Vibram FiveFingers

icecold

icecold

icecold

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6 Apr 2007
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I've been looking at these recently, specifically the KSO version (http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_kso_m.cfm although that isn't loading for me at the moment...) and wondered if anybody had any experience with them or more generally what peoples opinions were.

I've read a lot about how people love them for running, but I would also probably use them in the gym and I haven't seen any feedback in that area. I can't think of any reason why it would be a bad idea, especially considering I do most of my lifting barefoot anyway, but what are peoples thoughts about this?

Finally, the cheapest I've found them is here, but I'm not sure if I trust the site:
EDIT: THESE ARE FAKES
http://www.vibramfivefingerslondon.net/vibram-fivefingers-kso-shoes
 
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I know nothing about them but I bet they leave great Yeti tracks in the snow, especially if you've got big feet :D
 
I'm pritty sure you have to adpot a different running style in these as the first point of impact can't be your heel as there is no cushioning so this impact would travel up your leg, through your hip and to your spine. From what I remember you have to learn to run on your toes which ime is more comfortable but pritty taxing on the calves! And this is how we used to actual run before we developed the shoe. I'm really not much of a runner so this might not be accurate.

They wouldn't offer much protection in the gym should any weights fall but then neither will your standard running shoes.

Look pritty cool though remind me of the Nike ones with the seperate toe bit :cool:
 
BennyC said:
I'm pritty sure you have to adpot a different running style in these as the first point of impact can't be your heel as there is no cushioning so this impact would travel up your leg, through your hip and to your spine. From what I remember you have to learn to run on your toes which ime is more comfortable but pritty taxing on the calves! And this is how we used to actual run before we developed the shoe. I'm really not much of a runner so this might not be accurate.
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I was under the impression that these were pretty much the best thing you could run in as it basically acts like a second skin and allows to you essentially run 'barefoot' as we did in the old days.
 
i own a pair of the KSO's - i bought them on a recent trip to New York

they're absolutely fantastic - so, so comfortable (although they do take a while to get used to) - they're great for just wearing around the house, i wear them at the gym, and to run in, and to do yoga in

i'm training myself to run barefoot - which can take months - but i'm already starting to really enjoy it - it adds a whole new dimension

i wish i'd bought 2, perhaps 3 pairs, as they were 50% cheaper in the US

i'm a size 10 foot, and i bought a size 10 - which fits me perfectly - however you might not have the same experience, so try before you buy (if you can)
 
roid said:
I was under the impression that these were pretty much the best thing you could run in as it basically acts like a second skin and allows to you essentially run 'barefoot' as we did in the old days.
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I'm not saying they aren't! just that you have to learn differently in them.

There's a professor that has some interesting articles/videos who actually runs barefoot himself.

Deffinately a good comprimise to stop any cuts happening to your feet and to stop them callusing up.

If you try running barefoot landing on your heel like you would in running shoes it's horrific.
 
I own a Pair and they are Awesome!

They are great to run in but only start off running small distances at a time and build up. The more you run with them the stronger your ankle and lower leg muscles become from it. You will possible Feel Doms in the Smaller muscles of your ankles after i big run the next day :D

I use them out on Ski boats, Walking over Rocks and Reefs and they have no problem with getting wet and drying off repeatedly.


I also use them in the Gym, Which i find them great for. Although people will interrupt to ask whats on your feet and you also get a fair few strange looks :p

They will build up a bit of a stink after awhile but all you need to do is put them in the washing machine and they smell brand new again :D

Just make sure you try them on first to get the right size.

I have the Sprints BTW. :)
 
They are truly awesome, I use mine around the house and the gym.

I took me about 2 months, doing 1-2k runs to start with building up to 5k (don't usually do much more than that :)). It took my calf's and achilles a long time to get used to the different stretch/pressures put on them.

They are also good for the shower or by the beach if you don't like sand on your toes :)
 
Have seen a couple of people at climbing in them, think they didn't really get the point.

The people did say they take a while to get used to, but once they did they were pretty comfy.
 
Thanks for the posts chaps!

One of the reasons I'll be getting them is to help out with getting my calfs back to full strength. They seem to be prone to little injuries and have been weak ever since a bat ankle sprain back in easter. So these seem like a good way to sort them out with good form/gait.

I think I'm pretty much set on getting them, now I just need to find somewhere to buy them...
 
The Jungle is a good place to get them. But you really do need to try some on First Especially if yopu are going for the KSO because IIRC the KSOs should be one size smaller then what you would normally wear.
 
I used the sizing guide on the main vibram fivefingers website to find the right size for me and they fit perfectly. I wouldn't buy them by just using your normal shoe size.
 
robotCocks said:
megaLOL - it's not quite the same thing, is it?
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I'm not really sure why thats relevant. In order for me to make a significant time investment, not to mention a health investment whilst I was getting used to learning how to run again, they would need to be cheaper. I've already spent 6 months learning a new running style, I'm blown if I'm going to spend that much to do it again.
 
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