-twin!) , but in case you did not see it, I am now going to harp on the subject for a moment in the hopes that it catches your attention, or that your virtual Tim-twin gets this info to you since the situation is so critical for this girl.

    If it made it already to your ears/eyes, please forgive the harping to follow. Through my own hard healing search, I have felt increasing pain and frustration watching so many people suffer out of sheer ignorance of other approaches to health, and seeing well-intended docs cause often great harm thanks to their pharmaceutical-industry driven educations. Western medicine as it stands has many mind-boggling sophistications and successes, but it largely misses some basic points, just like the visually stunning, but physically damaging, shoe industry.

    So, on to the harping.

    I saw someone else had posted about a success with Gerson Therapy, which is one of the approaches I had mentioned. The writer of “30 and Terminal” I mentioned also used both Gerson and the Kelley/Gonzalez protocol. I don’t know if I was enthusiastic enough in my post about the information I presented, but I know many examples of people beating C with nutritional/detox approaches, including pancreatic, colon, lung, lymphoma, brain, stage IV’s!!!

    Speed of response, however, is critical to being able to help the body, so if your friend is not immediately at a minimum altering his daughters diet to whole organic no-sugars foods, even that will help. Alkaline water, simple detox like rebounding, skin brushing, lymphatic drainage massage, etc. etc. can all help, even if she’s going the chemo/radiation route. But really, I can’t advocate enough for at least a complementary intensive nutritional/detox protocol of some sort. If you didn’t read it, please refer to my Seneca post for more details on modalities I am aware of.

    One last resource to add: met a woman two days ago who beat Stage IV lymphoma using heavy nutritional/detox IV work by a board-certified oncologist/naturopath in Seattle. Perhaps he would know of someone doing similar work in your friend’s area. This woman did great throughout her treatment having great energy and continuing to work full time. She had refused to do chemo and pursued this course first. While getting IV’s at her naturopath’s office, she met another woman with Stage IV lymphoma who had decided to add nutritional/detox to her work. This woman had chosen chemo first and was haggard, emaciated and sick as a dog. When she saw my acquaintance’s vitality, she ditched the chemo, started working exclusively with the naturopath, and also recovered.

    from my acquaintance’s email response to me asking for details:
    “Dr Chen at Seattle Cancer and Wellness is the oncologist this friend used. http://www.seattlecancerwellness.com/
    Dr Gignac (pronounced Gee-knee-ak) is the naturopathic oncologist — he’s the best!
    http://www.seattlecancerwellness.com/naturopathic_oncologists.html”

    Ok, harping over and out.

    e

    I

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      12:12 pm

      Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Elizabeth. I will pass this on.

      Best,

      Tim

  • Dana John Gundlach
    May 7th, 2009
    11:27 am

    Wow, I am going to have to try these out… I bought a pair of Dr. Martins that are a boot style with a high heal and have had SI joint problems ever since. After reading this article I will have to switch things up a little.

    Good Luck,

    Dana

  • Konrad Förstner
    May 7th, 2009
    11:29 am

    I can just confirm that running barefoot or with thin-sole shoes is just great. You get a new sense as you feel your environment much more. Instead of the VFF I use Feelmax shoes. Their sole is even a little bit thinner.

  • Rudy Tapalla
    May 7th, 2009
    11:34 am

    Tim, Great post. Glad they are working out so well for you. I’ll consider you another “goofy shoe” convert.

    I also agree with Mike on the Z-Health/joint mobility work in the toes, feet, and ankle to help that adjustment phase.

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 7th, 2009
      12:11 pm

      Thanks for the comment, Rudy! Hope the KB work is going well and that Chicago is warming up!

      Tim

  • steve
    May 7th, 2009
    11:40 am

    thx tim i will pick me up a pair soon

  • Andre
    May 7th, 2009
    12:25 pm

    Tim,

    have you ever tried MBT shoes?

    http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

    They also claim to provide the benefits of barefoot walking. Wonder how they compare to the Vibrams?

  • Michael Hartl
    May 7th, 2009
    1:02 pm

    I’m at RailsConf, the annual Ruby on Rails web developer conference where Tim keynoted on Tuesday, and the two of us at the conference who wear Five Fingers were pleased to find in Tim a third Vibram brother!

    I’ve been wearing VFFs (brown KSO) for about six months and have a few tips. Unlike Tim, I find the Injinji toe socks very comfortable, and they’re great in cooler weather. They may seem ridiculously expensive (around $16 a pair for the tetrasok model I wear), but I’ve found I only need three pairs. They are made of a special high-quality wool that wicks away moisture, and I just rotate them, leaving them out to dry each night after wearing them. With this rotation, the socks can be worn for weeks at a time without developing any noticeable odor.

    One foot issue I deal with is a long second toe, which is longer than my big toe (Morton’s Toe, technically a short first metatarsal). Though my Vibrams are flexible enough to fit my oddly shaped feet, wearing them led to pain under my second toe, pain I have suffered from at times in the past and which is a common side-effect of Morton’s Toe. (I didn’t even know about Morton’s Toe until I started wearing VFFs; they have put me in touch with my feet like never before.) To correct the problem, I’ve made a custom orthotic based on advice from The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook, which involves placing a thin pad under the first metatarsal (the “ball of the foot”). Though I have yet to find the perfect material (I use Dr. Scholl’s Molefoam for now, but it compresses over time and needs to be replaced every few weeks), Vibram Five Fingers with the orthotic make a huge difference in my posture, gait, and foot comfort.

    A final note about sizing: I bought size 44 Five Fingers based on trying them on in a store, but after a couple of weeks I began to suspect they were too big. Based on the Five Fingers online sizing chart, I ordered size 42 by mail, and they fit perfectly. Unfortunately, in my experience the only way to be confident of the right fit is to walk in them for a week or so, which makes them unreturnable. In my case this meant burning some cash on shoes I won’t wear, but now that I know the right size I can buy future pairs without worry.

  • Zataod
    May 7th, 2009
    1:03 pm

    Tim, thanks for plugging the VFF’s. I know a lot people don’t want to go completely barefoot, so VFF’s are a great alternative. Since switching to shoeless running a couple years ago, my knees and back are much happier, along with my feet.

  • Justin
    May 7th, 2009
    1:05 pm

    Nice review, Tim! I posted a comment earlier this morning, but it must have gotten eaten by wordpress. Anyway, I stuck it over in a post about your review at my little five fingers fan site (birthday shoes dot com).

    Also, am curious how you are walking in your VFFs to cause bruising — hadn’t heard this happening except on heavy heel striking (or say dropping from a pull-up bar wrong).

  • Brian Walker
    May 7th, 2009
    1:12 pm

    Can we just wear socks??? Those things are UGLY! Not to mention it looks like they are made out of neoprene for a nice sweat-fest…

    Best,

    Brian

  • Galo
    May 7th, 2009
    1:30 pm

    I bought these 2 weeks ago after reading about them online. I had tried the Nike Frees before and loved them, however did not like them for trails. Since i’ve had the VFF I use them for walking my dog and light runs while my feet get used to them. I have the KSOs and they work great in the park when the grass is long. I cant wait to go tubing and kayaking with my KSOs. I read a comment that someone wears them to play soccer. I play soccer too, but the thought of getting stepped on is too scary to even try them on the field. ouch!

  • Scott Dinsmore
    May 7th, 2009
    1:33 pm

    Great post Tim. Going barefoot has been on my mind for a while. Tough to get closer to nature on a nice workout too. I have preferred some nice sand with bare feet for a run whenever possible. The Vibram’s look awesome. I am strongly considering a purchase. Most likely the classic to start but I like the look of the KSO. A little peacocking can be ok now and then. Next stop is an SF trail. Any recommendations??

    -Scott

  • Craig Weller
    May 7th, 2009
    1:43 pm

    Here’s another good article on the subject of the barefoot lifestyle. This one is from Testosterone Muscle and illustrates the benefits of Vibrams and barefoot training for strength athletes.

    http://tinyurl.com/b947v4

  • Len Hardison
    May 7th, 2009
    1:43 pm

    There is already a running shoe that is designed to make you land in the middle of your foot (instead of a heel strike). It is called the Newton and you can check it out here. http://www.newtonrunning.com/

  • Michael Chidester
    May 7th, 2009
    2:35 pm

    Thanks, Tim. I saw you wearing them in a video you posted recently, and I was fascinated. I did a bit of research and bought a pair of KSOs. The very first time I went running in them I took 1:07 off of my 2-mile run time. They’ve also made a huge different in my footwork when I fight, since I can interact with the ground like never before.

    I’ve since convinced various of my friends and associates to try them, and others are more and more tempted.

  • Coop
    May 7th, 2009
    2:41 pm

    Hey Tim,
    I’ve been wearing these for about 3 years. I love hiking in them, and most of my KB or CrossFit training is done in them.

    Some time back I told you that I was going to do a fitness camp in Rio…well thanks to working the 4HWW hard and smart, it’s on. A 7 day Boot Camp in Rio this August, I’m pumped!
    Abracos,
    Coop

  • andrew
    May 7th, 2009
    2:45 pm

    I agree they’re good for festivals :) wore them to coachella and made lots of friends that way

    I wear them with the injinji socks at times. usually if I’m doing cold weather running or hiking. they make your feet less sweaty. the socks have never hurt me though.

    they do get stinky! I wash them about once a week and
    febreeze them after use. that’s one aspect true barefooting wins. they don’t breathe so well.

    I’m pretty sure the flow aren’t waterproof, but I definitely wanted some for stream crossings. sand gets all in my sprints.

  • Galo
    May 7th, 2009
    2:52 pm

    I forgot to mention that I also had flat feet as a kid and have suffered through plantar fascitis and achilles tendonitis. I can feel the pain in my achilles less and less now after using VFFs. Best invention ever!!

  • Jonathan Lane
    May 7th, 2009
    3:16 pm

    Love my VFFs. The Flows definitely aren’t waterproof, but they’re wetsuit material, so they keep your feet relatively warm even when wet (really make your feet sweat though).

    I love hiking in mine, and they make a great paddle shoe for kayaking. Really good traction on sandstone.

    One of the big things I’ve noticed though is that the sole offers little insulation. So in the summer, if you’re going to be walking on pavement, they’re not very comfortable.

  • Carl M
    May 7th, 2009
    3:18 pm

    You just inspired me to go running in my Clark’s sandals. Felt real good, but my feet and calves are aching in interesting places right now. Just hit some muscles that haven’t been hit so hard in a long while. But I’m bumming to know that I shouldn’t use the New Balance running shoes I bought not long ago.

    I may go get a pair of Vibrams after your reco. But I would put in a plug for Clark’s footwear for those times you don’t want to look too weird. Clark’s shoes have a square toe box designed for us cavemen who refused to let their big toes get bent to fit in dress shoes. And their sandals look nice and feel like running on leather. The sandals do have a bit of higher heel than toe, alas, but it isn’t much.

  • Miguel Gomez
    May 7th, 2009
    3:29 pm

    I’ve had my VFF’s (I own the KSO’s) for the last 6 months, train with them everyday (I do Crossfit as well). The first few days my coach (who introduced me to them) limited running to just about 400m (instead of a mile) at moderate speed (instead of 80-90%). Even with that short distance I “discovered” muscles that have never been sore after exercising, eventually, the distance was increased, but little by little so my body could get used to them.
    Also, the first days he told me to wear them 2-3 hours a day maximum. Now there are days that I wear them al day long and feel great.
    Since I started using them my posture has really improved, and my knee and lower back problems have been drastically reduced.
    One word of advice: DON’T use any kind of foot powder with them! It tends to make your feet not only smell, but stink! Funny thing, because I thought that powder was necessary to prevent odor, but you don’t actually need to use anything, they are coated with some sort of anti-microbial stuff that keeps them almost odorless. Just wash your VFF’s in the washing machine with powder laundry soap and they will be perfect for a good 5-6 days (depending how often you wear them).

  • tullibo
    May 7th, 2009
    3:38 pm

    Picked some up a few weeks ago after seeing them in one of your vid blog posts….they absolutely rock for running!

  • Andrew
    May 7th, 2009
    3:52 pm

    Tim,

    I have been wearing the 5 fingers for over a year now. As a white boy who wears brown KSO’s, I definately get a lot of looks, but they have helped me get through lower back pain and plantar facitis that comes from a few years of overdoing it at ultra running.

    Agree your comments on the difficulties of getting the KSO’s on at first, but as an avid trail runner, Keeping Stuff Out is important to me and the ease of fit is a benefit. Besides, after an hour or so on muddy trails, I’m brown from the knees down.

    Long time lurker. Love your book and all you share.

  • Tim Ferriss
    May 7th, 2009
    4:08 pm

    Hi All!

    Thanks for the fantastic comments and observations.

    Regarding the Pose Method and Chi Running, I’ve used both. I like to combine the Chi Running DVD with the Pose Method book. I’ve added links to both at the very end of the post.

    Happy trails :)

    Tim

  • Mike T Nelson
    May 7th, 2009
    4:52 pm

    Question posted earlier was

    “have you ever tried MBT shoes?

    http://www.swissmasaius.com/Default.aspx?lang=en-US

    They also claim to provide the benefits of barefoot walking. Wonder how they compare to the Vibrams?”

    I am not Tim (interested in his and everyone’s thoughts too), but my experience is that I am NOT a fan of the MBTs. I spent about 45 minutes at their booth at the last ACSM and while they were very nice people and got a cool gait assessment via force read out in real time to see the difference, I think the foot should have a 3D motion and with the MBTs it is pretty straight through the foot (not natural).

    My stride length also decreased (I had on a pair of Nike frees, trying to blend in there since I was presenting). I also had much less movement at my hips with the MBTs.

    Just my thoughts. From the people that I saw there that had them on, not many of them moved well in my opinion.

    Rock on
    Mike T Nelson
    PhD(c), Z Health Master Trainer, RKC

  • Jim Hansen
    May 7th, 2009
    5:25 pm

    I have been wearing Vivo Barefoot shoes nonstop (except when running) since January. I just love them. However, I can’t find a running shoe I like. The Puma H Strees were probably the best. I have been competitively running for 35+years and have always enjoyed running in racing shoes. I tried a pair of these on last month and they felt good, but I didn’t run in them. I guess I’ll have to get a pair soon, even if they look ridiculous!

  • Will
    May 7th, 2009
    5:29 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Thanks for exposing me to the Vibram Five Fingers shoes! I bought a pair (KSO) for myself and my girlfriend (sprint) – and we both love em!

    Anyway, I’ve been using them in combination with the P90X home workout program and I had to take it easy on the Plyometrics DVD for fear of getting a blister. I’ve been training with them for 3 days now.

    For those who are running or training, having those Injinji socks might be a good idea to ease any friction, because the last thing you’d want is to get a blister and have to take some time off.

    My two-cents.

    - Will :)

  • eva
    May 7th, 2009
    5:32 pm

    Dang, I’m really tempted to try these, as I am a runner and often have lower back pain. BUT, I’m really having a hard time getting past the hideous design! The colors and lines seems to actually accentuate their freakishness. I understand some like the attention they bring, but I’d rather just get the health benefits without having to constantly explain my gecko feet.

    I wonder if the manufacturer has considered printing/designing a pair that looks a bit more like a normal pair of shoes, even if it would only look that way from a distance. (Less contrast in the colors? Silk screen some shoe laces? Racing stripes?) Or, perhaps I’ll have to wait till everyone is wearing them since I’m sure all the Tim-fans will now be rushing out to buy a pair. :-)

    Thanks for the post, though. I’ll see if I can find a place to try them on.

    I’m a *big* fan, by the way, Tim. Hope to meet you someday!

  • Allan Besselink, PT
    May 7th, 2009
    5:45 pm

    Tim:

    Great stuff!

    There are some very interesting studies on the incidence of running injuries and the relationship with running shoes (vs barefoot).

    Unfortunately, most people have been walking around in shoes for so long that they have lost a great degree of their normal capacity to tolerate the loads/demands of running/walking.

    To add to your point re: starting slowly … strength training will also help to increase the loading capacity and strength of the affected tissues, making this transition easier and more effective. Improving your running mechanics will also improve the loading capacity. Both will improve performance as well!

    I have written more about the science of running mechanics and similar training issues in “RunSmart: A Comprehensive Approach To Injury-Free Running”.

    Allan

  • Noah Fleming
    May 7th, 2009
    5:45 pm

    I’m almost convinced to order a pair.
    Sizing is a little worry since I can’t find any to try on locally.

    Tim, you might like Gordon Pirie’s Running Fast and Injury Free eBook (Free) as well.

    http://www.gordonpirie.com/

  • justjenn
    May 7th, 2009
    5:49 pm

    I read lots of posts about flat feet, what about really high arches? I have crazy high arches and most “flat” shoes end up causing stress on the arch and pain. I am not a fan of shoes, wish I could live somewhere I could give them up completely!!

    Does anyone know if these are good for high arches?

    j

  • Chuck
    May 7th, 2009
    5:54 pm

    Great post as always, but PLEASE go back to you tube style video. I can play ( quite well) all your other videos EXCEPT this one! And i have been waiting for it..lol Oh well. Hope all is good with you and yours and keep up the good work. Hope we get that gear page up soon! Which reminds me..i need to start writing and working out again! :)

  • Coach Buttermaker
    May 7th, 2009
    5:54 pm

    I wear ‘Kung Fu Shoes’. Same results and at $3.95, they’re a lot cheaper!

  • Barry Boswell
    May 7th, 2009
    5:54 pm

    Tim,

    I wrote a few months back asking about alternative healing for my torn achilles and I am back again! The achilles is healing well, but I have 9 weeks until I am “fully recovered”. I have been checking into VFF’s for a while, even before the tear, and am wondering if you know anything about wearing these shoes while crossfitting with/recovering/post recovery of a torn achilles. Anything will help

    -Barry

  • Barry Boswell
    May 7th, 2009
    5:55 pm

    Tim,

    I wrote a few months back asking about alternative healing for my torn achilles and I am back again! The achilles is healing well, but I have 9 weeks until I am “fully recovered”. I have been checking into VFF’s for a while, even before the tear, and am wondering if you know anything about wearing these shoes while crossfitting with/recovering/post recovery of a torn achilles. Anything will help

    -Barry

  • Erol
    May 7th, 2009
    6:42 pm

    I just watched your TED talk Tim. What’s the latest on modeling schools? It’s time to re-engineer schools! It seems they were created by government after the Depression to warehouse kids so they wouldn’t compete with adults for jobs. The is NO mission or purpose to schools. None!

