View Full Version : vibram five fingers
Has anyone tried these new shoes for hiking, there website says they are suited for it
I have tried them on in the store. Your foot has to be shaped a certain way for them to fit you. My foot was not their normal so they would not work for me at all.
Pickleodeon
11-09-2008, 08:31
I've looked into them, but they're pricey. Havent tried them on though.
I did meet a sobo this summer who wore them as camp shoes and swore by them. They're really lightweight and this guy loved em.
they weigh 13.2 oz a pair. New Balance makes a great pair of lite weight shoes that weigh less than 9 oz, and cost less. New Balance 790. I think they are 8 oz, less than Crocs, and you can hike in them in a pinch.
Try www.joesports.com (http://www.joesports.com) they call them trail running shoes, but they do not feel like they would give much support. they weigh 7.9 oz in size 9, and cost $75. How much are Crocs? I borrowed my son's once on a hike and wore them in town and immediately got a nasty blister. should have worn socks.
I get a generic, This Site May be for Sale from that link. Do you have a more exact one?
Frau
http://zeta.zappos.com/product/7292069/color/3
The ladies are "WA" I believe.
sorry www.joessports.com (http://www.joessports.com) for the new balance 790
fancyfeet
11-09-2008, 20:53
Rentman,
Check out this review on the Indie Travel Podcast site:
http://www.indietravelpodcast.com/podcast/026-review-vibram-five-fingers/
What the reviewer found, in short:
1) Bad for hard surfaces - concrete, etc.
2) Good for trail surfaces
3) Takes a lot of breaking in time
4) Good for your feet, benefits of barefoot hiking with less risk of cuts or puncture wounds to your feet
5) Proper fit is essential
6) Expensive
supershawn
11-11-2008, 12:52
I used the KSO model to hike Mt. Garfield and Mt. Chcoura this past summer and it was amazing to feel the textures of the terrain under your feet. While it’s true they do not offer much support, I’m not sure that really matters because your foot has the ability to wrap around objects, increasing contact area. The only drawbacks I experienced are you have to pay more attention to your foot placement to avoid stepping on jagged rocks or kicking one and other people on the trail will give you funny stares. I would highly recommend trying a pair, if not for hiking, then for anything else. They are by far the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
I have two pairs and the foot bed is in my opinion not stiff enought for hiking on rocky ground. A dirt path, grassy field or asphalt is fine but other than that you are asking for trouble. Also they require some getting use to. Your feet aren't used to having so little support so I would recommend walking barefoot as often as possible before getting them and than walking in them for a few weeks on grass or other soft ground before doing anything serious.
surprisingly there is a whole following behind them and the concept of barefoot running.
Pickleodeon
11-15-2008, 12:30
I've hiked in Crocs for short periods of time. I did maybe.. 5 or 6 miles in them. It was in Arkasas on nice trails with no rocks. The Eagle Rock Loop Trail I believe. There were water crossings frequently and it was easier than changing from boots to crocs every few minutes. I put the heel strap on and I've worn them with and without socks. I strap them on the outside of my pack and wear them around camp too. They're comfy, light, and I think they offer more protection than sandals. I like them for water crossings too.
twoshoes06
11-23-2008, 21:31
The Five Fingers are made to simulate barefoot walking. While this is good, and I approve of it, I wouldn't recommend using them all the time.. I would do as Pickleodeon and maybe hike in trail running shoes such as the Salomon SpeedCross 2 (http://blazepacking.com/10/my-new-dream-hiking-shoe/)'s then keep your feet strong with the Five Fingers..
A New Convert
11-30-2008, 02:50
Have em. Love 'em. Defintiely take some time to get used to them though. My calfs hurt after about an hour of wearing them for about a week. After that I got used to them. Havent tried putting a load on with them. Would be more inclined to use them as camp shoes than hiking shoes.
You will definitely get weird looks though. Had three people in front of me when I was voting who thought they were commenting on my shoes quietly enough to not get my attention. Also had a co-worker ask me if I really wore those out of the house. I smiled as said that I wasn't really concerned with what other people thought of my shoes 5th grade was a long time ago.
BC
taildragger
12-01-2008, 02:12
I actually used the NB 790's for my hikes last summer. They are nice shoes, very comfy.