I thought I was going to enjoy the no-tie shoes. However, the elastic on one side of one shoe was not attached, therefore, the tongue of the shoe was not attached properly. Oh well, if I'm too lazy to tie my shoes I'm too lazy to walk.
Showing posts with label trail running shoes reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label trail running shoes reviews. Show all posts
Cheap Salomon Women's Ellipse Aero Shoe
This shoe was comfortable to wear right out of the box. The sizing seems to run a half size larger than my regular shoe size. I exchanged my first pair for the half size smaller and it fit great.
They consistently fit my feet and are comfortable from day
one. I walk a lot. I have always had and have dogs... we
walk miles every day... and these shoes do the trick and the trek.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
No breaking in! Fit right out if the box. Good gripping on my 5 mile off road dry and slippery hilly fire trail.Best Deals on Salomon Women's Ellipse Aero Shoe
These seemed to be great shoes, so I was pleased when I got them. But that turned to disappointment after I tried them on. The left shoe was a little pinchy and the arch seemed to be in the wrong place. The length was more than adequate so I know that I ordered the correct size. I have trouble with shoes because I have a semi-wide foot, but Salomon shoes have fit beautifully in the past. I would recommend these shoes as they do seem to be well-made and they are nice looking. They just don't fit me.Honest reviews on Salomon Women's Ellipse Aero Shoe
I normally wear a size 8 1/2 but I found that shoe was a little large with Solomon so I exchanged them for an 8. The exchange was simple and easy. I've gone hiking in the mountains twice with them and they are great. The tread on the bottom is wonderful and grips well, and my feet were very comfortable for the 5 miles I hiked the last time. They are supportive and fit very well. Also, they are not clunky or heavy compared to some others I had tried on in the store. The threading/ stitching and components of the shoe are very solid, everything you would expect from Solomon. I would recommend this shoe to anyone who hikes or trail-runs recreationally, and has an average width foot with an average or even high arch. Overall, this shoe will not disappoint and was well worth the money!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Salomon Women's Ellipse Aero Shoe
I have been purchasing and wearing Salomon for decades.They consistently fit my feet and are comfortable from day
one. I walk a lot. I have always had and have dogs... we
walk miles every day... and these shoes do the trick and the trek.
Cheap Deer Stags Mens Fudd Slipper
I have always liked Deer Stags, but this pair was disappointing. The insole is thick, but provides no cushioning. The outside leather is very stiff. I had to return them. If you can endure those two characteristics, however, they seem to be well made. Just not soft and comfortable as slippers should be.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
These are great slippers for around the house. They keep my bare feet very warm and not sweaty. My feet are narrow so these are a little loose, but for around the house they are very comfortable.Best Deals on Deer Stags Mens Fudd Slipper
For an unlined, all man-made materials, "slipper," these are OK as something better than padding around in stocking feet. They are not especially well-made; but adequate by today's standards for this kind of item. They are light, breathable and ok as loose fitting covers.Honest reviews on Deer Stags Mens Fudd Slipper
I found these Deer Stags very comfortable and well made. The fit was spot on and I felt the price was a good deal for the product. I would recommend these for anyone looking for a nice knock around moc.
Cheap Nike Mens Air Max+ Running Shoes
this product is perfect for me it is confertable in every way i love it and could not believe how confertable it is
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
THIS PRODUCT IS VERY GOOD, BECAUSE IT'S SOFT AND CONFORTABLE. THE COMBINATION OF COLOR IS FINE. IT'S THE BEST OF NIKEBest Deals on Nike Mens Air Max+ Running Shoes
Great shoe. Somewhat expensive but so very comfortable. I would recommend this shoe to anyone who runs or does areboics.Honest reviews on Nike Mens Air Max+ Running Shoes
Very good brand, good product, each sports lovers will fall in love with this brand, really good, ohVery good brand, good product, each sports lovers will fall in love with this brand, really good, oh
Reviews of EMU Australia Women's Alba Boot Button
I just picked my boots up from the warehouse. I had realized after I had bought them, I had bought a size 6 and had originally tried on the size 7 in store. From the beginning, when I first looked into buying them, I tried on a size 7 (my usual size) and found my toes were near the end. I found the size 8 to fit nicer, but understood they stretch out over time, thus I planned to buy a 7.
I understand they are suppose to stretch out, but with the 6 my toes are at the end and my feel uncomfortably pinched. In the end, I decided to return the size 6 and go for a 7 regardless of the stretching factor.
For quality, I wore them tonight at -20 degrees celcius and my bare feet felt warm and tosty. I did alot of research in to the differences between these and UGGS, and with Edmonton winters, I found the EMUS were better suited. EMUs have a rubber sole with an outer tread so they have some grip against ice, the UGG EVA sole does not have this, and will most likely wear faster against the sand and gravel put out on the streets. I like the ergonomical removalble sole in the EMUs, which I don't know for sure is in the UGG boots. I'm not sure how effective the EMU advertised water resistance will be, but judging by other suede boots I have owned with a water resistance coating, they most likely will hold up against dry powder. I also did compare materials used between the ALBA and UGG styles, and both uses double faced sheepskin, not wool like cheaper EMU. Apparently, the actual sheepskin is much warmer than wool.
Overall I am quite satisfied with the boot. The design is nice and more unique (how unique can you get with such a trendy boot though?!).
JANUARY UPDATE:
By coincidence, I had the ability to test out the warmth factor in -22 degree Celsius weather for 45 minutes. After the LRT broke down, I had to wait outside for a transfer bus to arrive and with a large group of other people, we stood outside for 45 minutes. After waiting 3/4 of an hour, doing nothing but standing (in the wind too), I happily had warm feet while everyone around me seemed to be mentioning how they could no longer feel their toes! I am extremely happy with the warmth factor of these boots. I also must note that I have yet to slip in these boots... the traction is not bad.
Again, the size 7 (my regular size) has slightly stretched out now...they fit perfectly!
BTW, to anyone wondering, I definitely recommend sizing down with this type of boot. Even if the toes feel a little tight at first, they stretch out very quickly, usually in the first day or two. All of my EMUs and UGGs are in size 5 and I normally wear a size 6 in every other type of shoe.
I understand they are suppose to stretch out, but with the 6 my toes are at the end and my feel uncomfortably pinched. In the end, I decided to return the size 6 and go for a 7 regardless of the stretching factor.
For quality, I wore them tonight at -20 degrees celcius and my bare feet felt warm and tosty. I did alot of research in to the differences between these and UGGS, and with Edmonton winters, I found the EMUS were better suited. EMUs have a rubber sole with an outer tread so they have some grip against ice, the UGG EVA sole does not have this, and will most likely wear faster against the sand and gravel put out on the streets. I like the ergonomical removalble sole in the EMUs, which I don't know for sure is in the UGG boots. I'm not sure how effective the EMU advertised water resistance will be, but judging by other suede boots I have owned with a water resistance coating, they most likely will hold up against dry powder. I also did compare materials used between the ALBA and UGG styles, and both uses double faced sheepskin, not wool like cheaper EMU. Apparently, the actual sheepskin is much warmer than wool.
Overall I am quite satisfied with the boot. The design is nice and more unique (how unique can you get with such a trendy boot though?!).
JANUARY UPDATE:
By coincidence, I had the ability to test out the warmth factor in -22 degree Celsius weather for 45 minutes. After the LRT broke down, I had to wait outside for a transfer bus to arrive and with a large group of other people, we stood outside for 45 minutes. After waiting 3/4 of an hour, doing nothing but standing (in the wind too), I happily had warm feet while everyone around me seemed to be mentioning how they could no longer feel their toes! I am extremely happy with the warmth factor of these boots. I also must note that I have yet to slip in these boots... the traction is not bad.
