The Vibram ‘Five Fingers’ takes a new approach to athleticism with a design developed as a unique choice for athletes who enjoy the barefoot feel – like marathon runners, rock climbers, hikers – but still want the outdoor protection of a shoe.

Official Ad Line: The low profile is lightweight and resistant to cuts, while the rubber soles protect your feet and gives you more grip over different terrains. It provides a nice option in that the shoe has none of the bulk of a typical running shoe, while providing you with protection from sticks, glass and other hazards you may come across.

The Low-Down: This shoe will definitely get you some strange looks from strangers, but once you get over the oddity factor, you will notice that not only do your feet feel incredibly agile and strong … but the questions become increasingly thoughtful and scientific as time goes on! People are catching on to this incredibly supportive athletic piece of equipment.

Think of what would happen if the bottom support of an outdoor shoe decided to go convertible and then provided individual toe support … then you can begin to see the wonders of this product for activities like running, hiking, biking, and stand-up paddling. Then there’s shopping, lounging, gardening … just name it.

But don’t think that this is an easy product to buy … it requires a specific fit for almost each and every wearer, so make sure your loved one does try on the vibram five fingers first OR get the help of a knowledgeable sales person!

The Tests: What would we be if not brutal to the products we test? After getting the right fit, we walked around the block for 10 to 30 minutes a day at first to get our feet and toes accustomed to the new gear. We quickly got used to having to individually guide our toes into their slots. These slots are essential to allowing and even encouraging toe splay, a natural function totally cut off by normal toe boxes on shoes. Much like any new gear, some break-in period is required … but in this case the breaking-in period is for our feet and calves, and not the Five Fingers. After a few days, we experienced some ‘good pain’ in our calves and toes as our feet began to stretch out and adjust to the new gait.

We discovered that without the added 2 inch cushion that a regular shoe provides – which served to permit you to slam your heel down without much thought – we needed to be aware of how we were using our muscles as we walked, trotted, jogged, and then ran. After a few days, we were ready for more challenging treks.

We decided to bring along a control subject on a hike wearing a decent pair of Columbia cross training shoes.  Hiking the mountains and hills of Hawaii is quite an experience by itself, but adding the GRIP that you get as you feel your toes stretch and flex as you seek higher ground is revelatory. Your feet begin to GRAB the surface, and you tend to feel the terrain as it responds to your body. Even through some serious muddy ground, we were able to easily navigate down a 50 degree slope. The Columbia shoes managed to scale the slope as well, but with plenty of slips and slides along the way, while the Five Fingers gripped along with the benefit of individually encased toes! While the Columbia shoes began to cake on with mud and lose grip as each crevice in the shoe filled up, the Five Fingers made easy work of the hillside.

The Verdict: The Vibram Five Fingers is light and versatile. The shoes provides you a barefoot experience like no other, adjusting quickly to the ground without feeling sharp rocks, wet grass, or hot asphalt. All in all, though, this shoe will transform your entire sense of your body when walking and running in an amazing positive way. We absolutely loved these shoes!

Five Fingers Barefoot technology comes from the age old idea that walking or running barefoot puts you in touch with the natural movement of your feet, legs and entire body, creating a better posture and, for some people, a connection to the earth and energies within.  These help to enhance your grip on surf boards, in yoga positions, Pose Method running and fitness training.

Where to Find them: Aside from the internet, where you cannot TRY THEM ON … Wheatgrass Pacifica in Kaimuki has a great inventory of the shoes in stock! Wayne & Jean Fukuda will be more than happy to share their technical expertise! Visit them at 1215 Center Street, Honolulu, HI 96816 or CALL them at (808) 739-0508.

1215 Center St
Honolulu, HI 96816

(808) 739-0508

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[article originally featured as "12 Days of Xmas’ #12: Vibram Five Fingers"]