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I was just looking through my RSS feeds and a site had these shoes come up. I think they're pretty cool looking but I don't know if I want to spend $100 on a pair of gimmick shoes. Has anyone worn a pair of these and if so how did they feel, fit, etc?
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 22:42 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 12:43 |
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MrHyde posted:I was just looking through my RSS feeds and a site had these shoes come up. I think they're pretty cool looking but I don't know if I want to spend $100 on a pair of gimmick shoes. I can tell you I'd think you're a retard if I saw you wearing those shoes in public. ESPECIALLY if I knew you spent $100 for them. Man, if I ever see someone wearing those shoes in public, I can't wait to point out to everyone how much they spent on them.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 22:43 |
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CanadianSuperKing posted:I can tell you I'd think you're a retard if I saw you wearing those shoes in public. ESPECIALLY if I knew you spent $100 for them. I don't care about the way they look, I'm interested in how they fit and feel when running.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 22:46 |
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I thought they looked retarded until I finally bought a pair. They're loving amazing for outdoor activities, and that's all they should be worn for. The gave great grip on wet rocks, don't cause blisters, and keep sediment and sand and other garbage out. Very durable and comfortable. Its exactly like going barefoot, but with protection from sharps. One of the better outdoor equipment purchases i've ever bought. I cant recommend them enough. I've hiked miles in them without any problems.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 23:15 |
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My ex had a pair. I wouldn't let him be seen with me in public if he had those shoes on. He was gardening in them one day and stepped on a rusty nail. The nail went right through the shoe and his foot. Good times. So I guess my point is that they are ugly and don't provide much protection from sharp things.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 23:23 |
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BlueBayou posted:My ex had a pair. I wouldn't let him be seen with me in public if he had those shoes on. A rusty nail will go through a regular pair of shoes too. But yeah, they look really dumb. I hear that people really like them though. I think the Nike Free would be a good compromise between comfort and looks.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 23:35 |
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BlueBayou posted:My ex had a pair. I wouldn't let him be seen with me in public if he had those shoes on. I've had nails go straight through hiking boots with thick soles, so I don't really think the shoe necessarily failed in that regard. They are ugly, but they look like they'd be nice for running.
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| # ? Jul 15, 2009 23:37 |
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I can't speak personally about them but I have a friend that has these and he loves them. That doesn't stop us from giving him a ration of poo poo every time we see them because of how ridiculous they look. I'd be lying if I told you that I haven't thought about getting a pair.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 00:03 |
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I have a pair. $100 is way too much. I got mine for $80 from a store. They really are pretty comfortable. They take a little getting use to. They're good if you believe in the whole barefoot idea. They're suppose to last a long time so don't feel bad about spending the money. They're suppose to be great for when you're pregnant since it makes you have correct posture. Everyone always comments about my shoes and thinks they're cute, but I am a girl. If I could get away with it, I would never wear shoes. This is the next best thing.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 00:06 |
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My buddy says they are flat out amazing for running. They force you into a good stride and are comfortable. If you worry about looking dumb when wearing shoes that fit well and do what they are suppose to do excellently, then you are already dumb. Sorry to tell you.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 03:22 |
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These look like they would be really sensitive to size differences in feet. One of my feet is a half-size shorter than my other, and I would probably have to buy two pairs to have them fit right. A lot of people have different sized feet and probably never notice, so be careful with that if you get a pair.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 03:26 |
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Judging from that picture, you'd better not have a second toe that is longer than your big toe.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 03:28 |
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I have a pair of these (black/black KSO model), and have worn them in public. People who know you are likely to give you poo poo at first, but it doesn't last. People who don't know you are interested in whether they're comfortable or not, and maybe what they cost. I wore these on a tour of Angkor Wat, and a young local kid wandered up, stared at my feet. and asked the guide a question; the guide translated "What happened to your feet?". The only times you're likely to have problems is if you wear them into a non-casual environment, and then you're a moron. Get either the black/black or brown/brown color combination though. It takes a while, but you can eventually slide your feet in and have the toes line up. Costello Jello posted:Judging from that picture, you'd better not have a second toe that is longer than your big toe. Yes! Make sure you follow the sizing guidelines on their website. One thing that no one else has addressed though is you should keep in mind that they have no insulation, so if the ground is very cold or very hot you're protected to some extent (moreso that being barefoot), but you will feel the temperature. Frag Viper posted:I've hiked miles in them without any problems. What kind of trails are we talking, and with any kind of weight besides a camelbak? I've though about doing that, but wasn't 100% confident in it. Nurbs fucked around with this message at Jul 16, 2009 around 03:42 |
