First, I purchased these shoes coming from experience with Vibram FF's (Sprint, KSO, and Bikila), but no other minimalist style shoes. I love the fit and feel of the KSO and Bikila (Sprint not-so-much), but when I saw the 360's I decided I had to see how they compare, esp being cheaper and with the unique split-toe design.
Initial thoughts They look nice (IMHO), fit well (normally wear 11.5 so ordered up to 12 for the first pair), the bands seem to snug the shoes to my feet (with socks), material and sole are very flexible, great "road-feel", slightly warmer than the VFF's, easier to take on and off (esp with tabi (split-toe socks)), and all around an impressive shoe. My feet are "average" and roughly identical in length...no issues with rubbing/pinching on the 12's (even with moderate heel spurs).
How do I use them? I run moderately (mostly paved trails/sidewalk/some light offroad) but also use them as an everyday shoe...errands, physical training, driving, you name it. They're just a comfortable easy to use shoe with great feel. Be warned though...you will feel rocks and other objects through them if you don't watch your step. I still love my VFF, but if I'm in a hurry and don't want to mess with five toe socks or velcro, these are what I grab. (And they're money at the airport.)
But...as much as I enjoy these there are a few glaring cons that make me hesitate to recommend the Ninja 360.
First, after using the 12's for about 2 months the left big toe tread began delaminating/separating from the sole. This is a huge hit. I had run and used them lightly during this time...maybe 40 miles running at most on asphalt/concrete/paved and sandy areas, and walking around. I was deployed and was outside the Amazon return period, so opted to try gluing the tread back down. This was a very temporary fix, and I've had to try different glues and re-apply several times since then. Considering the limited use of the shoe when this issue developed, this is an unacceptable flaw. Currently my repair is holding, but I shouldn't have to start repairing my tread after only 2 months of light use. Could I get them replaced under warranty? I don't know. I thought I tried that, but so far no luck. (slight sarcasm, see below)
Also, I had been wearing either "flip-flop" socks or Injinjis with the 360's, which helped the 12 fit more snugly. However, after ordering some AFX no-show socks, which are very thin, I noticed the shoes slipping on my feet while sprinting. It could be partially my form, but I decided to see if an 11 would fit better with thin or no socks. I wanted a glove-like fit. So I ordered some 11's (direct from ZEM this time).
First pair of 11's, the right shoe fit perfectly. It was like a glove; exactly what I wanted. The left shoe, however, was sewn shorter in the big toe. The best I can describe is the material was overlapped too far and pinched more material into the toe of the shoe. So while the overall fit of the left was great, the big toe was too short and there was extra bunched material inside rubbing on the end of my toe. No good.
And to top it off...right out of the box the left big toe tread was delaminated for about 1/4 inch from the tip. (That's 2 for 2 with tread issues. A red flag for me!)
As this pair was purchased directly from Zem I e-mailed them about returning/exchanging. I got a strange e-mail that looked like my message e-mailed back to me, but no confirmation or acknowledgement. I tried again. Same thing. I waited...Sent another message. Nothing. Finally I received a reply, but it was obvious the individual didn't fully read or understand the issues. (I guess my bad for listing the problems with both the 11's and 12's together) But after that human contact I heard nothing. I sent a couple more e-mails. This stretched on over a couple months. Mind you I had other things going on and didn't have the time to keep e-mailing over and over. But it was like my e-mails were being eaten.
Eventually I did try again and the same individual told me a replacement pair had been sent several weeks earlier. (Of course no one had told me this) When they finally arrived I tried them on. This time the tread looked firmly attached on both shoes, but the left big toe exhibited the same pinched/shortened toe pocket. Everything else was pretty much perfect, but the slightly shorter toe and extra material inside the end made for an uncomfortable fit, and I'm sure there would be a nice blister if I tried running in them. I wore them around the my room for an extended period just to make sure, but no go.
I emailed Zem back with the news. The original ticket had been closed and a new individual was helping me, but it was again obvious they weren't quite getting the issues. After several in-depth e-mails with photos and no real resolution I haven't heard back from Zem for about a month. I don't know if I dare try again. (Zem, if you read these...help)
To summarize, I really like the concept of this shoe and overall the 12's have served me well the past 6 months (self-repair frustration aside). And heck, I even want to help make them better by providing feedback to Zem about what works and what doesn't, but there appear to be some serious issues with tread adhesion and a little slop in quality control. And if your issue falls outside the scope of Amazon's return policy or you order direct from Zem, good luck working with customer service. I recommend you try the shoes in person if you have that luxury, both for fit and a good inspection of the tread. Hoping my frustrating experience is an isolated case, but proceed at your own risk. =)
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I was going to give 5 stars, but they are WAY TOO UGLY!!! But first let me tell you how great they are. Here are the main perks:1. Super light, great for traveling
2. Very portable/foldable great for traveling
3. Easy to wash (great considering you dont wear socks with it
4. SUPER COMFORTBLE
5. GREAT for running, you find yourself running for no reason
Ok first, great for traveling, there's no reason to not take them anywhere. I'm a guy, but i bet it's great for girls to keep in their purse when they're out in high heels but want to come back in comfortable shoes. You can roll them up, wash them easily all graet stuff.
