The Best Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes Reviewed
By Ryan Sabin
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Searching for Vibram Fivefingers? Take a look at the best Fivefingers of 2017, Pros & Cons and what to be aware of before buying them online or in a store
There are a few attributes that all of the best Vibram Fivefingers running shoes share in common. For one, they’re fantastically lightweight. For another, they give runners a more natural feeling running experience – you can really feel the ground that you’re pushing off of, and you can feel your foot flexing the way it was originally designed to by nature. In a market that’s been dominated with “the bigger the better” running shoes, Vibrams offer a welcomed alternative.
They’re simple and sleek-looking, but some may be surprised to know that the cool look is actually backed up with technology that creates increasingly lightweight, flexible, breathable, and supportive yet less restrictive shoes. Vibrams really appeal to serious runners looking to challenge themselves and try out the minimalistic running experience. Many never look back.
10 Best Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes
1. Vibram FiveFingers SeeYa LS
The TPU midsole gives these shoe a more natural and flexible running experience, which if that is what you desire, making them a comfortable pair of FiveFingers shoes with minimal mass. Some reviews say that the toes tend to be a bit tight, making them a little uncomfortable to run in. Like any shoes that you buy, it is always a good idea to try them on before making your purchase, especially if you plan on ordering the online.
Quality / Durability
They do, however, have some reviews which suggest that the durability was disappointing to some.
Cost
When shopping around, you will find that the price of these shoes varies a lot. They are available on Amazon for a decent price.
2. Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO
There are some reviews that complain about the toes being a little too tight, resulting in an uncomfortable fit. However, as different people have different feet, that too seems to be a fairly relative issue.
Quality / Durability
Like some of the others, it may be due to the lightweight and low profile minimalistic construction, but these shoes also reportedly have some issues with low durability when put to heavy duty use.
Cost
They are available at a reasonable price.
3. Vibram El-x
As these shoes have very thin soles, allowing a much more barefoot feeling, the comfort would really be more relative to the runner who is wearing the shoes. With minimalistic type shoes in general, they are not known for being filled with a lot of cushion.
Quality / Durability
Maybe having something to do with the minimal design and construction of the shoes, they seem to have some issues with durability and longevity.
Cost
The price tag on the EL-x widely varies, depending on wear you find them. The are usually able to be found at a reasonably decent price on Amazon.
4. Vibram FiveFingers Treksport
It is recommended to purchase this shoe in a size larger than what you would usually wear. Overall, the general comfort and stability of the Treksport is pretty good.
Quality / Durability
There have been issues reported by users regarding their durability, stating that they tend to break down quickly. In all, the general reviews regarding this issue seem to be pretty mixed. I may depend on the specific activities that these shoes are worn for.
Cost
Especially if purchased on Amazon, the cost of these shoes is really affordable.
5. Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon
These shoes are frequently chosen by mud runners because of their good traction and stability in rough terrain. There aren’t many major comfortability issues except for those who have wide feet.
Quality / Durability
The quality and durability of this model tends to be what attracts the obstacle racers and mud runners. They seem to hold up pretty well.
Cost
As mentioned above, they are comparatively more expensive than others, however they can be found for a decent price on Amazon.
6. Vibram FiveFingers KMD LS
The slightly thicker sole offers a little extra support, without taking too much away from the minimalistic experience that these shoes are meant to provide. Overall the KMDs have excellent reviews with regards to their comfort and stability. There are a few complaints about their lack of breathability.
Quality / Durability
There are mixed reviews, however there are some which suggest that the overall durability if these shoe doesn’t go for very long. That may be related to the type of activities that they are used for.
Cost
They are available with a reasonable price tag.
7. Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
The neoprene upper provide a decent amount of insulation during those cold weather runs. The down side to that, however, is when wearing them in any other climate it will result in a sweaty pair of feet. Other than complaints that they are difficult to put on, for some, they don’t too issues with comfortability and stability. These shoes, in there overall design, are quite stable for most environments.
Quality / Durability
The overall quality and durability of these seem to be quite good.
Cost
Although they are said to be a little on the expensive side, for what they are, they do make minimalist running during the winter months more doable.
8. Vibram FiveFingers Speed XC
Like with most minimalist shoes, there normally isn’t much cushioning. But, that is what we are normally looking for, as wanting to be able to have a more direct feeling of contact with the surface below, especially when hiking variable terrain. The tread grips surfaces well, providing a good amount of stability. Additionally, the water resistance of these shoes works pretty well unless completely submerged.