| # ? Jul 16, 2009 03:38 |
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Costello Jello posted:Judging from that picture, you'd better not have a second toe that is longer than your big toe. My second toe is longer than my big toe and I haven't had any issues. Also I only paid like $75 at a store, but that was over a year ago. They are totally awesome and I can't recommend them highly enough. Wearing them is basically like going barefoot without having to worry about what you're stepping on (rusty nails nonwithstanding). I love wearing mine running, doing some light hiking, on the beach, you name it. I also like to wear them when I'm flying, since half the time they don't make me take them off plus they are really comfortable. Definatly buy them in a store if you can though. It is very important to get a pair that fits correctly so they don't give you blisters when you run in them.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 04:30 |
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I have two pairs of these shoes and without a doubt they are the best footwear I have ever owned. They feel absolutely amazing on your feet, just like walking around barefoot, except with nice rubber sole. That being said, you will feel everything you are walking on; cracks in the sidewalk, any rocks, bugs. But hey, that is part of the experience. Yeah they look strange and you will get tons of questions about them if you wear them around or often just a stare. As said before they will take some getting used to. I just ran in one of my pairs for the first time two days ago and my calves are still aching. This is simply because there is minimal padding(the rubber sole) so you are forced to run on the balls of your feet unlike when you run with tennis shoe. As I have told everyone who asks me about them, yes they are weird looking, but you simply can not beat the feeling wearing them. $80 may seem like a lot for what amounts to glorified water shoes, but these things will last you forever. One of the pairs I own is about a year and a half old and gets daily use (I guess am the idiot that wears them everywhere) and still they have a most of the rubber still intact and fit the same as the day I bought them. I would 100% recommend buying a pair, but if you are hesitant check around with shoe stores near you to see if they have any you could try on first.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 04:33 |
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I have a pair of sprints. I've never been huffed or guffawed at by them - everyone has looked and inquired to me with interest. They've improved my running stride. I use them for CrossFit (working out, olympic lifting, metabolic conditioning), Running, Jogging or when I just plain feel like wearing them! I bought a pair online, they were too big, so I returned them and got a size smaller no-problem. My 2nd toe is slightly longer than my big toe, and I have zero problems with them. I also have a 'very 'high arch, and I have no problems with that, as well, seeing as in most shoes I need to wear an insert.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 05:14 |
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Null1fy posted:I have a pair of sprints.  I've had a pair of the Sprint(s?) for a bit over a year now and I love them. The best way I can think to describe them is to liken them to gloves, only for your feet. They're great for climbing (It’s great being able to scramble up a sheer rock face using toe holds the size of a penny), running, trail running, and I've even backpacked 20 miles in them on the AT with a ~50 pound pack. Morbid Fiesta fucked around with this message at Mar 27, 2011 around 18:06 |
| # ? Jul 16, 2009 05:25 |
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I just picked up a pair of the Flows. I'm loving them so far. I wanted the KSO's, but I have an extremely high instep and couldn't fit my foot into them at all. The Flows fit great. I can't wait to make a trip back up to north Georgia to do some hiking.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 05:46 |
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I've been contemplating picking something like this up, since I can run much better when I'm barefoot (shins don't hurt, impact on the calf muscles instead of on the bone). Here's a Wired article on them. http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2009/07/barefoot/ Anyone know of a place to try these on in Toronto?
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 06:06 |
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Mykh posted:Anyone know of a place to try these on in Toronto? MEC 400 King Street West Toronto, ON, CANADA M5V 1K2 (416) 340-2667
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 06:19 |
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I'm really interested in these but I have- to quote my orthopedist- "a ridiculously severe case of flat feet." I wear Superfeet in almost all my shoes and have to rock thick boots when bacpacking- not to mention, I look like a stupid duck barefoot. I guess I shouldn't buy a pair..or at least not attempt to jog in them. 
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 06:46 |
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Are these awesome on a treadmill?