Now about the comfort, GOD i have to walk a lot while i'm traveling, but when i have these on i NEVER GET TIRED. Moreover if my feet are tired from aesthetic shoes (aka regular shoes that serve the sole function of looking good at the detriment of everything that has to do with the FUNCTION that feet perform) the zem shoes REJUVINATE your feet after a tiring day.
RUNNING= WOW you feel like a sports car with these on. You constantly want to rev the engine. You feel SO AGILE in these shoes, you can blitz past a crowd (like a kid). You feel like you're on a motorcycle.I got the split shoes because I heard they dont let your feet slip around like the round toes do (i've never tried those so i dont know, but the split toes do NOT slip)
Draw backs:
1. When it's wet, the cloth upper soaks in water (but really who cares, not like youre wearing socks)
2. If your pants are loose they are going to drag on the floor as they would when youre barefoot (solution: buy pants that fit, you slob)
3. THE MAIN DRAWBACK= THEY ARE UGLY UGLY UGLY!!!!!!!!!!!! (only for the split shoe). You and your crab feet WILL get stared at wherever you go
Here's why the are ugly-it's not the split toe itself but because (to save cost) they simply use the same sole for the round and split toe, and simply slice the split toe. What this does is leave an extra corner of fabric and rubber in the corners of the split which gives a crab claw look to your feet. If the sole was rounded off around the split it would look a LOT better, but i understand they like to save cost and use a single mould for the sole.
Anyway all in all, no regrets!
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Super comfy, easy to slip on and off, and after three weeks my feet feel great for the first time in years. I have wide feet and these feel way better than other "minimal" shoes like the Saucony Hattori. These will change how you walk and run though, you cannot land on your heel in them.I've had heel problems for some time, so I tried the 5 Fingers, which were nice, but a real hassle to get all 5 toes in. The ZEMgear just fit. It's still winter so I've been wearing them with toe socks (they also work with regular socks just fine). They have not gotten stinky with socks on.
The first time I wore them for a one mile walk downtown my feet were aching! After a half mile of running my calves were unbelievably sore and stayed that way for about two weeks. But after lots of short runs (1 mile max) and consistent walking in them, I just ran 4 miles today for the first time in 2 years. My feet feel great, they feel stronger, my calves are stronger, and I'm probably walking right for the first time since I was a kid.
Update:
These will last for about 3-4 months of casual running. They are not durable, but I still love them.
Honest reviews on ZEMgear 360 Ninja Split Toe - Running Series
After a few hours of use the seams around the split toe on both shoes began unravelling. I think that these shoes are not made well enough for their intended purpose.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ZEMgear 360 Ninja Split Toe - Running Series
I wear these for indoor tai chi (taijiquan) practice, and so far they've been great. The split toe style allows the foot to expand naturally, and the lack of extraneous padding helps with balance and flexibility. They are also durable enough that I can walk to practice in these if the weather is dry. Traction is very good without being sticky. These are also much more affordable than most other minimalist alternatives popular in my class such as the Vibram FiveFingers. The 360's are an improvement over the classic style Ninjas with less noticeable inside seams, a more molded shape, and much more attractive styling.I wear these with tabi socks, and I consider being able to wear socks an advantage. However, even with socks my ZEMs are a tiny bit big for me, and I hope ZEMgear will make plans to create smaller sizes.
Finally, the taping around the opening can get frayed at the ends still room for improvement there.
EDIT: My new favorites are now the ZEMgear Terra, which have a more robust sole suitable for both indoor and outdoor practice. I could not practice on rough asphalt pavements in the 360's because the traction pads would start to peel off they really are better for relatively smooth surfaces. In the Terras, however, I can practice movements which require turning on a weighted leg without fear of damaging the soles (other than normal wear and tear, that is). The Terras soles also wrap up around the sides a little, just enough to protect the toes and keep the sides from abrading. I still enjoy the 360's, but I now use them for indoor-only practice.
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