Vibram Fivefingers Bikila Magenta Orange
WHAT MADE ME CONSIDER:
My boyfriend got a pair of treksports last summer and never wore anything else except his work boots while at work. He then got a pair of komodo sports for the winter and never wears anything else except his work boots when he goes to work. He is used to going barefoot and swears that vibrams are the closest one can get to being barefoot without removing one's shoes and socks. For the last year, he has talked incessantly about how comfortable the shoes are with people who stop him to inquire about and touch his shoes. I really want to get back into running, an activity in which I've never done well but have enjoyed. The problem is my current shoes are too hot and heavy for the South, even in winter (it's been 60-70 degrees all week). I really wanted a light weight running shoe. After seeing how pleased my boyfriend was (and is) with his vibrams and hearing how they are supposed to be better for feet and posture, I just couldn't resist trying them on.
THE PURCHASE:
When trying on bikilas in a store, I was certain they wouldn't fit my toes. I thought only "pretty" feet like those of my boyfriend could fit into the toes. I tried on the treksports and the pinky toe did not fit quite right. I tried on a larger pair and those were just over-sized enough to annoy. I tried my correct size of the bikilas and they fit perfectly! Like any other type of clothing, if you don't like how one type fits, try another.
WEARING:
They were, as many have stated, difficult to get on at first, but they do stretch enough over time to make slipping them on easy. I recall making fun of my boyfriend for taking so long just to put his shoes on while waiting to go out to dinner, but those jokes are a thing of the distant past and he puts them on at least as quickly as he would more conventional shoes.
I bought the shoes and started wearing them the next day so I could break them in for running. I was going to use them solely for running, but I ran into an immediate issue: I wanted to wear them every day! The problem I am having is that they get more comfortable as I wear them. I am looking into getting another pair so I can have a pair for everyday shoes and a pair for running. I have not run in them yet, as the weather has been unaccommodating. Since I am basically back to being a beginner runner, I'm not sure that I will have to adjust as much as "real" runners, who have reported needing to alter on their running until getting used to the shoes. Time will tell.
I live in a wet, windy area and these shoes offer little insulation. I have not tried them with socks, but probably will, especially when the weather gets cold. They do rub somewhat on the back of the heel, but I have experienced no blistering in the 3 days I've been wearing them. It's barely noticeable and I think it's a matter of breaking them in to alleviate this. My only concern is keeping out debris. I haven't found any reviews mentioning this, but I wonder if small particles like sand pass through the shoe. I would like to try trail running in these and I can see this being very annoying. I've had shoes that collected sand easily and quickly and it isn't pleasant. My boyfriend does say small rocks get caught between the toes occasionally. I do wish bikilas came in solid black or something so they would be less noticeable and attract less attention. So far, the tan/green has been enough of a traditional running shoe color that only 1 person has noticed them (or said anything, rather). I don't dislike how these shoes look, but they are odd looking. Hopefully they will become popular enough to become accepted as normal shoes, but not enough to ruin the brand.
WHAT MADE ME CONSIDER:
BalasHapusMy boyfriend got a pair of treksports last summer and never wore anything else except his work boots while at work. He then got a pair of komodo sports for the winter and never wears anything else except his work boots when he goes to work. He is used to going barefoot and swears that vibrams are the closest one can get to being barefoot without removing one's shoes and socks. For the last year, he has talked incessantly about how comfortable the shoes are with people who stop him to inquire about and touch his shoes. I really want to get back into running, an activity in which I've never done well but have enjoyed. The problem is my current shoes are too hot and heavy for the South, even in winter (it's been 60-70 degrees all week). I really wanted a light weight running shoe. After seeing how pleased my boyfriend was (and is) with his vibrams and hearing how they are supposed to be better for feet and posture, I just couldn't resist trying them on.
THE PURCHASE:
When trying on bikilas in a store, I was certain they wouldn't fit my toes. I thought only "pretty" feet like those of my boyfriend could fit into the toes. I tried on the treksports and the pinky toe did not fit quite right. I tried on a larger pair and those were just over-sized enough to annoy. I tried my correct size of the bikilas and they fit perfectly! Like any other type of clothing, if you don't like how one type fits, try another.
WEARING:
They were, as many have stated, difficult to get on at first, but they do stretch enough over time to make slipping them on easy. I recall making fun of my boyfriend for taking so long just to put his shoes on while waiting to go out to dinner, but those jokes are a thing of the distant past and he puts them on at least as quickly as he would more conventional shoes.
