My birthday shoes
DISCLAIMER: I have not been paid to endorse Vibram Five Fingers shoes. Nor have I received any free shoes to review. Though I probably should have — as I’m certain that I’ve helped Vibram sell more than 50 pair of their barefoot/minimalist running shoes since I started wearing them 4 months ago.
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About four months ago, fed up with expensive running shoes that made my legs and feet hurt more than my own bare feet did…and fed up with living with the severe chronic knee pain that’s plagued me since being medically boarded out of the US Army with shredded knees nearly 17 years ago…I purchased my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers (VFFs) running shoes, the KSO (Keeps Stuff Out). In four short months, without exaggeration or hyperbole, I can honestly tell you that these shoes have changed my life. I was skeptical at first when I saw person-after-person at my CrossFit gym show up wearing these ninja shoes (or gorilla shoes, as my wife called my first pair of black VFF KSOs). But, the more elite athletes I saw killing every type of workout wearing these crazy shoes, the more intrigued I became.
About Vibram Five Fingers
VFFs are like a glove for your your feet. A thin soled, toe-pocket shoe that mimics being barefooted. These shoes allow your feet to flex and roll the way nature intended them. VFFs enhance natural balance and agility, while helping to strengthen your feet, ankles, and calves. There has been a resurgence over the last several years in barefoot running (especially since the publication of Chris McDougal’s recent best seller, Born to Run), and a lot of scientific evidence to support the benefits of running barefooted. Man was and is designed to run long distances. And we were designed to do so barefooted. Born to Run is a must read for anybody interested in barefoot running.
- Check out Chris’ site for a lot of great information and videos on barefoot running.
- Check out Birthday Shoes for the best resource on the Web for information about Vibram Five Fingers (to include numerous reviews and user testimonials, as well as a busy Message Board.
My Bad Knees
According to my orthopedic surgeon, my right knee is already ready for knee replacement surgery, but he’s hesitant to perform the surgery due to my (relatively) young age. About a year ago, I had to take 2 months off from CrossFit because the pain in my right knee was so bad, that I was having a hard time walking. I hadn’t run at all in more than three years (during CrossFit WoDs, I would sub rowing for running), and didn’t believe that I would ever run again. Until I found these shoes.
My First Pair of VFFs
I spend most of my time around the house barefooted, because I’ve found that my knees, feet, and legs seemed to hurt and bother me less the more time I spent out of shoes.
My gorilla shoes
With nothing to lose, I purchased my first pair of VFFs — black KSOs — from Whole Earth Provisions in Austin. I loved them the first time I put them on my feet. Exceptionally comfortable, I still felt barefooted, but with the assurance of a sole to protect my feet from sharp sticks, rocks, glass, and scalding hot pavement. I started wearing them for all of my CrossFit WoDs, taking the place of my beloved Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars. After a few weeks of wearing them, my calves were still adjusting and were usually pretty sore the next day. I wore my KSOs to San Diego for two weeks in June, wearing them everyday (to the office, then right to the beach). A nice bonus was not having to take them off to go through airport security), and my feet, legs, and ankles started getting stronger and stronger.
(AIRPORT UPDATE – Feb 23, 2011) — I’ve now worn my VFFs through security at airports in Austin, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Denver, all without having to remove them to go through security.) After a few weeks, I hit PRs on my 1 Rep Max for all three lifts of the CrossFit Total workout: Dead Lift (465 lbs) Back Squat (410 lbs) and Shoulder Press (210 lbs). The shoes made a huge and noticeable difference.
A Transformative Change
After about 3 months of wearing my VFFs everyday, every where I went (I wear my motorcycle boots to ride in, but as soon as I get to the office, I switch into my VFF Smartwool Classics), I realized that my knees didn’t hurt anymore. At all. Typically, the first few steps after getting out of bed every morning were like Frankenstein trying to take his first painful and uncertain steps. Same for getting up from my desk chair after sitting for any period of time. But the pain seemed to be gone. So I thought I’d try giving running a chance again. Just a short 1.5 mile trail run out behind our house. It wasn’t fast, but I made it through my run with no pain in my knees while running. But the real test was the following morning — I got up from bed and walked to the shower. It wasn’t until I was half way through shaving my face that I realized that my legs felt just fine. Not even a hint of the pain that’s plagues me for so long. Since then, I’ve purchased 3 more pairs of VFFs:
- My first pair of Classics, which I wear for trips to the store, barefoot running through the streets of our neighborhood, and around the house.
- My Smartwool Classics, which I wear around the office.
- My KSO Sport Treks, which I use solely for trail running.
- And of course my original pair of KSOs, which I still use for all of my CrossFit WoDs and some running.
One month after starting to run again, I am building up my endurance and distance, and have done so without a single moment of knee pain. This is nothing short of miraculous. I’m running again and enjoying running — I feel like a kid out there running around the trails behind the house barefooted. In fact, I’m planning on competing in a tri-athalon early next year, running the Army 10 Mile run the following year, and — I’m going to go ahead and put this out there now — I’m going to run a marathon within three years. Barefooted. Yes, I know how ridiculous they look. But I’m living pain free and feeling fitter, faster, and stronger than I have in more than 10 years. Not only have these shoes changed my life…but they’ve saved it, too. I’ll be writing some individual reviews later for each model that I’ve been wearing for anybody who is interested in finding out more about these shoes. Oh, and to the Folks at Vibrams — if you ARE interested in sending me one of your new pairs to review (such as the new Komodo Sport), I wear a 40 KSO and a 41 Classic (/hint).
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But, the true test is have you been able to get your wife to wear a pair?