Again, the size 7 (my regular size) has slightly stretched out now...they fit perfectly!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I own several pairs of UGGs and EMUs. The UGGS are slightly less bulky and more feminine looking (if that's possible with this type of boot), but I much prefer the EMUs for comfort and arch support. I have about 8 pairs of EMUs now in different heights,colors, and styles. Most of them I've bought on Amazon Gold Box deals over the last two years (hint: keep your eyes open right after Christmas). Anyway, I loved the look of the Alba boot so I couldn't resist the Gold Box deal of $44.70 even though I had sworn to myself that I wouldn't order any more boots. When they arrived I was in love...they were so cute and oh so comfy. However, the left boot that was sent to me had a constant foldover flop or "dog ear" on the outer side the side that is most visible. No matter what I did I couldn't get it to stay up. I tried to just live with it, but it annoyed me so much that I had to send them back. If the drooping had been on the inner side I might have kept them. It pained me to send these back!!! I wanted a replacement instead of refund, but that wasn't an option. I would buy these boots again in a heartbeat at the price I paid. I give 4 stars because of my defect..would have been 5 stars.BTW, to anyone wondering, I definitely recommend sizing down with this type of boot. Even if the toes feel a little tight at first, they stretch out very quickly, usually in the first day or two. All of my EMUs and UGGs are in size 5 and I normally wear a size 6 in every other type of shoe.
Best Deals on EMU Australia Women's Alba Boot Button
I originally bought a pair of size 7 (my regular size is 7.5) and my toes were pinched in the front so I returned it and bought a pair of size 8. Now they are too big. The shoes are getting bigger and bigger after few wears. Since my right foot is smaller than my left foot (regular size 7), the whole right shoe slips while I walk; it feels like I am wearing a slipper on the my right foot. My left foot slightly slips when I walk as well. I would definitely recommend to buy your regular shoe size and don't go one size up even though the shoes fit pretty tight first. These shoes will get bigger after few wears. I actually spent $119 on them and now I can't return them since I already wore them. :( However, I really like the material of the shoes and the look of the shoes.Honest reviews on EMU Australia Women's Alba Boot Button
I ordered these like others for only $44. I also ordered a pair of Uggs for MUCH more around the same time, and they arrived the same day. There was not even a difference. The Emus were MUCH more comfy than the Uggs, hands down. I have worn them for 2 days now in below 0 weather (-12 and -17 respectfully) and my feet stayed nice and toasty warm. They were worn through a small amount of snow, with no leaking. I also wore them in icy conditions and NO problems with slipping at all. What I love the MOST is that it is like wearing slippers all day long! The Alba is super plush, and they ran very true to size for me (DO NOT ORDER A SIZE SMALLER). I would pay the over $100 for these boots in a heart beat over the Uggs . . . which were given to my sister. Like someone else said, they are like walking on a cloud. PLEASE Amazon bring back the gold box pricing on these!!!!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for EMU Australia Women's Alba Boot Button
First, let me start by saying, that I "love" everything about these boots!! I have had one pair of a similar type of boot, by "Bearpaw". I liked them, but when the EMU went on lighting deal, at 70% off, I went ahead and ordered a pair. I am so glad I did! They are beautiful all the way around, comfortable, and well made. I ordered down a size, per others reviews, and they fit perfect. I actually ordered two pairs, and I am still waiting for the other pair. I got the Alba style, in Charcoal.. they look so good on! I can't say enough about this company and the beautiful products they make!! Check out their website, and you will see that you are getting a top notch product, by people who know what they are doing. I am so glad I upgraded to these boots, they are made of beautiful sheepskin, merino fur, and have a really good foundation/sole to them. These boots exude quality, you should really try them!
Best PUMA Women's Speeder Mesh 2 Running Shoe Deals
Cute shoe, but not exactly what I was expecting. Ordered these in my normal size and they're too small. Need a 1/2 size up but sadly, it's not available.
The shoes mold to your feet very easily (mine look all warped, but fit my feet perfectly).
The mesh is nice because it allows your feet to breathe a little.
Only Cons I can think of are:
If the ground/grass is wet then it just soaks through the mesh, but it dries quickly.
Because of the outsole (bottom) design stuff does get stuck in them a lot pebbles, grass, mud, etc, so just make sure you wipe your feet off well before entering a building!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Very comfortable shoes! They arrived looking slightly dirty, which I wasn't thrilled about. They aren't as cute as I thought they would be, but what they lack in style they make up for in comfort. I am a long distance runner but I only use these for walking as they don't have much support.Best Deals on PUMA Women's Speeder Mesh 2 Running Shoe
I've had my pair of speeders for about 3 years now. After heavy use they are finally wearing out now and I plan to replace them with another pair.The shoes mold to your feet very easily (mine look all warped, but fit my feet perfectly).
The mesh is nice because it allows your feet to breathe a little.
Only Cons I can think of are:
If the ground/grass is wet then it just soaks through the mesh, but it dries quickly.
Because of the outsole (bottom) design stuff does get stuck in them a lot pebbles, grass, mud, etc, so just make sure you wipe your feet off well before entering a building!
Honest reviews on PUMA Women's Speeder Mesh 2 Running Shoe
Light weight, durable, comfortable -pretty much everything you're looking for in a shoe when you're on your feet for most of the day. Great price for a solid shoe that can be used every day.
Best ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe Deals
New for 2012, this is the 14th iteration of one of Asics flagship models.
Overview: The latest version in the lineage remains true to its predecessors. If you liked the Nimbus in the past, you will like this one too. While Asics claims to have made a significant number of changes to the new model, most are superficial. The primary differences are:
(1) a slightly narrower profile (meaning the soul does not flair out as much), though the toe box retains about the same interior width for your toes;
(2) weight has been reduced by about 4 ounces per pair, while cushioning remains as good as ever; and
(3) flashier colors have been added to suggest a more premium line.
In addition to the more subtle blue/black version, the original release includes two jazzier color combinations: a neon yellow / blue and a black / "digital neon." (If past models are any indication, more color combinations through the year.)
Brief Background: I am 6'1", 175, and run three to seven miles several days a week primarily on city streets and paved running trails, sometimes on the treadmill. Once or twice a year I will train up to the half-marathon to full-marathon level for a short window, but running is generally part of my cross training program. The Nimbus 14s are probably my 7th or 8th version to run in of the Nimbus line. (I also periodically buy a set of Kayanos, but prefer the Nimbus for their slightly higher level of cushioning.)
About Asics: For years Asics has had two popular models: the Kayano (now on its 18th iteration) and the Nimbus. These were the models that first regularly broke the $100 per pair mark. Now, so many iterations later, they are retailing for $140 $150 per pair. To up the ante Asics has added additional designs such as the super premium Kinsei line that is $180+ and the Cirrus, a line aimed at people moving towards a flatter soul (read: natural running a la the 5 Fingers crowd). (Beginning with the last iteration, 13, the Nimbus was already beginning to lower its heal, so the line is keeping pace with evolving trends, but at a more subdued rate.) While I can't speak to the Cirrus line, I have looked at the Kensei line. Though others may disagree, the Kensei strikes me as a Kayano rapped in techno lizard skin. Not that I don't like techno lizard skin, it just appears they are more flash than "superior engineering," regardless of price differential. For most runners, the Kayano and Nimbus will likely retain their place as the real workhorses in the stable for training or exercise.
The Nimbus: For anyone new to Asics or the Nimbus line in particular, the shoe is particularly well-suited for those with a "neutral" gate and slightly higher arches there is greater cushioning for the arches. If you are a high-mileage runner (running 25 miles or more a week) optimizing for comfort over absolute speed, this is an excellent shoe to train in to avoid injuries. Running on a treadmill or anything short of hard cement and you will feel like you are running on soft earth.
Number 14: With respect to the specific changes for 2012:
(1) The weight loss is noticeable. The new shoes feel slightly lighter. It is more evident in the hand than on the foot, but the slight reduction in weight will certainly feel better in those last miles. They also seem slightly airier. This may not be good in the cold, but for running in warm weather it is a plus.
(2) The shoe retains its stability and cushioning. This remains the shoe's strong suit. One of the advantages of their continued lowering is increased sure-footedness. They are stable to run in, such that you can run on fairly uneven surfaces or have a surprise change in elevation and still not turn your ankle ie, you don't feel like you are running on a platform as was the case in the earlier models. At the same time, they continue to retain a good deal of cushioning. I have run in the 5 Fingers and the minimus shoe line by New Balance (which are great to throw in a suitcase when you have limited room and may only be hitting a treadmill). They feel good for short distances or on soft ground, but for longer stretches or pavement, still strongly prefer something with some cushion and that is where the Nimbus still stands apart.
(3) The Nimbus is getting more flash. While they are still offering some regular color schemes, they are finally adding some glitz to the line. The Kayano typically got a good color scheme or two while the Nimbus was still a little on the dull side. Look out. The Nimbus is starting to make tracks and can now stand toe-to-toe with the latest Nikes. And at this price point, it's long overdue.