    Kids spend at least 12 years of life in “education” and can’t seem to really do anything. How could anyone spend 12 years learning and not know what they learned, why, or have any useable skills other than remembering trivia so they could be on a game show.

    I’d really like to learn more and maybe pitch in. I’m a life coach and passionate about change and children.

  • Jared Pursell
    May 7th, 2009
    6:46 pm

    I’m getting a pair! I love walking bare foot, so this should be a good match. Just read your book Tim, and it was amazing. If you see an increase in sales in the Atlanta area it is me spreading the word.
    PEACE,
    JP

  • Berni
    May 7th, 2009
    7:19 pm

    Great post. I’ve been looking at VFF’s for a while now too. Plantar fasciitis, knee and back probs just aren’t going away with the usual treatment, I think you’ve just convinced me to get a pair, now to decide on the color!

  • trent
    May 7th, 2009
    8:38 pm

    i’m really sorry tim, love your stuff… but lately i just can’t help but think there’s a lot of advertising. whether you’re paid or not (don’t get me wrong i love the products/books (like neils).etc) it just feels all a bit commercial.
    please more posts on down to earth simple things :-) just some pleasant feedback.
    cheers.

  • Norman Dacanay
    May 7th, 2009
    9:16 pm

    Hmm this may explain why I always felt comfortable playing basketball barefooted. I live in Canada now but am originally from the Philippines where young boys would often play with flat bottomed sandals or barefoot at the local courts. The feel of running barefoot is awesome but can be really painful too newbies. I personally feel a more relaxed and natural spring to my run.

    PS. VFF’s in Canada will cost you $80-90 CAD

  • Teresa
    May 7th, 2009
    10:53 pm

    I love the shoes, I am such a barefoot type person. Shoes are a pain. I need to get a pair. I hate high heels I think they are a danger, at least to me. I can’t wait to try these.

  • Dynasty
    May 8th, 2009
    12:14 am

    Hey All/Tim

    I gain more strength by using my KSO VFFs over my custom orthopedic insoles. These last two days I’ve hit the gym with my VFFs and it’s a way better experience to lift weights (barbell deadlift/squat) when I have them on. These shoes draw a lot of attention when worn in public. I have to admit, I make a bold statement when I wear them and it’s a cool way of breaking the ice when I can comment about my shoes (only when people ask of course). I especially love these shoes for building solid calves and confidence. Nothing beats having sexier legs, healthier feet and all the other good stuff that comes along with wearing these funky designed shoes. Yet, after taking a ballroom/salsa dance class last night, I can’t say I would recommend them because of the discomfort I had while wearing them on the dance floor. Sure, laugh about that experience…I am too curious about these shoes. I did go skydiving with my KSO VFFs and thank goodness I prepared for that because I did not have a silky landing. Overall, my challenge is getting my little toe inside the toe pocket without making it such a prolong process. I definitely need the Classic model when I’m on the go. So Tim, I totally get you and I appreciate the helpful advice to “seat the heel”.

    Anyway, it’s like applying Zone Therapy to my feet when I wear the shoes. Our feet have tender parts and there is a correlation of pressure points to the various parts and organs of the body. I do myself a favor by massaging my feet with VFFs.

    Have a great night!

    Live it up.

  • Carl Nelson
    May 8th, 2009
    12:20 am

    I’ve actually tried this on the last time I was at the REI store in Seattle. Unfortunately they only had the camo blue ones which were atrocious to look at for more than a few moments. That and my sister was a little creeped out since I could grab her with my feet.

    I’m definitely considering them as a barefoot/super-light shoe alternative for everyday movement, etc.

    I rarely wear shoes indoors and often times stretch my toes out relatively often. It’s a common thing in yoga to do (make sure the toes are spread and relaxed). Something I really enjoy the feeling of.

  • Barefoot running: (Almost) all you need to know « playthink
    May 8th, 2009
    12:43 am

    [...] incredibly interesting and knowledge-rich review of Vibram FiveFingers shoes. His article, “The Barefoot Alternative,” also explains the anatomical science of the human foot, and provides links to resources to [...]

  • Joshua Uebergang
    May 8th, 2009
    12:56 am

    Tim, I’d love to see an experiment from you on increasing your vertical jump. It seems it could be your type of experiment.

    In the vertical jump industry, there’s a lot of this-and-that about rapidly adding inches in weeks. (Gain 10 inches in 10 weeks for example.) Most athletes, as you’d know, love to improve their vertical jump. Perhaps it could also help with your supplementation business. I think you’d love deconstructing the VJ down to what matters most.

    Perhaps you can do a before and after of you dunking a basketball! Make a dunk your goal!

  • J.R. Atwood
    May 8th, 2009
    12:58 am

    Kudos for such a knowledge-rich post about running shoes and the anatomy of the human foot.

    As a companion piece, here is a recent article from Popular Mechanics about “The Running Shoe Debate: How Barefoot Runners are Shaping the Shoe Industry”…
    http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/4314401.html?page=1

    Cheers,
    J.R.

  • Marko
    May 8th, 2009
    1:17 am

    Well, related to five-toed socks (Injinji brand alike), may be using a pair of shoes 1 or 2 size numbers bigger than yrs would solve this problem, fixing comfortably to for example make the using on the Winter pratical…

    Thanks for the Nice post, specially the link to “persistence hunting”

  • Vik
    May 8th, 2009
    5:01 am

    Tim,

    Nicely done. I think i’ll pick up one of these. (I hope the Vibram company paid you for this!)

    vik

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 8th, 2009
      11:34 am

      @Vik,

      LOL… yes, if I got paid a few dollars for each pair I sold ever pre-post, I’d have a serious piggy bank. Alas, just writing this because I like the shoes :)

      Tim

  • Norman Dacanay
    May 8th, 2009
    5:58 am

    To Marko: wearing shoes a size or two bigger will definitely allow you to spread your toes but won’t it also affect your stability as well?…since the shoe is a size or two bigger than your entire foot and not just in the toes area.

    Just wondering,

    Norman

  • Melissa
    May 8th, 2009
    6:41 am

    Tim –

    Question. My dad has diabetic neuropathy, which is a nerve degeneration condition. He has massive pain & tingling in his feet and hands from this condition. There is currently no medication to help the condition or way to reverse the effects, only pain relievers to mask the pain. He walks around barefoot or wears slippers because he doesn’t like anything on his feet. He also has very flat feet. Any idea if these shoes would be comfortable with someone of this type of condition – I didn’t see any responses from anyone commenting on this?

    Based on the research I’ve done, it appears to be a growing problem but many people are unaware of this condition – it does not receive the type of attention that breast cancer or other diseases do (those with large fundraising efforts behind them). As stated on the organization’s website, “peripheral neuropathy is one of the most common diseases people have never heard of”. (http://www.neuropathy.org/site/PageServer) Have you ever heard of this condition? Would you be interested in/able to use your blog to make others aware of this disease and any research you are able to do? As a daugther, it’s extremely sad to see the effects of this condition on my dad who is a very loving, funny, and intelligent man. It would be great if you could raise awareness of this debilitating condition that is spreading without any cure.

    Thank you,

    Melissa

  • Tomse
    May 8th, 2009
    7:55 am

    I have considered getting a pair of KSO for a while now. I didn’t make the purchase yet cause they cost 80-100 Euros in germany.

    I have big problems with my calves/shins and sometimes with the knees. Has anybody improved similar problems by switching to VFF?

  • Jeremy Senn
    May 8th, 2009
    7:56 am

    I have a pair of black KSO’s and I love them. As a strength and conditioning coach, I view going barefoot (or wearing VFF) as analogous to not wearing a weight belt in the weightroom – with proper progression, we are best letting our own muscles do the work.

    I have two boys, seven and five. What I’d really like to see are VFF made for their size. It seems like kids are going barefoot less and less due to the obvious safety reasons, but also probably related to the same reasons they are running around engaged in physical activity less and less. But one thing that makes it difficult for all the youngsters, is that so many traditional kids’ shoes are big clunkers that make physical activity analogous to running around with two bricks on the feet. I see VFF’s as perfect for kids’ natural inclination to be outdoors in play, especially for tree climbing, creek playing, and hill jumping.

    -Jeremy

  • Clay Nichols
    May 8th, 2009
    8:24 am

    I’ve worked from home for about 15 years now and due to a lot of time barefoot I developed pain in (a ligament, I think) in my ankle due to over pronation. I now wear sneakers with really good arch support.

    I see that you had flat feet and wore an orthodic.

    Would this sort of shoe be better than walking barefoot?
    Other than the foot protection, how is this shoe better than walking barefoot?
    (I’m trying to figure out whether this shoe would make my pronation better or worse).

    Keep challenging that conventional wisdom!

  • Clay Nichols
    May 8th, 2009
    8:56 am

    Cool video (and info) on the Persistence Hunting.

    Ironically, the bushman in the video is wearing tennis shoes .

  • Steve Purcell
    May 8th, 2009
    9:24 am

    @Ryan & Liam – while some people climb barefoot once in a while, I wouldn’t recommend the VFFs for “proper” climbing *at all*; your toes are unlikely to fit snugly up to the end of every toe pocket, since everyone’s feet are different, and the rubber there intentionally curls limply around the tip of the toe. That’s not conducive to good climbing performance, and bare feet would almost certainly be better.

    Also, while Vibram make some excellent climbing shoe rubber, what’s on the VFF soles is instead the hard-wearing hiking-shoe rubber that will last for ages but has a smooth surface.

    That said, not all climbing shoes have to be stiff, pointy and sharp-edged; FiveTen’s Moccasym slippers in your street shoe size (or 1/2 size down) climb amazingly and offer a great foot workout without the pain of many performance climbing shoes.

    As for running in the VFFs, though, that’s another story. I’ve never run barefoot but I took my new KSOs out for a 12km run this morning and it was a very pleasant experience. I can feel in my calves how someone accustomed to a cushioned running shoe would need to work up to that distance gradually, though.

  • Jonathan Koumaris
    May 8th, 2009
    10:16 am

    Hey Tim,

    Great Blog! I was curious about how flexible the sole of the shoe is. Increasing the range of motion at the metatarsal joints are great, however if its a really stiff sole than it may be counter productive. I have been wearing nike frees for a few years now and have noticed with the new lines ie 7’s, they have been going backwards by increasing the stiffness and support in the shoe. This may have been due to people not really reeducating their feet how to support load during movement. Some exercise progressions like balance training–> walking–> hops (lateral, front and back)–>running on forgiving surfaces ie sand, grass–> to progressively tougher surfaces like concrete and most importantly gradually increasing volume may be a good idea. I can potentially see a lot of shin splint issues if people are not careful. However I love the direction of this product and will try and get my hands on these ASAP.

    Thanks again,

    Jonathan

  • Kathryn shants
    May 8th, 2009
    11:32 am

    Just used my REI 20% dividend to purchase a classic pair – the stores are sold out – but ship to a store. Total of $65 including tax – deal!

  • elizabeth mars
    May 8th, 2009
    11:35 am

    Hooray! Thanks for forwarding the info, Tim.

    Sigh of relief,
    e

  • mark
    May 8th, 2009
    11:54 am

    I totally agree with this idea. I have no formal education on the matter, however, it doesn’t take a genius to see that running shoes more and more have huge heels with all the air and springs they pump in for cushioning. It seems that higher heels would shorten your calves and back of leg muscles?

    I like the idea for the five toe shoe/socks, but don’t know if I’d want to deal with all the gawking and office comments.

  • Drew Baye
    May 8th, 2009
    12:46 pm

    I used to own a pair of those cheap “kung fu” shoes for casual wear. There’s a reason they only cost a few bucks. They’re not even close to the VFFs.

  • Dan
    May 8th, 2009
    12:51 pm

    Hi Tim, great post. Saw the shoes on the video with Kevin Rose, and was waiting to hear more.

    Have you tried / do you have any opinion on MBT shoes? I have been wearing them since last Xmas with good results for my back, but they seem totally opposite in approach / phylosophy to the Vibram’s… I would appeciate your thoughts.

    Thanks

    Dan

  • Per Wiklander
    May 8th, 2009
    1:40 pm

    I went out and got a pair of Classics today after reading this. I had some problems tracking them down (I live in Sweden) but after a bit of googling it turned out that my favourite outdoors store, only five minutes from home (Naturkompaniet, Sickla), has them :-)

    The store has a great 30 days money back deal, as long as you only wear them indoors. I started walking down the 11 stairs from my apparment with the idea of walking back up again. The first thing I noticed was that my toes naturally gripped the edge of each step. How cool is that! When I came down to the entrance I felt that I had to at least walk around a bit outside the house. Once outside my feet took me to a trail that runs around the neighbourhood and I couldn’t help myself. I started running. And it felt soo good.

    I have this ritual where I start going barefoot around this time of year when the weather allows it. For the first couple of weeks the feet hurt a bit as you feel each pebble and other piece of nature stick into the soles of the feet. Then the soles get gradually harder until in the end of the summer I can walk around barefoot without thinking about it. With the VFFs on it was just like the barefoot feeling of late summer. I can’t really describe how good that felt. I just ran around and felt playful and trusted the VFFs to not get my feet hurt whatever I stepped on.

    When I got back in I washed the soles of the VFFs and they looked good as new again, not a scratch. Which is good, cause after reading alot more about these shoes I thing I’ll have to get a pair of KSOs instead of Classics. I really don’t like getting stuff in the shoes while running.

  • Forrest
    May 8th, 2009
    4:51 pm

    Hey Tim…resending from Twitter because it’s having issues after being down for maintenance.

    Challenge for you: wear a suit to Saturday wedding in SF + Vibrams. Of course it may steal attention from the bride! :) Please send me a pic if you do it!

    Forrest
    @forrestbivens

  • Weekly Links - May 8 | nickgennock.com
    May 8th, 2009
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  • Lee
    May 8th, 2009
    10:09 pm

    Sweet, my local outdoor store has these.. I will be picking up the classic ‘khaki’ ones on tues.

    What are you’lls favorite styles
    - classic
    - sprint
    - kso
    - flow

    and color?

  • vw
    May 9th, 2009
    4:49 am

    Another commenter with horrendous feet. I’ve been wearing these for about 3 weeks and I’d share a few comments.

    For VFF
    shoes are great with flat feet

    shoes are OK with bunions but not great — people with severe bunions may have problems

    soft heel strikes take some practice but I’m finding its worth it

    For orthodtics — I still wear these when not wearing VFFs
    The best I’ve found are custom molded carbon fiber with a layer of foam rubber on top. That way you get the support you want with orthodtics and some give to let your arches do what they are designed to do.

    My first set of orthodtics were custom and hard plastic not worth it. The second were fancy carbon fiber that flexed a bit — a little better but still prevented the arches from acting as shock absorbers. The carbon fiber/ foam rubber turn every pair of shoes they fit in into a pair of sneakers. Great for people not ready to give up regular footwear.

    the best

  • Top 10 Blog Posts of the Week (May 2nd - May 8th) | Viralogy Blog
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  • eric charles
    May 9th, 2009
    11:12 am

    It figures you would pick up on the VFFs, Tim!

    I’ve been wearing them (the classic) for almost 6 months and couldn’t live without them. Like you, I do Judo, a barefoot sport, and I wanted something to wear at the gym so my workouts would have the same type of movement and balance I have on the mat. It’s worked out brilliantly. The only problem is that now wearing regular shoes feels like I’m walking around with Kleenex boxes on my feet.

    And, as you pointed out, you do have to explain them to people about 10 times a day…

  • Daniel
    May 9th, 2009
    11:28 am

    Tim, Read your book awhile ago and have been following ever since. Working on applying the muse concept to charity – we’ll see how it goes. :D

    These are a great idea – I picked up a pair of Classics today, but in my zeal to try them out I managed to get sold on a pair that was slightly too small. Ordered a bigger pair since, waiting for it to arrive.

    I’d tell everyone to be careful of sizing, and say focus on your toes a little more than your heel. You can tighten it up, but if your toes get scrunched, you won’t be doing yourself too much benefit. I’d make sure to compare the online recommended sizes, check out how you feel with them in a store (Half Moon Outfitters gives you 2 weeks or so to try them out), then go from there.

    Thanks for the post!

  • fritz
    May 9th, 2009
    4:06 pm

    I’d buy the hell out of these things if they only made them in my size (15).

  • Sharyn
    May 9th, 2009
    5:40 pm

    What have you done Timothy Ferriss? Now my husband wants to buy these shoes! Sure you have mentioned how great they are for your feet, but has anyone ever commented how silly they look? Our marriage could be on the line and you are to blame, I hope you can sleep at night.:)

  • Paul
    May 9th, 2009
    6:02 pm

    Another “barefoot” option is Sanuk’s. It’s basically a flip flop bottom with a fabric upper.

    http://www.sanuk.com/

    I’ve been wearing them or a few years now and I love them.

  • Vibram FiveFingers « Christopher Keller
    May 9th, 2009
    8:43 pm

    [...] my daily persuing of the ever increasing number of blogs I stay up on, I caught Tim’s post on the Vibram FiveFinger shoes. Okay, I get it. An entire shoe (sort of) based on the concept of [...]

  • Onotheo
    May 9th, 2009
    11:00 pm

    I’d like to have one but I find it to be just too expensive for me D:

  • Dr. Blaise Ryan
    May 10th, 2009
    6:20 am

    Hi Tim,

    I’ve always loved your work and the spirit of your message. But when I saw this, my respect and admiration for you just grew ten fold!

    I’ve been teaching my patients about getting more in touch with your feet, and have always wondered WHEN a real shoe made with toe-fingers will be invented.

    THANK YOU for sharing this. I can’t wait to get a few pairs. :)

    Dr. Blaise Ryan

    Child Brain Health Research Center

  • Brett
    May 10th, 2009
    10:50 am

    Hey Tim, just giving you a heads up.

    The CEO of Vibram USA has been quoted saying that the name is pronounced with a soft “i,” like in the name Victor.

    http://www.shoebumblog.com/shoebum/2007/02/now_you_can_han.html

    Keep up the good work. It makes me smile.

