I got my fivefingers, have you got yours?

I was at REI last Sunday (7/17) and I finally got to check the Vibrams out!   Max (REI salesperson that assisted me) explained the Vibram FiveFingers KSO is a 3.5 mm rubber sole design that mimics the natural foot.  Vibram also offers optimized models for specific activities such as running.  REI carries several flavors of the Vibram FiveFingers.  I checked out the KSO as well as the BILIKA (running), Treksport and KSO Trek. While the KSO is the closest to barefoot and the most versatile model the Bilika is optimized for running, the Treksport is optimized for the rugged outdoors, with molded cleat imprints for enhanced traction.  The first three use a mold and odor resistant nylon-based fabric, similar to that of bathing suits, machine washable and that can be used in water.  The KSO Treck is covered with Kangoroo leather and not recommended to get wet, however I checked with my workplace safety bulletins yesterday, the KSO-Trek is acceptable in factory-settings whereas the other Vibram FiveFingers are not.  You can review the complete FiveFingers product line here.

I chose to try on the Bilika.  Here are a few snapshots:

Top view shows the toe, the most recognizable feature of these shoes ...

This is what the webbed toes look like from up close ...

Close-up shows the inside texture of the shoe including the webbing around the toe ...

Midsole and cleats imprint ...

Technical Specs [copied from www.vibramfivefingers.com]:

^Materials:

^{UPPER - Stretch Polyaminde with TPU toe caps for protection}

^{SOLE - Anatomical Pods TC-1 Rubber}

^{FOOTBED - 3mm Polyurethane with Dri-Lex Sockliner}

^{Machine washable. Air dry.}

^{Weight: Men's size 42 - 6.0oz. each, 12.0oz./pair}

The FiveFingers can be worn with or without socks.  According to Max the foot-tight design prevents rubbing, but if you decided to wear socks you would have to get the the foot-glove socks that fit around your toes to match the contour of the shoe !  I decided to go radical and wear no socks.  Putting on the shoes the first time is definitely awkward.  You must put them on like you would gloves, spreading and sliding each toe in location then the heel, then strap the entire show (Velcro strap).  The entire process took over a minute.

In a way it was both the perfect time and the worse to try the FiveFingers.   Perfect because as I completed my longest training run that morning ... about 18.5 miles ... and had some distinctive soreness on the sides of my feet, my calves and my knees,  I felt relief in my feet immediately.  The open-toe design allows the toes to spread as you step which increases the foot contact area thus the stability of your posture, and also relieve pressure from the side since there is no shoe structure to push your toes inward as you take a step like a regular shoe would. 

The Vibrams are extremely light, 12.0 oz.  I jumped in place and it didn't even feel like I had the shoes on.  I ran around the place for a few seconds with a normal strike and I could feel stronger impact at each step.  The Fivefingers promote forefoot striking instead of heel striking, one strikes with the flat of the foot first ... When I adjusted my stride I felt mounted on springs as I jogged a lap around the store ... Still felt quite a bit of impact considering I was just jogging ...

The feel on the side of my feet convinced me to get them.  I have wide feet and rarely find shoes that don't compress my toes and the Vibrams Fivefingers felt so good, like the soreness of the day was gone instantaneously.  There lies the controversy of these shoes though.  The Vibrams activate a different set of muscles than when you wear regular shoes and when first starting out with them you really need to re-learn out to walk/run at a slow pace to avoid injuring these under-used muscle.  In the absence of pain there is no indicator that you may be getting hurt and may result in a greater injury.  The key is to not overdo it.  The other limiting physiology is if you have a tendency to pronate a lot (need extra support) or have a big arch.

My goal will be to use the Vibrams when I cross-train or walk.  I will put to test the theory that the flat design and thin sole strengthen the foot and improve the way the body runs.   So my expectations are that I will strengthen my feet while improving my stride LOL.  I found this testimony.  Do explosive runs?  Don't know really at this point  I don't see myself cutting down on distance because well I love distance.  I don't run for the cardio, I run because I love running.  So I will likely go back and forth between my regular shoes and the Fivefinger for a while and experiment ... And in case you were wondering like this blogger was ... What happens when the weather gets bad? (not that the weather has been THAT great in the Puget Sound lately LOL) ...  Well they do have a Vibrams for that !  The FLOW with added insulation ...

Stay tuned for more updates :)