A few general notes: (a) if you are new to Asics, most people order one size larger than their street shoes ie, if you wear a 10 in regular shoes, you may need to order an 11 and (b) like a toothbrush, they need to be replaced more than you might think. As much as I dislike buying a couple of pair of these a few times a year, every time I try to cheap out and go too long on replacing shoes, I spend some time nursing a shin splint or IT band injury.
As aside and likely one that will continue to remain without remedy because no one at the design studio or factory seems to listen or care, the insoles are still p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c. If you are going to put lots of miles on these, you might consider an aftermarket insole. I like the superfeet, but there are many that work well depending on your running style, arches, foot volume, etc. A trip to a running store may be well worth it on this front. As almost all running shoes suffer from this issue (the paper mache insole), I am not deducting a star for this. (If half a star could be reduced, I would.)
In sum, the new model is same as the old one, only a little better, specifically: lighter and jazzier while retaining the right balance of cushioning for a regular runner. This continues to be an excellent overall shoe for running.
Hope this review helps you.
This is the lightest Nimbus yet but feels even more cushioned than the previous model. I have an average to narrow foot and the 13 also felt too snug in toe box area, the 14 does not feel too tight for my foot. Fit is the most important aspect of any running shoe, but is an individual thing, so always try on first and jog around the store.
Assuming it's a good fit for your foot (this shoe runs true to size and for most folks this shoe should be a good fit) than I highly reccommend this shoe. I intentially try/buy other brands from time to time just to mix it up and see, over time, how other top line shoes feel/work. For me, hands down, Asics is the best in terms of comfort/fit, quality, and cushioning. And, in all three of these areas, the Nimbus 14 is the best running shoe to date.
As my Kinsei were seeing their last days and my feet tired of running in the Ghosts (my shins were yelling at me in these shoes), I was back in the market for a shoe that had the quality of the Kinsei, the speed of the Ghosts and a price range that was actually manageable. After a a few weeks of going through Runners World, researching my running style and impact, and eventually looking at the points on my foot that apply the most pressure, I came across the Asics Nimbus 14. I had tried the 13 and 12s during the previous years but was just not jazzed by the feel and responsiveness.
The improvements in the 14s made it feel like a whole new shoe though! The comfort and support are just right for my neutral running style. I have a "normal" arch and run mostly on my mid and forefoot. In some reports, I saw something about a slower responsiveness due to the cushioning in the shoe, but I felt like they had plenty of get up and go when I pushed the run. The shoe is also well ventilated and prevents any overheating while on my 3-4 miles runs. I usually integrated hills with my workouts and the shoe had plenty of grip and stability for the ups and downs as well.
The best part of the shoe is that it provides you (me) with one of the best feelings, not worrying about what's on my feet. I can just run and focus on MY workout. They gave me this feeling within day one. I had to slightly, very slightly, break them in, but they felt plush from the go. I definitely recommend going to your local running store that has a treadmill, try them out for yourself, and see what I am talking about. I am not an avid runner, but these shoes will bring you that much closer to wanting to be one!
Plus, they come in neon yellow, what's more awesome than that!?
These are highly recommended and will most likely buy a couple more pairs for the years to come!
Overview: The latest version in the lineage remains true to its predecessors. If you liked the Nimbus in the past, you will like this one too. While Asics claims to have made a significant number of changes to the new model, most are superficial. The primary differences are:
(1) a slightly narrower profile (meaning the soul does not flair out as much), though the toe box retains about the same interior width for your toes;
(2) weight has been reduced by about 4 ounces per pair, while cushioning remains as good as ever; and
(3) flashier colors have been added to suggest a more premium line.
In addition to the more subtle blue/black version, the original release includes two jazzier color combinations: a neon yellow / blue and a black / "digital neon." (If past models are any indication, more color combinations through the year.)
Brief Background: I am 6'1", 175, and run three to seven miles several days a week primarily on city streets and paved running trails, sometimes on the treadmill. Once or twice a year I will train up to the half-marathon to full-marathon level for a short window, but running is generally part of my cross training program. The Nimbus 14s are probably my 7th or 8th version to run in of the Nimbus line. (I also periodically buy a set of Kayanos, but prefer the Nimbus for their slightly higher level of cushioning.)
About Asics: For years Asics has had two popular models: the Kayano (now on its 18th iteration) and the Nimbus. These were the models that first regularly broke the $100 per pair mark. Now, so many iterations later, they are retailing for $140 $150 per pair. To up the ante Asics has added additional designs such as the super premium Kinsei line that is $180+ and the Cirrus, a line aimed at people moving towards a flatter soul (read: natural running a la the 5 Fingers crowd). (Beginning with the last iteration, 13, the Nimbus was already beginning to lower its heal, so the line is keeping pace with evolving trends, but at a more subdued rate.) While I can't speak to the Cirrus line, I have looked at the Kensei line. Though others may disagree, the Kensei strikes me as a Kayano rapped in techno lizard skin. Not that I don't like techno lizard skin, it just appears they are more flash than "superior engineering," regardless of price differential. For most runners, the Kayano and Nimbus will likely retain their place as the real workhorses in the stable for training or exercise.
The Nimbus: For anyone new to Asics or the Nimbus line in particular, the shoe is particularly well-suited for those with a "neutral" gate and slightly higher arches there is greater cushioning for the arches. If you are a high-mileage runner (running 25 miles or more a week) optimizing for comfort over absolute speed, this is an excellent shoe to train in to avoid injuries. Running on a treadmill or anything short of hard cement and you will feel like you are running on soft earth.
Number 14: With respect to the specific changes for 2012:
(1) The weight loss is noticeable. The new shoes feel slightly lighter. It is more evident in the hand than on the foot, but the slight reduction in weight will certainly feel better in those last miles. They also seem slightly airier. This may not be good in the cold, but for running in warm weather it is a plus.
(2) The shoe retains its stability and cushioning. This remains the shoe's strong suit. One of the advantages of their continued lowering is increased sure-footedness. They are stable to run in, such that you can run on fairly uneven surfaces or have a surprise change in elevation and still not turn your ankle ie, you don't feel like you are running on a platform as was the case in the earlier models. At the same time, they continue to retain a good deal of cushioning. I have run in the 5 Fingers and the minimus shoe line by New Balance (which are great to throw in a suitcase when you have limited room and may only be hitting a treadmill). They feel good for short distances or on soft ground, but for longer stretches or pavement, still strongly prefer something with some cushion and that is where the Nimbus still stands apart.
(3) The Nimbus is getting more flash. While they are still offering some regular color schemes, they are finally adding some glitz to the line. The Kayano typically got a good color scheme or two while the Nimbus was still a little on the dull side. Look out. The Nimbus is starting to make tracks and can now stand toe-to-toe with the latest Nikes. And at this price point, it's long overdue.
A few general notes: (a) if you are new to Asics, most people order one size larger than their street shoes ie, if you wear a 10 in regular shoes, you may need to order an 11 and (b) like a toothbrush, they need to be replaced more than you might think. As much as I dislike buying a couple of pair of these a few times a year, every time I try to cheap out and go too long on replacing shoes, I spend some time nursing a shin splint or IT band injury.
As aside and likely one that will continue to remain without remedy because no one at the design studio or factory seems to listen or care, the insoles are still p-a-t-h-e-t-i-c. If you are going to put lots of miles on these, you might consider an aftermarket insole. I like the superfeet, but there are many that work well depending on your running style, arches, foot volume, etc. A trip to a running store may be well worth it on this front. As almost all running shoes suffer from this issue (the paper mache insole), I am not deducting a star for this. (If half a star could be reduced, I would.)
In sum, the new model is same as the old one, only a little better, specifically: lighter and jazzier while retaining the right balance of cushioning for a regular runner. This continues to be an excellent overall shoe for running.
