Vibram Fivefingers - anyone tried them?

**SponsoredByDuctTape** · 08-13-2008, 09:13 PM

Wasn't sure where to put this, but since other shoes have been discussed here, I guess this is where it goes. Anyone seen these in person or tried them? They're supposed to be easier on the joints, etc.

**squatch** · 08-13-2008, 09:23 PM

I've seen a guy wearing them. He looked like a tool.

**Huckwheat** · 08-13-2008, 09:30 PM

Barefoot running intrigues me.....have surfed a bunch of webpages and such. Tried it a half dozen times, but never enough to actually adopt.

During that time I read about them.....If they were like $30 i would totally try them, for $80ish not so much.

I saw in woman in DIA last month with them.....she too looked like a tool.

**linds-o-rama** · 08-17-2008, 09:17 PM

I put these on at their debut at Outdoor Retailer last year (I think). It took quite a bit longer to get them on than any other shoes I've tried. They felt really freaky. And I can deal with toe socks...

Overall, I'd have to agree with the consensus here: the benefits don't outweigh the tool factor. Be prepared to be made fun of!!! Although I can see a potential benefit with climbing if the rubber is sticky enough.

**coreshot-tourettes** · 08-17-2008, 09:19 PM

My feet don't fit 'em. If your toes are the right length, give them a try.

**shasti** · 08-27-2008, 11:57 PM

The vibram five fingers are comfortable, durable, and useful because of the good rubber on the soles and the minimal padding as well as the 5 toe design. The tarahumara are an indigenous culture of farmers and traders in mexico who live in an extremely mountainous region. As a result they have developed the ability to run barefoot (almost, they wear a very thing leather sandal) through the rocky canyons that they live in. The result of this is that their ankle joints remain stronger and more supple, with their knees hips and backs maintaining better alignment too. They have a lower incidence of injury, disease and a longer life span on average than any other culture or society in the world and the main difference is that they do not wear shoes. They drink heavily and eat what they like, as well as consuming alcohol while they run. Granted they run a lot more than the average couch dwelling american but the benefit of running without cushioning has been explored by many other long distance runners as well. If you are willing to give the shoes a try the upside may far outweigh the fear of being made fun of

**Tippster** · 08-29-2008, 03:03 PM

Yet these are SHOES. If going barefoot is what you're espousing, well you can do that for free. I rarely wear shoes if I'm within 100 yds of my house and it's above 60 degrees.

**leroy jenkins** · 08-29-2008, 04:17 PM

Those things look sweet. I bet they are super light, and would make perfect camp shoes for backpacking trips. I kinda think they might work well for peak bagging too.

I would not wear them around town or something though, they look freaking weird, and a little too clever.

**SkiED** · 08-29-2008, 05:53 PM

i know several people who own them and love them. Of course thats at a prodeal price of 25 dollars... not sure I could spend 85 on them but everyone thinks they are super comfortable

**couloirman** · 09-01-2008, 08:49 PM

trigger=pulled. I will report back shortly. I cant wait to try some rock climbing in them, I bet they'd be killer...

**tonyD** · 10-10-2008, 08:03 PM

I cant believe none of you pointed out that these are Al Bundy's god shoes from married with children! My friend has these and its the first thing anyone mentions.
The second is that he kind of looks like a tool.