    Brett

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 11th, 2009
      3:37 pm

      Thanks, Brett. I think they should give up on the Italian pronunciation and recognize that almost everyone in the US will pronounce it like “vibe”. Yanks don’t like soft “ih” sounds much :)

      Tim

  • Medalla
    May 10th, 2009
    12:59 pm

    Couldn’t help but notice that the San bushman in the “persistence hunting” video was wearing trainers! :)

    Am suddenly very interested in getting something like these, however the toes out, geeky look will never go down well here in Edinburgh where I’m currently living. However, thanks to BCRs post on May 7th regarding the Terra Plana brand of “barefoot shoes”, I might be able to do that. Look like ordinary shoes with all the advantages.

    Cheers

  • Kendra Kinnison
    May 10th, 2009
    6:42 pm

    Got a pair yesterday (Sprint / pink) and have gone on two three-mile walks since. I had the straps a little tight at first, but they feel great once I got the tightness corrected. I have worn heels nearly every day for the last decade and had the foot pain to go with it. The toe-stretching has already relieved a tremendous amount of the pain. I’m looking forward to building up to running in them.

    Great post – thanks!
    kk

  • Ravi
    May 10th, 2009
    8:24 pm

    I just ordered my first pair! I opted for the Classics. I tried on the KSOs at a local store, but they had too many straps for my liking.

    Looking forward to giving them a test drive next weekend.

  • Katya
    May 10th, 2009
    8:49 pm

    Hi Tim,

    Great Ninja shoes – and this is the only shoe-related comment I shall provide :P I actually wanted to see if you will be in San Francisco this coming weekend. I’m scheming a road trip (Vancouver – your neck of the woods) as a mini escape, and after seeing your TED talk, I regained faith that strangely multi-faceted and interesting people with a wide spectrum of hobbies do exist (eventually one starts feeling a bit out of tune with the world where the majority surprisingly doesn’t pursue tennis, samba, painting, swimming, and African drumming at the same time…)

    My offer is a lunch, and a conversation in a number of languages (have you learned Russian or Ukrainian yet? :P) I realize it’s a bit of a long shot, but according to your “4-hour Week” theory, one should try especially if the idea seems far-fetched :)

  • Bill
    May 10th, 2009
    10:52 pm

    I bought these shoes after reading 48 hours ago. My feet are sore due to muscle strain, my sock budget in my luggage has dropped, and I love these shoes….

  • Lark
    May 10th, 2009
    11:07 pm

    Tim,

    YAY! Finally, shoes made for MY feet! It’s about time. My feet look VERY similar to the unshod picture. I go barefoot as much as I can get away with in civilized society. I can pick things up with my toes and have been (lovingly) accused of having “monkey toes.” I was known as “the barefoot professor” at the university where I taught graphic design for three years due to kicking off my 1 inch heels as soon as I was in the carpeted computer lab. I don’t even have a large foot (Women’s 71/2WW is the most comfortable). I sometimes buy boys sneakers to get the extra width. And now that I’m starting to get back to my exercise routine, I’m looking to replace my workout shoes. I have always HATED walking or running for exercise, except on beach sand, barefoot. I will be researching these VFFs.

    Thank you.

    Lark

  • Emma
    May 11th, 2009
    1:53 am

    how good are these – I have been wearing them for 6 months now – wore them in India and got stopped everywhere – they are AMAZING – watch out for the 2009-2010 catalogue featuring purple and lilac ones – sweet!! :)

  • Denny Chapin
    May 11th, 2009
    2:13 am

    I plan on getting classic’s in black.

    Have to switch away from strength training and change to cardio training for 2 reasons: 1) summer time & 2) no more free gym (as I’m graduating college).

    I figure I’ll add these for my next pair of running shoes and skip the gym membership. I can always do a full body work out every 5 days and retain (if not gain) mass.

    Anyway, Tim I love your blog. As far as the stuff you write, the actual stuff regarding how to FORM and DESIGN one’s life is everlasting (the book). What’s great about the blog is how you show small little stuff to fill the void (THE CONTENT).

    Big role model.

  • Pedro Aguiar
    May 11th, 2009
    3:01 am

    Sounds like a good invention….though the problem with this is that they still only have stores in US ( or Canada and Mexico) and its hard to get them (or first try them) in Europe! But this shoes must imitate the feeling of running on the beach and digging your toes in the sand for extra speed…..must really do wonders for your running and sprint strengh.

  • Jonathan S.
    May 11th, 2009
    9:03 am

    It took me a few to find out about these shoes since the Kevin Rose interview when the camera man zoomed into them as a sort of questioning joke.

    It then took me a whole of a week to go out where I can purchase a set (Adventure 16 in Los Angeles was out of stock and had to go to Westwood to another shoe store)

    From there I fell in love with the Vibram’s and how they feel running, even so much as when my dog escaped from my office and ran at full speed across the busy intersection of Highland and Mt. View in San Bernardino, catching her was a breeze at a full and grippy sprint. You learn quickly how to spring your toes and use that arch when you have to catch some serious speed.

    I have also noticed that I am able to drive a stick shift with greater ease and accuracy as compared to many (and embarrassing) stalled starts on hills and bridges when wearing my classic Converses or New Balances.

    I am glad these shoes were shown me, even if by accident.

  • Matt
    May 11th, 2009
    11:41 am

    If anyone is going to learn pose after reading this they may also want to check out this. http://www.sportsscientists.com/2007/10/pose-running-reduces-running-economythe.html

    My personal opinion is that the principals of pose/chi are good but you don’t need to buy a dvd/book to do them.

  • Chris
    May 11th, 2009
    12:14 pm

    I just bought a pair and really like them. However, I have been using ballet shoes for years to get that barefoot feeling while inside. I used them when I traveled as you never know what goes on in hotels. These are great for using outside because they have a much sturdier sole versus the leather on ballet shoes.

  • Jason Wong
    May 11th, 2009
    12:39 pm

    One more thing that I’ve noticed just now with the VFF’s – the toes in your feet stretch out. My friend noticed that my toes are considerably longer now – very odd!

  • Brian D
    May 11th, 2009
    1:02 pm

    These VFF’s are great. One thing, careful while on an escalator. The rubber sole wraps slighty up and around your toes, my pinky toe gripped the escalator wall and almost got caught. Thankfully no bloody mess but it took me a few minutes to get my fore toe and pinky toe back in place….. only had them a few weeks and haven’t mastered getting them on just yet.

  • me
    May 11th, 2009
    1:33 pm

    Do you get a cut of this? or something for endorsing them? I think some disclosure is warranted here. No, I don’t expect you to publish this comment

    • Tim Ferriss
      May 11th, 2009
      3:32 pm

      LOL… relax “me”. If someone orders through an Amazon link anywhere on this site, I get some paltry amount, but Vibram has not paid me anything for this post.

      Best,

      Tim

  • Zenfulness » Set Your Feet Free
    May 11th, 2009
    7:54 pm

    [...] reduce injuries; the second is a blog post by lifestyle design experimenter Tim Ferriss about his experience with Vibram Five Finger shoes.  Both come to the conclusion that modern running shoes hinder natural foot biomechanics and [...]

  • William
    May 11th, 2009
    10:43 pm

    I just got a pair of Classics last week. So far they are pretty awesome. Had some heel blister issues after the first run, but they’re ok now. The only problem I’ve had is that the cinch cord of the Classics (which isn’t present on the other models) hit against the big tendon on the top of my foot when I walk, especially if I tighten up the shoe.

    Tim, seeing as the Classics are your favorite of the 3 you’ve tried, I’m guessing you didn’t experience this?

  • Gary Freeman
    May 12th, 2009
    2:19 am

    I have used the KSO’s for 6 months now, so good to see an article on here.

    Now being recommended by CHEK pratitioners, Tim you should check out Paul CHEK

    £5 discount for people in the UK
    http://shop.primallifestyle.com

    Enter coupon code at google checkout:-
    gfr246min5

    Free your Feet!

    Gary.

  • Bill
    May 12th, 2009
    7:40 am

    I have been running with the VFF KSOs now for several weeks and they are great. I found that using yoga toes each day helps spread your toes out. This helps with VFF fit in cases where your feet have been crunched by years of wearing shoes. http://www.yogapro.com/ts/toestretcher.html?&gclid=CPahjICBt5oCFRxNagodDBDncQ

    -Bill

  • Leonard Irwin
    May 12th, 2009
    1:22 pm

    Tim

    I’ve had chronic pronation with my feet since age 20. Wore too many work boots to school as a child. I’ve started my own experiment to walk in bare feet an wear less in shoe time. I want to see what happens to my feet. I also have a bad back. Will keep updates as time passes.

  • Pat
    May 12th, 2009
    3:42 pm

    Well, I hate to be captain contradiction here, but a friend of mine got into these shoes a while ago and I looked into them. Honestly, the research looks kinda thin. I ran track for years and had a fair amount of problems, like shin splints that were caused by running on pavement with thin shoes and (here’s where all the research seems to be lacking) running with poor form. Once I learned HOW to run, these problems went away.

    If you look at a slow motion video of Olympic runners in full stride, you’ll see that running is a series of short hops. You’ll also see that these hops are made on the balls of the feet.

    Most people take up running thinking that they already know how to run, so as long as they get all the running gear and a workout plan they’re set. The truth is, and I fell for it too, if you’ve never been trained in proper form you’ll probably end up hurting yourself.

    I live on a pretty famous street in New Jersey that sits atop a cliff and runs the length of the New York Skyline. It’s a great place to go running and many people do run along it. I’ve been watching how people run and, with the exception of the local high school track team, I have yet to see anyone running with proper form. Their arms remain close to their bodies and barely move, their stride is more like a shuffle and they always run on their heels.

    The claim with this running barefoot movement is that it forces you to run on the balls of your feet – you can do this without buying a different kind of shoe. I’ve noticed that I seem to shift my weight to the balls of my feet in most of my walking and running. I even go up and down stairs on the balls of my feet. As a result, looking at all my older pairs of shoes, I have noticed that all of the wear seems to be in the front, with little wear in the heel; this even applies to my more formal heeled dress shoes. Take a look at your old shoes and see where they are worn; this will probably surprise you.

    In looking into the studies that I could find on this topic I could not find a study that indicated that proper form was considered in the numbers relating to injuries associated with running in modern running shoes. I suspect that if this was considered, the results would be a little less impressive about how much better barefoot running is supposed to be.

    All of the research points to the indigenous people of here and there that run for miles and miles barefoot and experience little injury. Yet many of these people don’t spend their time running on paved surfaces. They run on grass and dirt trails.

    Tim, I believe that your lower back pain was probably due to too much reliance on your heels and repetitive shock which you alluded to. I would implore anyone who tries these shoes to avoid running on pavement and instead stick to dirt, grass or a non-paved track.

    Not to be a jerk, but the marketing and advocacy around these shoes basically says “buy these shoes… oh, and run with proper form.” Hell Tim, you even end the post with recommendations on how to learn to run after explaining how these shoes are supposed to make a difference.

    These shoes really don’t make the difference that they claim to and I’m afraid people will believe that the shoes will make all the difference. Marketing did it with basketball shoes; do you really play better with $200 sneakers? Of course not. I really think that you all should learn to run first and see how that works before shelling out the cash for these shoes.

    After all, we all read the post about Tim learning to love swimming after he learned the proper way to do it. What makes this any different?

  • Sean Reyes
    May 12th, 2009
    6:46 pm

    Sup Tim, i’ve been wearing these for close to a year now and love them. I noticed you had a pair on during one of your last video interviews, and knew for sure a follow up post was going to come, because they stood out when you were sitting on the couch.

    I get asked all the time whats up with my toe-shoes at the gym, and it’s hard to explain in a 15-second time frame where i’m not engaged in something. Cool to see you spreading the word!

    Crossfit hooooooo!

  • Paul Charteris
    May 12th, 2009
    10:44 pm

    I have been wearing VFFs for 2 years now (the Sprints). I was an early adopter of them after being introduced to them by barefootted. I also traveled to Copper Canyon to run with the Tarahumara in the 2008 Copper Canyon Ultramarathon.

    My feet have changed shape to become broader and more muscular. My running style has changed from being a heel to a mid-foot striker and I am able to power up hills easier since I can now recruit stronger foot muscles and my calves are much stronger and well developed.

    Cheers, PC

  • Stephen Regenold
    May 13th, 2009
    6:38 am

    I am a VFF fan, too: [URL removed per comment rules] The “shoes” were a step in changing my perspective on running shoes. Now I most often employ minimally-padded shoes from the likes of Inov-8. And I tried running w/o shoes once, but with some pretty ill results.

  • Jon Cummings
    May 13th, 2009
    7:59 am

    Thanks for all the info and your impressions about these shoes! I just picked up a pair yesterday, and there’s definitely going to be an adjustment period.

    If you’re interested in the Classics, I found a site that has them on sale for $50. http://nykayak.3dcartstores.com/Vibram-FiveFingers-Classic_p_47.html
    Not sure about shipping etc, as I bought them in store…

    Oh, and I do not work for or represent nykayak. Just thought people might be interested in the lower price.

  • Freddy
    May 13th, 2009
    9:07 am

    Have you seen this brand new book on the subject of running barefoot?

    Christopher McDougall’s book, Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen.

    Here is the Barnes and Nobel link: http://tinyurl.com/omraq3

    “…convincingly overturn standard running ideas (you don’t need those super-expensive, mega-cushioned shoes!), figure out just why our ancestors picked up their hands from the ground and started running upright, and back up the concept that Nike is to blame for every running injury in existence for the past two decades.”

  • David _ BarefootRunner
    May 13th, 2009
    9:35 am

    Pat, I partially agree with you in that a shoe (any shoe) won’t make you a better runner or correct your form. However, traditional shoes cause heel-strike in ~75% of recreational runners. By removing the positive (raised) heel, by use of VFFs, mocs, or others, this change in gait is the catalyst in retaining and finding correct form. I’ve been a barefoot runner for 8+ years and believe me when I say that regular running shoes force heel-strike – this is the problem. Yes, proper form training will help retrain you as well, but unless you’re a fast runner, the heels will still strike first — instead, remove the shoes (or heck, grind down the heels so the midsole is the same height as the forefoot area) and go at it. Happy trails, David.

  • Lexica
    May 13th, 2009
    10:18 am

    justjenn posted on May 7th, 2009 at 5:49 pm, asking about how these are for high arches.

    I have high arches (”No,” said the woman at the orthotics store, “you have EXTREMELY high arches”) and have dealt with varying levels of foot discomfort and pain for as long as I can remember. Following a bad foot injury in August 2007, I started looking into the “minimal” shoes.

    So far I haven’t tried the Five Fingers, but what I’ve found is that the more minimal the shoe – the less padding and arch support it has, and the more flexible (floppy!) the sole is – the better my feet feel. At this point, my feet have gotten strong enough that I can comfortably walk two miles barefoot on concrete (and do). Broken glass and the like are still a problem to watch for, and I managed to give myself blisters last week because the pavement was too hot. But that’s a surface-level pain, not a bone-and-tendon-level pain like I used to deal with.

    You might get yourself a pair of ballet slippers and see how they feel. That’s what persuaded me: after walking a mile on concrete in ballet slippers, my feet felt better than walking the same distance in my “properly supportive” shoes.

  • Pat
    May 13th, 2009
    3:19 pm

    David,
    I suppose one of the points that I was addressing is that padded shoes do have a place in that the typical runner is running on a street or paved surface which is unnatural. The argument that barefoot running is natural is a fine argument to make, however, adding a natural process to an unnatural environment doesn’t solve anything.

    I’d go even further to say that the idea that padded shoes cause heel strike, even with correct form, is a myth. If you have a shoe with 1/2″ padding in the front and 3/4″ padding on the back and you’re getting heel strike, you are not running with proper form. This is the problem with recreational runners – they simply do not know how to run. None of the research that claims the adverse effects of running with padded shoes even mention how form factors into the equation. I’d argue that if you gave these shoes to the same group of recreational runners and left out the part about running the right way, you’d probably see drastically higher numbers of injuries than you would with padded shoes.

    The literature, websites and advocates of these shoes all say the same thing (this post included) – Get these shoes, and learn to run properly. It’s like all those fat-lose pills; they say that their product, and diet and exercise, will help you lose weight. All the pills really do is amp you up on caffeine, and all these shoes do is remind you that you don’t have a heel in your shoe, so you better not run on it. Technically, you’re supposed to run on the ball or pad of your foot and your heel should never even come close to making contact, so what you have on your feet (or not on your feet) shouldn’t make any difference.

    I’d suggest reading Lore of Running by Noakes if you find that you’re getting injured while running. The book’s about the size of an average Yellow Pages phone book and will taunt you with how much you really don’t know about running – it blew my doors off to see how much I was missing.

  • Thursday 090514 - Potomac CrossFit
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    [...] Vibram Five Fingers, the Hunter-Gatherer Foot, and the Western Man’s Foot (via) Is all cheese created equal? (via) The Primal Blueprint (via) [...]

  • fritz
    May 13th, 2009
    6:39 pm

    I wrote: “I’d buy the hell out of these things if they only made them in my size (15).”

    Sizing chart says: “you might be able to fit into a 48″

    Figure “hey, it’s only $60″ and yep, damn things fit and are great.

  • Stephanie
    May 13th, 2009
    7:34 pm

    I just bought some tonight. A friend of mine has had some for awhile but the goofy factor was too much until I saw and read the article explaining them in the context of biomechanics of the body. I am also super ecstatic that these can replace my rock climbing shoes (that were never comfortable) as well as my “aqua socks”. I also love that these can just be thrown in the washing machine. I am in my late 20’s and figuring out as I get older how things that multi-task make life much simpler. I am learning to really appreciate the few times I can run across something this practical, simple and well worth the money!

  • BCR
    May 14th, 2009
    2:47 am

    Pat

    I think it is possible to run with good form in “normal” shoes. I also think that it is easy to run with bad form. With five fingers, it’s not that easy to run with bad form. You seem to be arguing at length for a position nobody is opposing. Good form makes the difference. These shoes help with form because you have better feedback from your feet. Doing it wrong hurts.

    Also, your bias seems to be very much toward running. Have you considered other activities? Eg. Walking correctly? Standing correctly?

    Your feet do more than help you run, and they didn’t evolve an extra half inch at the heel, let alone 6.

  • Paleo (Bare) Footwear | Higher Thought
    May 14th, 2009
    9:07 pm

    [...] Tim Ferriss explains, traditional shoes can be quite harmful to foot health and posture, while barefooting in FiveFingers …. In his case, it eliminated 10 years of lower-back pain in 2 weeks. Primal living blogger Mark [...]