Hope this review helps you.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I have been wearing Nimbus for the past 6 years. I love the cushioning, but I find that the Nimbus 14 is narrow for my foot. It will stretch because it is made of fabric, but I wish the toe box area had been designed a bit wider. I also preferred the off center lacing of past Nimbus models. This is not my favorite ASICS Nimbus design.Best Deals on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe
If you are looking for a neutral running shoe with lots of cushioning than I highly recomend the Nimbus 14. If your not sure if you have a neutral running gate than go to your local running store (not a chain) and have them asses your gate and buy from them. Without supporting them, this valuable advice/service is gone (trust me I Love Amazon but for running shoes, etc...).This is the lightest Nimbus yet but feels even more cushioned than the previous model. I have an average to narrow foot and the 13 also felt too snug in toe box area, the 14 does not feel too tight for my foot. Fit is the most important aspect of any running shoe, but is an individual thing, so always try on first and jog around the store.
Assuming it's a good fit for your foot (this shoe runs true to size and for most folks this shoe should be a good fit) than I highly reccommend this shoe. I intentially try/buy other brands from time to time just to mix it up and see, over time, how other top line shoes feel/work. For me, hands down, Asics is the best in terms of comfort/fit, quality, and cushioning. And, in all three of these areas, the Nimbus 14 is the best running shoe to date.
Honest reviews on ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe
I am a neutral runner who averages only about 10 to 15 miles a week. For years I ran on the Asics Kinsei and loved them, except for the price. I eventually tried the Brooks Ghost, a less supportive shoe that was quick and had a lot of go! The cushioning lacked immensely though for longer runs but I kept them around as a cross training shoe for speed and strength drills.As my Kinsei were seeing their last days and my feet tired of running in the Ghosts (my shins were yelling at me in these shoes), I was back in the market for a shoe that had the quality of the Kinsei, the speed of the Ghosts and a price range that was actually manageable. After a a few weeks of going through Runners World, researching my running style and impact, and eventually looking at the points on my foot that apply the most pressure, I came across the Asics Nimbus 14. I had tried the 13 and 12s during the previous years but was just not jazzed by the feel and responsiveness.
The improvements in the 14s made it feel like a whole new shoe though! The comfort and support are just right for my neutral running style. I have a "normal" arch and run mostly on my mid and forefoot. In some reports, I saw something about a slower responsiveness due to the cushioning in the shoe, but I felt like they had plenty of get up and go when I pushed the run. The shoe is also well ventilated and prevents any overheating while on my 3-4 miles runs. I usually integrated hills with my workouts and the shoe had plenty of grip and stability for the ups and downs as well.
The best part of the shoe is that it provides you (me) with one of the best feelings, not worrying about what's on my feet. I can just run and focus on MY workout. They gave me this feeling within day one. I had to slightly, very slightly, break them in, but they felt plush from the go. I definitely recommend going to your local running store that has a treadmill, try them out for yourself, and see what I am talking about. I am not an avid runner, but these shoes will bring you that much closer to wanting to be one!
Plus, they come in neon yellow, what's more awesome than that!?
These are highly recommended and will most likely buy a couple more pairs for the years to come!
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for ASICS Men's GEL-Nimbus 14 Running Shoe
This is my fourth pair of ASICS GEL-Nimbus running shoes and unfortunately they have a smaller toebox than the previous ones. Also they don't seem to have as much as cushioning as previous models. Its too bad because I had a good thing going.
Review of Reebok Women's ZigSonic Running Shoe
Zigtech's are the best shoes I have ever owned for running. They are the ONLY shoes that have prevented my knee from hurting when I run. I don't even have to wear my brace. I cannot express how great these shoes are. For the reviewers that complained while using them for Zumba and Jazzercise you need cross trainers. They are built for running and walking. As for the person that said they fell apart. I've had mine for a year and although the soles are worn from running they still look great. I can't wait to get a new pair!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I have two pairs of these and I love them! The have a sturdy and stable bottoms, which is perfect if you have issues with plantar fasciitis. I use them for running, gym, everday, etc..Best Deals on Reebok Women's ZigSonic Running Shoe
Bought this pair of shoes from Academy. Used them for work because my other shoes kept giving me cramps in my feet. I used them for almost a year and the concrete surface I wear them on has worn them down and needed a new pair. I have had no problem with these shoes. They have been wonderful to wear. I couldn't find them in a local store so I went online. I was very happy to order another pair. I don't usually like paying a lot of money on shoes but these shoes are worth it. The only shoes I wear for work now.Honest reviews on Reebok Women's ZigSonic Running Shoe
These sneakers are like the most comfortable shoes ever. Good for running but also good if you are on your feet all day. I'm a CNA and I've been wearing them for work. My feet don't hurt after being on them all day and my knees feel great too.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Reebok Women's ZigSonic Running Shoe
I love my shoes!They are comfortable,stylish,and most importantly ,don't cause any back pain as I am on my feet alot at work.
Fila Men's Original Fitness Sneaker Reviews
The product arrived on time.
Packaging was over all good, no marks or anything of shoes.
If you are low on money i would recommend these, however if you have a wider foot it will be of less comfort.
Packaging was over all good, no marks or anything of shoes.
If you are low on money i would recommend these, however if you have a wider foot it will be of less comfort.
Review of Bikila LS Shoe - Men's by Vibram Fivefingers
As some background I was once a very high mile runner with a number of marathons under my belt. As I got older the miles started to cause more pain on my knees and shins and I couldn't just run through it like I used to. My doctor recommended I try these. I was a bit weary at first but after some exhaustive research I decided to take the plunge and I am glad I did. My knee and shin pains is gone. I have friends who have experienced the same relief of pain they had dealt with all their lives, knee, shin, and back pain.
Now this isn't some magic shoe, but what the shoe does is helps us, as humans, run they way we are supposed to. The way we had run for tens of thousands of years. Keep in mind that footware of all kinds are relatively recent. Long before trainers came about we were running, barefoot or in flimsy sandals and doing just fine. What these shoes do, and similar minimalist shoes like them from New Balance, Merrell and Reebox, is help the body run in a more natural manner. The heal strike that is so common today has come about as we added thicker and thicker cushioning to our shoes. When barefoot it is not natural to strike the ground with your entire weight on the heel of your foot. A good example of natural running is to go watch kids run barefoot, before they are taught the 'correct' way to run they run the natural way. Which is to land more gently on the forward part of your foot and role the foot front to back, instead of hammering your heel into the ground.
With that in mind wearing these shoes takes some time to retrain the foot so start building up slowly. I found that just having my toes separated felt very odd but after a few days of wearing them around the house I had gotten used to it. Now I am running some of the fastest laps of my life with this 'new' type of shoes and a 'new' type of running. There is a lot of good information available online about barefoot running, which you are essentially doing with these types of shoes. Youtube also has a wealth of information. These shoes have turned what used to be a painful experience back into the joy of running I had been missing. I've already recommended them to a number of my fellow runners with wonderful results.
I want to include a few words of caution though. The Five Finger shoes aren't for everyone, some people will have toes that are longer and will not be able to fit comfortably in the toe pockets. Not to worry though, Merrill and several other makers now offer similar shoes without the toe pockets for people who need them, or just find the toe pockets too strange. Also you don't have a large robust sole to offer protection so kicking a rock or the like during a run is a painful experience. I've also found that during longer runs socks like the Innijin socks help prevent heat build up and blisters.
I really like my Bikila LS' but would not buy anymore Vibrams Five Finger shoes. They cost too much for too little of a shoe that wears out too quickly.
Also, this shoe is very slippery when wet and does not dry quickly.
Fast foreward; I'm now in my late 40's, sporting a running induced knee injury from 1997, that I re-injured in summer 2010, and then again in January 2011 to the point that I didn't think I'd be walking normal ever again, let alone "jogging" on it.
Well, let's just say 40-something is the new 20-something, and I don't give up easy. Still haven't been to see a Dr. for the knee. I was back jogging on it once a week, the week after the injury. Kept that up and by March was back downhill skiing (I'm a very aggressive skier with a long pair of Atomic Metron ME2's). Soon after, I started running for real a couple times a week, on a steep and rugged 4.5mi course up, down, and around the base of our local 1,100' "mountain."
Where do the Fivefingers come in? Well, on the trips up and down the mountain, I kept running into people wearing them...probable the black KSO's. I'd stop them and ask what they thought. Every person said the same thing, just like you read in all these reviews. Meanwhile in the back of my mind is the info in the book, "Born To Run" that talks about how our modern supportive shoes may be the cause for so many injuries. About this same time, my wife gets Plantar Fasciitis. I start thinking to myself, "I'm an expert runner, I've always worn the top of the line shoes, as has my wife, and here we are with knee and foot injuries."
