FiveFingers - anyone got a pair?

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Ok, couldn't really find a 'Footwear' section so this is going here;

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/index.cf...

Anyone here used these before? They look pretty cool, but are they any good? I'm sceptical about things like this, but my curiosity is getting the better of me atm.

[JamesM]

I saw a guy in town with a pair of these on and they looked like a good way to get broken toes.

[cottonfoo]

They'll make you look like one of The Flumps. Pootle probably.

[ewenm]

Couple of friends of mine think they are great. One of them even goes running in her pair occasionally.

[Spiritual_Beggar]

ewenm said:

Couple of friends of mine think they are great. One of them even goes running in her pair occasionally.

They came about specifically for the outdoor activity scene, I think. Aimed at climbers, runners, by the looks of their website.

Thing is, when I can, I walk around barefoot. Something about running barefoot, maybe its all in my head, but you feel more agile and faster.

These look pretty funky to wear, but as someone alredy pointed out....they look like a good way to get broken toes. Mind you, they probably offer no worse protection than my Puma driving shoes, which are what I wear mainly atm.

Wanted to see what other people's experiences with them are, as I don't want to get them if 'Broken Toe' is a likely result.

Edited by Spiritual_Beggar on Tuesday 8th September 16:17

[Adrian Swarl]

Why are they called "FiveFingers" when you wear them on your feet?

[ali_kat]

They look great - I'd wear them (and i hate trainers)

[Don]

JamesM said:

I saw a guy in town with a pair of these on and they looked like a good way to get broken toes.

How much protection are they realistically going to offer over rough terrain, for example.

I'm more of a Brasher kind of guy, I think...

[ewenm]

Don said:

JamesM said:

I saw a guy in town with a pair of these on and they looked like a good way to get broken toes.

How much protection are they realistically going to offer over rough terrain, for example.

I'm more of a Brasher kind of guy, I think...

But if you're running over rough terrain would you choose a pair of walking boots/shoes or a pair of fell-running trainers (Inov8 are my choice at the moment)?

Walking/running barefoot is supposed to strengthen your feet and ankles more than doing so in shoes. I know if I do a training session barefoot on sand my feet are pretty sore afterwards (muscle soreness, not skin abrasion). A few years ago Nike were promoting their NikeFree trainers that were supposed to allow the foot to move more naturally. It looks like these foot-gloves are a step further than that. Whether they are any good or not probably depends on how sensible you are about getting your feet used to them.

[Stu R]

I've got a pair coming to test out with a view to stocking them, look forward to trying them I must say.

[chunkymonkey71]

I must be so juvenile!

I saw the title and thought that this would be something to do with wking!!!

I don't like being barefoot, so I doubt I'd like them.

[13th]

I think they look fantastic and I've found them in grey - fuschia, as long as I can get them by Friday I will be very happy

Edited to improve the colour!!! and spelling oops

Edited by 13th on Tuesday 8th September 16:55

Edited by 13th on Tuesday 8th September 16:59

[ConcreteBuffalo]

Few mates have them and say they are great for running and surprisingly rugged. Apparently getting the right size is a pain though...

[Nurburgsingh]

They look cool.. but I'm guess you really need to trya apir on before ou buy them an I don't see a UK store yet??

[KB_S1]

Don said:

JamesM said:

I saw a guy in town with a pair of these on and they looked like a good way to get broken toes.

How much protection are they realistically going to offer over rough terrain, for example.

I'm more of a Brasher kind of guy, I think...

I have been thinking about this and read a few reviews too.

On my own experience with good walking boots (Zamberlan) I do find that I am less mobile over rough, hard and uneven terrain.
The rigid sole on the boots does not allow the ankle and the plates in the feet to move and adapt to the terrain.

However, I am concerned that once you do slip or tumble the lack of protection may prove costly.
I think I will try a pair next summer for lighter climbs.

[Spiritual_Beggar]

Thing is, these are apparently designed with Rock Climbing and All-terrain running, so they must offer decent protection....otherwise they'd be rubbish for what they are intended.

Stu R; Let us know what you think when they arrive. I might be your first customer if they are any good

[TheD]

Set off my Antivirus ...

[Landlord]

TheD said:

Set off my Antivirus ...

This makes you sound like one of those sickly-kids who are made ill by "the modern world". You know, forever getting nose-bleeds because of building air-con etc.

For my part, the Flumps reference was spot on. They look terrible apart from if you take your activity seriously - if you see what I mean.

[TheD]

Landlord said:

TheD said:

Set off my Antivirus ...

This makes you sound like one of those sickly-kids who are made ill by "the modern world". You know, forever getting nose-bleeds because of building air-con etc.

For my part, the Flumps reference was spot on. They look terrible apart from if you take your activity seriously - if you see what I mean.

Whooooooosh.......

[Engineer1]

Look like they could be uncomfortable if your toes aren't the size and shape that Vibram think they should be.