Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

ZLBubba

ZLBubba

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Jan 15, 2009
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#1
I first saw these when the Navy EOD guy I worked with did all of his workouts with them. I was a bit skeptical about the whole concept at the time, but there's growing research suggesting that the shoes do a lot for general fitness.

I just recently started running in Five Fingers and have had a pretty solid experience, though my calves are constantly smoked. The theory is that re-training yourself to run on your toes makes your legs and feet work like humans did for the thousands of years before heavy soled footwear changed our stride to the heel-toe style. For running at least, they seem to be cutting down on foot, knee, and back agitation and strain because the foot naturally absorbs the shock instead of sending it up your leg.

Here's the site: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/technology/index.cfm. If you put aside the hippy stuff it talks about, it makes sense that this kind of footwear can help people who are really active in high impact sports and careers.

Anyone else using these? Has anyone tried rucking in them yet? I've only used them for running so far. It seems like rucking in them isn't nearly as good of an application as running, lifting, etc.
 
#3
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Yeah I have been running in them too!!! Love them, have only ran 4 miles in them so far. I think rucking in them would be the same thing as running, as you would need to start with short distances and work yourself up.
 
#4
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I lift in them on a daily basis. You have to take running easy at first and build up otherwise you can injure yourself. I love them tho and would recommend them to anyone.
 
#5
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I roll in these when I'm pimping:
440413012s2zf1fg8.jpg

 
#7
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Looks like for activities where you would not need support they would work well. If you can keep to trails or the beach when running (no concrete), or you have a perfectly neutral gait they look good. Most runners who run faster than ~8-10 minute miles have a mid-to-fore foot strike, provides faster turnover with less energy expended. Do they have a molded in arch?
 
#8
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

The arch has some natural shape, but the sole of the shoe is just rubber. I've run on both roads and trails so far and I haven't minded the roads as much as I thought I would. I'm not going very far in them yet though, and I imagine your feet feel 4 miles of asphalt much sooner than they feel 4 miles of trail.
 
#9
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I have them, I love them and wear them around a lot. I haven't tried running in them yet, but that is part of the plan... I just haven't done much running at all lately!
 
#13
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I use my vibrams for running, water sports, lifting, ect... but find they don't have enough support for running on rocky surfaces, I could feel every rock on the bottom of my foot.
 
#14
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I love mine except for the smell. I have to wash them twice a month to keep them from making the whole house smell like feet. Wear them running, walking, shooting, basically whenever I am not at work. I have not swam in them yet but I don't think they will help or hinder me there. I have persuaded a few people to get them and they are in love with them.
 
#15
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Forgot to add that I use the Classics, for use around/in water I would recommend using something like the KSO that is enclosed w/ a strap b/c the water wants to rip the shoes off while swimming w/ the open shoes like the classics
 
#16
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I use the KSOs. They're surprisingly rugged, and it's no issue getting them wet. I've actually been getting them wet intentionally just to cool down my feet. That's strange, considering I avoided water like the plague in running shoes because I hated having any moisture on my feet.

I did get up a little too late this morning and got more of the sun than I like to see when I jog. But hey, any run is a good run. I've still got a few weeks before my lower legs are totally comfortable running in these things, but I haven't had a shred of back pain since I started, and that hasn't happened in 3 years or so.
 
#18
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CavScout1983</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was talking with a friend at Stewart about these. He said they just had a guy show up to PT with these things on. Instantly banned from PT by the 1SG.

</div></div>

It's funny you say that. We had probably a dozen or so dudes use these for PT... so long as they had white socks underneath. Since the majority were NCOs, the commander just gave the thumbs up and training went forward. I think it's a good call, but then, I always thought units should care more about becoming technically and tactically proficient that worrying about what footwear people were using.
 
#19
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I wouldn't recommend them for military applications... I can't see doing runs much back behind San Mateo with them on, various rocks would get you eventually.
 
#20
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Just did my first run with them, down my 400m gravel driveway followed by 3 miles at a relaxed 25 minutes, 85 degrees or so.

Too far for the first run in them. I can tell my feet weren't ready but they felt warmed up after the first mile or so. I was getting some stress type acute pain in some areas as my tendons in my feet weren't accustomed to supporting the impact. After a while I didn't notice but I could feel the heat of the asphalt the longer I went and I can already tell I have a good blister on both of my balls of my feet. Nothing you can't toughen up to but I haven't done any running for a couple months either.

I'm going to keep doing it and get Cody Lundin feet.
 
#23
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tuckner</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Just did my first run with them, down my 400m gravel driveway followed by 3 miles at a relaxed 25 minutes, 85 degrees or so.

Too far for the first run in them. I can tell my feet weren't ready but they felt warmed up after the first mile or so. I was getting some stress type acute pain in some areas as my tendons in my feet weren't accustomed to supporting the impact. After a while I didn't notice but I could feel the heat of the asphalt the longer I went and I can already tell I have a good blister on both of my balls of my feet. Nothing you can't toughen up to but I haven't done any running for a couple months either.