I finally started looking at Fivefingers. I know, what took me so long right? I'm not one to jump on the latest craze, so there you have it.
I chose the Bikila LS because I wanted more of a running version, and I thought the solid fabric and lace up front would fit better, and not collect a bunch of fox tails and other weeds/seeds/grit etc. while running, like the mesh versions might. I also didn't want the white versions (I purchased the grey LS) because one trip to the mountain and they look like I've been farming in them. My wife purchased the Komodos.
A word of caution on sizing. You've really got to wear these around the store for a while and make sure they fit you. Knowing this, I still came home with a pair that was too small. After about an hour of test driving them around the house, I was literally sweating at the forehead, and having a little panic attack of closterphobia because of how weird they were on my toes. It felt like some sort of torture...I wish I was kidding! Exchanged them the following day, and a size up was a much better feel and fit.
--------Beginning of Test---------
Day 1, July 3rd, 4.5mi run:
I'll admit up front, I don't follow directions well. What's the warning that comes with these? Take it slow, and only do about 10% of what you've been doing in regular shoes. So what did I do? 3 days before buying them, I ran barefoot on the beach for 1 hour. I haven't run on a beach, let alone barefoot, in probably 25 years. Afterward, I was walking around like a fiddler crab! Purchased the correct size of Fivefingers, wore them home, and an hour or so later, up the mountain I went. This trail is like running stadium bleechers it's so steep. There's every manner of rock, pebble, boulder, unmaintained gravel road, gravel path, path of dirt through forest, hard packed clay soil that's had cows walking in it while it was wet, so it's now got hockey puck size divets in it, tree roots, uneven water rutted out, boulder hoping.....you name it. It's about an hour's worth of beat down......and that was my first test of the Bikila LS.
How'd they do? I like 'em alot. They were fun, they had good protection, and good (not great) grip. I bashed the front of my toes a couple times, did a partial toe-snag trip once, but didn't go down, and scraped the side of my foot along a granite boulder. No injuries at all, no bruising, and other than the pressure of knowing I'd done something, it wasn't any different than had I been in regular shoes. I did wind up with a couple of stone bruises on my heels, but considering what I ran in, I've got no problem with it and was fine the next day. Calves were sore, but not as sore as from my run on the beach 3 days earlier. Balls of my feet were just a little sore, but not bad.
Day 2, July 4th:
A day off.
Day 3, July 5th, 4.5mi run:
I ran a 4.5mi course up and down our other local 1,000' peak. It's all an unmaintained gravel/dirt road. Really steep, and just a ton of small rocks and pebbles, with large sharp rocks partially out of the ground, and plenty of uneven water erosion. The 35min run to the top was fun, but I have to admit, coming back down was not fun. The road is such that you can really go fast if you want, and the Bikilas are just too thin. Might be my lower leg and foot strength being an issue, but IMO, there was just no way to maintain a mid-foot strike, come down at speed, and still be in control. It really is the kind of terrain where some amount of heel strike stride is unavoidable, maybe even desirable, in order to give some braking action. Needless to say, I came down slow, doing a little dance in some areas, like I was running on broken glass. Made me think, "They need to develope these more, because in some rough stuff, they're just way too thin. A layer of kevlar or something would sure be nice."
Day 4, July 6th, 7mi run:
Time to try them on pavement w/ socks. 7 miles in an hour, which I know is not fast, but for me, and my knee, it's huge. I should not be able to run this many days in a row, let alone 7mi on pavement. In my traditional running shoes, I'm not sure I could go 3 or 4, seriously. Again, some calf soreness, but fine by the next morning, and the balls of my feet were sore. Other than that, really good. On this run, I tried them with a pair of the Injinji Coolmax toe socks. Not sure if I like the socks or not. I do, but I sort of don't like the forced spread they create, between my toes. I think I much prefer the fivefingers barefoot, but I'm learning that the socks can save me from hot spots and potential blisters.
Day 5, July 7th, 3.5mi run:
Ran 3.5mi in them on pavement, no socks. That went well, but I was definately feeling the fatigue in my lower legs and feet, from the 7 miles the day before.
Day 6, July 8th, 3.5mi walk:
Walked 3.5mi and I have to say, this was the worst time I've had in them. The balls of my feet were getting pretty sore, and then I started to notice a hot-spot along the side of my right big toe, against the outside of the shoe. When I got home and took the shoe off, I had a line imprinted in the side of my toe, down to about the knuckle area. What? Reached into the shoe and was surprized to find there is a bulky little seam the runs here where the insole's edge meets a sewed seam. Really stupid design. I hasn't bothered me when running, but man, today walking it was not good. No, I didn't get a blister, but hours later, that line area is still sore to the touch.
Day 7, July 9th, 4.5mi run:
Back to the mountain that I'd run up on Day 1. This time in the injinji socks, as I definately had a hot-spot along the side of my right big toe, and didn't want it to be come a blister. It was another good run, maybe a little faster than the run on Day 1, and the same speed as I'd normally run in the traditional running shoes. I noticed with the socks, my feet were able to slip rearward in the shoes, on some push-offs, where it was really steep. That was not a good feeling at all, and on the next few foot strikes, I wound up sort of skidding my foot forward to drive my toes back into the toe pockets as my feet would hit the ground. Yes, the laces were tight. Afterward my feet were really sore. Standing was finally very painfull to the point of real misery, and I wound up putting some normal socks on, and putting my feet in my traditional running shoes for a few hours. They'll probably be fine in the morning, but wow, did that get my attention! I think it's time to take a couple days off finally.
-------End of Test-------
So all told for the first 7 days of ownership, I've logged about 27.5mi.
I'm giving the shoes a 5, even with the seam problem, because I've been pushing them, and me in them, way outside the recommended break-in method. I think they'd be well suited for street use, or groomed trail, bike path sort of trail use, but I don't think they are the greatest for full-on cross-country running on really rough or steep terrain. It would be nice to see Vibram take these up a knotch and give them a more aggressive tread, a layer of something for more "point load" protection, keep the lace-up feature and the solid fabric, but use the fabric from the Komodo between the toes, and fix the seams inside the toe areas. I did feel these slipping in the soft/loose dirt, both on each "push-off" in the stride, and in doing stuff like cornering, so that's not confidence building. But, their tread is more for the street, so I'm not faulting them. IMO, the TrekSport tread pattern would be great on them.
Now, how are my knees? They're doing great. I honestly don't remember the last time I ran close to 28mi in a week. My knees are just barely feeling a little stiff, and maybe just a little twinge of pain now and then, but nothing like what I'd expect them to be like. I should be limping around barely able to bend my left knee at all. To me, it's pretty amazing.
Lastly, as I've read in other reviews, I now hate my thick soled traditional running shoes. It literally feels like I'm walking around on wooden wedges, and I can feel my knees being bent forward in a weird lean to compensate for my foot being angled on a ramp. The feeling is so bad, that we've purchased New Balance MT101gh's and New Balance Minimus. I think we are done with thick heeled shoes. The MT's and Minimus feel fantastic, and seem to be an excellent compliment to the Fivefingers.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Update: 20 months later
Thought I'd offer an update after nearly 2 years with my FiveFingers.
Still like them and wear them often. The tops still look new after being washed, and I've had no problems with the laces. The bottoms are very worn and completely smooth in the heal and the toe/ball of foot area. They are slippery when wet, and were that way even when knew. Not bad on a rough surface, but smooth surfaces, and surfaces with a layer of fine grit/sand are pretty easy to slide on. I don't know that I'd say "dangerous" just more of a "remember what you're standing on" feeling. IMO, it's poor quality of construction in the sole material. My 13yr old daughter is on her 3rd pair, and she burns through the soles long before she outgrows them. Even the version with that new aggressive waffle tread....the soles just go away so fast, you'd think these were 12 dollar specials from a box store.
There is one spot between one of my big toes, and the adjacent toe, where the thing fabric has been cut open by how the edge of the sole rubs. That happened after just a few months. Poor craftsmanship/design, as it's not a wear area. The insoles developed a bunch of raised bumps after a few months. It's apparenlty the foam and/or glue coming apart. Can't feel them with my feet in them, but they can be seen and felt with my fingers. Again, poor quality of construction.
