Originally submitted at REI
Wander free in the men's Vibram FiveFingers KSO multisport shoes, which offer the freedom of bare feet with the grip and protection of a Vibram sole.
Vibram FiveFingers KSO Multisport Shoes – Men’s
Great to toughen up your running…
Gift: No
Pros: Well Crafted, Easy to Install, Great for trail running, Quality Materials, Strengthens your legs
Cons: Stitching can break, No poison ivy protection, Unattractive Design
Best Uses: Jogging, Hiking, Trail running
Describe Yourself: Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
I have two pairs of Fivefingers so I can alternate days with them. I use them mainly for trail-running and when it’s wet outside, I jog on the road.
It took me about a month of daily walking in them before I felt comfortable jogging in them. My feet needed to toughen up. My calves needed to strengthen and so did my ankles. Eventually they did and I can run run longer than friends who wear Nikes.
After about 3 months, the stitching connecting the mesh to the side material on the top began to unravel. I tried contacting Vibram but they said they were out of warranty. So I had to repair them myself. This required a needle and thread and some patience.
Another problem I had was I must have accidentally jogged through some poison ivy in them. I’ve never had poison ivy before but now I had a terrible case of it – right on my feet! Try wearing work shoes after you’re blistered to the max on your feet.
So, I am looking for a solution to “ivy guard” them. Maybe Scotchguard?
Aside from the poison ivy and stitching problem, I highly recommend getting into “barefoot running” with KSOs to start. You’ll get stronger and tougher for the hard hills. If you’ve never tried them, you’ll see just how weak your calves and ankles are within a few days. But you’ll build strength and stability quickly and eventually endurance too. 
(legalese)
{ 2 comments }
Nice review. I love my KSO’s and am almost due for a new pair.
I recently got a pair of TerraPlana VivoBarefoot shoes for casual wear. I love them. I’d like to try their running shoes if they ever have them in stock.
Even if you’re not especially athletic, Vibram FiveFingers are fantastic for tromping around poolside, at the lake or anywhere else near water. They’re also great just for knocking around in for people who prefer the feeling of going barefoot but need a little protection. And if nothing else, these things are fun attention-getters because everyone notices your feet when you’re wearing them!
{ 3 trackbacks }