  • Mike S
    May 15th, 2009
    2:54 pm

    Just bought my black KSOs from Adventure 16 last night in west Los Angeles. Although REI has them on their site, they do not have them in Manhattan Beach.
    Nor did the Sports Chalet in MDR have them, although other locations apparently do.

    Size 45. I normally wear a 12 or 13 depending on the shoe. I’m flat footed and looking to help with that.
    The measurement guide said a 44 or just past. So we went with the 45.

    They feel funny, but they are supposed to, I guess. I think feeling the toe cap on my big toe makes me think they are too small, but there is not any restriction. The salesrep (Ben) said he wears them and that’s how they should fit. I guess I’ll find out. The 46 was way too big.

  • Sam
    May 16th, 2009
    2:32 pm

    Tim,

    Thanks for the inspiration to try out VFFs. Purchased a pair of classics today. I had a friend in college try them out, but he had so much gear that I never thought twice about his newest thing. I have recently gotten into being healthier, particularly with running. Last semester I was 240 and generally worthless. Fast forward to now and I am still losing weight at 200. I have run into (pun!) some problems with my running; namely my knee. I hope to take some time off, wear these around, and in a month or so start up again and incorporate VFFs in to some of my runs. Thanks for all of your inspiration and wisdom.

    regards,
    sam

    p.s. loved the post on Seneca. Picked up the Republic and some other classical stuff, but do you have an “all-in-one” book of Seneca’s essays to recommend?

  • Bob S
    May 17th, 2009
    1:21 pm

    Tim, great post. Have been looking for them since saw your interview w/Loic. Up in the mountains of NH, lots of outdoor / shoe outfitters, but NONE of them carried the VFFs. For anyone in NH/ME, there is a store in Nashua and Runner’s World in Portland, ME, where I bought mine. Vibram website has store locations for for those remotely located. Tried on several pairs to get right size, picked up the KVOs in Black and love them!!! It was worth paying an extra $5 at retail vs Amazon since took several tries to get the right size. But now that have that will order next pair, and there will be more pairs, online.

    On Peacocking, my 14 yr old son loves them, as do his friends, but at stage where they outgrow shoes every few months think will wait a bit for them. My wife and daughter insisted on walking 20 yrds behind me when I wore them to the movies! Too many people were staring and commenting.

    Only sore first day, wore about 30 minutes. Next day wore all day, and have been wearing since. What a blessing to us w/wide feet. I grew up in FL, going barefoot when ever not in school, running on beach and pavement, got use to heat, etc. Feet haven’t felt this good since I was a kid.

    Thanks for the turning us on to the VFFs

  • Jon Koumaris
    May 17th, 2009
    7:31 pm

    Anyone have any problems with turf toe? Just curious…

  • Tomse
    May 18th, 2009
    2:32 am

    Does anybody have an idea which shoe I could use in the office?

    It should look like an almost normal shoe, has to be completely black and has to be as close as possible to barefeet.

  • Mandy
    May 18th, 2009
    2:35 am

    Wow. They should have you writing their website. There’s one thing you didn’t mention, though: the state of pariah that comes from wearing such horribly ugly shoes — and not in a “cute” way like Uggs or Crocs in their heydays! Hehe!

    I really want to get some of these — they even have a cute purple color — but I’m fat and already have terrible posture. I wonder if they would help or worsen my posture as I lose weight. At any rate, I’ll give them a try because they’re hilarious!

  • John
    May 18th, 2009
    12:38 pm

    Those shoes look really sick! I plan on getting those in the near future. Also, I always thought that having wide feet was bad, but I guess now I feel a bit better about myself.

  • Still Learning… » Time for a change?
    May 18th, 2009
    1:57 pm

    [...] some articles on it that mirrored some recent things I’ve been interested in as well such as feet and biomechanics in general and happiness and living life to the fullest. He’s not some crazy off-the-grid or die over [...]

  • Cat
    May 19th, 2009
    12:04 am

    Doh! So according the helpful visual aid wearing high heels could give me a tummy pooch huh? That’s f***in awesome >:P

    Whatever…I’ll do yoga or something…maybe.

    And damn those shoes are kind of creepy. Feet can be so weird.

  • Sandy Sommer, RKC
    May 19th, 2009
    9:20 am

    Tim,

    Congratulations to a fellow RKC. Nice work in February! I’ve been wearing the VFF for over a year. I had tons of foot problems prior to wearing them such as general pain, overpronation etc. ALL GONE. The kettlebell training got rid of my back pain prior to that LOL.

  • Miguel Wickert
    May 19th, 2009
    11:45 am

    Tim,

    Thanks for sharing. Planning on picking up a pair soon, found a place in Tulsa, OK that sells the shoes. I do a lot of running and have always been told “you need arch support.”

    Have you done any running with the Vibram Five Finger shoes? ( I’m thinking like 5- 9 miles). Just curious, if not, no worries. When I get my pair, I’ll give them a warm welcome break in. :) I’ll keep ya posted, cheers!

    -Mig

  • Billy Tagg
    May 20th, 2009
    1:20 pm

    Tim,

    I just bought a pair of them today. Sincere thanks for this tip. I can feel the muscles working already and my feet are a tad sore. Despite that, they are still incredibly comfortable. If these work out, I’m considering getting the neoprene model for swimming and winter running. As you said to Kevin in the video, they are great to drive in and I can’t wait for that tomorrow leaving for Memorial Day weekend. And enjoy your holiday weekend. Thanks again!

    Billy, NYC

    PS: Loved the Random episode… you guys should do them more often.

  • Scott Levy
    May 21st, 2009
    8:18 am

    Bought a pair two weeks back. Enjoying them…have used them for surfing and just running around. Thanks for turning me on to these. Agree on the sizing issue – be sure to go a store to get sized.

  • Mark Kennedy
    May 22nd, 2009
    7:34 am

    Thanks for the post Tim.

    I have been interested in the pros / cons of barefoot running and shoes that are designed to simulate barefoot running such as the Nike Free (have owned 3 pairs). I will read more about the Vibram.

    Has anyone tried the new Ecco Biom running shoe? Ecco is not a company you would traditionally associate with running, but it looks like they’ve spent significant amounts of time, money and research into this project. I live in London and have also noticed lots of advertising for FitFlops…would also be interested in hearing what women think about them (not sure if a men’s version is available).

  • Ravi
    May 22nd, 2009
    11:07 pm

    I just got my first pair of VFF’s – the classic model. They felt AMAZING for my first 2 mile run in them, but realize they are a bit too big. Be careful with sizing, make sure the heel fits properly! If the heel is loose at all you will feel some friction against your achilles tendon.

    Go at least 1 size smaller than your normal shoe size.

  • Timothy
    May 23rd, 2009
    6:50 am

    Hi Tim, are you very comfortable with your height then? I know you mentioned before that you were very small in school and suffered bullying. You have no problems with walking around barefoot while everybody else has a little boost from shoes/heels?

    from another Timothy

  • Kaiser Serajuddin
    May 23rd, 2009
    10:51 am

    I was looking for something ideal for outdoor Muy Thai conditioning – wearing shoes just feels funky, but you don’t want to go bearfoot – I think we’ve got a winner! – But for normal civilian gear, I think I’ll stick with my Nike’s, 2 inch heel and all – I know party pooper -

  • Kaiser Serajuddin
    May 23rd, 2009
    10:54 am

    And anyone notice that the subsequent postural imbalance that Tim pointed out to high-heel shoes is probably the reason that models (and model caliber women) have that sexy posture, where their chests and butts are simultaneously sticking out an their back is arched? I guess not all postural compensation is bad (yes I’m a pig).

  • wuiakb
    May 23rd, 2009
    2:31 pm

    Got these bad boys a couple weeks ago. Love them. Perfect fit, get them snug and close to your foot. $65 in New york! Took them out to portland for some rock climbing, hiking and jogging.. amazing! I use them mostly for Kung Fu and Yoga in the city. High recommended.. wouldn’t have found about them without this blog. Thanks Tim!

  • Revvell
    May 25th, 2009
    8:15 am

    Hi Tim!

    Being that I have narrow feet, I didn’t think these would work on me. They were first introduced to me by tower racer, Tim Van Orden.

    Well, I went to A-16 here in SoCal and tried on a pair. The first ones I was introduced to were the KSO’s. Yeah, right. How much time do we have to get the lil toesies into the lil footsies? I asked for something easier and was brought the Sprint. I absolutely love them! Being narrow footed, they work well for me because they are adjustable, over the instep AND at the heel and yes, just like what I do with my running shoes, I “seat” the heel before strapping over the instep. I’ve had absolutely no problems with the strap bothering my foot at all. I’ve gone hiking up hill, 2.7 miles and running back down. They give a GREAT reflexology session! If you’re not used to going barefoot, they may be a problem. Since I don’t wear shoes inside or, out in our yard, maybe my feet were already suited to these but I’ve had no aches or pains at all EXCEPT when I’m on unnatural surfaces, then they get tired.

    Revvell

  • Living without shoes: How to walk barefoot permanently | Dave Turnbull
    May 26th, 2009
    1:24 am

    [...] full time since about February of 2009. Timothy Ferriss has already written a great blog post about why you should walk barefoot, so I won’t go into that, but I figured I could offer you some practical tips on how to make [...]

  • Tim Ferris Discovers Vibram Five Fingers - Barefoot Runner
    May 28th, 2009
    3:46 am

    [...] Ferris, the author of The 4-hour Work Week and a very popular blog has just discovered the virtues of Vibram Five Fingers. Welcome to the club Tim. Next step: completely barefoot Tagged: article, Five Fingers, link, [...]

  • steve
    May 29th, 2009
    7:04 pm

    How funny. I just had a student in one of my Beach boot camps in Chicago wearing a pair in the sand. I didn’t think much about them at the time, but now my interest is peaked. I will have to ask her if the sand gets in and causes irritation or not…but she seemed to really like them. Thanks for the interesting post.

  • Ultimative Linksammlung zu den Vibram Five Fingers « Der moderne Affe
    May 30th, 2009
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  • Iamtheeggman
    May 30th, 2009
    10:13 pm

    Hey Tim,

    Vibram’s are total peacock! I wore them to a house party when I first got them in late April and seeing my shoes became the initiation rite for everyone who arrived after me, Anyway, my only fear now is that they’re peacock because they smell so bad (I am using them for my ‘geak to freak’ case study workouts.) Any suggestions? Oh, as a side note I’ve really put these things to the test in terms of endurance and the fabric covering the big toe on the sprint model tore a bit on each side while playing tennis on an cement court. Maybe it’s just because I was so inspired after that epic Madrid Open match between Nadal and Djokovic. Regardless, I’ll take it up with the people at Vibram ;)

  • Brenda Rothaupt
    June 1st, 2009
    1:07 pm

    Okay all 252 of you. Regarding all the feet issues…most brilliant foot surgeon on this planet, Dr. Ali Sadrieh http://www.beverlyhillsfootsurgery.com. Designer of unique procedures to resolve almost any issue, esp for athletes who want to be back in the game asap. Don’t give props like this unless well deserved. I was back in the run 4 weeks post-op and I’ve been running 20 years. If you have any issues & are an athlete, contact his office manager, Shu Shu, for a consult and say @ProfBrendi sent you via @tferriss. He is all that…because I am running hard again. Game on with healthy feet, my friends. :-)

  • Thor
    June 1st, 2009
    9:45 pm

    Just returned with Wife and 21 month old daughter from amazing 3 month Mini Retirement to Europe/USA/Canada (thanks for the inspiration Tim! – Opened my eyes to a new way of being and to what a nice bunch you americans are!)
    Bought the Vibram 5 fingers in Annapolis MD and love them… as a personal Trainer for 14 years Ive seen some hype but these things are brilliant… favorite uses so far… Hill sprints offroad + MMA last night. COOL

  • shang lee . com » The closest feeling to naked feet
    June 2nd, 2009
    10:19 am

    [...] tried this. It seems like the closest thing to bare feet by wearing shoes. There’s a long review here by Tim. I’m definitely tempted. Tags: [...]

  • Reuben Swartz
    June 2nd, 2009
    7:18 pm

    Most comfortable shoes ever. It’s even worth getting called “Aquaman” (not in a complimentary way) every once in a while. I like the KSOs, and have some Vivo Barefoots for the office. I asked VFF about a less conspicuous model that would be more appropriate for the office and they said to forget about ever getting a VFF without 5 toes, but that there’s a new KSO model coming in the fall of ‘09 that is much less conspicuous.

  • BigW
    June 5th, 2009
    9:58 am

    I get the concept and looks like it would be comfortable, but why the individual toe wraps? Why not have a design that allows the toes to splay out naturally in the shoe while encompassing the end of the shoe in an overall wrapped appearance? I think it would look less “goofy” that way.

  • Andrew Cox
    June 6th, 2009
    4:21 pm

    I just picked up my pair of KSOs yesterday and spent most of the day in them. So far, I’m loving them. They fit great and snug, yet breath really well.

    After reading Born to Run (*highly* recommended) and seeing Tim in his VFFs at RailsConf, I decided to pick up a pair and use them as part of my training to get under 5:00 in the mile barefoot (see link if you’re interested in following my progress).

    There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there about what you can and can’t do barefoot (or with a minimalist shoe). Even the guys at the running shoe store that sold me my KSOs said you should only run in them for short distances. There are plenty of people out there that have already proved otherwise.

    Oh yeah, and within 15 minutes of wearing them in public for the first time, I had a crowd of 4 around me at the grocery store asking me about a dozen questions :)

  • Ebi Atawodi
    June 8th, 2009
    3:58 am

    I just bought these last week and went on flying trapeze with them, didn’t have to use socks which can be annoying with the net. Absoluetely love them. Got the KSOs as I think I’d rather keep stuff out…

  • Duane
    June 8th, 2009
    8:47 am

    @BigW:
    I’m not sure why they put the individual toes in there, but I have found that it helps with balance a lot. Then there is the fact that it allows your toes a chance to expand as needed, I don’t think a regular shaped shoe could ever do that.

  • Savo
    June 8th, 2009
    7:57 pm

    In case anybody is interested in buying them through the official website in Spain: http://www.5fingers.es I love them.

  • Take your shoes off to get stronger and faster « Phil Stewart of Body Transform
    June 9th, 2009
    4:24 am

    [...] Tim Ferris (author of #1 New York Times bestseller The Four Hour Work Week) discusses his Vibram experiences. [...]

  • Revvell
    June 11th, 2009
    10:06 am

    They’ve got individual toesies so you can wave at people as you pass them.

    Just cruised through the comments and someone was asking if Tim is making money from mentioning these. Too funny! Vibram is making money. If Tim DID get a piece of it (don’t know if he is or not and don’t care), so what?

    My thoughts on that would be ~ if one has issues over someone creating income promoting things they like ~ I’m thinking the one with issues isn’t making money and wont just because of their attitude against someone else “possibly” making some paltry amount by suggesting they like something. Sheesh!

    O.k., back to your regularly scheduled programming.

  • steven ayres
    June 11th, 2009
    6:43 pm

    Tim. You are one of the best bullsh*tters on earth. Even if what you are saying is blatantly related to an ad, I continue reading. I have to admit I may not try these shoes, for fear of hitting my toes on a tough urban object.

    • Tim Ferriss
      June 13th, 2009
      6:25 pm

      @Steven,

      Well, sir, I’ll take that as a compliment, I guess :) I’m not getting paid to talk about Vibrams. I got 3 pairs for free, but I would never save $200 to be beholden to a company — that would just be silly. I honestly love these things. I’m wearing my classics here in AZ as I type right now.

      Hope all is well,

      Tim

  • claus
    June 12th, 2009
    1:15 am

    Now I found a german reseller and I’ve got my own pair and it is fantastic.
    If you like to buy it in germany http://www.zehenschuhe.de/

    Thanx again for the tip

  • Koumaris
    June 12th, 2009
    11:35 am

    So I finally purchased a pair of KSO’s…When I first was trying them on I did not think they very durable…so I went up to the cottage and tried them out on some pretty challenging terrains. If you would like to take a look……

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCT9J9EAs6s

  • T. Scott
    June 13th, 2009
    2:27 pm

    With all of the talk of barefoot technology this is the best example yet. It is not new to the world that barefoot technology is the correct way to go. The Vibram FiveFingers took it to extremes. Good job. You have my support. The Vibram FiveFingers will be bigger than big foot. A whole new generation of footwear has been introduced to the world and ActionSportsWeb.

  • Koumaris
    June 13th, 2009
    4:32 pm

    Ignore that first link….. if you are interested try this one…
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9YT6qOXoqE
    (a lot shorter)
    Sort of a silly movie….but I basically put the shoes through some pretty tough terrains and walked away unscathed…I am really impressed with these shoes….

  • Eric
    June 13th, 2009
    9:11 pm

    Tim – I know you said you are flat footed. How bad is your pronation?

    The reason I ask is that I’ve gone running in my KSOs twice now for only 10-minute sessions on a treadmill and I am worried that my over-pronation will render me unable to run in them again. They tilt noticeably inward now- check out this pic on Flickr:

    http://bit.ly/r8hwy

    The first session, while it was quite a workout on my feet and calves, felt amazing. I was really excited and felt re-invigorated about running again. However, during the second running session a week later, my feet and legs fatigued much quicker than before, which I thought was odd.

    Then I went home and examined them and saw how they tilt inward as the above linked photo illustrates.

    My tendon on my lower right leg (right foot has more severe pronation than left) is painfully sore 3 days and counting after the 2nd session. This is disconcerting since both of my legs were equally sore after the first session – and it was general muscle soreness then, not the shooting pain I’m experiencing now.

    Tim, can you (or anyone else on the blog) shed light on this? The first time I ran in them was so great, I’m really bummed out to think that my pronation will prevent me from running in them long term by wearing them out after one session on a treadmill.

    PS While I’m not exactly light at 5′10” 180lbs, I have decent form for an over-pronator. I was going at a 7:30-8:30 mile pace both sessions with the KSOs, landing on my forefoot, trying to keep light on my feet, etc.

    Any advice (even if it isn’t what I want to hear) is greatly appreciated. Even if I can’t run in them they are still awesome for lifting weights or just walking around.

  • Alicia
    June 14th, 2009
    8:03 pm

    I’m so excited about these shoes! My husband found the Vibram website a few weeks ago, and my first reaction was how funny they look. But I love walking around barefoot. I never wear shoes at home, and will even walk around my neighborhood without shoes. I’ve always wished for something I could wear that would protect my feet yet feel like being barefoot. I’ve gotten myself over my misgivings about how they look. I just don’t care anymore! I just want to be comfortable! So we’re savings up for our first pairs!