As for running, I had to stop running in them. The balls of my feet hurt all the time, and I was developing what felt like a kind of plantar fasciatis. My feet would not hurt much if I was sitting, or while sleeping, but that first few steps down on them was very painful. It took a couple months of not running in them, for that to go away. I was running on pavement only, and only about 2mi, twice a week, but fast, and even that was too much. Loved running in them, but the sore feet issue was starting to feel like real damage. I switched to he New Balance MT101's.
I still wear the Bikilas as regular shoes, and love them for that. I also where them at crossfit, and they are great there too.
I've tried a couple times to return to running in them, but even off-road, climbing the local peaks, they are a mixed bag. Love to run in them because of the feel of the trail, but man, I've snagged my little toes, stubbed my big toes, and had rocks punch into the heals and hurt so bad for days, that I've just had to say, "These are too thin for trail use." Even local hikes in them have become questionable, do to catching or stubbing toes. My wife actually snagged a little toe so bad in hers, that she broke it.
My running shoes of choice right now are the New Balance Minimus, and the MT101's. I like both, but the Minimus, to me, feel better, and run faster. Love them on the local peak, and trail running. It's track season right now, so my daughter and I are doing speed workouts; me wearing the Minimus' and she's in her FiveFingers. I'll still run on the track in the FF's too.
As far as future purchases go. I like them enough to continue buying them. I still think they are fantastic for building and maintaining a super strong foot, arch, and lower legs. I'll continue to buy them for myself, daughter, and wife, but we'll meter what we do in them.
I've taken my review opinion from 5 stars to 4 stars, because of build quality issues and how fast the soles wear smooth and become slippery.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE: 25 months later.
I replaced them at 24mo because the bottoms were worn so smooth, they had developed too many holes in the sides of the toes that let grit in, and the yellow foot bed fabric had completely delaminated and balled up in the heel area. I saved them and still wear them as back-ups.
I purchased the exact same pair, the grey, plain-jane Bikila LS.
Just returned from a Rim-To-Rim backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, where my daughter and I both wore our Fivefingers the entire trek. She's got a pair of Spirydons and my LS's were literally fresh out of the box, not worn at all. Approximately 28mi in 3 days, with packs on. My pack tips the scale at about 45lbs. No blisters, no hot spots, no issues with toes jamming into the front of hiking boots if not tied right, no ankle problems, no smoking hot feet, no 3 layers of socks (foot powder, woman's nylons, silk liner socks, smart wool outer socks) and best of all, no weight. It transformed the experience. This is our 6th trek down into the canyon, and our 3rd R2R, so we've got it pretty dialed in. Not wearing a tradition hiking shoe/boot was fantastic. We both wore the Injinji socks with them, to protect ourselves from grit/sand/rocks getting down into the tops of the shoes. That worked perfect.
The bad news, the yellow foot bed fabric has already started to delaminate in the heel area. Shame they can't get the build quality issues resolved.
Now this isn't some magic shoe, but what the shoe does is helps us, as humans, run they way we are supposed to. The way we had run for tens of thousands of years. Keep in mind that footware of all kinds are relatively recent. Long before trainers came about we were running, barefoot or in flimsy sandals and doing just fine. What these shoes do, and similar minimalist shoes like them from New Balance, Merrell and Reebox, is help the body run in a more natural manner. The heal strike that is so common today has come about as we added thicker and thicker cushioning to our shoes. When barefoot it is not natural to strike the ground with your entire weight on the heel of your foot. A good example of natural running is to go watch kids run barefoot, before they are taught the 'correct' way to run they run the natural way. Which is to land more gently on the forward part of your foot and role the foot front to back, instead of hammering your heel into the ground.
With that in mind wearing these shoes takes some time to retrain the foot so start building up slowly. I found that just having my toes separated felt very odd but after a few days of wearing them around the house I had gotten used to it. Now I am running some of the fastest laps of my life with this 'new' type of shoes and a 'new' type of running. There is a lot of good information available online about barefoot running, which you are essentially doing with these types of shoes. Youtube also has a wealth of information. These shoes have turned what used to be a painful experience back into the joy of running I had been missing. I've already recommended them to a number of my fellow runners with wonderful results.
I want to include a few words of caution though. The Five Finger shoes aren't for everyone, some people will have toes that are longer and will not be able to fit comfortably in the toe pockets. Not to worry though, Merrill and several other makers now offer similar shoes without the toe pockets for people who need them, or just find the toe pockets too strange. Also you don't have a large robust sole to offer protection so kicking a rock or the like during a run is a painful experience. I've also found that during longer runs socks like the Innijin socks help prevent heat build up and blisters.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
It took awhile to get used to putting on the shoes, and I've learned that wearing toed socks restricts the blood flow in my toes to the point of numbness, but bare foot these things are great. I use them lifting weights and without adding leg exercises my calves and ankles have grown from my toes being engaged in my stablity. Running is a whole new experience. And they take up so much less room in my luggage when I travel. Love 'em.Best Deals on Bikila LS Shoe - Men's by Vibram Fivefingers
I have heard so much about the benefits of barefoot running but wasn't willing to run barefoot so I decided that the next best thing would be a shoe that gave me that barefoot feel. The VFF bikila did that. It fits real well, it looks cool (at least I think so), and it was like running barefoot. Like any other shoe, you first must get them to fit you. I did this by wearing them and running in them for short distances. After owning this pair for a little over a month and wearing them maybe every other day or so, I noticed that parts of the sole that runs up the toes were coming off. I began looking further at the sole and saw that it was being worn down pretty quickly. They looked as if I had had them for six months and wore them every day.I really like my Bikila LS' but would not buy anymore Vibrams Five Finger shoes. They cost too much for too little of a shoe that wears out too quickly.
Also, this shoe is very slippery when wet and does not dry quickly.
Honest reviews on Bikila LS Shoe - Men's by Vibram Fivefingers
Quick background on myself: Raced Cross-Country and Track from 7th grade through High School, and then 2 more years of Cross-Country in Junior College. Have a Marathon (3:30ish) and a few Half's under my belt from back in the day as well. That was from 1976-1985. We raced in the famed Nike "Green Machine" racing flats that were nothing more than that great Nike waffle print sole, a very thin foot bed, wide toe-box, and slender sole under the arch and heel. Not much too them. Lightweight, and it was easy to tell who raced in them because the tread on the sides of the toe box left big red scrape marks on the inside of our calf muscles as your feet passed by with each stride. We'd finish a race and look like we'd been attacked by a cat.Fast foreward; I'm now in my late 40's, sporting a running induced knee injury from 1997, that I re-injured in summer 2010, and then again in January 2011 to the point that I didn't think I'd be walking normal ever again, let alone "jogging" on it.
Well, let's just say 40-something is the new 20-something, and I don't give up easy. Still haven't been to see a Dr. for the knee. I was back jogging on it once a week, the week after the injury. Kept that up and by March was back downhill skiing (I'm a very aggressive skier with a long pair of Atomic Metron ME2's). Soon after, I started running for real a couple times a week, on a steep and rugged 4.5mi course up, down, and around the base of our local 1,100' "mountain."
Where do the Fivefingers come in? Well, on the trips up and down the mountain, I kept running into people wearing them...probable the black KSO's. I'd stop them and ask what they thought. Every person said the same thing, just like you read in all these reviews. Meanwhile in the back of my mind is the info in the book, "Born To Run" that talks about how our modern supportive shoes may be the cause for so many injuries. About this same time, my wife gets Plantar Fasciitis. I start thinking to myself, "I'm an expert runner, I've always worn the top of the line shoes, as has my wife, and here we are with knee and foot injuries."
I finally started looking at Fivefingers. I know, what took me so long right? I'm not one to jump on the latest craze, so there you have it.
I chose the Bikila LS because I wanted more of a running version, and I thought the solid fabric and lace up front would fit better, and not collect a bunch of fox tails and other weeds/seeds/grit etc. while running, like the mesh versions might. I also didn't want the white versions (I purchased the grey LS) because one trip to the mountain and they look like I've been farming in them. My wife purchased the Komodos.
A word of caution on sizing. You've really got to wear these around the store for a while and make sure they fit you. Knowing this, I still came home with a pair that was too small. After about an hour of test driving them around the house, I was literally sweating at the forehead, and having a little panic attack of closterphobia because of how weird they were on my toes. It felt like some sort of torture...I wish I was kidding! Exchanged them the following day, and a size up was a much better feel and fit.
