Any "bodybuilding.com" runners use Vibram FiveFingers

[jdtemple]

I'm having a hard time buying any reasoning that just because your toes have individual sockets in your shoes that this somehow improves anything. Assuming the same minimal amount of cushioning is between you and the ground with these shoes vs regular, what's the difference? I understand the benefits of less cushioning in certain situations (I squat and dead barefoot) but I don't get the point of the toes. Seems like a gimmick.

I believe the point of the toes is to allow more freedom of movement. With an enclosed toe shoe, your toes can only spread apart as far as the toebox of the shoe will allow. With the toes, your only real limit is your own ROM.

These shoes also grip like no other on uneven surfaces. Hiking, for example.

[Skoorbmax]

With an enclosed toe shoe, your toes can only spread apart as far as the toebox of the shoe will allow.

And many are too thin. It's not that we need separated toes to solve that, but the VFF essentially have no toe-box so it's certainly not a problem!

I've heard a little of some increased liklihood of toe-stubs with the VFFs. I've done some limited trail running in the Sprints and first of all, running in mud/rain with them on trails is almost a magical experience. However, I have stubbed my toes a few times and it hurts in ways it wouldn't have with an enclosed toe-box. Also, at least with the Sprints they are so thin that at times the pain of the ground is telegraphed up more than one might want (or get from merrell barefoot, or even thicker VFF like the trek).

[jdtemple]

And many are too thin. It's not that we need separated toes to solve that, but the VFF essentially have no toe-box so it's certainly not a problem!

I've heard a little of some increased liklihood of toe-stubs with the VFFs. I've done some limited trail running in the Sprints and first of all, running in mud/rain with them on trails is almost a magical experience. However, I have stubbed my toes a few times and it hurts in ways it wouldn't have with an enclosed toe-box. Also, at least with the Sprints they are so thin that at times the pain of the ground is telegraphed up more than one might want (or get from merrell barefoot, or even thicker VFF like the trek).

You can definitely feel more of what's under you with the Classic/KSO/Sprint. There is very little rubber under you. To me, that's the beauty of them.

You can feel rocks and things. Grass feels like grass. Cracks in the sidewalk feel like cracks. Mud and sand squishes between your toes.

They force you to be more conscious of where and how you step. If you do something wrong, they let you know in a hurry.

[Oceanside]

what an awesome opportunity to roll an ankle..

[joncheng]

what an awesome opportunity to roll an ankle..

Regular running shoes offer no more ankle support. In fact the only time I ever rolled an ankle was in high tops.

[Oceanside]

Regular running shoes offer no more ankle support.

you're full of sh*t

[nixter]

you're full of sh*t

No he's not. The idea of stability in any regular height shoe is kind of a joke anyways. Personally I'd rather have less distance (cushioning) between my foot and the ground so that any rollover is minimized. The higher the heel cushion, the more damage is caused from a roll.

[Corbi]

I have a pair of the vibrams and originally bought them for squatting but honestly didn't feel any difference. I do love them for being on my boat however, fantastic grip and waterproof.

[Jtbny]

I have a pair of the vibrams and originally bought them for squatting but honestly didn't feel any difference. I do love them for being on my boat however, fantastic grip and waterproof.

Same I bought a pair for DL and squats...now I use them on the beach, and am back to lifting in my socks

[jdtemple]

what an awesome opportunity to roll an ankle..

I roll my ankles all the time, even on the slightest bit of uneven ground. The number of times it has happened in my Five Fingers - exactly zero.

[V-240]

I'm having a hard time buying any reasoning that just because your toes have individual sockets in your shoes that this somehow improves anything. Assuming the same minimal amount of cushioning is between you and the ground with these shoes vs regular, what's the difference? I understand the benefits of less cushioning in certain situations (I squat and dead barefoot) but I don't get the point of the toes. Seems like a gimmick.

My toes just articulate better, and with the "tire tread" grips under each toe I can climb up muddy hills easier during obstacle courses and mud runs that I do.

[V-240]

I roll my ankles all the time, even on the slightest bit of uneven ground. The number of times it has happened in my Five Fingers - exactly zero.

Same here, never happens with these shoes. Plus mud and rocks never get inside.

Of all the shoes I've seen discarded along the ditches on the obstacle courses, none appeared to be Vibrams. Some had holes drilled into them by people thinking the water will drain out and the mud won't suck them off their feet. Good luck with that!

[jdtemple]

Same here, never happens with these shoes. Plus mud and rocks never get inside.