  • Alicia
    June 14th, 2009
    8:10 pm

    Wanted to add:

    @BigW – Toes move constantly to help with balance as we walk. Up, down, out, and in. They also move individually without us noticing for even greater stability. With regular shoes the individual movements of the toes are lost because of the single area of the sole, hence balance and stability isn’t as refined. (I used to dance, so that’s how I know about toes.) With individual pockets for each toe, the individual movements of each toe aren’t lost. It makes the shoes seem weird to us because they’re different than the norm, but it’s quite ingenious.

  • Karen
    June 17th, 2009
    12:06 am

    Tim,
    I discovered your blog recently and am considering reading the ‘4-Hour Workweek’ as the more I read the more interesting it sounds. I actually wanted to comment on the shoes (obviously, considering where I’m posting this). They sound very cool and I may check them out but I just want to say that when I saw episode 2 of your ‘Random’ show I didn’t know you were wearing shoes, I just thought you had the dirtiest feet in the universe! I discovered my assumption was incorrect after I scrolled down a little further. No insult intended but I thought it was funny…..

  • Revvell
    June 18th, 2009
    9:30 am

    My feeling about pronation is often caused from the knees. As a qigong instructor, I’ve seen how, when someone gets the correct alignment from the hips and knees, the feet automatically come into alignment and the arches pull up for support.

    My husband’s feet use to turn out. After a few months of weekly qigong, his feet now face forward when walking w/out him having to think about it.

  • Cody
    June 18th, 2009
    6:02 pm

    Tim, I’m an avid reader of your blog. I have to say, I bought a pair a year ago and wear them whenever I’m not down at my community college. They are completely awesome, and I’m glad you did a review about them. All of the research I gathered is summed up nicely here. Great job.

  • Mark
    June 21st, 2009
    1:46 pm

    I got my first pair (Classic) for my birthday last month. My wife will never hear the end of how much I love them–and how cool she is.

    The Classic elastic is tight, which can cause blisters or irritation, but until my feet toughen up, Band-Aids make the experience scrumptralescent.

    Thanks for showing them to me.

  • timothy
    June 21st, 2009
    6:05 pm

    hi, i would just like to ask since is it comfy for everyday usage? any models to recommend?

    my knees are giving me some problems from time to time and i hope that by walking in them would help my posture..

    i gave up running cause my knees keep failing me.

  • Eric
    June 21st, 2009
    8:38 pm

    Update from my earlier comment: I went trail-running on the KSOs for the first time this weekend to see if that made a difference vs. the treadmill.

    As you can imagine, it was a completely different experience on the trails. I’m writing this the day after I had a good 20 minutes of bliss on the trails, and I have only mild soreness throughout my entire legs – the kind of soreness that tells you that you had a good workout. On the treadmill I was only able to go for 10 minutes before I had to stop, and I had shooting pain in my Achilles for the following week, so this is a marked improvement.

    So the lesson learned for me is is that a treadmill is NOT sufficient cushion for running in the 5 fingers. I also think that landing on the forefoot vs. the heel and being “light on your feet” is important to circumvent overpronation tendencies (the longer your foot is digging into the ground means more time to roll inward, etc.)

    Another observation – it had just rained, and I had to cross several streams, patches of mud, etc. It was so liberating to have absolutely no qualms over jumping right into the water or ankle-deep mud and not think anything of it. In normal shoes I’d be trying to tip-toe around and curse myself if I slipped and stepped into the mud or water.

    Thanks Tim for brining this amazing product to my attention, it is literally reinvigorating my passion running after a nearly 8 year lapse.

    • Tim Ferriss
      June 22nd, 2009
      2:41 am

      Congrats, Eric! It really is a blast to run through the wet stuff :)

      Tim

  • Bart
    June 22nd, 2009
    8:01 am

    Tim,

    What shoe is best for running in the sand?

    I am in Florida and have had trouble with knees and running for years now (ACL & MCL reconstruction 20 years ago).

    When the muscles around my knees are in shape I can get away with running on the beach but road running just isn’t happening no matter what shape I am in.

    Because I am tired of getting cuts on my feet, I wear running shoes while training on the beach but I would like a better solution.

  • Tom
    June 24th, 2009
    4:24 am

    Hi Tim,

    Just got a pair of KSO’s after seeing your video. Apart from the obvious benefits for activities outlined above, I see a great one for myself – MMA training!

    When doing the freestyle wrestling and sprawl and brawl part of our cross training, it’s necessary to wear wrestling boots to reduce wear and tear on the feet (particularly in winter, stubbing toes hurts!). These have fantastic grip – better than my wrestling boots – and as a nogi practitioner yourself you’ll appreciate the added benefit of not being as easy to heel-hook as boots.

    New book sounds awesome btw – your diet and weight cutting advice alone is gospel for myself and other fighters I know.

    Cheers,

    Tom

    P.S. I’ve 80/20′d my life, made some lists, and have quit my job to teach English in Buenos Aires and southern Brazil for the forseeable future. I’m vagabonding to BA from August onwards if you’re around for a coffee (or whatever the local beverage is, ‘mate’ is it?).

  • Niki Nielsen
    June 24th, 2009
    11:41 am

    Hey Tim –

    I read your post about the Five Fingers and was intrigued. You see, I’ve had problems with angulation of my big toes (my big toe leans toward my second toe). Most people think of this as a bunion, but I digress. I went into a foot doctor because I’ve had pain in both feet for the last 6 months or so. He suggested surgery. I asked him what caused this to happen in my feet and he said that although it is partially hereditary, the main cause is wearing shoes. I couldn’t believe it. But as I got to thinking, it made sense. I’ve basically been “binding” my feet for 30 years. No wonder!

    Anyhoo – I read your post and thought this would be the perfect shoe for me. And I wondered if it could perhaps get rid of my pain and (maybe!) prevent me from needing surgery. I have to say, that since I have been wearing these – I am absolutely pain free. And wearing them is such an amazing feeling. I played badminton in them for a couple hours the other day and was in love! The only issue is I haven’t tried wearing them to work yet… I might look like I’m not “serious” about my job (I’m not, but they don’t know that). So, like clockwork, as soon as I put on my heels, the pain comes back. I’m busy reading your book on lifestyle design right now, so in the near future I won’t have to worry about wearing heels anymore as I will be done working for the man.

    Thanks for the suggestion on these shoes. They are a lifesaver. Oh – and I run, too! I haven’t tried them for that yet, but once I finish physical therapy on my knees, I can’t wait to run in them!

  • JR
    June 25th, 2009
    9:32 am

    Ironically, the guys in the persistence hunting video clip on YouTube wore shoes.

  • Trevor
    June 26th, 2009
    2:06 pm

    Re: Flat Feet

    Tim!

    I’m a believer.

    I have pancake feet, really, really flat: Two collapsed arches, two busted navicular bones, broken meditarsals, titanium pins, I’ve tried five different makers of orthotics and they have felt like walking on sharp bags of broken glass for 12 years.

    Three months ago I began running stairs barefoot after reading an article about the Tarahumara Indians and they have firmed up, I’ve worked out painful scar tissure and they’ve never felt better.

    I’ll try the cute toe shoes.

    Have you heard about Feelmax? Ultralight, ultrathinsoled. Highly recommended by barefoot Ted.

    http://www.feelmax.com

  • Barefoot Running – Vibram Five Fingers Are Worth It — Set Higher Standards
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  • Ravi
    June 27th, 2009
    6:39 pm

    Great post! You gave me the inspiration to buy a pair of the Five Fingers and I must say, they rock! Really feel more in touch with the ground, and my stride has changed significantly (I think in a positive way).

    Only issue is I feel a little chaffing on my achilles…hope this goes away as I get more used to these “un-shoes.”

    All the best.

    btw…just posted some thoughts on barefoot running/Vibram FiveFingers on my blog @ http://www.sethigherstandards.com/barefoot-running-vibram-five-fingers-are-worth-it/

  • Revvell
    June 27th, 2009
    6:47 pm

    Ravi,

    Only one of my chafes. I just put a band-aid on it for a bit. Wear them now w/out any chafing.

  • Armitage
    June 27th, 2009
    11:27 pm

    Great review, I was convinced. I’ve got two pairs of the KSO now and I wear them everywhere.

    I don’t think they will wear out quickly. Most shoes have little knobs all over the bottom and stiff soles, which puts all of the pressure in a few spots. These have flat flexy soles that distribute weight and use the razor siping for traction, which I’ve found far more effective than the knobs anyway.

  • Ravi
    June 28th, 2009
    12:44 am

    Thanks Revvell, hoping this issue goes away after my feet toughened up a bit!

  • falaris.com » Blog Archive » Vibram Five Fingers shoes
    June 28th, 2009
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  • Walter Trauth
    June 29th, 2009
    8:26 am

    Tim, in the chair post you mentioned eliminating your plantar fasciiitis. HOW?? All my research says don’t go barefoot, don’t go flat sole, don’t go thin sole,etc.. Basically the opposite of what you say. Does anybody have an answer for this one? And Tim, if you know how to rectify the PF problem, that alone will sell a lot of copies of your new book. I’m a 4 hour believer. I’m living it. It works.

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  • Doug
    July 1st, 2009
    9:55 am

    Hello Tim
    Your 3 min breakfast is great!
    Sorry to hear you have to hold your nose while taking the flax seed oil. In case you are not aware by now there is flavored flax oil now. The Cinnamon flavor is great and you know the additional benefits of cinnamon. Its by Barlean’s organic oils. I can tip the container over and squeeze it into my mouth without holding my nose. I usually make a smoothie with cinnamon flax oil(3 table spoons), including frozen dole blueberry’s at least 1 cup, cottage cheese 1%fat 3 to 4 table spoons, lemon flavored fish or cod liver oil(1 table spoon). I alternate the last to items, add some rice milk and blend to thickness of your choice. Either eat with a spoon or throw in a straw. Maybe you can help me figure out how many calorie of a meal this is…Thx Doug

  • mollydoestravel
    July 1st, 2009
    12:53 pm

    Tim, I just finished your “Four Hour Workweek” book and couldn’t stop laughing at how many similarities we share. Thank you for writing it, you brightened my day :) I hope the elbow gets better…you do realize a staph infection is a big deal, right??

  • ken wasserman
    July 1st, 2009
    1:08 pm

    tried the KSO after reading Born to Run (great read – - great info and some races that were so dramatic I literally had to put the book down to deal with the stress) and reading Tim’s blog, They are really wonderful – - they make you realize what running shoes do to your feet, they rob them of their grasping and pulling capacity and spring.. With the KSO your feet are alive and so any issues with circulation (which I have) are taken care of by the complete engagement of all the muscles of the foot and calf.

    Have not run much at all for other reasons, but for walking any distance they are priceless.

  • Dave
    July 2nd, 2009
    6:07 am

    I just finished my Five Fingers experiment and posted my findings on my blog, Hozaku. To summarize, while the VFF might work for some, they didn’t end up working for me, at least not as a barefoot running alternative.

    Tim: thanks for the suggestion of baby powder or Vaseline. While it did make a difference, it didn’t make enough of one.

  • Justin Marshall
    July 2nd, 2009
    10:58 am

    Wouldnt these be 5 Toe’d shoes? :)

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  • Henry
    July 3rd, 2009
    10:43 pm

    Tim great article! I bought a pair of classics a little over a year ago and just bought a second pair (gray) today. I love my VFFs.

  • Michelle
    July 6th, 2009
    11:06 am

    I’ve been eyeing up the Vibram Five Fingers since they first came out having often trained in barefeet in my previous life as a semi-ok athlete but hadn’t got a pair due to a combination of fear that they would be useless and no one in the UK stocking them.

    Having read your review of them though and how near to the barefoot style of Zola Budd they really are I’m definitely tempted to get a pair once I’ve counted up all my pennies and made sure I can afford them.

    Would you think that the Classic Vibram is the best one to go with to start off with Tim?

  • Dion
    July 6th, 2009
    5:46 pm

    Hey Tim,

    I’ve been listening to your audio book. Mate it’s bloody hilarious. An absolute crack up. Love it.

    Cheers,

    D

  • Brent
    July 7th, 2009
    9:48 am

    What about all of us webbed toes? Almost all are the 2nd and 3rd toe in from the big toe…sure it’s only about .05% of the population, but all we need is a bit of stretch fabric (and I’d buy them!)

  • Joel
    July 9th, 2009
    6:58 am

    I have been running short distance 2 to 5 miles two to three times a week for the past month with my sprint VFF’s. I was thrilled at the beginning. I am 45 and I endured back pain after every run before I started using the VFF’s. With VFFs I have no back pain at all. Also, I had nagging pain in my knees before my VFF’s and none with the VFFs. The problem: During the last four runs with VFFs, I have gotten muscle pain in my calves that is very painful. Any ideas why that would happen? Any ideas for how to make it stop?

  • Angel
    July 9th, 2009
    1:22 pm

    hello fellow five fingers!
    Ran my first 10 k with these “shoes” and I have to say they are awesome!

  • Carmie
    July 10th, 2009
    5:18 pm

    Great shoes, not that great looking. Ha. Oh well.

  • Meg from FruWiki
    July 12th, 2009
    9:32 pm

    I love, love, love my VFFs — and that’s saying something from a gal obsessed with cute shoes, and especially heels (though I’m paying for that already with bad posture I’m working to correct).

    I used to hate going on walks, but now I love it because not only does it not hurt (no more shin splints, yay!), but it actually feels REALLY good going over gravel. Like a foot massage :D

    I actually have the Sprints. The classics just didn’t fit securely on me unless they were too snug in the toes — I think because I have very narrow heels. With the Sprints I can leave the heel rather loose and it’s not a problem. In fact, it’s even comfier. And the KSOs were just too hard for me to get my foot in, perhaps because I have a rather high arch. So, for anyone trying out these shoes, do experiment with the different styles until you find the right one for you.

    My husband loves his KSOs. I bought them for him after I fell in love with mine. I told him he had to try them and he did — and loved them. Now we love finding great stuff to walk over together, lol. We even wore them in a state park and had a tourist lady take photos of our toes. You can expect some attention when you wear these shoes — for better or worse.

  • Angel
    July 13th, 2009
    5:44 am

    Hey Joel
    I had some similar problems with my calves also! The way I took cake of it was by adding some weight training and building up my calves a little bit! Now if the problem persist u can also try slowing down on your runs and milage and start over again! Mow if none of that works my advice is to visit a sport doc. ! Hope this was helpful in any way and good luck!

  • Jonathan Koumaris
    July 13th, 2009
    5:55 am

    Hey Joel,

    If you are running on the balls of your feet vs. the traditional heel to toe strike, you will be eccentrically loading your calves more during your run. Which basically means more muscle damage. Strength exercises are a great idea. You may also want to try skipping for a while, which may help you become accustomed to loading weight in the calfs, it is also a great way to develop agility and power. Like previously stated the best thing you could probably do for now is adapt your activity so you are not in pain, and when the pain subsides you can gradually try and increase the running volume so your body will be able to adapt to the load. When I say adapt that does not mean stop, try either decreasing the volume, intensity or frequency of your runs, or find a different activity altogether (walking, cycling, swimming) However if the pain is more like a cramping sensation it may be something else (dehydration).

    Goodluck,

    Jon

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  • Joel
    July 13th, 2009
    11:13 am

    Thanks Jon and Angel

    This weekend I added a run with standard running shoes and did some serious stretching before my run with VFF’s. Today, my calves do not hurt nearly as much. So, stretching and some alternating seems to be the answer.

    I was a little disappointed in how much it hurt the bottoms of my feet when I ran on a rocky trail and then a gravel path with rocks that were hard to avoid. I found myself having to concentrate on every footfall and the soles of my feet hurt a ton at the end.

    I guess this is just a matter of toughening up the bottoms of my feet.

    Joel

  • walter
    July 13th, 2009
    12:41 pm

    I tried this question before, but got no responses. Tim mentioned in an earlier post that he cleared up his up his plantar fasciitis but he didn’t say how. Seems his general running advice, flat sole shoes, very little cushioning, etc., conflicts with all the plantar fasciitis remedies I have found on the Web. Does anyone have “the cure” for plantar fasciitis? Please.

    • Tim Ferriss
      July 13th, 2009
      1:15 pm

      Hi Walter,

      Just using these heel-less shoes did it for me. I didn’t read the research or what you refer to, but this was the outcome for me. Your mileage may vary, of course.

      Good luck!

      Tim

  • Walter
    July 13th, 2009
    3:35 pm

    Thanks Tim. I appreciate the personal response. I’ll try it and let you know. I’m looking forward to the new book.

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  • AA
    July 15th, 2009
    7:22 am

    Tim –

    I believe there are many of benefits of training yourself with above mentioned shows, yet people with a leg difference will have a problem not being able to insert their orthotic. Not having it creates more stress on the lower back….Any thoughts?

  • Jesse
    July 15th, 2009
    7:40 am

    I can attest to the fact that they are GREAT. I have flat fleet, and once I got used to barefoot / almost barefoot / VFF, there was no turning back.

    However … the VFF have a VERY short life span. I get about three months out of a pair, and I’m just using them about 5 hours per week, and 80% of that is walking, not running. I only weigh about 150 pounds, I don’t drag my feet. And yet, that super thing rubber material wears out very, very quickly.

    These shoes become a very expensive hobby, if you end up buying two, three, or even four pair a year. At $80+ dollars, that’s just prohibitive. I contacted the company about this, and they confirmed that due to the very thin sole and the nature of the material, this type of wear can be expected.

    Yikes.

    On the upside, I’ve found that some other shoes, especially the boating type shoes, can also work well. If you remove the insole from some of those shoe styles, you just have a very basic, very flexible bit of foot protection remaining. Much cheaper, and longer lasting.

  • towo
    July 16th, 2009
    3:29 am

    So then, when will you change your header image to actually show your person in VFFs? :)

    I’ve recently seen them in action, but they were a couple of sizes too small for me to consider even wearing them. And the only German retailer I could find in a Jiffy is at the other side of the country, which makes test-walking them a no-go.

  • Shawn
    July 17th, 2009
    8:25 am

    Just read an article on barefooting in the June issue of Outside. Also, my sister doesn’t live near a five finger retailer so she ordered a pair from the vibram website using their measurement methods and they fit perfectly. Went to the dunes this weekend on Lake Michigan and wore the shoes on the dunes, in the lake, on the beach, in the campsite, in a creek, and into town. Love ‘em!