--------Beginning of Test---------
Day 1, July 3rd, 4.5mi run:
I'll admit up front, I don't follow directions well. What's the warning that comes with these? Take it slow, and only do about 10% of what you've been doing in regular shoes. So what did I do? 3 days before buying them, I ran barefoot on the beach for 1 hour. I haven't run on a beach, let alone barefoot, in probably 25 years. Afterward, I was walking around like a fiddler crab! Purchased the correct size of Fivefingers, wore them home, and an hour or so later, up the mountain I went. This trail is like running stadium bleechers it's so steep. There's every manner of rock, pebble, boulder, unmaintained gravel road, gravel path, path of dirt through forest, hard packed clay soil that's had cows walking in it while it was wet, so it's now got hockey puck size divets in it, tree roots, uneven water rutted out, boulder hoping.....you name it. It's about an hour's worth of beat down......and that was my first test of the Bikila LS.
How'd they do? I like 'em alot. They were fun, they had good protection, and good (not great) grip. I bashed the front of my toes a couple times, did a partial toe-snag trip once, but didn't go down, and scraped the side of my foot along a granite boulder. No injuries at all, no bruising, and other than the pressure of knowing I'd done something, it wasn't any different than had I been in regular shoes. I did wind up with a couple of stone bruises on my heels, but considering what I ran in, I've got no problem with it and was fine the next day. Calves were sore, but not as sore as from my run on the beach 3 days earlier. Balls of my feet were just a little sore, but not bad.
Day 2, July 4th:
A day off.
Day 3, July 5th, 4.5mi run:
I ran a 4.5mi course up and down our other local 1,000' peak. It's all an unmaintained gravel/dirt road. Really steep, and just a ton of small rocks and pebbles, with large sharp rocks partially out of the ground, and plenty of uneven water erosion. The 35min run to the top was fun, but I have to admit, coming back down was not fun. The road is such that you can really go fast if you want, and the Bikilas are just too thin. Might be my lower leg and foot strength being an issue, but IMO, there was just no way to maintain a mid-foot strike, come down at speed, and still be in control. It really is the kind of terrain where some amount of heel strike stride is unavoidable, maybe even desirable, in order to give some braking action. Needless to say, I came down slow, doing a little dance in some areas, like I was running on broken glass. Made me think, "They need to develope these more, because in some rough stuff, they're just way too thin. A layer of kevlar or something would sure be nice."
Day 4, July 6th, 7mi run:
Time to try them on pavement w/ socks. 7 miles in an hour, which I know is not fast, but for me, and my knee, it's huge. I should not be able to run this many days in a row, let alone 7mi on pavement. In my traditional running shoes, I'm not sure I could go 3 or 4, seriously. Again, some calf soreness, but fine by the next morning, and the balls of my feet were sore. Other than that, really good. On this run, I tried them with a pair of the Injinji Coolmax toe socks. Not sure if I like the socks or not. I do, but I sort of don't like the forced spread they create, between my toes. I think I much prefer the fivefingers barefoot, but I'm learning that the socks can save me from hot spots and potential blisters.
Day 5, July 7th, 3.5mi run:
Ran 3.5mi in them on pavement, no socks. That went well, but I was definately feeling the fatigue in my lower legs and feet, from the 7 miles the day before.
Day 6, July 8th, 3.5mi walk:
Walked 3.5mi and I have to say, this was the worst time I've had in them. The balls of my feet were getting pretty sore, and then I started to notice a hot-spot along the side of my right big toe, against the outside of the shoe. When I got home and took the shoe off, I had a line imprinted in the side of my toe, down to about the knuckle area. What? Reached into the shoe and was surprized to find there is a bulky little seam the runs here where the insole's edge meets a sewed seam. Really stupid design. I hasn't bothered me when running, but man, today walking it was not good. No, I didn't get a blister, but hours later, that line area is still sore to the touch.
Day 7, July 9th, 4.5mi run:
Back to the mountain that I'd run up on Day 1. This time in the injinji socks, as I definately had a hot-spot along the side of my right big toe, and didn't want it to be come a blister. It was another good run, maybe a little faster than the run on Day 1, and the same speed as I'd normally run in the traditional running shoes. I noticed with the socks, my feet were able to slip rearward in the shoes, on some push-offs, where it was really steep. That was not a good feeling at all, and on the next few foot strikes, I wound up sort of skidding my foot forward to drive my toes back into the toe pockets as my feet would hit the ground. Yes, the laces were tight. Afterward my feet were really sore. Standing was finally very painfull to the point of real misery, and I wound up putting some normal socks on, and putting my feet in my traditional running shoes for a few hours. They'll probably be fine in the morning, but wow, did that get my attention! I think it's time to take a couple days off finally.
-------End of Test-------
So all told for the first 7 days of ownership, I've logged about 27.5mi.
I'm giving the shoes a 5, even with the seam problem, because I've been pushing them, and me in them, way outside the recommended break-in method. I think they'd be well suited for street use, or groomed trail, bike path sort of trail use, but I don't think they are the greatest for full-on cross-country running on really rough or steep terrain. It would be nice to see Vibram take these up a knotch and give them a more aggressive tread, a layer of something for more "point load" protection, keep the lace-up feature and the solid fabric, but use the fabric from the Komodo between the toes, and fix the seams inside the toe areas. I did feel these slipping in the soft/loose dirt, both on each "push-off" in the stride, and in doing stuff like cornering, so that's not confidence building. But, their tread is more for the street, so I'm not faulting them. IMO, the TrekSport tread pattern would be great on them.
Now, how are my knees? They're doing great. I honestly don't remember the last time I ran close to 28mi in a week. My knees are just barely feeling a little stiff, and maybe just a little twinge of pain now and then, but nothing like what I'd expect them to be like. I should be limping around barely able to bend my left knee at all. To me, it's pretty amazing.
Lastly, as I've read in other reviews, I now hate my thick soled traditional running shoes. It literally feels like I'm walking around on wooden wedges, and I can feel my knees being bent forward in a weird lean to compensate for my foot being angled on a ramp. The feeling is so bad, that we've purchased New Balance MT101gh's and New Balance Minimus. I think we are done with thick heeled shoes. The MT's and Minimus feel fantastic, and seem to be an excellent compliment to the Fivefingers.
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Update: 20 months later
Thought I'd offer an update after nearly 2 years with my FiveFingers.
Still like them and wear them often. The tops still look new after being washed, and I've had no problems with the laces. The bottoms are very worn and completely smooth in the heal and the toe/ball of foot area. They are slippery when wet, and were that way even when knew. Not bad on a rough surface, but smooth surfaces, and surfaces with a layer of fine grit/sand are pretty easy to slide on. I don't know that I'd say "dangerous" just more of a "remember what you're standing on" feeling. IMO, it's poor quality of construction in the sole material. My 13yr old daughter is on her 3rd pair, and she burns through the soles long before she outgrows them. Even the version with that new aggressive waffle tread....the soles just go away so fast, you'd think these were 12 dollar specials from a box store.
There is one spot between one of my big toes, and the adjacent toe, where the thing fabric has been cut open by how the edge of the sole rubs. That happened after just a few months. Poor craftsmanship/design, as it's not a wear area. The insoles developed a bunch of raised bumps after a few months. It's apparenlty the foam and/or glue coming apart. Can't feel them with my feet in them, but they can be seen and felt with my fingers. Again, poor quality of construction.
As for running, I had to stop running in them. The balls of my feet hurt all the time, and I was developing what felt like a kind of plantar fasciatis. My feet would not hurt much if I was sitting, or while sleeping, but that first few steps down on them was very painful. It took a couple months of not running in them, for that to go away. I was running on pavement only, and only about 2mi, twice a week, but fast, and even that was too much. Loved running in them, but the sore feet issue was starting to feel like real damage. I switched to he New Balance MT101's.
I still wear the Bikilas as regular shoes, and love them for that. I also where them at crossfit, and they are great there too.
I've tried a couple times to return to running in them, but even off-road, climbing the local peaks, they are a mixed bag. Love to run in them because of the feel of the trail, but man, I've snagged my little toes, stubbed my big toes, and had rocks punch into the heals and hurt so bad for days, that I've just had to say, "These are too thin for trail use." Even local hikes in them have become questionable, do to catching or stubbing toes. My wife actually snagged a little toe so bad in hers, that she broke it.
