Vibram Five Fingers - Anyone wearing them or tried them?

[Buller_Scott]

i have vibram in my merrell hiking shoes and it rocks. for a fat bastard like me, it makes walking 12km's (when i occasionally feel guilty and decide to go for a walk) a breeze.

as someone who pretty much always wears flip flops, i'd much prefer these, especially when i put aside the day to go for a fang up reefton, or in/ around king lake (until now i've just worn socks)

[Gti Dave]

I wonder how these would go in regards to fit and comfort for people like myself and Buller_Scott who have wide feet and a damn low arch (or non-existant at best) i.e. flat foot?

[Banzai]

I have wide feet and low arches and they are fine.

They are really good for walking through water such as rivers. I plan to try them reef walking one day.

[sabloke]

Forget kayakshed.com, they are not allowed to ship fivefingers to Australia... The sent an e-mail to that effect seconds after I placed the order...
There is a national distributor that has exclusivity down under, barefootinc.com.au You can find there a list of retailers, too. Bloody bastards, the double US the prices!!! For instance, currently the pair I wanted to buy from US is at AUD 199.00 here, compared to $99.00 in US. Why? I thought that only happened with cars?!

[Greg Roles]

From an Orthopaedics angle these free style shoes strengthen your foot the way it is supposed to be, and I have chatted about these style of shoe with more than one foot and ankle specialist in my day job. I am mad keen to get a pair, but there are versions that look a little more normal and will keep certain polo driving members of the armed forces a little happier!

[sabloke]

Well, since quite a few of us here are interested, why not go for a group buy then?

[gareth_oau]

if a seller wont ship to you, or even sell to you try www.hopshopgo.com , they can freight forward or they can buy for you as well.

They also repackage goods into smaller boxes to save on airfreight.

I've used them and they are good

[REXman]

You know what the hardest thing about wearing these is?? Telling your parents you are gay...

meh, what you really need is a morph suit.

- Morphsuits - life is more fun in colour

These 2 posts just mad me lose it. ****en funny man.. And the Morph Suit!! LMFAO!!

[sabloke]

I wonder how these would go in regards to fit and comfort for people like myself and Buller_Scott who have wide feet and a damn low arch (or non-existant at best) i.e. flat foot?

Here's the model for wide feet:


Following in the footsteps of the original Vibram FiveFingers Bikila, the new Bikila LS offers a closed speed lace system to accommodate a wider foot or higher instep. It shares the same revolutionary platform as the Bikila, featuring a Dri-Lex covered 3mm polyurethane insole (thickest under the ball) and a 4mm anatomical pod outsole design. This combination provides superior plating protection and distributes forefoot impact without compromising essential ground feedback. The Bikila LS upper is constructed of Coconut Active Carbon for natural breathability. An athletic padded collar and topline, 3M reflective surfaces, and abrasion resistant PU toe protection add to Bikila LS road worthy design. The defining feature of the Bikila LS is its closed quick lace system assuring a custom fit for a wider range of foot types.
BEST FOR: Running & Fitness.

I have used priceusa.com.au to place the order this morning. All up same price as quoted by the retailer, $137. Lucky shipping within US is free
Will let you know how it goes.

[sabloke]

Get some Injinji socks, a perfect match for Fivefingers


Like gloves for your feet, these innovative ''toe socks'' virtually prevent blisters with a seamless construction that protects each toe.

* Anatomical Molding System™ with CoolMax® polyester conforms to your feet for increased blood and air circulation
* Anatomical, individual toe sleeves form a thin anti-blister membrane between toes to eliminate skin-against-skin friction
* 3-ply flex construction prevents sock movement while increasing wicking and circulation
* The precisely stitched Vector Heel prevents bunching and allows for a comfortable fit
* Double-layered welt top maintains shape for long lasting performance and support
* Ideal for marathons and long-distance running
* CoolMax® wicks moisture, dries quickly and breathes well, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of cool, dry feet



A few retailers carry them on ebay for $12 plus postage.