  • bfboo
    July 17th, 2009
    8:54 am

    Got the VFF KSOs a while ago and love every second in them. I recently nearly broke my pinky toe during a 5 mile run through some pretty rugged terrain – the trail is intended for mountain bike riding (I know, not the smartest thing to do, but I’ve been running other trails in the same reservation and was looking for a new, fresh run). Anyhow, my pinky toe snagged the root of a downed tree while I was running pretty fast. It hurt like hell. I finished out my run am taking a week or two off until it heals. I guess it’s back to the bike until then… but I’m looking forward to more running in the VFFs.

  • A.M.
    July 17th, 2009
    10:07 am

    This is just an incredible post, the kind that could improve many people’s lives! Thank you Tim .

  • Carissa Nichols
    July 19th, 2009
    9:06 am

    FiveFingers are top-notch!

    I wrote Vibram to request that they begin carrying children’s sizes.

    Please contact Vibram and request that they carry children’s sizes.
    Wouldn’t it be wonderful to prevent kids’ feet from developing poorly in the first place? :D

    Thanks for considering!
    A grateful parent, cnn

  • Captain-Rob
    July 22nd, 2009
    10:01 am

    I saw my first pair of Vibram 5-finger shoes the other day.

    Amazingly, a fellow liveaboard (we both live on sailboats) was walking around the marina in a pair of them. He said he has owned them for about 2 years. He LOVES them.

    Guess I’ll have to give them a try! LOL

    Rob

  • Robert
    July 23rd, 2009
    8:38 am

    Might FiveFingers cause a plantar stretch in individuals with high arches. This type of statement is often said by those who feel high arched individuals must wear orthotics to save the plantar from being stretched or torn.

  • Terry
    July 24th, 2009
    2:53 am

    Thanks for the information. It’s true that this shoes look really strange…but also so interesting..

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  • Clark Faint
    July 24th, 2009
    8:58 pm

    I picked up a pair of these and I have to agree that they definitely help with back pain! I’ve tried running in them with minimal success though I do appreciate the way they strengthen the feet and ankles from just normal wear and walking.

  • Chris
    July 25th, 2009
    7:16 am

    Had these shoes for a while now – and I love them.

    I recommend EVERYONE own a pair. Just avoid any super-long walks on concrete. I went to an amusement park with them last weekend…. BAD idea.

  • TJ Thompson
    July 25th, 2009
    7:25 pm

    Hey Tim,
    Loved the article. I’ve run countless ultramarathons and thought for many years that I had some tough feet. When I got my VFF KSO’s, I walked .2 miles to the park with my kid and my achilles was eff’d up. I realized that my feet were pampered (and weakened) for way too long. I’ve been strenghtening them with VFF’s since.

    I can’t agree with you more about taking it slowly. While I have run 100 miles in a single day, I started with only 1-2 mile runs in the five fingers. I ramped up to 5-6 miles, but still take it easy because I’m fighting against 30 years of foot evolution adapting to over-protective Nike’s…

    Good luck to those that want to make this leap. If you have any questions, don’t stress about contacting me at TJ@HealthUnchained.com, I’m glad to help. Minimalist footwear is something I really believe in.

    TJ

  • Mike
    July 25th, 2009
    8:45 pm

    Like the writer of this article, I have also had back problems for about 10 years. I bought my vff ksos a little over two months ago, not because of my back, but because my brother had a pair and I thought they were cool. It has made a world of difference in my back though since I bought them. I wear them everyday, usually for 6-8 hours. I cannot stand regular shoes anymore and my feet and legs feel so much stronger. I am a vffer for life and recommend these shoes to anyone that has lowerback problems.

  • Pete
    July 26th, 2009
    7:29 pm

    I know I’m late to the discussion, but maybe someone’ll answer? I’m not really a runner, mostly just crosstraining workouts at home, but now that the weather is nicer I’ve been taking the dog out more for walks and wanting to run more outside.

    How would the VFFs be for someone who isn’t running tons of mileage? I’m incredibly intrigued by these, and the KSOs sound like they could double as watershoes for when I go camping/hiking/canoeing. I’m due for some new athletic shoes, and am thinking of getting a pair…if I’m not running regularly already, should I avoid the VFFs?

  • Meg
    July 26th, 2009
    7:34 pm

    Hi Pete! I don’t see any reason to avoid them! At about $80, they’re a lot cheaper than many athletic shoes that aren’t nearly as good. So, it’s probably not like you’re paying too much even if you only use them occasionally.

    I’m not what you’d call a serious athlete — or even an athlete, for that matter. But I love my VFFs! My husband and I mostly just wear them walking around the neighborhood and on trails. They still make a noticeable difference, though — no blisters or shin splints for me since making the switch, and my toes have stopped looking like the rest of my family’s (i.e. stubby, crowded toes with bunions forming). And actually, I’ve started walking more since I enjoy it a lot more now!

  • Brennan Martin
    July 27th, 2009
    12:17 am

    I’m a competative athelete and i had bad back pain for a long time, in my sport of figure skating it’s pretty much a promise that you’ll get flat feet. But last year a bought a pair of Nike Free cross trainers and felt like it was comfortable to run for the first time in my life (without my lower back tightening up so that i couldn’t train for the next few days.) I had been wearing orthopedic shoes and orthodics that were perscribed by my trainers and doctors, but now my feet are healthy and my stamina, strength and skills are all so much better, now i moved up from the 7.0 frees to the 5.0 frees (on a scale where 0.0 is barefoot) I’ve been looking to grab a pair of the vibrams for a while, I’m sure now i’ll grab them when i get back home. Unfortunately though, because i live in Canada it’s tough to wear such shoes year round. Unless they come out with a winter boot version ofcourse (which they should!).

  • Kahli
    July 27th, 2009
    1:44 am

    Hi, I have been doing aerobics classes at the gym for the past two months and cannot last longer then 10 mins before I have to take my shoes off due to pain and cramping in my feet. It doesn’t matter what shoes I wear it happens everytime – as soon as I take my shoes off and do it in barefeet the pain goes away. The only problem is when I do it in barefeet I get incredibly sore knees the next day. I have tried inserts in my shoes but it only makes it worse!! Would these vibram five finger shoes work for me?? Can they be used in aerobics classes?? Can I get them in New Zealand?

  • ken wasserman
    July 27th, 2009
    2:55 am

    I can’t run at all right now and use the KSO for walking the dog, the Brooklyn Bridge and all around – -except when I have to be at a business meeting – - the KSO is still too odd looking. Try them – - you get hooked because it is so much healthier a way of walking and your feet will love them.

  • Trevor
    July 27th, 2009
    7:51 am

    Pete, Tim & friends,

    Personal anecdote: Two days ago I walked and ran without foot pain in 12 years! Any pain at all. I’m 6′6″ formerly heavily D1 recruited lineman when I was knocked out of the sport with incurrably flat and maleformed feet – or so said the best doctors in Texas (I went to Drew Brees’s guy for example.) They told me to take up a new sport. Three broken bones in my foot later, I had to comply. I’ve busted my 1st meditarsal (the big one) two collapsed arches, two broken navicular bones (Yao’s plight) titanium pins, 5 different makers of orthodics, etc etc etc. My first break was 12 years ago.

    In June I read a Christopher McDougal article in Men’s Health magazine about the Tarahumara Indians and the complete lack of evidence supporting current running shoe technology (shoe marketing is more like it.) On the strength of this and other research I started running stairs, lightly, barefoot. Within a month I had my VFFs and if I wasn’t at work I was barefoot or in them.

    Now my feet are 100% cured. 100%. I have an arch again (seriously I’ve measured my instep progression) and I can run! I never expected to be able to seriously run again.

    I’m begging everyone to please read Born to Run by Christopher McDougal. More than just a runner’s tale, this is a masterpiece on what it means to be human. Truely outstanding. I, like many I’m sure, read it in one day.

    Good luck!

  • Duane
    July 27th, 2009
    9:01 am

    @Peter

    I use a pair of KSO as my everyday shoes, not running in them at all. They have held up extremely well. I wore standard shoes, until about four months ago when they became too painful – I’ve been wearing my KSOs ever since. In my job you do lots of walking and moving, and I haven’t noticed any wear on my VFFs yet.

    In short, you don’t have to use them to run in, you can use them anytime you want to be barefoot, but can’t.

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  • Anthony Landreth
    July 27th, 2009
    7:57 pm

    I don’t run for cardio, so that function of the Five Fingers shoes would be lost on me. However, I walk a lot and spend a lot of time standing (I work in a lab). I’ve tried on the Five Fingers shoes, but felt that they wouldn’t be good for routine walking on concrete and other hard surfaces. Also, it would take some time to adjust to the aesthetic. As a substitute, try Sanuk shoes (Paul offers the same suggestion above, along with a link to Sanuk’s website). Sanuk’s shoes are built on a flip-flop base. The base provides a light but sufficient cushion to manage walking on concrete. Sanuk’s Sidewalk Surfers come in many styles, most being variations on a loafer. A pair of Sanuks for home and office, and a pair of Five Fingers for exercise, could maximize the amount of time you spend in “barefoot” shoes, if that’s your objective.

  • Meg from FruWiki
    July 28th, 2009
    7:06 am

    @Anthony

    Just curious, why did you think that they “wouldn’t be good for routine walking on concrete and other hard surfaces”? My husband and I mostly wear ours when walking around the neighborhood on paved roads and sidewalks — and we have nothing but good things to say about them. They are certainly more fun/interesting to use over more varied terrain, but I think they are still far superior to walking with regular shoes on paved surfaces — and perhaps superior to walking barefoot, at least insomuch as our Florida pavements get too hot and nasty for my feet and I have no interest in toughening them up more than they already are.

    Of course, the aesthetics…yes, these may not be shoes for the office. I’m definitely still a lover of cute shoes for myself, so you probably won’t see me wearing these out to the mall or theater anytime soon (not that I go to either often these days). However, I find that wearing them on walks is a very good compromise.

  • Pete
    July 29th, 2009
    7:47 pm

    Just wanted to post a follow up….

    I went to a local store that carries them to try them on, looking for a pair of KSOs. First, apparently I have very small feet. Well, I knew that, but still….I got fitted for a women’s 40 or something…ah well. Anyway, they didn’t have the KSO in my size, so they had me try on the Sprint. It was a struggle to get on, my big toe fit fine, and the one next to it OK, but the rest were a struggle to get into the toe holds. Especially my nub of a pinky toe, I don’t think it actually was “in” anything :-P. Right after I got the Sprint on, there was some discomfort/pressure on my pinky toe. But…once I did get it on, after a few minutes it felt fine. And I have to say they felt really cool. It was differently, but free-feeling, too.

    All in all, I didn’t get the pair – the wife and I are starting running and I ended up with a traditional pair of shoes; I figured it would be a lot of work to get them, and they didn’t carry what I really wanted anyway. But I still want the Vibrams. I’m thinking about ordering some KSOs online since the store didn’t have what I wanted. It feels like a small amount of money for something that has so many benefits, or a large amount of money for some novelty water shoes :-). So I dunno….gotta convince the wife that I need *another* pair of running shoes after getting a normal pair!

    Just my $.02, and thanks again for the great article!

  • Chris
    July 29th, 2009
    8:23 pm

    Just got a pair of KSOs – after reading about them in Born To Run – great book BTW, – and went from 14 min miles to 10 min miles immediately – my legs are sore from the different mechanics, but my feet feel great, and they are a joy to run in – can’t envision running in anything else from now on.

  • Chris
    July 29th, 2009
    10:18 pm

    Tim,

    Hope you’re still enjoying the FiveFingers. I certainly have. Ended up purchasing a pair after reading your recommendations just a few months ago. Unfortunately they seemed to have a defect though and have started to fall apart! I wrote a review to explain here: http://www.christopherrcooper.com/blog/4/barefoot-running-in-the-vibram-fivefingers.html

  • Stephen
    August 1st, 2009
    11:41 pm

    Once youve gone fivefingers – you certainly are ruined for going back to traditional shoes……The post was great – i already tweeted you, and am posting to just ask if i can post this article on my own blog?
    Thanks Stephen

    • Tim Ferriss
      August 3rd, 2009
      12:11 am

      Hi Stephen,

      It’s generally considered bad blogging etiquette to copy an entire post, but feel free to share what you’d like as long as you link back to the original.

      All the best,

      Tim

  • Stephen
    August 4th, 2009
    12:47 am

    No worries!

  • Bearfoot: day 1 – orbiteleven.net
    August 4th, 2009
    11:11 pm

    [...] or trying the Vibram Five Finger shoes.  Between Twitter friends, my kettlebell instructor, and Tim Ferriss, I’d had enough recommendations to (completely impulse) buy some [...]

  • Tony
    August 5th, 2009
    12:59 pm

    So I broke down decided to go to Vertical Runner and try out a pair of these things. The only one they had in my size was the black KSO model. Needless to say, I fell in love with them instantly. It really is just like walking bare foot, except you can step on things and not get hurt. I went to the park and even tested them out in a creek and the feeling is like you said, euphoric.

    So while hanging out with my roommates (college kids) no one noticed until I said “Hey check out my new shoes”. The reaction was priceless. They all pointed and burst into endless laughter, calling me gorilla feet and what not. I’m still getting made fun of by everyone. It’s hilarious. I really don’t care though. I think of it as sort of a “comfort challenge” and the comfort these shoes provide outweigh the insults. They are daring me to go out to the bar with them on. I’m willing to make a bet I can get a girl’s number while showing these things off.

  • sidqie
    August 5th, 2009
    5:47 pm

    Finally … I’ve just purchased VFFs KSO (blue marine) last week … it’s abit hard to source this item down in Australia. But was able to get a hold of one for my size down in a local outdoor shop …
    Tested for walking and running … absolutely love em! … I even tried it on last night when I played Squash … better feeling than when I use my Adidas Barracuda (tennis shoe) for Squash. I want to try it on this weekend for Tennis … on grass court. Will be great too I believe.

    I have a rather flat feet, using the different shoes for the sports that I’m in, had caused me all sort of injuries. This is my best shoe ever … !

    It does cause alot of attention … but … dont really care, its comfortable.

  • Orlin Howell
    August 6th, 2009
    7:45 am

    I’ve had my KSO’s for a month and a half now. I run entirely on asphalt and concrete, with the occasional track day routine. The KSO’s have finally replaced my running shoes completely; I’ve used them to log sub 5 minute miles, 16.5 minute 5k’s, 36 minute 10k’s, and 90 minute training-day half marathons. Plantar fasciitus, shin splints, weak calves & arches, and sore toes? Gone the moment I put them on!

  • Trish
    August 10th, 2009
    11:04 am

    The KSOs are not for everyone, unfortunately. I have small wide chubby feet with a high arch and I literally could not get my feet into these for fear I’d rip the tops. I hope to have better luck with the Classics for which I’m exchanging them as they seem to stretch to width but don’t take feet height into consideration.

  • walter trauth
    August 11th, 2009
    9:22 am

    It worked! A few months ago I started logging a lot of walk/runing miles and developed a nagging case of plantar fasciitis. Researched a lot of “cures”, then remembered reading Tim’s advice of flat, thin-soled shoes which is the exact opposite of everythig else I read. Immediately after reading “Born to Run”, I went to Walmart and bought a $13 dollar pair of their thin, flat, canvas, court-shoe sneaks. One week later, after 7 to12 miles of pavement and mountain trails every day( I live in Reno), I woke up for the first time in months pain free. I mean zero, dude. Haven’t gone 5 Fingers, yet, but at $13/pr., I’m sticking with the thin, flat and cheap until they fail me. Ferriss, you have replaced Eric Clapton as God.

  • ken wasserman
    August 11th, 2009
    9:41 am

    due to a pretty extreme flat right foot I literally ran into a bit of a problem with the KSOs using the elliptical trainer – -I strained the posterior tibial tendon that supports the arch and it became inflamed and painful. I went to a podiatrist and she recommended that I stop the barefoot stuff for awhile and use my orthotics to support the tendon and the arch. That has helped. So has the doctor’s warning that continued aggravation of that tendon can lead to the need for an involved surgery which she described as not something anyone would want.

    Everyone is different, but the key at least for me is not to be greedy – - everything was fine until I pushed the elliptical training up a notch by increasing the resistance, speed and mileage.

  • Tamara
    August 11th, 2009
    12:47 pm

    Very interesting indeed. For some reason, I’ve never been able to walk on a treadmill with shoes on, especially at higher speeds approaching a running page. So, I always do it with just socks on, which is completely against the manufacturer’s suggestions. (Completely barefoot causes burns from the belt, so that’s the only reason I wear socks). These would be a great alternative to socks for that (trust me, socks do not last but a few weeks if you wear them to walk on a treadmill)!

    However, I unfortunately have webbed toes on both feet, so these would never fit. :(

  • Rodger Rynd
    August 11th, 2009
    6:11 pm

    So, i should first thank you for posting this. I’ve read it probably 10-15 times. I’ve mulled over 100’s of pages of data, in the process of reading ” Born to Run,” and have been talking to people who have owned VFFs. I dropped the hammer, bought a pair of Vff classics, and haven’t taken them off since. I love them, i owe you a great amount of thanks.

    I broke my leg/ankle a year ago, and have had pain every day since. I assumed it would be a life long pain that never goes away. I was wrong, i slipped on my vibrams in my hot car and set out to walk in them to get my ’sea legs,’ and i loved them. I’ve had them for two days now, and have ran both days, PAINLESS. I know that seems like not a huge deal, but for the past 354 days( the anniversary is soon approaching) i’ve been in supreme pain every step i take. So to go from wearing shoes with extreme cushion to shoes that have Zero cushion, no support and to be completely better. I feel insane, and amazed.

    So again, thank you for planting a seed in my mind, i read your blog avidly and look forward to more posts!

  • James
    August 11th, 2009
    7:06 pm

    I purchased some of the VFFs (sprint) about 5 months ago and I love them. I typically have a lot of foot pain and these seem to help by strengthening all the muscles in the feet and calves.

    I do not run in these, but I do work out in them and wear them for up to 4 hours daily.

    I plan to purchase another model this fall, most likely, the KSO or the Flow.

    I highly recommend!