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 07:01 |
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Is there a place to find local retailers? I've literally never seen them in a store, and only once in person.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 07:11 |
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Timelord posted:Is there a place to find local retailers? I've literally never seen them in a store, and only once in person. http://vibramfivefingers.com/produc...ore_locator.cfm
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 07:25 |
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I heard about these just this week (been a few barefoot running articles show up for some reason), been thinking of getting a pair for running. It's just the cost that's holding me back, I can't find Flows for less than £100 online, and importing from the US isn't an option because of the size issues and import tax.Electric Bugaloo posted:I'm really interested in these but I have- to quote my orthopedist- "a ridiculously severe case of flat feet." I wear Superfeet in almost all my shoes and have to rock thick boots when bacpacking- not to mention, I look like a stupid duck barefoot. I guess I shouldn't buy a pair..or at least not attempt to jog in them. Reading up on these and barefoot running in general I've seen comments from people who suffer from fallen arches and use them without any issues, in fact it looks like they can help quite a bit with back and feet problems as walking and running barefoot is more natural and improves your posture.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 08:52 |
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My friends who have them absolutely swear by them, and have pretty much given up using regular workout shoes. I've come very close to getting a pair, and probably will next pay check.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 11:40 |
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It seems like you'd be sort of at risk of loving up your pinkie toe by catching it on something if you're not careful. Maybe not as bad as when barefooted, but way more so than with regular shoes on.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 11:49 |
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I spent $80 on mine at a local vendor. Just use their website. I tried on about 5 pairs until i found the right one. Definitely try them on in person, walk around for 5 minutes, jump, etc. They are really that great.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 11:54 |
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Paid $60 with a coupon from CitySports for my KSOs. I loving love them. Hiked around Costa Rica and Norway with them. My only complaint is that, as mentioned, they do transfer heat/cold, so if the pavement is very hot or it's below about 40 outside, time for a different pair of shoes. They can also get kinda stinky pretty fast, but that's easily fixed by throwing them in the washer on delicate cycle, then air-drying. And yeah, I do have a lot of conversations to the effect of "blah blah blah--wait what the hell is on your feet?" I usually just answer "shoes."
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 11:59 |
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O Hanraha-hanrahan posted:I heard about these just this week (been a few barefoot running articles show up for some reason), been thinking of getting a pair for running. It's just the cost that's holding me back, I can't find Flows for less than £100 online, and importing from the US isn't an option because of the size issues and import tax. I would think they'd sell them over there since the come sized in european sizes, not US sizes.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 13:02 |
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I have a pair of the "Sprint" model. I'm not kidding when I say these are the best shoes I've ever had. They feel like a second skin, not weird between the toes like you might think. I've worked in them, walked on pavement, grass, gravel, in water and on sand with them, and my feet were never sore at the end of the day. Your feet can actually breathe, so the shoes don't stink, and best of all you can throw them in the washing machine if they get dirty. Since your toes can spread naturally when you walk, your foot is allowed a full range of movement and prevents pain from cramped shoes. I've had mine for over a year and they're still in great condition. Worth the price tag. They're a bit cheaper on the website than they are from a lot of retail stores.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 13:12 |
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Hoover Dam posted:Paid $60 with a coupon from CitySports for my KSOs. I loving love them. Hiked around Costa Rica and Norway with them. My only complaint is that, as mentioned, they do transfer heat/cold, so if the pavement is very hot or it's below about 40 outside, time for a different pair of shoes. They can also get kinda stinky pretty fast, but that's easily fixed by throwing them in the washer on delicate cycle, then air-drying. I didn't have a problem with smell, but that could depend on the model and how much rubber vs. fabric there is. But yes, they absorb temperature. I discovered that while camping. Putting on cold, soaking wet Sprints at 6am doesn't get any warmer unless it decides to warm up outside.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 13:18 |
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Hoover Dam posted:Hiked around Costa Rica and Norway with them. Did you go up Preikestolen in them? Alterian posted:I would think they'd sell them over there since the come sized in european sizes, not US sizes. Yeah they're made in Italy. They do sell them in the UK but I've only ever seen them online so I can't go to a store and try them on first. Just have to order from somewhere with a good exchange policy.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:12 |
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I don't have anything really specific to contribute, but I own a pair of Sprints and I love them. You get the occasional weird look, but at the very least they're good conversation starters. I will say that they're excellent in damp or wet weather. They cling to your feet even when they're drenched and covered in mud. Be careful of the stink factor, though.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:18 |
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Electric Bugaloo posted:I'm really interested in these but I have- to quote my orthopedist- "a ridiculously severe case of flat feet." I wear Superfeet in almost all my shoes and have to rock thick boots when bacpacking- not to mention, I look like a stupid duck barefoot. I guess I shouldn't buy a pair..or at least not attempt to jog in them. I have severely flat feet and barefoot is the only way I can sustain a run for anything more than 10 minutes. So I'm definitely looking into grabbing these shoes.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:25 |
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This thread pushed me over the edge, just ordered mine. Should be here tomorrow. Could be a revelation or a waste of £116 (!). Gonna go post in the 'things you don't need but really want' thread in GBS.