Quality / Durability
The quality of the construction seems pretty good, there aren’t many reviews that suggest otherwise. However, the one big complaint is the odor that these shoes can produce when consistently worn without socks, which is how most people wear them. It seems that the odor issue is partly due to the waterproof properties, which reduces breathability just enough.
Cost
Although FiveFingers shoes tend to hang around similar price range, for what you get they may be considered a fair price for the product.
9. Vibram FiveFingers Bikila Evo WP
With taped seams and waterproof properties, these shoes will keep your feet dry and comfortable during your off-road runs.
Quality / Durability
These seem to hold pretty fairly well, especially in wet terrain, although there are some complaints on the longevity of the shoes after continuous heavy use. Also, they do tend to heat up, as the waterproof membrane construction slightly takes away from their breathability.
Cost
You can usually find the Bikila Evo for a fairly reasonable price.
10. Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent LR Light
Being that these shoes are built to a very minimalistic design, they do not contain much cushioning. However, that is what we are looking for in this type of shoe. The lacing system does well to keep the feet properly situated in the shoes. Also, they seem to do a pretty good job of keeping the feet comfortable over rocks and rough terrain, while maintaining a decent contact feel with the ground. It is recommended to buy a size up from what you may normally wear.
Quality / Durability
There are some mixed reviews on this shoe. There are some that say there is visible glue on the toes and the stitching tends to come undone. Then there are those who say that they seem to hold up well to heavy use in multiple environments.
Cost
Compared to other FiveFingers shoes, the Trek Ascent has a reasonably lower price tag. They can be found for a good price point on Amazon.
Our ancestors could run for miles and miles without thick-soled, clunky and heavy shoes, adorned with the latest in style and now, far off in the future, we’re reaching back to learn from them. Vibram FiveFingers running shoes are some of the best minimalistic, near-barefoot shoes that are currently available on the market.
They’re stylish, sleek, true-to-fit, and backed up with breathable fabrics, durable yet extremely flexible soles, and zero-drop, lightweight features. Whether you’re looking to hit the trails with lightweight yet protective and high-traction hiking shoes, climbing rocks, where the feel of the surface is imperative, or maybe even navigating city buildings for parkour, the flexibility and high-grip will help.
Or maybe, you just want to take a stroll through different terrains such as snow, mud, dirt and sand, Vibram has a shoe that you may find suitable for each of your specific needs.
The Criteria We Used For Our Evaluation Of The Best FiveFingers Shoes
The barefoot running boom that started a bit more than a decade ago has been growing with the years with Nike, Brooks and other major shoe manufacturers jumped in with both feet to design the best running shoes. It was Vibram, in 2006, the company that brought up the concept of minimalist running when they launched the FiveFingers shoes.
The whole concept of minimalist shoes relies on going back to the basics of human nature, that we have been walking and running around the planet for longer time without trainers than with them. So, shoes that provide protection but allow your foot to move in the most natural way possible, are called minimalist shoes. FiveFingers are the most extreme version of them.
To understand more about Vibram FiveFingers shoes and barefoot running we prepared the following guide to help you understand more about the topic. If you feel FiveFingers are for you, we can help you to find the perfect pair for you showing you everything you should know about them.
What are the FiveFingers running shoes
They are those very light running shoes designed with individual pockets for each of your toes. They are designed to provide a barefoot experience while still providing protection from the terrain you run over. FiveFingers are designed with thin and flexible soles with zero drop from heel to toe. If you buy the right pair, they will fit like gloves to your foot, allowing a better range of motion while still protecting you from the road.
Minimalist running
Vibram claims that wearing their FiveFingers running shoes can make you healthier happier and more connected to your body. However, the brand also say that FiveFingers technology is only one alternative from the multiple out there that you can choose from. Vibram puts a lot of weight on how is is necessary for you to make that change in the way you run.
The science behind the minimalist run is that a Midfoot Strike, -which is when you land on the ball of the foot, landing below the hip, and the heel may or may not brush the ground- reduces the force of the impact using your body as a natural absorber of it, is more efficient and healthier than a Heel Strike and a Forefoot Strike -both, claimed to be caused by using regular running shoes-.
Learn the technique
Barefoot running is a technique that you need to develop with time, and that it may or may not work for you. We all run in different ways, going barefoot running requires training to do it successfully. If you are someone who suffers plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, flat feet, bunions or hammertoes, you will need to check your doctor first before trying barefoot running.
There is a whole technique you’ll need to develop with time and patience. What is recommended is to acclimate your feet first, by just standing and doing minimal workout with your FiveFingers shoes, then move to short distance runs on a soft surface; then moving into a repetition of the mechanics of the barefoot running, like landing on your mid foot, not over striding, and keeping your foot parallel to the ground; finally what is recommended is to gradually increase the distance of your runs and alternate, every time for less time, between your FiveFingers shoes and your old running shoes.