I'm going to keep doing it and get Cody Lundin feet. </div></div>

Whew, that's serious run for your first time in those shoes. My buddies all said they started out at 1, 1.5 miles for a few weeks before getting into longer distances. Your calves are going to be sore tomorrow!
 
#25
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

I've had my KSO's for about a month now and run 3-4 times a week in them and about 2ish miles or more a run. Don't have a problem and my knee's don't kill me anymore. I'm still working on my running technique though.
 
#27
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Hey got a question about these. I've got several troop wearing these. The fitness center banned them and they brought it to my attention. Taking it up the chain, we got them allowed in everywhere but the free weight room. I don't know how these don't offer the same amount of protection (or lack there of) that normal tennis shoes do.

What I'm concerned about is that when they get use to the technique of using their balls of the feet rather than heel, and I put them back in boots for our deployments... is it going to cause a problem? I don't want them using the technique in a boot thats not designed for that but the complete opposite. I'm glad it feels healthier and has reduced some of their run times by a good measurable amount. However, when reality sets in and we're in our boots for our jobs... what is the ultimate effect? Ohh and they've talked me into getting some as well, I just wanted to throw this question out.
 
#28
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NoBenz</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hey got a question about these. I've got several troop wearing these. The fitness center banned them and they brought it to my attention. Taking it up the chain, we got them allowed in everywhere but the free weight room. I don't know how these don't offer the same amount of protection (or lack there of) that normal tennis shoes do.

What I'm concerned about is that when they get use to the technique of using their balls of the feet rather than heel, and I put them back in boots for our deployments... is it going to cause a problem? I don't want them using the technique in a boot thats not designed for that but the complete opposite. I'm glad it feels healthier and has reduced some of their run times by a good measurable amount. However, when reality sets in and we're in our boots for our jobs... what is the ultimate effect? Ohh and they've talked me into getting some as well, I just wanted to throw this question out. </div></div>

You bring up a valid point. I have found that having done some running in these the last few months that it has changed my foot to the point that I can't wear my orthotics anymore. Was also having problems wearing shoes with heals in them. I have a good job that provides a nice paycheck so I have a pair of these on order.
http://www.russellmoccasin.com/

They are custom made and can get me a pair of boots that don't have heels. For guys that live on their feet nothing is more important than their shoes so I have no problem spending that kind of money on a good pair of boots. So you might want to let those guys know. Only problem is that it is going to take about 4 months to get my boots and I ordered them a the end of June.

Another thing is that even though you run on the balls of you feet you still walk much differently. I still walk heel to toe as you don't come down with the same force walking as you do running. As long as they are using their boots a lot they might not have any problems but they should be aware that they might.
 
#29
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

NB, I know a lot of guys using these at Ft Bragg that have absolutely no problem transitioning back to boots for rucking, missions, patrolling, etc. No one in my unit ever rucked in them anyway, just used the Five Fingers for running, weights, crossfit. Yeah, if you drop a 45 pound plate on your foot, it won't matter whether it's a running shoe or a Five Fingers at all. Bottom line: they are a good substitute whenever running shoes are appropriate, no more, no less. I'm still rucking in my Danners.
 
#30
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ZLBubba</div><div class="ubbcode-body">NB, I know a lot of guys using these at Ft Bragg that have absolutely no problem transitioning back to boots for rucking, missions, patrolling, etc. No one in my unit ever rucked in them anyway, just used the Five Fingers for running, weights, crossfit. Yeah, if you drop a 45 pound plate on your foot, it won't matter whether it's a running shoe or a Five Fingers at all. Bottom line: they are a good substitute whenever running shoes are appropriate, no more, no less. I'm still rucking in my Danners. </div></div>

Has anyone tried rucking in Five Fingers yet?
 
#31
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

What service are you in? If you are Air Force they are not banned per the AFI and from the military clothing board where these were brought up last week.
 
#33
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah but they don't have gyms in the Air Force, just chairs and computers right?
</div></div>you know it.
 
#34
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyDonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WASP7067</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yeah but they don't have gyms in the Air Force, just chairs and computers right?
</div></div>you know it. </div></div>

Sigh:: Air force as well, but the FSS CC has taken to a stricter approach than what the AFI says. The wing safety office even brought it up, but he will have none of it. A CC can always get stricter than what the AFI says, just never loosen the guidelines. I've found a link where they are only $49!!! Stay tuned as I don't want to put it out there yet until I know for sure that its legit.
 
#35
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

+1 on the smell..i love mine but going on a couple years worth of running working out etc.. regular washing just doesnt do it anymore. They have to be soaked in a vinegar solution over night to get the overpowering stench out. really i think im to the point where they just need to be replaced, and only because of the stench. as far as construction goes, mine have held up well. I also have a pair of nike free's, if you like the vibrams you will like the free.
 
#37
Re: Anyone else using Vibram Five Fingers?

Yeah I wrote an e-mail to my shirt about it right when the new guidance came out...he still hasn't even acknowledged that he read it though and I doubt he will. I'm just going to cut off the top of a sock and epoxy it to the inside so it looks like I'm wearing socks.
 
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