O Hanraha-hanrahan fucked around with this message at Jul 16, 2009 around 14:42 |
| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:36 |
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I have a pair of these. I had a nasty ankle pain before I got them; I wore them for one hour and they immediately highlighted what my problem was (I'd been limping in a way that slammed my left heel a bit), and after one day wearing them, no more leg pain (I'd had the pain for like a month before that, on and off). Later I tried running - again, it very quickly forced me to correct my running form, giving me the same speed I would normally run at (maybe even slightly faster) but I can run two or three times further before I get out of breath. Running in this form is however very very tiring on the calves at first. But gentler on the knees. (Note: when I say 'correct', I mean pose running rather than heel-toe running. It feels more correct and works better for me, but may not actually be better, who knows.) For rock climbing or bouldering, they're not quite as good as dedicated climbing shoes, but they're pretty close, and a fuckload more comfortable, so I'd never wear foot-crushing climbing shoes again. I have the black KSOs. I've worn them out in public when not doing any particular exercise things, just like for going shopping or whatever, and mostly people don't even notice them (how often do you notice people's shoes when they're not crazy neon colours?) You do occasionally get someone notice because they happened to be looking down for some reason, and they'll do a doubletake, but I found it rare that anyone would comment (in the UK). Also, when I bought mine, it was about 30% cheaper than buying in the UK to buy them from an online store in the US, have them ship to a friend, and then have the friend mail them to me (with me paying for both shippings). Also no UK stores seemed to have the KSO ones. Also! Someone was concerned about stubbing your pinky toe - I stubbed my pinky toe while wearing them, in a way that I'm pretty sure would have been a "curl up in pain for a while" sort of thing barefoot, and it was not a problem. The toe-ends are linked to the sole so, even though it's flexible, quite a lot of the shock gets distributed through the sole. Also! If you're concerned about temperature, I've worn mine for a half hour walk to (and from) shops in snow, and they're surprisingly insulating against cold. I did feel the cold, but not significantly more than I would have in my fat boots and a pair of ordinary socks. I've also played tennis in them in Florida, where the ground is hot, and my feet weren't set on fire either. And if you get them wet, they dry out pretty quickly, it's not much different from being barefoot for wetness purposes (except you can't towel-dry as quickly). Also! With climbing shoes, my feet would smell after a couple of hours bouldering. With these, nothing. I have literally nothing bad to say about them, other than they are a bit expensive.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:49 |
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O Hanraha-hanrahan posted:This thread pushed me over the edge, just ordered mine. Should be here tomorrow. Could be a revelation or a waste of £116 (!). Gonna go post in the 'things you don't need but really want' thread in GBS. Where did you get them from? The company website or a reseller? I'm sorely tempted to get some despite hearty protests from my significant other... EDIT VVVV - Thank you! Scatterfold fucked around with this message at Jul 16, 2009 around 15:12 |
| # ? Jul 16, 2009 14:52 |
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Scatterfold posted:Where did you get them from? The company website or a reseller? I'm sorely tempted to get some despite hearty protests from my significant other... I got them here: http://www.purefootwear.co.uk/page/...ram_fivefingers They were the same price as the official UK distributors site, but these guys have decent customer service and a nice return policy.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 15:05 |
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| # ? May 23, 2013 12:43 |
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Ah okay, I was going to ask if they help any with the impact on the knees, since mine are pretty jacked up from years of gymnastics and dance and running in regular shoes makes me want to die. I might have to go try a pair on sometime, they look pretty nifty.
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| # ? Jul 16, 2009 15:06 |
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