After watching my indisputable increase in health and decrease in pain, my wife finally broke down and got a pair for her CrossFit workouts.
You never had anything done for your knees, but these have helped with the pain?
That’s way cool.
I don’t have any physical complaints, but I may have to check these out. I always preferred being bare foot.
Oh, I’ve had plenty “done” for my knees. Right knee has been reconstructed twice, with several other surgeries thrown in for good measure.
The left knee has been reconstructed once, with one other surgery.
Dang!
Counting my blessings.
After all the sports and other things I’ve done, my bones and joints are still in good shape.
Such remarkable results for easing your pain and discomfort wearing these shoes is a ringing endorsement.
I know your knees were really aching about a year ago and am glad to hear they are feeling better.
Just go easy with the running, that pounding will have consequences.
I have always been a “purposeful” runner. If a sport or conditioning required running or I needed to chase someone, running was okay. Having been a lineman and catcher, my running was always for explosive and short distance runs.
OK cute toe shoesies, and I don’t doubt that they work, but what do us mutant web toed humans do for toe-shoes. I’m feeling a little left out because of a birth defect?
Nah, if i really wanted the individual toe thing, there is always a razor blade and RTV or silicone. For the shoes NOT my toes!!
I wanna get some. What kind did your wife get?
I have a bad habit of buying what looks cutest vs. what is actually best for me.
My wife got the “Sprint” model, which will likely be my next pair. The two styles I see the most often at our CrossFit gym are the KSOs and the Sprints.
Do they have much arch support? And do they come in wide widths (asks the guy with 9 1/2 EEE feet with a low arch).
Absolutely zero arch support. That’s the entire point of being barefooted.
You have all the arch support you’ve ever needed — they’re called “your arches.”
Most everybody’s arches were just fine. Until we started supporting them artificially. And then our arches atrophied and became weak. Thus needing even more support to do the job that the arches were supposed to do.
The lace up model is supposed to be the best model for a wide foot. Though I have a fairly wide foot, and all styles seem to fit pretty well.
got me a pair and love’m. Except when I kicked a rock out in the hill country. I have noticed that my outter shin is muscle sore from using my toes (i think). Aside from that, my nagging ankle pain never showed up which usually happens after about 2 or 3 hrs of standing. Two Toes UP!
LOL. Uh, 6 1/2, maybe ??
Thanks for this excellent and informative post! I’ve seen people at school wear these, but I just thought of them as something of a novelty. I didn’t seriously consider ever getting a pair until now.
My feet are congenitally flat (no fallen arch here — they just developed that way). I had to go to a podiatrist and wear “special shoes” all throughout elementary school. I was supposed to continue wearing my “special shoes” for the rest of my life, but they were not “cool-looking,” so I ditched them by middle school. I also had a bunion on my right foot that formed before I was even five years old (childhood and juvenile bunions are a hereditary condition, unlike adult-onset bunions that are caused by tight shoes and high heels). Due to these problems, I have a great deal of foot pain (and now ankle pain as well, similar to the pain you described upon waking and getting up after sitting for a long time).
I wonder if these shoes would help me — or if the fact that I am congenitally flat-footed with a bunion on my right foot would preclude any benefit from them. I am willing to give them a try though and was hoping you might point me to a particular style that you think might be best? I would love to try jogging in them or at least power walking — minus the stupid foot and ankle pain. As it is, I either do the stationery bike, real bike, or elliptical trainer because everything else just hurts my right foot/ankle too much. It seriously sucks.
I was so skeptical about running in these that I still keep my old Sauconys in the closet. But it’s true! They are awesome! I was a heavy heel striker and it has caused many painful foot days. But the Vibrams cause you to strike more mid-foot. Try them & you’ll love them.
My 11th-grade daughter told me they are not allowed at her school.
I can’t imagine why, other than the fact that it makes you look barefoot.
okay..they’ve officially gone hollywood. they were on this weeks episode of Rizzoli and Isles. Isles was wearing them in the beginning of the episode.
They were on this week’s episode of Parks and Recreation, too (Rob Lowe’s character uses them).
My clasics are just about dead after a year and a half. What are your thoughts about using the smartwool classics as a running shoe.
I can’t imagine using my Smartwools for running. I don’t think they’d hold up well at all, and don’t think they’d be nearly as comfortable for running either.
I’ve had my KSO Treks for about 3 months now, and I love them. The only problem is that I am still in the military, so I still have to wear my boots everyday. I’ve finally built up the courage to start running in them about 3 weeks ago. Ever since my High School track days, I’ve had to deal with constant shin splints, and plantar fasciitis. I will tell you, make sure you get used to them first, because my first run felt very good during the run, but the next day…WOW!! There were sore muscles in my feet and lower legs that I’ve never felt before. It’s getting easier to run in them now, but you have to take it slow. I still have some pain in my right leg, but I think it’s because I’m trying to do too much too fast. Especially on pavement. But I have noticed an increase in the strength of my legs.
I noticed you have both classics and smartwool classics. Did you notice a tighter fit with the smartwool classics? I just got my smartwool classics in and am thinking I will need to return them for one size larger.
My Smartwool and my classic Classics are both the same size. I didn’t really notice much difference in their size. Though they do seem to fit more snuggly after washing them than my Classics do.
It`s very difficult to meet a man who can be strong and mild
But that is what a real man is. Calm, strong, and mild. You will not see a real man trying to fight, other than in cornered self defense.
Excellent comment Anonymous!
thanks for the airport update! i just started wearing vibrams and love them! my feet feel seriously happy after walking a day in them. next up – seeing whether our local airport TSA makes me take them off.