  • Trevor
    August 12th, 2009
    12:16 pm

    To ken wasserman,

    Ouch. I had extremely flat feet as well from blowing both naviculars and a first metitarsul. When I began with my VFFs I had quite a lot of tendon ache so I took it easy and now, 6 weeks later, I ran a 10K on sunday with no problems at all.

    for what its worth,

    Trev

  • ken wasserman
    August 12th, 2009
    2:59 pm

    Trevor, it’s exactly on point because the key is not to overdo and each different use of the VFFs can involve different usage of the feet. I had no problems walking any distance within days of getting the KSO, but the flexing of the foot that is involved with the elliptical trainer was another story, and once I started to overdo that I ran into trouble.

  • Eric
    August 13th, 2009
    2:03 pm

    I love my VFF’s. For those of you looking for a cleaning technique, might I recommend lemon juice concentrate. It does the same thing as white vinegar without the nasty odor.

  • Amanda
    August 13th, 2009
    6:49 pm

    I love these shoes, I have had my pair for almost a year now and they are so comfortable! I am glad to see you like them as well!

  • ballsy
    August 16th, 2009
    3:14 pm

    Interesting, but they’re almost as ugly as Uggs…and does foot odor become a problem worse than regular shoes?

    And after several months of wearing these now, what measurable benefits have you noticed to offset such drawbacks? Has it actually increased your vertical jump any?

  • Austin
    August 18th, 2009
    9:58 pm

    Just got a pair of these. LOVE them. Really. Thanks for the thorough post.

  • Katie
    August 20th, 2009
    1:31 pm

    Has anyone found any scientific research that supports the vibrams as athletic shoes? My university currently has a policy against them…

  • RunColo
    August 20th, 2009
    2:14 pm

    Tim, great write up. I even sent your post to Christopher McDougal “Born to Run” and he enjoyed it.

    Here is my review:

    http://www.runcolo.com/Product-Reviews/Vibram-Five-Fingers.html

  • RunColo
    August 20th, 2009
    2:16 pm

    Ballsy,

    Yes, foot odor is my only complaint. Mine reek, I run in them quite a bit and now keep them outside 24/7, if they are in my closet the entire closet will reek.

  • Justin
    August 21st, 2009
    6:54 am

    @RunColo,

    There are a number of solutions to the odor problem that VFFers have tried with varying success:

    http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/index.php?topic=20.0

    @Katie,

    What exactly is this policy? What is the university?

    Do we really need research to support the use of bare or effectively bare feet in athletic/fitness endeavors? Were human beings not athletic for countless tens of thousands of years before the invention of shoes?

  • ken wasserman
    August 22nd, 2009
    4:56 am

    I need to get a pair of everyday shoes suitable for casual business/office – - suggestions? tia

  • Jawa
    August 22nd, 2009
    11:17 pm

    Hello,

    I just started training for for my first half marathon and I would like to train with Vibram. Which model is better (classic, kso, sprint of flow) suited for distance running?

    Thanks.

  • Pete
    August 23rd, 2009
    9:21 am

    It’s been about a month a they still don’t have the size/style I’m looking for (mens size 38 black-black KSOs). Customer support responded to my first inquiry, but I haven’t heard anything back from the last two messages I’ve sent over the past couple weeks. I really want a pair, but they don’t seem to have any in stock (mens or womens) in the styles I want. All I’d like to know is if they’ll actually get some in eventually, or if I should give up and look at a different style/size altogether!

  • Five Fingers, Ten Toes – All Exposed
    August 23rd, 2009
    3:50 pm

    [...] for strengthening your foot in areas previously neglected due to shoe use. After seeing them on Tim Ferriss‘ site, I wanted to gain first hand [...]

  • Blueroo
    August 26th, 2009
    10:28 am

    What about the <$10 water socks? Something is wrong when going "barefoot" means hundreds of $.

  • Meg
    August 26th, 2009
    3:29 pm

    @Blueroo Have you tried water socks for running? If so, how long do they last? I would think the VFFs would last a bit longer. Of course, if they don’t last 8 times longer than I guess the socks would maybe be better, but it also depends on how they work, too. I’ve never worn a pair. Would they slip around? Would they be very hot? I also like that the VFFs spread my toes out a bit more than they would naturally at this point. I think that’s why my toes are looking straighter even when not wearing the shoes.

    Anyhow, the VFFs are around $80 or so and that doesn’t seem so bad to me considering that even moderately priced running shoes are often $100+. Of course, you can choose to go barefoot for free, but having the VFFs lets you have the benefits of going barefoot in places that don’t welcome barefeet like stores/offices/etc. if you choose to wear them even when not exercising.

    My main reasons for wearing them while walking is to avoid god-knows-what-ickiness on the roads like oil, animal excrement, fertilizer & pesticide run-off, etc. Plus, my feet aren’t tough enough to walk the distances I’d like without getting rubbed sore — and I’m not sure yet that I’d like them to be all that tough.

  • Ravi
    August 26th, 2009
    6:19 pm

    Hey Folks, looks like Vibram is coming out with a NEW version of the VFF’s for running!!!! Due in February 2009….

    Posted details on my blog here:

    http://www.sethigherstandards.com/new-vibram-fivefingers-model-for-running/

  • Zataod
    August 27th, 2009
    6:28 am

    I think what Blueroo is referring to are aqua socks, also known as water shoes. They aren’t actual socks, but extremely light weight, flexible shoes. I have a pair that cost $5 and another pair that were $20. Actually the $5 pair are the better pair, because they are a bit lighter. I don’t run in them a great deal, mostly just in the Winter. I prefer running barefoot. In terms of wear, at this point I’m guessing that aquasocks would last many hundreds of miles. Given that I only wear them in Winter, I’m guessing that they will last for many years to come.

    If Vibram comes up with a good product for Winter running, I will give it a look.

  • That’s It, I’m Going Primal. Who’s With Me? | Nerd Fitness
    August 28th, 2009
    7:57 am

    [...] next week to get me in the Paleo-Primal spirit. I figured if Mark from the Primal Blueprint, Tim Ferriss of the 4 Hour Workweek, my friend Kappy, and Saint all swear by these things, it’s time for me to jump on the [...]

  • Ariel
    August 28th, 2009
    1:12 pm

    So I just returned my first pair of KSO’s. They were fantastic, but a little too big. Running uphill my heel would slip back and my toes would pull out of the toe slots. Even with the strap fully (over)tightened, it wasn’t a snug fit and I could feel the footbed slide around on my sole when I tried to stop or change directions quickly.

    I wear about a size 9 and bought size 41 KSO’s, the smallest size REI carried. I’m gonna special order size 40, or just get ‘em somewhere else.

    They’re genuinely fun to wear. Your feet are free. Walking and running somehow feels “right” in these, like the way we were meant to be. You can definitely feel the differences in texture between gravel, dirt, pavement, woodchips, grass, tall grass, and so on. Roots and big sharpish rocks are painful, so you do have to watch your step there. Otherwise on decent terrain you don’t have to watch your step.

    They’re great in the water too. It’s wonderful going out for a run on a hot day next to a river and being able to hop in and cool off whenever you feel like it. :)

    It is tricky at first learning to get your toes into the slots. You have to fan your toes out when you stick them in, making sure that each one goes into the right slot without doubling up. However, once you get the shoe on, it isn’t weird at all to have the fabric between your toes.

    I hike in Chacos (sandals) so my ankles are already pretty strong which is nice. I’ve run several miles in VFFs and my feet don’t feel tired. My legs did get sore in new places, but it felt so goooood. ;)

    Yeah, I definitely recommend getting a pair. Try them on if you can and be wary of the sizing differences between models. A size 41 sprint = size 40 KSO, for example.

    Tried on some sprints yesterday. Size 40 was wearable, but supertight and annoyingly grippy. Size 41 was close to perfect with just a little extra room in the toes. Size 42 was definitely too big. With my heel all the way back, my toes were right at the entrance of the toe slots. Since I want a KSO, I’m going with the size 40.

    So make sure you either get fitted for the shoe you want as the online sizing charts may be a little bit off. If you order online, make sure you order from a place like Amazon or REI (seems to have better prices than Amazon) which has a liberal return policy. Many stores won’t let you return the shoes if they’ve been worn and trust me, you’ll want to take these shoes out for a spin. :)

  • ken wasserman
    August 29th, 2009
    6:26 pm

    article in NY Times about barefoot running:

    nytimes.com/2009/08/30/business/30shoe.html?ref=business

  • Sandy
    August 30th, 2009
    4:43 pm

    Tim, you didn’t answer the first poster’s second question and I have found it very difficult to find anywhere online a thoughtful answer to the very pertinent question. This is the elephant in the room, it seems, in the barefoot running world. Could you address it? Many thanks.

    2) Our ancestors probably never ran on anything as hard as concrete sidewalk. How does this play into the barefoot running concept?

  • Back in Action | Nerd Fitness
    August 31st, 2009
    5:02 am

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  • Darlene Rahn RMT
    August 31st, 2009
    8:55 pm

    I found out about VFF’s on a website advertising a course I wished to take regarding running injuries ( i’m a Registered Massage Therapist in Ontario). Two seconds after I saw them, I knew I had to have them. I have been using Injinji socks for about 3years because they allow my toes to grip individually while trail racing. I was very nervous about the size translation but they fit fabulously. I don’t care if they take more time than usual to put on. When you’re doing 50 mile trail races, that’s called sweating the small stuff. My first run was about 13 minutes with minor heel stiffness the next day – nothing major, gone the day after that. My next run was 90 minutes with absolutely no problems. I should interject that I have been Chi running for about 4 months now and these shoes make it all a whole lot easier because cushioned shoes are counter productive to that technique I find. Interestingly, I also started running with a metronome (mini ear model – very tiny) – very cool – keeps me from running faster than 180bpm. I just ordered another pair which I intend to use at the clinic daily. Do your foot strength exercises – they are very beneficial.

  • Zataod
    September 3rd, 2009
    6:36 am

    Sandy — In answer to the question, “Our ancestors probably never ran on anything as hard as concrete sidewalk. How does this play into the barefoot running concept?”

    I’ve been running barefoot for over 2 years now, and can say without a doubt that concrete sidewalks are the easiest surface to run on. When running barefoot, the harder and smoother the surface, the easier it is to run on. Ironically, the more natural surfaces I’ve run on have been more challenging.

    It’s true that humans weren’t designed to run on concrete. The natural world is much more challenging and comes in a wide variety of textures and surfaces (including surfaces that are as, or harder, than concrete).

  • Mike S
    September 3rd, 2009
    5:17 pm

    Update on dealing with the smell.
    1. The vinegar solution works, but it doesn’t last too long.
    2. My new favorite solution is Simple Green dPro3 with Fungicide. I got it at home depot. It’s heavy duty, so be sure to dilute according to directions. The shoes got soaked for an hour and then air dried. No smell back after 2 weeks and I know it’s killing anything, too.

  • Terry Schuman
    September 4th, 2009
    9:41 pm

    I’m just finishing reading one of the best books ever written about running, “Born To Run” by Christopher McDougall (just published this year).
    It’s mainly about a hidden tribe of Mexicans living in the Copper Canyon region of Mexico, who are known for their great ability to run long distances, and doing so with very little footwear, but also includes a cast of ultra long distance running characters.

    The author’s impetus for writing the book was due to foot injuries he had because of running. In hearing of the Tarahumara tribe, he seeks to find their secrets, and ends up writing a book that is part running history, part technology, and reads like a spellbinding novel at times.

    If you’re skeptical at all about running bare-footed, or with very minimal foot protection, this book will give you some great insight into why you should strongly consider it, including stories about Barefoot Ted, who runs ultra marathons in his Five Fingers.

    It’s a helluva read, but also very eye opening concerning the running shoe industry.

  • Chris
    September 5th, 2009
    5:20 am

    Believe me, I want the shoes and all the soon-to-come improvements, but my feet are two small. Get this, my foot is 9 1/2 inches long. It’s not even that much smaller, but I don’t want the Classic or Sprint model.

  • Chris
    September 5th, 2009
    5:22 am

    Believe me, I really want the Vibrams, and the style is no problem for me. Except, my feet are too small; I’d have to get a women’s shoe otherwise. But my foot isn’t even that much smaller, it’s 9 1/2 inches long.

    What’s worse is that the company hasn’t responded to anything I’ve sent; several emails to Vibram USA and Int’l; a letter to Vibram USA last Sunday.

  • Martín Alejandro Carmona Selva
    September 7th, 2009
    6:19 am

    Hi Tim and all!

    I’ve just bought one pair two week ago here in Barcelona -there’s only one place where they sell them in Carrere del Duc, near to Portaferrissa-.

    I cannot use any other shoes. They are the best I’ve ever used in my whole life.

    So, comfortable and nice.

    Of course all folks would look at you like “WTF’s that!” but, if you don’t mind it -like me- the benefits are quite positive.

    I used to fall a lot -for no particular reason- and that was gone as soon as I started using them.

    I’m not a physician, nor I’m paid by anyone -here they believe I’ve got a penny for every one they sell since I promote them so much-, but I just love them.

  • jawa
    September 7th, 2009
    12:49 pm

    Hello all,
    any opinion on using injinji socks with VFF? I am using a kso without socks for the past three weeks. I like using my VFF all day not just for running but all day long. In fact I haven’t used my other shoes in the last three weeks at all. However, there is an odor problem. I do wash the shoes every week but the smell starts in a few days. I am hoping injinji may help. Let me know if your opinion. Thanks.

  • Stephanie
    September 11th, 2009
    10:17 am

    Are they warm? I mean, would I be able to wear them as shoes in the fall or winter? Thanks, Stephanie

  • Tuesday 090915 | CrossFit Denver Colorado - MBS CrossFit
    September 14th, 2009
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    [...] loads and times to comments. Has anyone tried Vibram Five Fingers?  I have seen them here (Tim Ferriss shouts out CrossFit as well), here, and here.  Is anyone up for trying them [...]

  • the bouncey zone » Monkey toes
    September 15th, 2009
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  • james
    September 15th, 2009
    8:53 pm

    awesome post! picking up chicks in these things? Definitely going to try it, thanks Tim! i think they have some new ones coming up that are worth checking out, not sure if they are out yet though.

    http://vibramfivefingersshoes.com/new-fall-2009-vibram-fivefingers-kso-trek-moc-and-performa/

  • John Fawkes
    September 22nd, 2009
    3:32 pm

    Just got a pair a couple months ago, and I absolutely love them. Unfortunately as an MBA student, I can’t always wear them (or most of my favorite clothes) due to requirements of “business casual” dress.

    I can second the strength training benefits of these babies, as they do indeed work the calves and feet. However, this is a double-edged sword: between the Vibrams, taking up Tim’s HIT workout regime, a walking-heavy lifestyle and starting to do cardio 2-3 times per week, I’ve overtrained my calf muscles. My calves have been sore as hell for a week now. I’ve had to remove the leg presses from my weight regime, leaving it almost entirely upper-body, as well as severely cutting back on wearing the Vibrams and doing sprint training (I wasn’t wearing the Vibrams during my workouts- I’m not that far yet).

    So, word of warning to people who love Vibrams and work their legs a lot: beware overtraining! In hindsight, I should probably have replaced most of my running with swimming.

  • hanson belicue
    September 25th, 2009
    5:06 pm

    that link above is broken, I cant find the new models on that site or even on the vibram site but I was able to find some posts about them at http://barefootrunningshoes.org/

    Only concern is about these shoes is that i heard it’s hard to actually RUN for a long time on concrete, anybody have any advice about that?

  • james
    September 26th, 2009
    5:53 pm

    hey hanson, the site has only vibrams.. have you heard of other barefoot running style shoes? they might help on concrete.. Also, I think the KSO ones are fine on concrete, i’ve tested on short runs (5-8 miles) I think on the same site it’s here: http://barefootrunningshoes.org/vibram-fivefingers/men/kso-men/

    but I’ve been looking for some that are even more minimalist. shoot me an email if you have more advice.

  • Christina
    October 5th, 2009
    4:08 pm

    Your review really excited me. I’ve had my Sprints for about 3 weeks going on 4 and I was getting concerned about the tops of my feet being really sore. I think my feet are now beginning to mold to them with mild soreness still; although I though it would only take 2 weeks.

    One thing I just realized is that when I originally purchased my Sprints, they really were snug and comfy at first. I based my measuring on only one of my feet being significantly longer than the other (about 1/2 inch). Since then, they have stretched out to where they are now loose in the toe area and causing some blisters as I ran in them for long periods of time. This could just be my feet getting used to them still, but all the same, I’m starting to wear the socks with them and they’re stuck again.

    I just ordered some Classics in a smaller size and I’m anxious to try them out to see if they’re more comfortable. Especially since your review said that the Sprints were the most uncomfortable out of the bunch, which is where I started.

  • Kelly
    October 9th, 2009
    5:16 am

    Hi,

    I was just wondering if you could give me your opinion. I don’t have anyone to discuss this with so I would appreciate your thoughts if possible.

    I bought a pair of KSOs over a year ago now. When I bought them I just bought my shoe size which was 38 (I am a woman too). These have been great for me and I love them…

    HOWEVER recently I was looking at a pair of surges for the Winter months..they are the boto version of the flows. I was sent sizing guides to just make sure I got the right size because I was getting them from America for cheap. Anyway on this, I discovered that my KSOs should have been a size smaller…like you say in your article.

    Discovering this was a bit of a shock because I have had no problems with my KSOs being the size they are. I put them on again to see and I do find that there is a slight gap in the back of them which has never caused me problems.

    Now I am wondering if I should just buy a pair of Surges in 38 or should go for a 37. From measuring my foot a 37 would be a snug fit and the 38 really should be quite loose (surges are same as flow in sizing). However, as I said the KSOs aren’t really big and are in fact quite nice.

    So I am not sure what to do…as I would be getting them from ebay I don’t know if I should get a 38 or a 37. From your review a flow seems to be tighter.

    Nowe from the sizing chart my foot is a perfect size 38 in sprint but as I said I got the same size in KSOs and no problems…

    Not sure what to do. I am tempted to get the size 37 to see what a snug fit would be..I thought I was getting a snug one from KSOs but obviously not as I have some room in the back.

    Anyway…yeah sorry for the ramble. Would really appreciate your thoughts on this.

    Thanks,

    Kelly

  • Jawa
    October 12th, 2009
    9:36 am

    “Not sure what to do. I am tempted to get the size 37 to see what a snug fit would be..”

