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wallinbl · Jul 24, 2009, 09:12 AM

Anyone looked at these before? I just picked up a pair yesterday, and so far, they're probably the best thing I've ever put on my feet. It's a little odd at first having material between your toes, but the flexibility & feel are fantastic. Admittedly, the looks could use a little help - they seem to freak people out a bit.

Once I've worn them regularly for a few days, my plan is actually to start running in them.

nonhuman · Jul 24, 2009, 09:21 AM

I've heard nothing but good things about them, and seen a few people wearing them around my building. I'm definitely curious about them, and the concept behind them, though I'm not a runner.

Laminar · Jul 24, 2009, 09:34 AM

Weird.

osiris · Jul 24, 2009, 09:35 AM

uncomfortable - at least the ones I've tried in Japan & China. Who wants their toes all smothered up like that? That's not right.

wallinbl · Jul 24, 2009, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Laminar

Weird.

Yeah, they're odd looking. I've talked with people in a few stores around here and the bright red pair sell more than any other. It's like a flashing billboard: "I have odd shoes".

Mine have more of a top than those because I need them to stay on when running.

wallinbl · Jul 24, 2009, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by osiris

uncomfortable - at least the ones I've tried in Japan & China. Who wants their toes all smothered up like that? That's not right.

Having material between the toes is strange at first. I'm willing to get used to it because of the ability to have your feet be freely flexible. I'd go barefoot most of the time if it weren't for the fact that most businesses frown upon it.

SpaceMonkey · Jul 24, 2009, 10:08 AM

I think my business would probably frown on these, as well.

Dakar V · Jul 24, 2009, 10:14 AM

Pardon the terminology, but those things are Liberace gay.

wallinbl · Jul 24, 2009, 11:34 AM

This is the pair I got. Less ugly than Laminar's pic, but the toe thing seems to bother people.

BlueSky · Jul 24, 2009, 11:40 AM

Oh. No.

turtle777 · Jul 24, 2009, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey

I think my business would probably frown on these, as well.

And you would think monkeys would like them

-t

Demonhood · Jul 24, 2009, 02:31 PM

i have the runners version:

your feet will be sore in odd places for the first few weeks. but after that you're golden. it will feel just like you're barefoot, but without the worry or puncturing your sole. the grip is also great for rock hopping/climbing.
i don't recommend running (or walking great distances) on concrete or asphalt at first. you'll feel every bump and there's no give at all. you'll jack up your feet/legs/knees from the lack of cushioning. go with dirt, grass, or sand. playing frisbee on the grass with these is quite fun. avoid large pointy rocks. they're machine washable, so don't worry about mud or dirt.

they work out muscles that you didn't know where there (unless you often run barefoot). and they're designed to help you also change your running style (away from heel striking). really, it's just a lot of fun to put them on and jump around. which is exactly what i did when i tried them on at the store.

sizing is really important. you can't just order these online and expect a perfect fit. i tried on 3 different sizes (they're all sized in Euro units) before finding something acceptable.

and yes, they're goofy as hell. went on a hike and had 7 different groups stop me to ask about them.

osiris · 03:43 PM

Originally Posted by Dakar V

Pardon the terminology, but those things are Liberace gay.

That too. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

G Barnett · Jul 24, 2009, 06:46 PM

Interesting. Looks like they'd be comfortable for me even with my rather freakishly long toes. May have to see if REI has some for the testing.

wallinbl · Jul 24, 2009, 07:02 PM

Originally Posted by Demonhood

i have the runners version:
sizing is really important. you can't just order these online and expect a perfect fit. i tried on 3 different sizes (they're all sized in Euro units) before finding something acceptable.

I actually wear different sizes in different models. Seems like the Sprint runs a bit smaller than the KSO.

turtle777 · Jul 24, 2009, 07:41 PM

Couldn't they make the exact same shoe, w/o the individual toes ?

How much difference would that make ?

-t

::maroma:: · Jul 24, 2009, 07:42 PM

Shouldn't these be called Vibram FiveToes?

Laminar · Jul 24, 2009, 11:50 PM

This is the footwear version of a Snuggie.

subego · Jul 25, 2009, 12:44 AM

I have a black pair. I call them my ninjatard booties.

SpaceMonkey · Jul 25, 2009, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Couldn't they make the exact same shoe, w/o the individual toes ?

Not exactly the same, but a similar concept for runners: Nike Free

wallinbl · Jul 25, 2009, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by SpaceMonkey

Not exactly the same, but a similar concept for runners: Nike Free

I looked at those, but don't care that much for them. Interesting videos of naked people running on their website and all, but didn't care for the shoes. They're still quite substantially shoes, which goes somewhat against the concept.

Spheric Harlot · Jul 25, 2009, 03:15 PM

I have a pair of jika-tabi which I love:

chabig · Jul 26, 2009, 01:00 AM

I ordered a pair earlier this week from REI, but they're on backorder and won't arrive for a few more weeks.

Dork. · Jul 26, 2009, 08:02 AM

I'll wait until I get the FiveFinger discount....

- - e r i k - - · Jul 27, 2009, 02:33 AM

Oh God. Is this the new Crocs?

- - e r i k - - · Jul 27, 2009, 02:34 AM

Originally Posted by wallinbl

This is the pair I got. Less ugly than Laminar's pic, but the toe thing seems to bother people.

Less ugly?

wallinbl · Jul 27, 2009, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Oh God. Is this the new Crocs?

Crocs made no sense. A giant rubber clog? How the hell is that supposed to help anything?

Atheist · Jul 27, 2009, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Demonhood

and yes, they're goofy as hell. went on a hike and had 7 different groups stop me to ask about them.

Not casting aspersions at you but that probably explains half of their sales... "look at me! I've got bizarre shoes!"

SpaceMonkey · Jul 27, 2009, 09:12 AM

They look like part of a 12-step program for never-nudes.

Laminar · Jul 27, 2009, 09:19 AM

Step 11 is where they remove the sock.

subego · Jul 27, 2009, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by turtle777

Couldn't they make the exact same shoe, w/o the individual toes ?

How much difference would that make ?

You'd lose your toe grip, and there'd be nothing to keep your foot from sliding around inside the shoe.

TheoCryst · Jul 27, 2009, 08:23 PM

Okay, am I the only one that keeps seeing the name of the thread, and atomatically thinking it's something dirty?

Vibram?

FiveFingers?

Seriously, there hasn't been a single ounce of innuendo in this entire thread. Doubleyou-tee-eff people?

SpaceMonkey · Jul 27, 2009, 09:44 PM

They're Italian. They can't possibly have any sexuality.

0157988944 · Jul 27, 2009, 10:32 PM

And there hasn't been more pickup on the never-nudes comment. How disappointing.

Laminar · Jul 27, 2009, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by adamfishercox

And there hasn't been more pickup on the never-nudes comment. How disappointing.

I can only do so much.

israces · Jul 27, 2009, 11:10 PM

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Less ugly?

I have the same pair as wallinbl and my friends call them my monkey/gorilla feet. They are dorky as hell, but I love wearing them.

suganutz2 · Jul 28, 2009, 06:40 PM

Man, those are pretty strange. They remind me of that episode from "Married with Children", where Al meets God and gets inspired by his foot-shaped shoes with built-in socks. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtwxXqeIsVo