Vibram Five Fingers

I like this Killis Howard guy

I own a pair and love running in them or hiking in them but when I see myself in the mirror or look down I want to smack myself and wouldnt blame anyone for kicking my ass if I had them on.

If you're really set on getting into running in Vibrams, maybe training in flats for a while would be a good idea first. If you've never had formal training and/or always have run in trainers, there's most likely a lot of mechanical adjustments you're going to have to make before being able to run barefoot or with those Vibrams without sustaining injury.

As far as I'm concerned, until the Nigerians start wearing those Vibrams and winning here and there, I'm not convinced that they are not a gimmick. I don't want to say that they are a gimmick though because at the last 10K I ran, I did notice Vibrams here and there. Never have I seen them in anything over 10K however (but maybe I just didn't notice). Never tried them out myself though, and can't say I plan to.

So yeah, maybe try flats first?

Those things are so fucking lame total gimmick. got two tens for a five?

Only saw one comment alluding to use as a descent shoe.

Anybody else use them for that?

On the positive side, only the racoons and bears and birds and your partner would see you wear them.

I have size 14 feet, and prefer long trad routes. It's a total pita to haul my approach shoes along on a climb, whether in a pack or hanging off my arse.

SeaJellie wrote:Only saw one comment alluding to use as a descent shoe. Anybody else use them for that? On the positive side, only the racoons and bears and birds and your partner would see you wear them. I have size 14 feet, and prefer long trad routes. It's a total pita to haul my approach shoes along on a climb, whether in a pack or hanging off my arse.

I often use them for multi-pitch days in Eldo. My size 13 approach shoes don't pack down small, but these are about the size of a chalk bag hanging off my harness.
I look like a freak already, so I have little to lose in that department.

I love them as a descent shoe. I use them for all my descents now. Super low-profile and and low-weight for the trip up.

Great, thanks for the feedback. Given the disparaging comments these things receive, maybe there will be a post-Christmas sale and I can pick up several pair cheap.

I just saw the thread you started on this subject, Andy:

mountainproject.com/v/five-…

Gregger Man, with our feet we could do the first circus clown team ascent of anything in Eldo......

SeaJellie wrote:Only saw one comment alluding to use as a descent shoe. Anybody else use them for that?...

Some. I am not a fan of them in this application. I like the minimalist approach and I have done most of the long Red Rock approaches and descents in the old Nike Aquasock. There are two problems with the Five Finger on rough terrain. Number one is that there is rarely a time on this kind of ground that you want your toes to be acting independently. And if you snag one toe while the rest of your foot keeps going-- well, it can be painful. Second, I always wore socks with the Nikes and much prefer to have that option. Dust, pebbles, nasty little scrub oak leaves all seem less bothersome when you wear socks.

On the other hand, the Five Finger is a good quality shoe and is actually durable enough for this application (unlike most "water shoes"), so if they appeal to you, give 'em a try.

The only time I run is when I've had too much at the pub. I end up walking, but within a block or two I get bored, take my shoes off, and start running. It's only a couple miles home on asphalt and concrete, but I feel like a deer man my feet just pat pat pat. I'd suggest, for a minimalist approach, go barefoot. Your feel will toughen up given time.

SeaJellie wrote:Only saw one comment alluding to use as a descent shoe. Anybody else use them for that? On the positive side, only the racoons and bears and birds and your partner would see you wear them. I have size 14 feet, and prefer long trad routes. It's a total pita to haul my approach shoes along on a climb, whether in a pack or hanging off my arse.

I use the NB Minimus for approaches and descents without any/much 3rd classing. They offer more protection and traction, plus I believe they are lighter than most Five Fingers. They also make sense for the hike in, where many times the lack of tread on the Vibrams is prohibitive.

The rubber on them isn't sticky at all, so if there's 3rd class you will want real approach shoes.

I started with the kso model. I walked in them for two months before running. It hs been a wonderful experience. I will never return to a marshmellow shoe. I firmly believe that are feet have everything they need to function. We don't need arch support, stabilized shoes, or what ever gimmick the big name shoe companies say.

I felt the kso model was great for scrambling since you could really mold your foot around a rock. Something you can't do with a hard hiking boot.

I recently did some backpacking and used my treksport models. The trail was too rocky for the 4mm sole so I switched to my hiking boots. After being able to experience a direct comparison of the two types of footware I love the minimalist approach. I need to find a minimalist shoe a little thicker than 4mm and I will be able to ditch my hiking boots.

When the trail was soft the five fingers felt amazing.