My running shoes of choice right now are the New Balance Minimus, and the MT101's. I like both, but the Minimus, to me, feel better, and run faster. Love them on the local peak, and trail running. It's track season right now, so my daughter and I are doing speed workouts; me wearing the Minimus' and she's in her FiveFingers. I'll still run on the track in the FF's too.
As far as future purchases go. I like them enough to continue buying them. I still think they are fantastic for building and maintaining a super strong foot, arch, and lower legs. I'll continue to buy them for myself, daughter, and wife, but we'll meter what we do in them.
I've taken my review opinion from 5 stars to 4 stars, because of build quality issues and how fast the soles wear smooth and become slippery.
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UPDATE: 25 months later.
I replaced them at 24mo because the bottoms were worn so smooth, they had developed too many holes in the sides of the toes that let grit in, and the yellow foot bed fabric had completely delaminated and balled up in the heel area. I saved them and still wear them as back-ups.
I purchased the exact same pair, the grey, plain-jane Bikila LS.
Just returned from a Rim-To-Rim backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon, where my daughter and I both wore our Fivefingers the entire trek. She's got a pair of Spirydons and my LS's were literally fresh out of the box, not worn at all. Approximately 28mi in 3 days, with packs on. My pack tips the scale at about 45lbs. No blisters, no hot spots, no issues with toes jamming into the front of hiking boots if not tied right, no ankle problems, no smoking hot feet, no 3 layers of socks (foot powder, woman's nylons, silk liner socks, smart wool outer socks) and best of all, no weight. It transformed the experience. This is our 6th trek down into the canyon, and our 3rd R2R, so we've got it pretty dialed in. Not wearing a tradition hiking shoe/boot was fantastic. We both wore the Injinji socks with them, to protect ourselves from grit/sand/rocks getting down into the tops of the shoes. That worked perfect.
The bad news, the yellow foot bed fabric has already started to delaminate in the heel area. Shame they can't get the build quality issues resolved.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Bikila LS Shoe - Men's by Vibram Fivefingers
I received my bikila ls today and put them on and they felt great. I own the classics and Kso's as well. the only thing i was dissapointed with was the quick lace system. I put the first on with no issues and the second one i put on and tightened the lace and the one side came out of the tab. i really dont feel like sending back so ill fix myself but not happy about this
adidas Women's Kanadia 4 TR Running Shoe Review
The best trail running shoe! As a Trainer, I am on my feet all day either training myself (bodybuilding), training my clients, running outdoors.
The breathable mesh all around helps cool off my feet. Durable and supportive sole. Great traction. Very comfortable.
Very true to size. Size 9M. Roomy enough for my toes, and the right snug so my feet don't slide. And the color gives me some pop too!
I plan to buy the red/black and phantom/black ones.
Adidas is my favorite shoe! Fit, comfort, durability, style.
1/14/2013 update: I want to add that these shoes are very slippery on wet pavement, so be cautious if is has been raining. I still like the shoes, but was surprised at the lack of grip these shoes had, I never experienced that before in a running shoe.
I wouldn't recommend this shoe to just anyone.
The breathable mesh all around helps cool off my feet. Durable and supportive sole. Great traction. Very comfortable.
Very true to size. Size 9M. Roomy enough for my toes, and the right snug so my feet don't slide. And the color gives me some pop too!
I plan to buy the red/black and phantom/black ones.
Adidas is my favorite shoe! Fit, comfort, durability, style.
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Best running shoes i've found in years. Very comfy and durable. Great for trail running. The soles have good traction.Best Deals on adidas Women's Kanadia 4 TR Running Shoe
This is the first pair of this brand of shoe I have ever owned. I was amazed and happy with how comfortable they are. I walk about 6 miles twice a week and they feel great, no pain or discomfort of any kind anywhere. They run true to size and are an average width. I used to be a marathon runner so I ran a couple of miles in them to see how they felt. The heel felt very supportive but the toe area seemed to hit a little hard, I am flat footed so this may be related to my foot. I would reccomend this shoe and plan to purchase another pair next time I need them.1/14/2013 update: I want to add that these shoes are very slippery on wet pavement, so be cautious if is has been raining. I still like the shoes, but was surprised at the lack of grip these shoes had, I never experienced that before in a running shoe.
Honest reviews on adidas Women's Kanadia 4 TR Running Shoe
As usual, these Adidas shoes are great! In fit and affordability as well as super style, I have never regretted an Adidas purchase!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for adidas Women's Kanadia 4 TR Running Shoe
I run often, trails and roads. I don't find this shoe to be very durable, you will slip on slate or wet smooth surfaces. If you live in, say Upstate New York, and you are running the trails in the Catskills, this shoe is not for you. You will slip and slide on smooth surfaces. As for trail grip on rocky terrain like here in the hill country of Texas, it's pretty good. I would prefer a smoother heel to toe transition, it is a very stiff shoe. I found it most useful in training and sprinting outdoors but rather than that, I wouldn't use this shoe for trail runs. I would just stick to your carbon outsoles with a nice EVA cushioning. If you have foot problems, your best bet is to buy some orthotic liners or gel inserts.I wouldn't recommend this shoe to just anyone.
Review of Onitsuka Tiger Keirin Fashion Sneaker
I am not a fan of click-in pedals. I own a pair, but they are more often off the bike than on them. Sneakers work fine, but the oldschool cycling shoe is where it's at. They really do "work", i feel just as efficient riding in these with some lightweight VO or White Industries pedals as I do with my SpeedPlay cleats. On longer rides I feel more efficient because I can shift my foot around a bit when I start to feel fatigue in my worn knees. I wouldn't call these "fashion sneakers" tho as they are described, unfortunately cycling shoes look like bowling shoes, and the sole and upper are a bit stiff for everyday wear. But for a classic cycling shoe, they are perfect.
The tread is very good for many pedals but not all. I would avoid using this shoe if your pedals platform is made in the such a way that ridges perpendicular to your foot as used for traction. Basically any pedal that has the same approach towards traction as this shoes tread will make it very annoying to holster your foot into a toe clip.
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thanks to these shoes my coolness factor went up about 10 notches. sad thing for you is i shopped for a second pair and got the last size ten on the face of the earth, sorry yo...I'm the coolest not you,,heh heh heh ahhhBest Deals on Onitsuka Tiger Keirin Fashion Sneaker
Bought this for my wife and she love it. Too bad they didn't have it in my size. Nice leather material.Honest reviews on Onitsuka Tiger Keirin Fashion Sneaker
This shoe runs a little small. This is because they expect you wear a very thin sock that does not extend beyond the cuff. Absolutely phenomenal build quality. This tread has lasted longer than some work boots I've owned and I used them every single day for almost a year.The tread is very good for many pedals but not all. I would avoid using this shoe if your pedals platform is made in the such a way that ridges perpendicular to your foot as used for traction. Basically any pedal that has the same approach towards traction as this shoes tread will make it very annoying to holster your foot into a toe clip.
K-Swiss Men's Tubes 100 Dustem Running Shoe Review
I love these sneakers. Perfect to run in and they get quite a few compliments on how they look. Great product!
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Not so great on hardwood floors, designed specifically for running,,lightweight, and very comfortable,Wore them to the restaruant and hydroplaned across the dining room floor,(thank goodness we we not open).Best Deals on K-Swiss Men's Tubes 100 Dustem Running Shoe
I've bought kswiss tubes in the past. They are comfortable long lasting shoes. I like the fact they support something.Honest reviews on K-Swiss Men's Tubes 100 Dustem Running Shoe
These are a very lightweight shoe that are comfortable and easy to run in. The material used to make them is a very thin breathable fabric. I have read reviews from others that mention this and how it can be a little chilly on the feet when running in colder weather, but for a runner like me with sweaty feet it is a welcomed addition. The tubes seem to help as well in providing less stress on the joints. My knees, shins, and ankles would be really sore after running with my old shoes, but now I have less soreness after running and a pep in my step.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for K-Swiss Men's Tubes 100 Dustem Running Shoe
I returned my shoes because 0.5 size bigger then I need. It is nice bright color. Very comfortable. Good looking.