Short story: Yes, Vibram's are awesome, they have given me a new running life, and if you've been plagued with running injuries I'd suggest trying them.
Long story: I'm 47 years old and have been a "gym rat" since high school. About ten years ago a coworker told me about a local "Mud Run" and I thought it sounded good. Knowing I' was creeping up on the 40 year old mark and knew it would be a good time to start mixing in some cardio, so I signed up.
I went to Road Runner Sports shoe store, did the treadmill foot examination thing, and left with a pair of "Stability" shoes. I started slow and built my running up to ten miles a week by the 8th week and it was at this point my ITB started giving me problems.
Being a gym rat and somewhat of an athlete who understands the body and injury I began a long process of trying to run without pain. I did a lot of research on running websites, at running stores, and read books like Chi Running by Danny Dreyer. In the following years I tried to perfect Chi Running and tried every ITB stretch routine, roller pads, ice + Ibuprofen, countless shoes, and even took 4 months off of running. And although I was able to improve my pain free running distance, I still could not run 5 miles without experiencing a lot of ITB knee pain, so much that I couldn't run more than 6 or 7 miles on a good day, and my top pace was around 8:30 min/mile.
About two years ago I read a blog from a runner who said barefoot running eliminated his ITB issues by forcing him to run with a natural gait, stride, pace, etc. I figure I had nothing to lose, I've spent a fortune on shoes and a lot of time running, stretching, rolling, and eating Ibuprofen, so I bought my first pair of Vibram shoes, the Komodo sport in 2009.
Again, I'm a gym guy, so I know the risk of jumping into physical activities and doing too much too soon. I walked in them and wore them to the gym for about a month before attempting to run in them, and even then I started running on the treadmill first. I ran on the treadmill for about another month before my first road run. My first run was two miles and I monitored my body, specifically my feet, the whole way. It felt great!! I kept my runs short for the next four weeks, never running more than 2 miles, but increasing my pace (I use a Garmin GPS watch) and eventually got my two mile run down to 14:18, by far the fastest I've ever run.
I now own three pairs of Vibram shoes, the KomodoSport, the TrekSport, and the new SeeYa. I've only wore the SeeYa once, so I can't give a review yet, but I can say this in general, I have been running without ITB problems ever since. I live near Mission Trails regional park in San Diego so I've added trail running to spice things up. I'm currently training for my first half marathon this June, the Rock n' Roll in San Diego, and will be running the Camp Pendleton Mud run the week after that, all in my Vibram shoes.
BUT, and this is an important note, I've had one minor foot injury from stepping on an uneven road surface that kept me from running and was limping around for a few weeks, it hurt like hell! I'm also just recovering from a moderate calf strain that sidelined me for 5 weeks (probably was over doing it). Here's the deal folks, our feet have been in the equivalent of a cast for our most of our life. Our foot tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones have not been used much and will take a while the strengthen, but the good news is they will strengthen and adapt if you're patient.
For me "barefoot" running changed virtually everything in my running economy. I believe I achieved "Chi Running" naturally because when I run in Vibram's I don't have the option of a heel strike, long strides, and I don't have the unnatural heel to toe drop of running shoes. I don't have to think about most of bad running issues because my natural instinct takes over the moment my feet sense the terrain. It's like being a kid again, running barefoot makes me feel like I'm playing again. My new goal is to improve my running economy even more by finding a way to lessen the strain on my calf muscles. Vibram's have definitely increased the use of my calf muscles, very sore, and getting more muscular, so be ready for that change too, a lot more calf stretches in your stretch routine will go a long way.
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Excellent shoes. Very comfortable for walking and everyday activities. These shoes should come with a warning sign that everyone you run into will ask a ton of questions and you will become their spokesperson. Luckily for Vibram, this is an outstanding product.
Runners be Warned: Be very very careful transitioning into this shoe if you aren't accustomed to running barefoot. Your calves will get quite sore from regular use and the change of biomechanics. Everyone will need to go at a different pace. Error on the cautious side or you may get injured.
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Great shoes for running or every day use! My husband has the black kangaroo leather ones as well and wore them everywhere for work. These are his replacement ones when he doesn't need such a rugged design. Highly recommend!
Honest reviews on Vibram FiveFingers KMD Sport Shoe - Men's
These shoes are fantastic. They are super comfortable and are a great product to try if you are looking for new shoes. The reason I rate them a four is because they are already falling apart and I have had them for about a month. It is not to bad but enough wear and tear will eventually end them. It is probably more of my fault tho. I usually play basketball in them, which I do recommend, and all of the sharp cuts detach the material from the rubber. Also I have washed them in the washer about three times and that is not very healthy for them either. Part of the design fell off and some of the stitching is now loose. They also tend to get smelly. I just wish they were a little more durable. But overall very comfortable and a great product to atleast try. I will continue to buy these types of shoes.
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These shoes are the best for river fishing and climbing. The only drawback is that they get to smelling really bad and you have to figure out a way to wash them...I have to wash mine with vinegar and baking soda to nuetralize the smell. I love them though!!!