Of all the shoes I've seen discarded along the ditches on the obstacle courses, none appeared to be Vibrams. Some had holes drilled into them by people thinking the water will drain out and the mud won't suck them off their feet. Good luck with that!

I'm looking forward to the Warrior Dash.

[sok454]

I guy I met at the gym last night was talking about how he loves his. Had them for a 1 year and won't go back to running shoes. Said he loves DL and squatting in them. That's actually how we got on the topic. Anyone else have exp. DL and squatting in them? Currently I do it barefoot and love it.

[jdtemple]

I guy I met at the gym last night was talking about how he loves his. Had them for a 1 year and won't go back to running shoes. Said he loves DL and squatting in them. That's actually how we got on the topic. Anyone else have exp. DL and squatting in them? Currently I do it barefoot and love it.

Lifting in them is pretty much like lifting barefoot.

[KamYee]

Hey VFF users, Happy Friday from Asean here..

Just bought myself a pair and tested out on treadmill yesterday.. emm... amazing!!! Felt the grip pretty much, like crawling, I can use my toes for gripping I ran for about 30 mins, surprisingly this morning I don't feel much of impact to my calves. I bought them because I want to naturally build my calves by normal running.

Towards the end of my gym session, I did some push-ups, it's kinda discomfort because toes pointing to the ground and felt the impact and pain..couldn't last long and felt numbness. Probably because I havent got use to it... As I just discovered this thread, some said it looks sissy/tea cup poodle, but I think likewise, kinda sexy!!! Mine is Komodo Sports Yellow

[V-240]

I'm looking forward to the Warrior Dash.

Me, too! Mine is not until late October. I have a Survivor Mud Run coming in a couple weeks.

Today I played tennis in my Vibrams. My advice: Don't! Me dogs, they're barking tonight!

[jond76]

I just ran the Mudder Dash here in Houston this past Saturday. I ran it wearing my Trek Sports. I've been running in Vibrams for a few months now and I love them, but this was my first mud run in them. They worked great.

I think some people are resistant to the idea that minimalist running has a lot of benefits. Oh well for them.

[V-240]

They are great, although I do find doing planks and pushups in them are rough, because my toes get CRUSHED into the toe fingers, lol. And sometimes they get crushed into them after doing a lot of downhill work. Dang gravity and inertia, they are NOT my friends!

[bobg]

I also have a pair - While they are great for giving you better balance for doing exercises such as Squats or Deadlifts (I can actually tell I am not 'falling forward' and am much more stable) I cannot use them for running. While I admit that I have not done any running outside, only a treadmill, the impact does 'a job' on my feet. There is no cushion provided. Also they make my feet hurt after 1/4 mile.

[joncheng]

I also have a pair - While they are great for giving you better balance for doing exercises such as Squats or Deadlifts (I can actually tell I am not 'falling forward' and am much more stable) I cannot use them for running. While I admit that I have not done any running outside, only a treadmill, the impact does 'a job' on my feet. There is no cushion provided. Also they make my feet hurt after 1/4 mile.

If you're feet are hurting it's one of 2 things. 1) You need to build up to longer distances. 2) You're saying impact, but barefoot/minimalist running should be very little impact because you should be on the forefoot. I posted a video that shows correct form previously. Scroll up and check it out.

[dsymbol]

Ah Hah!!!
I'm going to get rich from selling these shoes to some of the runners here, & opening up a clinic next door for foot massage, & rehab their knees & lower back.

Those who rolls ankle from time to time may have to reassess your footstrike, personal pronation type, & choose a pair of running shoes accordingly.

[TheProgressiveOne]

Valenzuelatech

100% srs. Saw him yesdy

[shockrock3]

Have 2 pairs of KSO's...would NEVER go back to sneakers again for lifting or cardio. Only issue I have is that in the dead of winter in Northeast, your feet get freezing in them lol so I bought a couple of pairs of the Injinji socks (ridiculously over priced) and works like a charm.

[ThatEvilGinger]

I'm looking into getting a pair of these, should I find a specialty shop or should I just go to a regular shoe store?

[jond76]

I'm looking into getting a pair of these, should I find a specialty shop or should I just go to a regular shoe store?

Some shoe stores carry them. I got some at Sun and Ski Sports. I would recommend getting them at a store for your first pair. They will have a special tool to size you, as these size differently than regular shoes.

Remember to take it slow, strike mid-foot, and read up on it some.

I like to direct people to this website : birthdayshoes[dot]com

Lots of good info there. Good luck!

[onprcntr]

They are fantastic...