Vibrams Five Fingers!

[Ironman8]

Too big all over or just in the toe? They should fit snug in the heel cup and midfoot, but the very roomy toe box can sometimes make them feel a bit too big at first. Once you run in them and your toes start to splay that feeling disappears. Still, everybody's feet are different and I've heard of some people needing to size down a bit. It's always a bit of a gamble buying shoes online, so free return shipping is a wonderful thing. Good luck and I hope the new ones fit better. They really are great shoes!

Derek

My toe had about an inch of room before it hit the front...basically my toe ended where the mesh ended and the rubberish "rand" or "toe protector" started. If I were to move my big toe up, you would be able to see it poke through the mesh...I tried 10s on at REI yesterday and they had about a half inch of room and fit like...er..a glove!

I'm guessing that with the lacing system making the shoe conform to your foot the way it does, there isn't much concern for toes jamming into the front of the shoe right? How much room is there supposed to be? The 10s just "felt" better and how they "should" fit...but what do I know?....

[tiger seven]

My toe had about an inch of room before it hit the front...basically my toe ended where the mesh ended and the rubberish "rand" or "toe protector" started. If I were to move my big toe up, you would be able to see it poke through the mesh...I tried 10s on at REI yesterday and they had about a half inch of room and fit like...er..a glove!

I'm guessing that with the lacing system making the shoe conform to your foot the way it does, there isn't much concern for toes jamming into the front of the shoe right? How much room is there supposed to be? The 10s just "felt" better and how they "should" fit...but what do I know?....

An inch of room in the front of your toe is definitely too big. It sounds like the 10s are right for you. You're correct that with the shoe laced properly your foot shouldn't move forward and your toes shouldn't hit the front of the shoe. The lacing should keep the shoe snug against your heel and midfoot with enough room - more in terms of width than length - up front for your toes to splay naturally.

Derek

[J_B]

Dumb question: I'm a 39 in men's and 40 in woman's.

I wanted to try the Bikila LS but men's only drops to 40.

Anyone tried the woman's 40?

I looked at the differances in men's & woman's Bikila LS' and there's subtle differances but they're basically the same.

Just wondering.

**Disregard** Went to REI today and was fitted. Was recommened for size 40. Bought the black/grey/camp KSO's.....they felt great so I wore them out of the store.

[Merc8541]

You know who wears five fingers.......? Terrorists, that's who!
I hear many people like them and I have a close friend who is giving them a try. I ll keep you posted as he trys them out.

[Naxet1959]

I went in for my annual physical Monday this week. The pain in my left foot did turn out to be a stress fracture from running while wearing my Five Fingers. Six weeks or no running at all (after laying off for 3 weeks already) and back to a normal running shoe come September. After 150 or so miles. At least I learned where to improve my running form...
For the record, I run around 800-900 miles per year.

[orionz06]

I went in for my annual physical Monday this week. The pain in my left foot did turn out to be a stress fracture from running while wearing my Five Fingers. Six weeks or no running at all (after laying off for 3 weeks already) and back to a normal running shoe come September. After 150 or so miles. At least I learned where to improve my running form...
For the record, I run around 800-900 miles per year.

I suppose it should be noted these can happen with any shoes, not just VFF's. Remember that our feet are used to pillows being attached to them so changing anything that drastic has risks.

[Det-Sog]

45+ on the age scale. I am going to go pull the trigger on a pair of something this afternoon. Knees are wearing... If this does not work, it will be non-impact only from now on. Wish me luck.

I am leaning towards the Merrels. I have their hiking shoes and love them. I have tried on the VFF, and they seem like a pain in the @$$ to wiggle the toes into.

I'll drop a sit-rep once I run in them a few times. I am sure it will take some getting used too.

[tiger seven]

I went in for my annual physical Monday this week. The pain in my left foot did turn out to be a stress fracture from running while wearing my Five Fingers. Six weeks or no running at all (after laying off for 3 weeks already) and back to a normal running shoe come September. After 150 or so miles. At least I learned where to improve my running form...
For the record, I run around 800-900 miles per year.

I suppose it should be noted these can happen with any shoes, not just VFF's. Remember that our feet are used to pillows being attached to them so changing anything that drastic has risks.

Yeah, that sounds like a classic case of TMTS - too much too soon. Many of us, myself included, have been guilty of it at one time or another. Sucks big time! It's been almost 18 months since I started transitioning away from traditional running shoes, and I still get overzealous now and then and always wind up paying for it.

Good luck on a quick and full recovery.

Derek

[tiger seven]

45+ on the age scale. I am going to go pull the trigger on a pair of something this afternoon. Knees are wearing... If this does not work, it will be non-impact only from now on. Wish me luck.

I am leaning towards the Merrels. I have their hiking shoes and love them. I have tried on the VFF, and they seem like a pain in the @$$ to wiggle the toes into.

I'll drop a sit-rep once I run in them a few times. I am sure it will take some getting used too.

I recommend the Trail Gloves. I own Trail Gloves and True Gloves, and have run quite a bit in both. The Trail Glove is a MUCH better running shoe, for trails or roads.

I would also recommend some Injinji toe socks. They feel odd at first - like the VFFs - but they let your toes splay the way the Merrells are designed for. Most "regular" socks don't properly allow that. You can also run without socks, but that takes some getting used to as well.

Derek

[Det-Sog]

I recommend the Trail Gloves. I own Trail Gloves and True Gloves, and have run quite a bit in both. The Trail Glove is a MUCH better running shoe, for trails or roads.

Thanks! I was actually leaning towards the true glove. After reading your post, I did some research. To add to what you mention, the extra ventilation of the trail gloves will be better for the Texas heat.

I went out after lunch and bought a pair... I feel like I will be wearing them everywhere from now on unless I am at work. I think I will break them in with socks, then transition to no socks. I can tell that running in these things will be a trip... Hopefully not literally. I'll start off with maybe just a 1/2 mile to see how it goes.