Vibram Fivefingers Anyone???

[Dru]

I’m still restricted to 1 run a week due to a blister that pops up in exactly the same place every time I wear them. I tried Compeed blister plasters but they wouldn’t stay put. I’m now considering taping my entire foot to see if that helps. I thought that eventually the skin hardened if a blister kept forming but it hasn’t happened for me yet. It’s a shame as I had hoped to be wearing them a lot more by now. On the plus side, I’ve been wearing them along a tow path which is quite rocky/gravely and they’ve been fine.

[AndyA]

First wear; hurray!

Did about 5 miles; more than i intended to, just got a bit carried away. Gave myself a large blood blister under the pad of my big toe; nothing a needle and some mediswabs couldn't fix! I can see this problem going away as i get into them.

Felt really good to run in, just like the barefoot runs i do on grass. Fit was spot on, the blister was caused by running too far and too soon, not because of the fit of the shoe.

Not sure about their ideal terrain yet; grass, tarmac, packed earth were all fine but anything gravelly or stony was very uncomfortable. This may change as i get used to them.

I get the feeling that if these had been designed by a british runner that they would have studs on to make them more versatile; maybe that's the next version!

Will continue to use them for any recovery sessions; i like the idea of taking some 'proper' shoes in a backpack and swapping to them when needed, that might be the best way of extending the distance safely.

IN SUMMARY; It's early days but i think they could be very useful

[Terry the Tortoise]

I've had mine for just over a month now and have built up to running 5 miles at a time. My calves are still sore the next day, but they are getting better.
Blisters are still a pain in the arse! I get them on the ball of my feet and big toe (which I expected anyway) but I also get rubbing on the inside of my arches from the seams (why couldn't they make the seams flat stitched!?!?!). I'm sure the balls of my feet will adapt but now sure about the friction caused by the seams. May have to tape the buggers down or invest in some toesocks?!

[Terry the Tortoise]

What we've all been waiting for!!!

Vibram Fivefingers Trek!!!

[Tussockface]

Now all we need is a version with a nice thick cushioned sole and a firm upper.

Oh wait...isn't that called a shoe?

[AndyA]

I've had mine for just over a month now and have built up to running 5 miles at a time. My calves are still sore the next day, but they are getting better.
Blisters are still a pain in the arse! I get them on the ball of my feet and big toe (which I expected anyway) but I also get rubbing on the inside of my arches from the seams (why couldn't they make the seams flat stitched!?!?!). I'm sure the balls of my feet will adapt but now sure about the friction caused by the seams. May have to tape the buggers down or invest in some toesocks?!

Yeah, i can imagine the seams being a pain. TBH the build quality is pants, it certainly doesn't look like a £70-80 shoe.

The Trek version being touted doesn't look up to much. I can't see a reason why vibram can't make an articulated sole with some decent grip on. Probably they've little idea of what fell runners do anyway!

[Ms Tippy Toes]

What we've all been waiting for!!!

Vibram Fivefingers Trek!!!

Definitely a step in the right direction. Just my luck though - I finally decide to take the plunge and buy a pair of KSO's, then they bring out a better model. Although there's absolutely no way I'd pay that much for them.

Been doing some runs in aqua shoes which are great on grass and, at £5, a hell of a lot cheaper than Five Fingers.

[Twister]

Upped my game plan today as our american cousins would say... about 11 undulating miles towards Malvern hills completely in vibrams. (apart from a mile or so at the end completely barefoot.)

Got to say I had some very zen like moments, and funnily enough I had some of these on flat country lanes...

Got them really wet and muddy too, I was not expecting them to grip at all. - but I only had one stumble, and I actually felt mega confident on the downhills. I think in a way I've learnt to shift my centre of gravity over or something when I descend.

It's all very good stuff, no aching calves, feet feel "worked out" but not sore.

Recommend.

[AndyA]

Been doing some runs in aqua shoes which are great on grass and, at £5, a hell of a lot cheaper than Five Fingers.

Not really the point of them though is it?

Running on grass is easy enough in barefeet anyway and aqua shoes wont allow the toes to articulate and strengthen properly.

[nikalas]

Having just finished Born to Run i'm off to Naked Ape tomorrow morning to get fitted for Fivefingers.... Am going to be writing an article about my experience of them and the whole barefoot revolution thing. Would be great to get some quotes from some other folk who've used them. I'm particularly interested in anyone who'd suffered from classic running injuries in the past (PF, Runner's Knee, Achilles Tendonitis etc) and has found "going natural" a help. PM me