I bought these because I thought I was ready to transition to barefoot running. I had been running for 2 years and really working on my mid-foot strike with my Newtons and was ready to go minimal with my footwear. But I was not able to make the transition. I even started out slowly like they suggest, but I guess my body likes a bit of cushioning on the feet. But these shoes are really, really comfortable and since I'm a tenderfoot, I now wear these whenever I would like to go barefoot and I love them. I walk in them, walk the dogs in them, grocery shop, and even wore them when we went to the river. They have a nice sole, so my feet feel protected, but otherwise, it's just like being barefoot. Sure they look a bit odd, but are very comfortable and if you are looking for protection for your barefoot experience, whether running or walking, they are a good buy.
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I've been using my Bikila's for a month now 4 runs a week. I love them! Yes, there's the initial getting used to, with calf-soreness and some strange looks from passersby, but otherwise, it's helped my form and has been a fun reason to run!
I agree with another poster that at first the material was tight on the top of the foot, but that never actually bothered me when I started running, and now has stretched to the point that there's no tightness (not to say it's stretched out, just that it's formed to me now). I have gotten no blisters or heel chafing, but I would say that sizing is so important. So if you buy online, you still might want to go to the store to make sure you've got the right size. Based on measuring my feet, I was a 39, but after going to the store, I realized I needed a 38, which fit me perfectly.
Best part of my run, bar none: running through the wet grass or feeling a breeze all the way to my toes in the Bikilas!
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I walk in these every morning on paved and dirt trails and they are great. I almost always get knee pain while walking in any other shoe (my hips/back are out of alignment). But with these Vibrams I have no pain anywhere and can just keep walking. It feels like it redistributes your weight more evenly throughout the foot, giving a more stable stride. There's a lot of hype about these being great for running, but they are a blessing for walking too. I usually wear a 7-7.5 size shoe, and I wear a 37 in these Bikilas. At first, my big toe felt too tight, but I would say that there is some slight breaking in time (or my feet just got used to it), because now everything feels great.
Honest reviews on Vibram Lady Fivefingers Bikila Running Shoes
I finally purchased a pair of Bikila shoes and I am not disappointed. They were difficult to put on initially, but that has gotten easier with use. They feel wonderful on my feet and are great for both general fitness and running. I would caution anybody who is using these for running to go to their web site and follow the directions (reducing your distance, not using them two days in a row, etc.) for the first month or so.
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I would have liked to have had a better fitting shoe. The size it states is not what you actually wear, so if you order make sure to order at least 1/2 size bigger than what it tells you. Otherwise I love the shoes, took some getting used to but once I did it was great
