Remember I wrote a post a while back about how great going barefoot is for your body? In that article, I mentioned that I wanted to pick myself up a pair of Vibram Fivefingers, which are minimalist shoes. They emulate the experience of walking and running barefoot while offering a bit of protection for the feet!
Well I did end up getting a pair, and so far they are a HUGE improvement over my running shoes. Check out the video to get my review of my new footwear!
Important points from the video:
- If you want to order a pair and you’re in between two sizes, go for the smaller size.
- If they hurt your feet and give you blisters in the beginning, don’t worry! That’s pretty normal and your feet will toughen up and get used to the shoe. Or you could cut up a bit of old sock and stick it in the sore spot to absorb friction.
- It seems incredibly obvious to me how much faster I can run in these, and with proper technique.
- Your calves and leg muscles will be really sore when you first start with these because you’re using different muscles than you’re used to. Start slow and work your way up to running in them!
- Just a note for those wondering which model I ordered (since I forgot to mention in the video): They’re the ladies Sprint.
I’m really interested in these and now you’ve just about convinced me of buying a pair. Just one question though: how did you decide on a model? I looked at the Vibram website and they have over 10 different models and I’m not sure where to start.
Also, just wanted to say that this was a great video, thanks.
Thanks Anna! hahah I felt the same way when I was trying to figure out which ones I wanted…. in the end, I just decided to go for this one because they said it was popular and did the things I wanted it to (mostly just running, hiking, etc)…. it was just a ‘well… I could spend hours researching this, but I’ll just try these ones’. I do like the Sprints if that helps!
I have Vibrams too. From what I’ve read, most people who get it find they’re a bit too tight early on, but the fabric stretches out a tiny bit after you wear it a couple of times and then it fits perfectly.
Hi Tracy. I’m really eager to buy a pair of these. I have been contemplating it for about a year now and I’m at the point where I’m like “Yeah, I’m most definitly getting a pair!!”
However I thought I should maybe ask you an important question first, do you still really love the vibrams you got?
I’m thinking of buying the same model since it’s more of an open top one but maybe closed would be better? I’m just a little worried that maybe the open top may cause some issues (like stuff getting in while I’m on a run), were they fine for you?
Hi Julia,
Well, actually, I found that with my pair, if I stopped for even a short time and then went back to them again, the blisters came back and hurt. I kind of got fed up and quit using them! But I was sad about it… it was simply a fitting problem… because they are such a tight shoe, they aren’t as easy to fit as other shoes… and one of my feet just wasn’t quite right for the shoe and gave me blisters. The other one was fine… I think my feet are a very slightly different size.
Anyway, I would still be using them if it weren’t for that… so I still recommend them, but I’m not sure if I would recommend buying them off the internet without actually trying them on first (that’s what I did). Also, I didn’t have any trouble with stuff getting in the top, but, they were a little cold in not-so-warm weather. The closed top ones may be better.
Hmm that sucks 🙁 Thank you for the reply, these are all good things to think about.
Do you just wear normal shoes again now? I just hate shoes, wish I could just go barefoot all the time haha.
Well, I only ever wore them for running. And I don’t really run anymore haha… I prefer bike riding and other exercise. So, yes… I do just wear normal shoes!
My boyfriend surprised me with a visit to a shoe store for my birthday two years ago to pick out some Vibrams.
We had a trip to the redwoods in California a few weeks later and I was so glad to have Vibrams for hiking! My calves and arches were ridiculously sore after 10 days of hiking, climbing, and enjoying the wilderness, but in a good way, if that makes sense. I had more spring in my step wearing the Vibrams and I definitely felt like I had better traction on rocks.
The only downside I found was the shock I felt when walking on pavement. The pair I got was definitely more suited for a natural “floor” than concrete!
Wasn’t there a flip flop you reviewed that you really liked too? I can’t find the post…
I just got those earthing minimalist sandles (posted a pic on facebook), but need the weather to warm up a little better so I can use them and then do a review on here. They were from earthrunners.com
Thank you so much! Buying them now; they look so cute too!