I went and bought my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers this weekend. I read through all of the descriptions on the Vibram website and decided to go with the KSOs because they seemed to be the most versatile.
The website has them listed as ideal for:
- Fitness
- Running
- Water Sports
- Yoga/Pilates
- Traveling
- Trekking
- After Sport
which also happens to be every activity that they list for doing in Vibrams.
Well, I don’t know about all of that. Mainly I bought them because I’m curious, I think they look cool, and heck, a lot of other kettlebell people are wearing them!
I know what you’re thinking. “If all the other kettlebell people jumped off a bridge…”
Well, as far as I know, Vibram doesn’t list bridge jumping yet as a sanctioned activity…
I think that I’ll mainly just use them for working out: kettlebells, weight training, and cardio. I did take a 4-mile hike near Mt. St. Helens and have to say that while walking in grass or on soft ground in them feels really cool, I won’t advise wearing the KSOs in the type of rugged terrain found around the Cascade Mountains. Perhaps I need a pair with thicker soles!
I did do a little kettlebell work and was pleased with the way I felt connected with the ground. These shoes allow your toes to play a more active role in your balance and movement.
It’s really nice to move fluidly, without the tread and soles of shoes to get in your way and trip you up.
I think I’m gonna like working out in these new shoes!
What is your experience with minimalist footwear or barefoot shoes? Do you like them, are you curious to try them, or are you already on your third pair? Please comment below and also follow me on Facebook!
Just so your readers know, the vibram shoes are also fantastic for people with arthritis. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my doctor recommended these. My feet feel amazing and I am able to walk farther and do more activities without my toe joints getting sore!
I’m amazed it took people so long to invent these things!
My wife has RA and I bought her a pair of the Five Finger Classics. Her toes are crooked and overlap and she has not been able to get them on yet. Any suggestions?
Hi Mitch, I’ve looked around the interwebs and had a difficult time finding any information about wearing vibrams when you have toe deformities.
I certainly wouldn’t recommend twisting her toes or any such thing to get those shoes on her. There are other brands of minimalist footwear that may be more suitable for your wife’s condition.
There is a company called Merrell, who actually has teamed up with Vibrams to make their “barefoot” shoes. Vibrams makes the soles. They are a minimalist shoe and may be a good substitute for someone who can’t get their toes into Vibrams. http://www.merrell.com/US/en/Barefoot
Just so your readers know, the vibram shoes are also fantastic for people with arthritis. I have rheumatoid arthritis and my doctor recommended these. My feet feel amazing and I am able to walk farther and do more activities without my toe joints getting sore!
I’m amazed it took people so long to invent these things!
Hey Mitch,
I am a 60 year old Phys.Ed. Teacher.
Decades of over-use in various sports (not to mention friggin’ competative Power Lifting)
have resulted in NASTY Osteo Arthritis in my Toes and feet. Although I have only had them 3 days I can safely say that they are making a HUGE HUGE difference. Gawd! I am so gratefull to the Vibram wizards.
Anyway it is definately a struggle to get them on and I am still experimenting BUT I managed to do it reasonably efficiently this morning.The little toe is the worst.
I have broken both of these like 3 times each and also have deformity starting in both feet around the big toe so it is a bother but I am sure I shall figure it out eventually.
I have ben using a knda’ thick pen to push the material on between the toes one toe at a time.
I start with the big one and then proceed one by one. I kinda’ line them up 1st then do one by one.After the shoe is kinda’ lined up I put my foot on the floor and push and manipulate things..then use the pen again …back and forth until everything is working. Takes like 15 minutes.
If you need more help please email me and maybe we can talk on the phone or something.
I have a Masters in Kines. and mucho experience…glad to help if I can. I might be jumping the gun here BUT I honestly think these will REALLY help.
mrwinklerkdss@yahoo.com