Barefoot Rick's Vibram FivefingersTM Barefoot Shoe Review
First of all, I would like to thank VibramUSA for the opportunity to test their new FivefingersTM barefoot shoe. My first impression was their lightness of weight along with their flexibility. The well-molded sole truly resembles a bare sole. Best of all, the shoe fits like a glove once on the foot (if a more snug fit is desired, tighten the adjustment strap on the back of the shoe accordingly). The first few times slipping the shoes on I did notice that it takes a little negotiation to get each toe in their respective compartment. However, after a few times of slipping them on and off, the toes seemed to find their way without much guidance.
Walking in FivefingersTM encourages a barefoot foot strike. Naturally, my foot would make ball contact and roll to the heel in true barefoot fashion -- an extremely comfortable walking experience.
Running is a very similar sensation as walking in FivefingersTM. The way the shoe conforms to the foot encourages a forefoot strike with the gentle rolling to the heel. This is the closest sensation to running barefoot that I have experienced in a shoe!
On A Personal Note:
I am a barefoot runner, and will continue to be and do so. While I appreciate
the opportunity to review Vibram's FivefingersTM, I will not be
reverting to shod running. However, many people have asked me at various times
for a good transition shoe into barefoot running. From my "test drive" of the
FivefingersTM, I would highly recommend them as a way to
either transition to barefoot running or to merely experience a "near" barefoot
encounter while still wearing a shoe.
Visit VibramUSA FivefingersTM Website
