I've been running regularly for about 20 years and came across the Vibrams in early 2008. Initially, I was a bit skeptical. But last summer we visited Boston and I brought along my running shoes thinking that they would serve me well for walking around the city. Unfortunately, my back was killing me the entire trip and I figured it was time to give the Vibrams a try.
So for the past ten months, I've been using my Vibrams regularly for both runs and workouts at the gym. For gym workouts, they are excellent -light and comfortable with excellent footing. And b/c they're so compact, they're perfect to pack for business trips or vacations.
Running in Vibrams takes a bit of an adjustment. Initially, I tried running on grass thinking that this would ease the transition, but instead I ended up with calves that felt like they were ready to explode (if you've ever run a long distance barefoot on sand, you know what I mean). Counterintuively, running on a harder surface was an easier transition b/c the asphalt provided a more stable running surface.
The running stride for Vibrams is completely different than that for traditional running shoes. You'll need to jettison the typical heel strike of running shoes and begin to strike with the balls of your feet. This takes a bit of getting used to, but did not cause any physical issues (for me).
If you've read this far, you're probably tuned in to the whole health debate of running shoes vs. barefoot running. In a nutshell, barefoot runners argue that the design of the modern running shoe causes injuries by forcing heel strike and pronation. I'm not a good comparison tester in this regard, b/c I've have never experienced any major running injuries, but I didn't experience any physical issues at all with the Vibrams. I can say that they are generally easier on my back (just a bit -this is not a miracle cure) and that my overall leg strength is markedly higher with the Vibrams.
Running speed has not been affected by the switch to Vibrams. I'm still every bit as fast -or slow -as I am in traditional running shoes. Just don't buy these on the eve of a big race and expect to run well -you'll need a couple of months to fully adjust your stride and build up your calf and leg muscles.
Durability is excellent -I'm just wearing out my initial pair after ten months of regular running and gym use.
Finally, people invariably find these contraptions odd and mildly amusing. I get curious looks and questions all the time wearing these. If you want to don an Ipod and be left alone when you work out, just keep in mind that your Vibrams will attract some attention. On the other hand, if you view your gym visit as a social event, then they're a great conversation starter.
Overall, I've been very pleased with the shoes and would definitely recommend them. They haven't made me faster, smarter, a better person or drastically altered my life in any way I can discern (sorry, all you "Born to Run" afficienados), but I think that they're a comfortable, physically sound shoe that will provide you with a healthier, and longer, running experience than your traditional running shoe.
ADDENDUM, July 2010: I've been running in Vibrams for nearly two years, but the last two pairs that I purchased (directly from the company, so they aren't knock-offs) have worn out extremely quickly. I got no more than 200 miles on one pair and the second pair is wearing out after only three weeks of use (!!!). My guess is that they are ramping up production to meet the huge demand for the Five Fingers and are having quality control issues. I'd like to provide more information, but the company has not responded to either of my two e-mails or snail mail letter asking about the unusual wear. Anyway, you might want to avoid these until they address the qc issues -just a head's up.
ADDENDUM, June 2011: A day or two after I published the above addendum, Vibram contacted me and offered to replace one pair of my Sprints which was fair of them. Unfortunately, the durability of the replacement pair was every bit as bad as the prior two pairs. I tracked my mileage closely and got around 80 miles on the replacement pair before the sole began to wear through.
So what's going on here? Well, if you compare the soles of the newer Sprints with those on the Classics or the KSO's, Vibram has clearly changed the formulation. Just run your finger over the soles a few times and you can feel that the Sprints are now using a softer formulation. And, of course, after 100 miles you'll be very aware of the softer sole.
At this point, I don't bother with the Sprints. The Bakilas have a softer formulation, but also include little protective knobs, so I can get about 300 miles on them before they begin to wear through. I still prefer the overall design and comfort of the Sprints, but until/unless Vibram addresses the durability issue, other Vibram designs are a much better choice for regular running.
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Update!
So I have been using my five fingers religiously (on my fourth pair now), so I am pretty acquainted with the product. Although these shoes perform in every way as they advertise, you have to consider that they are NOT meant for running (in my opinion, that is.) I was using them for running quite regularly, and developed a very persistent plantar fasciitis. I have to say that many factors might have induced this (improper training, overweight, improper stretching, etc.), but these shoes, in my modest opinion, do not provide the requisite cushioning for running. I know that the minimalist running sounds romantic, but do consider support over function when picking something for running or jogging.
Let me start by stating that I am, by no means, an extreme sports enthusiast of any sorts... I am simply your average person who enjoys running frequently.
My historical complaint with running shoes was that I would consistently get blisters whenever I started running faster or longer; this constraint led me to hold back, which I found insufferable.
Doing research on the subject, I came across these funky shoes... my first reaction was "this is a sandal, not a shoe!"
Anyway, the claims on "running barefoot" and "exercising muscles of the foot" intrigued me, so I parted with my $100.00 bill to lay my hands on a pair (daunting task, as not many stores carry them.)
First day I tried them, I found that fitting the shoe was quite an engineering feat... I even looked on the box for the instructions, much to the amusement of my girlfriend. Eventually I mastered the technique on getting the shoes on, and began running with them every day. 28 days later of doing this, I've noticed two things:
1. Barefoot factor: the shoe does feel like running barefoot, but with the benefit of grip (which is spectacular), and protection against friction and gravel.
2. Corollary to 1: the shoe will NOT give you blisters.
Like I said, after a trial of one month of consistent use, I can asseverate with confidence that this is a fantastic running / training shoe. It is worth mentioning that I am using them during weight lifting, and have found that these shoes deliver greater balance, specially when doing lunges with dumbbells (bet your nikies can't do that?!)
Final analysis: if you've ever gotten a blister, black nails, or any nasty by-product from running, GET THESE SHOES ! You will never feel any sort of discomfort again with these guys.
These shoes are a synonym for comfort, good posture and good health.
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I adore these shoes. I have a penchant for going barefoot, and for walking around town, so this is the next best thing without endangering my toes to seriously hot blacktop or broken glass. I purchased my pair from my local Moosejaw, and thought they were a little weird at firstthey do take some getting used to, and turns out you don't walk in them the way you walk in shoes... but that's the whole point! These "shoes" were meant to get you walking like you do when your barefootby supporting your own arches and strengthening your calves such that you don't screw up your feet, posture, etc. I have next to no arch in my foot normally, and I tend to pronate (turn in) as well, but when I wear the vibrams I can really feel the difference in my leg muscles the first day I've gone more than half a mile, and the next day I find myself walking more like I would if I was barefootnot flat footed, but with far more balanced weight on the balls of my feet!
They now come in super fun colors, lots of styles (Keep Stuff Out KSO is what my partner has) and with different soles for whatever terrain you might be walking. Don't ever wear them backpacking, because they cannot support your ankles, but barring that, go nuts!
I love my Five Finger Toe Shoes!
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I am a health nut at 85 yrs. old. I go to the gym every day and I wear my Vibram every day. They are the most important item in my health-kit. Walking is actually fun and healthy when wearing Vibram. They improved my posture which allowed me to improve my breathing.(Emphysema) I have also eliminated my blood pressure medicine. Walk to the gym every day and save money.
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These shoes certainly attract attention but... As a person who doesn't have perfectly shaped toes (little toe curls up a little, other toes a little misaligned due to years of athletic activity)the shoes just don't fit very well. After several painful attempts at alignment the shoes became wearable but I wouldn't want to go through that everytime I put on shoes.