    I don’t know how much you save with ebay. At least for the first time, it is better if you go to a store and try this out. I have 4 pairs (2 kso, 1 sprint and 1 trek). Even though I know my sizes, I put on the shoe and walk in the store for 10-15 minutes before I buy. Interestingly when I bought my trek a few weeks ago, I was not comfortable in the first pair I tried. I felt my left side was too tight. I ended up buying another pair (same size).

  • Charlie
    October 13th, 2009
    6:33 am

    I got some soft & squishy $10 water shoes from a hiking/camping store last month. These are better quality than what I usually find in my local mega-mart. Wearing them (with socks) feels like walking around on neoprene carpet. Very nice – I can feel every crack in the pavement yet walk on acorns without hurting. Hoping they’ll last until I can find a better deal on some KSOs.

  • Barefoot Revolution Continues to Grow « EGOSCUE Portland
    October 14th, 2009
    2:26 pm

    [...] Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative [...]

  • Josh Hillis, RKC II
    October 15th, 2009
    2:45 am

    RE: Starting slow and building up

    I start my clients with a slightly less stiff shoe than a normal trainer, and work them to training barefoot.

    This is my list of shoes, starting pretty rigid and getting progressively more mobile:

    9.) Nike Free 7.0
    8.) Nike Free 5.0
    7.) Nike Free 4.0
    6.) Nike Free 3.0
    5.) Puma Speed Cat
    4.) Converse Chuck Taylor
    3.) Puma Saloh
    2.) Vibram FiveFingers
    1.) Bare Feet

    The average workout dude can probably go Nike Free 5.0 -> Nike Free 3.0 -> Puma Saloh -> Vibrams

    And then any time they need a training shoe that looks more normal than the VFFs, the Puma Saloh (even though it doesn’t have toes) is extremely mobile and it’s totally flat to the ground. It looks like a shoe but it’s basically a sock.

  • Kelly
    October 16th, 2009
    2:53 pm

    @Jawa

    Unfortunately I live in the UK and there are like 2 shops on the opposite end of the world and I can’t get there. I wish I had the opportunity but don’t. I might order them and see..but the ones on ebay are selling for £20 new from US as opposed to me paying £100 for them in the UK.

  • Justin
    October 22nd, 2009
    12:52 pm

    Tim,

    So it’s been awhile now since you posted about your VFFs here. You still using them much? Any unexpected uses?

    I also understand you recently met up with a fellow fan of fivefingers — Richard Nikoley of freetheanimal.com (via the Eades).

    Anyway, I wanted to see if you’d consider doing an interview for http://birthdayshoes.com to update on your experiences with fivefingers — if you’re interested, please drop me a note via justin@birthdayshoes.com.

    Or if you can’t swing the time for an interview, perhaps I could convince you to submit a paragraph or two on what you’re now doing in VFFs along with a photo of you sporting them for the site. Lots of visitors to the fan site got into VFFs via your write-up here, and I’m sure they’d appreciate it!

    Thanks!

    Justin

  • Naked shoes – Going barefoot style » Jason Kitcat
    October 27th, 2009
    4:14 am

    [...] don’t recall how, but a while ago I somehow ended up reading a post by Tim “Four Hour Work Week” Ferriss on barefoot alternatives. The post and its comments fascinated me. In discussing his experiences of barely there shoes, the [...]

  • Weak Feet « lucindaserious
    October 27th, 2009
    10:37 pm

    [...] regardless of how quickly one chooses to ambulate. Google that shit. Here, I’ll help you: Tim Ferris New York [...]

  • Minimalist Running | LifeExcursion
    October 27th, 2009
    11:20 pm

    [...] I have worn Vibram Five Fingers for 5 months now and they have lengthened my Achilles, flattened my foot back to it’s original structure, improved my horrible ankle stability, and much much more. Here is a link to an article by Tim Ferriss that explains the benefits into SMART PEOPLE detail…click here. [...]

  • Diane
    October 29th, 2009
    7:39 pm

    Tim, love the Vibrams.

    Just a few points:

    * My training is 95% hilly trails: Rocks, gravel, mud, water-crossings, logs, weeds, you name it. The VFF’s rocked the trails.

    * Had no problems at all with gripping/slipping, balance, or pain. Had more difficulty with my running partner’s eye-rolling ribbing.

    * Was dutifully easing into distance, alternating the Vibrams with Vasques (which I also adore).

    ***Then…got over-confident, and did a 10 mile trail run too soon–2 weeks into initiation, and ended up with a sprained ligament on the top of my foot. Not a problem, but told to stay completely off the foot for (ironically) 2 weeks.

    Healing well and still have my sights on a November marathon.

    My point??? I’m hoping this comment might help to convince at least one VFF newbie into INCREASING GRADUALLY. So, I hope you don’t mind…I’d like to re-post your cautionary blurb from 5/7/2009, posted about 404 comments above……

    “DO NOT OVERDO IT AT FIRST. Chances are that the ligaments and musculature of your feet is underdeveloped. Use them for no more than 1/2 – 1 mile in the first 24 hours, then take a day off. I suggest alternating VFFs with “normal” shoes or flat-soled shoes like Chuck Taylors for the first week…”

    See that??? It was right there, in black and white.

    Lesson learned…and I can’t wait to get back into my VFF’s (and Vasques).

    R.I.P.
    Run In Peace

  • Stephen
    October 31st, 2009
    6:42 pm

    If your heels are bruising, you’re running incorrectly. Really, you shouldn’t be heel-striking at all when running, but especially not when running barefoot or in the VFFs.

  • wtrauth
    November 1st, 2009
    7:14 pm

    Started running again a few months ago after years of lay off. Got relentless plantar fasciitis symptoms. I remembered a separate post by Tim re.how running in flat shoes cleared up his fasciitis. I haven’t gone to VFFs yet, but after reading”Born to Run” I did buy some $13 Walmart cheap sneaks. They’re fine. Plantar is gone. Yeah it took some time, but it’s gone now. The cheap sneaks won’t hold up but I can get six pair for the price of VFFs. This post isn’t about Walmart. I don’t like Walmart. It’s about the utility of the kind of “running shoes” I grew up with. Anybody remember “Keds”?

  • Richard
    November 4th, 2009
    5:27 pm

    I just got a pair of KSO’s size 41 (they were backordered and I had to wait almost a month to get them) — ordered on the internet from REI — and they seem a little tight. It’s a super snug fit from my big toe down to the heel of my foot. But since the vibram sole doesn’t stretch at all, I feel a lot of tension/pull-back if I try to raise my big toe when wearing the “shoe”. (What do we call these things, anyway? Five fingers is a bit of a mouthful. How about something short for foot-glove, like “gloot” or “glovot” or “glovoot” or “footlove” or “flove”?) Anyway, my question is how to properly fit these things? Should there be any space between the ends of your toes and the end of the “flove”?

  • Tim Ferris talks about Vibram Five-Finger shoes « The Complete Body
    November 5th, 2009
    8:31 am

    [...] months and will review them at some point in the future when I have time.  However, I found this interview with Tim Ferriss and decided it was worth [...]

  • Charli
    November 9th, 2009
    6:20 pm

    I read “Born To Run” and it talks about the vff’s specifically. I haven’t been able to run more than 2 or 3 miles for about 6 years now and I couldn’t run at all for about 2 years. My knees, arches, and back just ached too much afterwards that I gave it up and started cycling or using the eliptical at the gym instead. But anyone who’s used to doing long distances knows how hard it is to give up something that makes you feel alive. I did a search for the vff’s and found your site, it totally convinced me to give them a try. I’m a convert!!!
    Before they arrived I trained my foot at the gym by running barefoot on the indoor track for only a mile. But when they got here, the sizing was off so, I had to wait again, and train some more indoors. Probably a good thing because as soon as they arrived I went out and ran 6 miles, no pain. The next day, 8 miles, only a little swelling in the backs of my knees, iced them took a day off, but went out the day after that and did 7 miles without pain. They really do let you know when you’re form is off, or you need to slow down. It’s amazing, I’m having a conversation with my feet for the first time in my life and I feel wonderful. Thanks for the informative site!

  • Liana Brooks
    November 15th, 2009
    6:33 pm

    I’m not a runner, but I am a barefoot person. I wear shoes maybe 12 hours a week, the rest of the time I wander around barefoot. Shoes are for walking to and from the car, or in the store. Everywhere else the shoes get left at the door or under my desk.

    But now I might have to go find these shoes. Regular shoes just aren’t comfy.

  • Interesting Reading #361 – The Blogs at HowStuffWorks
    November 17th, 2009
    1:59 am

    [...] Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative – “After two weeks of wearing them, the lower-back pain I’d had for more than 10 years disappeared and hasn’t returned since I started experimentation about 8 weeks ago…” [...]

  • tostinni
    November 20th, 2009
    8:59 am

    Sergy Brin seems to like them too.
    http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/11/19/this-season-crazy-monkey-shoes-are-the-new-hotness-at-the-chrome-os-event/

  • Chris
    November 20th, 2009
    3:22 pm

    I’ve had the Vibrams for more than a month now, and I only have a few questions about minor, everyday issues.

    1)What type of sneaker should I wear? Gym is only about 45 minutes, but I’d like something lighter than Chucks. I’m in high school, and sneakers are required for gym.

    2)I wear Sprints in a W39 (my feet are too small for a Men’s 38, and too small for a Men’s 39). I want a pair of Flows in a W38 because it’s the corresponding according to the chart, but I’m wondering if I should get a size larger. I originally bought a pair of Classics (that was my size according to length, and they were very tight), but I ended up with Sprints in W39.

  • Homeless Russian Children: healthy feet? « The Complete Body
    November 25th, 2009
    8:38 am

    [...] Two children were sleeping with bare feet.  Their feet reminded me of the feet I had seen on a post by Tim Ferriss of the Four Hour Work Week about using vibrams. Feet which have been bare their [...]

  • karl thompson
    November 25th, 2009
    9:19 am

    hi there i am under physio at the moment due to chronic tendonitis and plantar injuries,sustained through power walking,they tell me its because i dont stretch before and after walks,i put it down to bad trainer shoes and walking boots.I have been thinking about giving the vff kso shoes a try what do you think,i need to get my feet back in tip top condition,as i have been told i and others are doing the three peaks again next year,i am dissheartened at the moment finding it hard to get motivated again and am starting to put weight back on again.Hope to hear from you soon.karl…..

  • Chris
    November 29th, 2009
    2:28 pm

    What is it like going from the Classic or Sprint in one size, to the KSO or Flow in the equivalent size? Does the extra material make no difference, or is it best to get a half size larger? By equivalent size, I mean by the size conversion chart, not number.

  • Curtis
    November 30th, 2009
    11:11 am

    Google Search for Vibram 5 Fingers and the Four Hour Work Week Blog is one of the top spots. Nice!

    I’m really wanting a pair of VFF’s! Thanks for the awesome blog post!

  • justin
    December 4th, 2009
    7:05 am

    Tim,

    Looks like you just got spammed by @pansysoprana

  • Will Franco
    December 5th, 2009
    2:39 pm

    What is the name of that other company you mentioned? Indengy???? I have tried to Google it every way from Sunday.

    Thanks

  • amy mac
    December 6th, 2009
    4:14 pm

    nice overview of the vibrams! they have become much more mainstream in the last year and i think for good reason. i bought mine because i was curious about them, desperate to stop my knee pain and because i thought it would be an interesting product to review for my show, fit life. i love mine and have had reduced knee pain as a result. i also have stubborn pinkie toes but over time, the shoes are becoming easier and easier to put on! every time i wear them, i have to field a ton of questions but hope that it helps others in the long run… i just wish i was getting a kickback for all the vibrams i’m selling :)

  • Will Franco
    December 9th, 2009
    12:36 am

    Thanks Tim. Injinji, I tried everything but that. Someone on needs to let them know they need to include more variants in their SEO keywords; or pick another name!

    I bought the Vibram things, lol. They are very comfy. I tore my lisfranc jumping off the roof of a Public this past new year [oops], so comfy is a big deal for me—especially, after having my foot screwed back together. I have been barefoot running for a week now, and it’s definitely better w/ the Vibram things on my feet. The mid-foot strike done in barefoot running has stopped my knee and foot hurting when I walk and run. I am aching like all hell, but it’s the good aching feeling. I found an inspiring and uplifting story documented by CNN about a gentleman who went to live w/ a tribe of people who compete in 100 mile races in as near to barefoot as it gets. They use the mid to forefoot strike and – figuratively speaking – kickass all over the fancy footwear folks. Barefoot could very well be best. I for one think so!

    Here is the link:
    http://us.cnn.com/video/?/video/living/2009/10/07/barefoot.runner.mcdougall.cnn

    P.S. The Vibram shoes this post mentions are the shoe of choice for ultra-marathon runners that have migrated to the barefoot technique which seemingly reduces and even prevents running injuries. Form the little experience I have garnered since adopting the form I can say only this, “instead of heel-striking barefooting is about flowing, I picture a rope pulling my head-up, lean slightly forward letting gravity propel me, and then sort of paddle myself along as if I was floating.” It’s totally badass and just feels right!!!! I can’t wait to tell my podiatrist that I am doing a 5k race barefoot. He is going to flip a lid! Proving the doc wrong has been a huge part of motivation to run again! I wonder if he is using reverse psychology on me???? Hakuna Matata.

    N.B. I see you are using WordPress. My I suggest Disqus as a comments system. We – my company jiveSYSTEMS – are in the process of moving from IntenseDebate’s comment engine to Disqus. Their nested comments feature alone would improve the readability of the comment thread. They also have a feature that allows readers to rate comments—pretty nifty if you ask me! Plus, I have heard good things about their CEO—he’s a start-up guy w/ a solid mind for marketing. JS-Kit is the only other comment engine I have found, and it seems okay [they are well-funded, but that did nothing for Encarta now did it?], but Guy Kawasaki and ReadWriteWeb seem to be the only people using it; whereas, every woman and their auntie in the Info Marketing World seems to be dropping the Disqus plugin into their blog.

  • rebecca
    December 10th, 2009
    7:50 am

    @Will Franco i’d deffinitey advise you to try some Injinji socks with your FiveFingers! Its getting cold now so these will keep you snug :-)

    Also i used to have knee and foot pain (not from jumping off a roof!! lol) when running in regular shoes but now i wear the Vibrams i’m fine! I’ve been wearing them for 6 months and feel so much better! I’m sure you will too :-)

  • Will Franco
    December 10th, 2009
    4:31 pm

    @rebecca Thanks for the tip! The Vibrams are working out great. I am really focusing on getting the midfoot strike down when I’m walking. I feel a bit like a penguin, but I am getting better.

    I am glad you feel better also. I really enjoy connecting people w/ the concept of barefoot. Tim’s post does a great job of explaining the benefits as well. I love the wide stable base example at the top of the post.

  • Running on Vibrams :PaleoSnow
    December 11th, 2009
    2:01 pm

    [...] the New York Magazine article on “You Walk Wrong“, and started finding a whole bunch of related posts and news articles. I also picked up Christopher McDougall’s book Born to Run — I [...]

  • Richard Shelmerdine
    December 18th, 2009
    7:33 am

    These shoes look amazing. It’s hard to get them in the UK but I’m dedicated to getting a pair. It’s part of the whole natural thing I’ve got going on :)

  • Exercise, NPR, Read, Zombies -in that order « Dan L Hernandez
    December 21st, 2009
    8:16 pm

    [...] runner and ended up talking for about twenty minutes about running, races, ultra marathons and the Vibram 5 fingers.  In case you didn’t know, I’m buying a pair of five fingers.  I want to see what [...]

  • Emmanuel
    December 23rd, 2009
    8:03 am

    ***IF YOU WANT AN IMPORTANT SUMMARY OF INFORMATION, READ THIS***

    Just to let you know, when you walk, you’re supposed to heel strike. The downward force of walking is much less, and thus a forefoot strike is not required. Gait mechanics are different for walking. However, for running, you are to strike with either the forefoot or the mid-foot.

    As for keeping odors out of Five Fingers, there are two methods that work in general, with a third that has mixed results.

    1. Soaking in a dilute solution of Simple Green dPro3 with Fungicide (dilute carefully, and follow instructions to the letter, this stuff is powerful).

    2. Soaking in diluted solution about 50/50 of White Vinegar, and then washing.

    3. Washing in a washer with Oxi-clean and detergent.

    ***PLEASE NOTE*** Regardless of which technique above you utilize, you should always scrub in between the toes, especially if you run trails, an old toothbrush is good for this task, or your fingers.

    Someone earlier stated that walking on concrete may introduce an artificial environment that the foot is not prepared to handle in terms of its evolutionary history.

    To the contrary, the foot can handle it well, think of any populations that lived along the beach and traveled among the rocks on a regular basis. Rocks are quite hard, similar to concrete.

    As for sizing, the absolute best way to get the right fit is to test your sizes. I’ve found that many retail stores don’t sell the smaller sizes for men, and I’m guessing that this is the same for women. I spoke to a Vibram Customer Service representative about this, and they said it’s because they’re trying to determine the demand for smaller sizes (for business purposes of course, which is understandable).

    If you’re in a dilemma where you are in between two size increments, you should choose the larger size (this is according to the customer service representative).

    If all else fails, men can try women’s size, and vice versa. The ONLY difference between Men and Women’s sizes is that the measurement increments in inches are different, and that the equivalent size on the Vibram Five Fingers scale for a male model to female model is that the male model is wider.

    For instance, a size 38 KSO for males versus a size 38 KSO for females will be slightly longer because of the inch increments, and the male 38 KSO will be a little bit wider.

    The Vibram Five Fingers indeed help fix posture and change your running gait by allowing your feet to sense the ground. In a majority of people (90% or more) it will fix your issues unless you are literally biomechanically different from the average human. You would have to have a bone deformity or disease for the most part to not walk or run naturally. However, you mileage may vary with running barefoot depending on how long your feet have been in shoes. For instance, someone who is 60 years of age going to Vibram Five Fingers for the first time is going to be drastically different compared to someone in their 20s changing over to Vibram Five Fingers for the first time.

    Please note: INCREASE YOUR MILEAGE ON YOUR FIVE FINGERS VERY SLOWLY. If you read through all the blog comments like I did, you will see that this is a very common trend. These shoes do NOT cause you problems, running too far too fast (AKA increasing the training volume too drastically) will cause problems.

    If I’ve missed anything, I’m sure you can go back through the comments and fill in any gaps.

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