Other Important Factors To Consider When Selecting Vibram FiveFingers shoes
There are some general recommendations that can help you deciding which Vibram FiveFingers running shoes to buy.
Level of minimal heel-to-toe drop
The arches on your feet should be balanced by your heels and your toes, creating stability that gives you an ideal body posture. So look for the kind of show that make you feel stable and comfortable at the same time.
Flexibility
Try to get the most flexibility from your shoe, having a greater range of mobility is very important to avoid injuries and have a more efficient barefoot run.
Toe box
Go for a comfortable wide toe box, it helps you to use all of your toes gaining stability, balance and also propulsion (power).
The right thickness
The more you feel the ground in which your are running on, the more your body learns to adjust to your natural running form and personal running technique. The thiner the and firmer the shoe, the more ground feel. You also need to have in mind that sometimes, depending on the surface you run over, you need more protection for your feet. You create your personal balance between grand feel and protection needed.
FAQ
In order to help you figure out if these shoes are for, and finding the right pair, we have gathered some frequently asked questions that others asked. Hopefully these will help ease the search.
Q: How do I get the right FiveFingers fit?
A: FiveFinger running shoes, when worn, should be feel like a glove on your foot. The best judge of size is your own comfort level, every person has a different foot shape and structure. However, Vibram has a size chart you can refer to if you want to find out whats your FiveFingers running shoes.
Q: How long do FiveFingers running shoes usually last?
A: Vibram FiveFingers shoes are no different than other shoes in terms of lasting, and as well as any other brands and kinds of shoes, it depends on the use. FiveFingers also are also designed with a specific activity in mind, so if you are used of running off-road you should get one of the outdoor pairs rather than the training ones.
Q: Is there a difference between the male and female models?
A: Vibram offers specific shoes for male and female, and the difference between male and female models is that the male ones are slightly wider and longer than the female models. If you are a woman with wide feet, you can try the male shoes, it may work for you.
Q: Can I run on my FiveFingers shoes during the winter?
A: We do not recommend wearing FiveFingers running shoes in very cold conditions. It is possible for you to slip in the ice or get frostbite. If you are planning to run during the winter, we recommend you to get other minimalist shoes with a better protection for cold conditions.
Q: Should I wear socks with my FiveFingers running shoes?
A: If you are going to wear socks, make sure to pick the right socks, ones with individual pockets for your toes. Socks help absorbing sweat, provide warmth and can reduce friction that generates blisters. Wearing socks is a personal preference.
Q: If I suffer from plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, flat feet, bunions, hammertoes or/and the conditions, can I wear Vibram FiveFingers running shoes?
A: We strongly recommend you to check with your doctor first before trying any barefoot running shoes.
As a final recommendation, remember to start gradually training your body to your new Vibram FiveFingers running shoes. The muscles in your feet, calves and legs need to get use to the new way of running. If you don’t do it correctly, you can injure yourself very early in the process. We recommend you follow the guides for barefoot running and consult with an expert in your nearest shop before you get your brand new pair of FiveFingers.
Vibram FiveFingers running shoes aren’t just for anyone. They’ve got an immediately recognizable look with the five-finger design that separates the toes for a unique running experience. By the hundreds, runners are turning to more minimalistic designs to challenge themselves, slice seconds off their race times, and to tap into that freedom-filled barefoot feel while still keeping the foot protected from rough terrain and debris.
If you’re tired of heavy shoes with fat heels and excessive support – so much support you’re more aware of what you’re wearing than the ground you’re running on – Vibram FiveFingers will really improve your running experience. According to many runners, they’ll drastically change it for the better.
Whereas minimalistic shoes are sometimes mistaken as strictly running or training shoes, Vibram has brought the minimalistic style to the trails, mountain climbing, and parkour as well. You better believe it: lightweight shoes aren’t just for sprinters anymore.
Here are some sources we used while conducting our research:
We utilize many different resources while trying to provide the best information to our readers. Some are clinical sources, some are brand specs provided by manufacturers, and some sources are even other sites which may specialize in particular information which is relative to our subject.
Sources
- , Four Features of an Ideal Minimalist Running Shoe, Running enthusiast website, Jan 01, 1970
- , Is barefoot running better for you? , Online news publication, May 09, 2014
- , Barefoot Running Research: Why You Should Run Barefoot, Online fitness publication, Feb 20, 2016
- , FiveFingers Education Page, Manufacturers site,
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