I Love My Vibram FiveFingers KSO – 1st Review

Hey readers in the last post I mentioned that I would write a post about my Vibram FiveFingers KSO. If you have read anything about barefoot running then you should have heard about the Vibrams by now. If not then just Google Vibram FiveFingers and you will find tons of great resources.

I haven’t run barefoot due to all the rubbish, glass, needles, germs and nails that’s on the roads, paths, trails so I decided to get a pair of KSO’s which will protect my feet somewhat instead of just going barefoot.

Vibram Fivefinger KSO

Okay so I bought the Vibram KSO which basically means “keep stuff out” they cost me around £100 from http://www.vibramfivefingers.com and I did a lot of research into which shoe to get. I read dozens of articles and watched tons of YouTube videos on which model to choose and how to correctly size the Vibrams. I’m not sure if I have the right size as I’m UK size 11 and I went with a size 43.

Delivery took just under 2 weeks and I took them straight out of the box and instantly loved them. They are actually much better than I first thought through looking at the pictures.

Problems putting Vibram KSO’s on

From what I read online I knew it would be difficult getting them on and some people have reported that it took 20 minutes just to get them on. I didn’t actually think it would be that hard but boy was I wrong. I managed to squeeze my right foot into the 1^st one in around 10 mins. But the left foot wouldn’t go on and I spent around 20 minutes and I was about to give in but I then decided to check the box to see if it had instructions and there it was in black and white on the box how to insert your foot.

The box says insert your big toe first and keep pushing your feet in a little at a time so that each toe goes into the individual toe slots so I followed the advice and eureka my left foot was in. However it was not the end, my toes felt really tight in the left one and my toes where a little bent and reading on the Vibrams it suggests that your toes are not bent.

So did I have the wrong size in Vibram FiveFingers?

Well I was seriously considering sending them back as they were very tight but my girlfriend suggested that they just need breaking in and then they will be fine, but being me I don’t listen and so I started researching Vibram sizing and it appears there are numerous people who also have issues with the sizing. Some people say that the Vibrams need to be tight around the toes which they are in my case and some folks say that there should be some room in the heel.

I didn’t fancy sending them back as I was so happy to have them so I just decided to try and bed them in, well I wear them around the house everyday and I guess it’s working as they are no longer tight, they are actually very comfortable and I love going out in them.

I also purchased Injinji socks which are designed for use with the Vibrams and got the grey pair as being in the UK its quite difficult finding them from reputable sellers as apparently there are numerous fakes online. I did want black but I’m happy for the grey ones for now.

Running in Vibram KSO’s and to prevent sore calves

vibram fivefinger kso

Since I started researching Vibrams many weeks ago I discovered that you need to go very slow in them otherwise you can end up with very sore calves and other foot injuries. (Do a search for Vibram sore calves and you will get tons of people complaining about their legs) I don’t mean slow -slow like a snail but only do half a mile or a mile to begin with and then gradually keep adding more miles to them.

My first experience with Vibrams KSO’s

The 1^st time I ran in them was to the shops which were about half a mile away and I felt so alive in them, they felt really light and it really does feel like you’re running barefoot. I made sure not to run on my heels which I have never done anyway, I usually run forefoot or toes and running with these I find it’s really hard not to run on your forefoot. I did initially walk on my heels so I try and shorten my strides and I find that really helps me stop walking on the heels.

My second run was another half mile around the block and this time I counted my cadence which I managed to get to 170 steps per minute.  Most recommend 180 steps so although I’m near it I was nursing runner’s knee injury so I did take it easy.

Overall I love the Vibram FiveFingers

I know 2 runs in the Vibrams are not enough to do a full review on but I just wanted to share my experiences and if it can help anyone make the transition to barefoot running then I’m happy to have helped in anyway.

I will continue to put the Vibrams through their paces and will report more findings on them over the coming weeks.

Be Sociable, Share!

•