I bought the shoes and started wearing them the next day so I could break them in for running. I was going to use them solely for running, but I ran into an immediate issue: I wanted to wear them every day! The problem I am having is that they get more comfortable as I wear them. I am looking into getting another pair so I can have a pair for everyday shoes and a pair for running. I have not run in them yet, as the weather has been unaccommodating. Since I am basically back to being a beginner runner, I'm not sure that I will have to adjust as much as "real" runners, who have reported needing to alter on their running until getting used to the shoes. Time will tell.
I live in a wet, windy area and these shoes offer little insulation. I have not tried them with socks, but probably will, especially when the weather gets cold. They do rub somewhat on the back of the heel, but I have experienced no blistering in the 3 days I've been wearing them. It's barely noticeable and I think it's a matter of breaking them in to alleviate this. My only concern is keeping out debris. I haven't found any reviews mentioning this, but I wonder if small particles like sand pass through the shoe. I would like to try trail running in these and I can see this being very annoying. I've had shoes that collected sand easily and quickly and it isn't pleasant. My boyfriend does say small rocks get caught between the toes occasionally. I do wish bikilas came in solid black or something so they would be less noticeable and attract less attention. So far, the tan/green has been enough of a traditional running shoe color that only 1 person has noticed them (or said anything, rather). I don't dislike how these shoes look, but they are odd looking. Hopefully they will become popular enough to become accepted as normal shoes, but not enough to ruin the brand.
Yes, I said it. I'm overweight. I'm a runner. I wear minimalist shoes. Most people are shocked that I actually run...let alone in "non-supprrtive" shoes (because fat people need EXTRA support lol). Everyone told me I was nuts to do any type of minimalist running and that I was going to damage my feet and knees because I was (nicely put) "heavier".
BalasHapusI started the C25k training in February 2012. By the time June came, I was ready to quit. I could not get past week 5 day 3 (in retrospect, the anxious waiting for the tone to put me out of my misery was more of a hindrance...another story for another day). But something else was happening.
When I first started, I bought the best pair of Brooks I could find. The running guy told me I was an over pronator and needed the support. After a good 2 months of 3 day a week running, I would get frequent spasms in my back, my feet would ache badly after a run and in the morning (plantar fasciitis), and my knees felt like they were slowly falling apart. Of course, the curse of being fat set in and I was convinced that this running thing was too much for "someone like me". Besides, everyone I saw running were skinny anyway. I started a serious stretching regimen before and after a run....it didn't help.
In July, I bought a groupon to a local running shoe store. The groupon was for my mom, but she didn't like the selection, so I had to use it. Of course I tried on another pair of Brooks. I saw the Vibrams and on a whim decided to try them on. I hopped on the treadmill in the store and immediately noticed that I was not landing on my heels, but on the ball of my foot. The guy in the store told me to take it slow. He explained that running barefoot had little to do with weight, but patience, and endurance. He told me to ease into it and cut back to only a mile a day....I never looked back.
That month, I also read Born to Run and was absolutely sold on barefoot running. My first run was on a hotel treadmill while on vacation...it felt great. I kept my distance to a mile. Afterwards, I felt sore in my calves and lower legs, but not unbearable pain. I continued running a mile for 3 days a week for about a month and the. Increased to two miles.
The LS version are best for me because I have flat feet (the version with the strap was too tight across the top of my foot). I also have the Kimodo Sport LS and I like these way better. These are more comfortable in the toe area and feel less crowded than the Kimodo Sport (seems like there is more material in the toe slots). I'm able to run longer and farther than ever before. I no longer heel strike and land on the middle of my foot. Because its less cushion, I consciously land lighter and take shorter strides. Because the shoe is so light, I don't feel like I'm simply shuffling across the ground, but actually...moving and lifting up my feet. I even enjoy feeling different surfaces under my feet. I never knew that a track is made from rubber until I ran on it with my Vibrams. The back spasms, plantar fasciitis and constant knee pain is GONE....just the occasional running soreness. I don't even have to do serious stretching before running unless my muscles feel tight. After a run, I simply stand on the edge of a step and stretch my calves and Achilles muscles and I feel great. Also, now that its cold outside (I live in Philadelphia), I have not noticed a difference in performance. I will invest in a pair of injinji socks, but I went out a few days ago in 40 degree weather and my feet were not cold. I'll test them when it's snow on the ground and see what happens.
At any rate, I'm sold on "barefoot running". I never finished C25K. I just go out and run and I've noticed a significant improvement in my distance and endurance. At some point ill catch up in speed and ill successfully run a 5K.....in my Vibrams.
I received my Bikila LS shoes last week (ordered from Amazon, but on a relative's account). I am so impressed and pleased with them, that I am now a convert. I don't care how odd they look, I want to wear only Vibram FiveFingers from now on!
BalasHapusFirstly, the shoes are very well made. The materials are of a very high quality and the colours very vibrant. The reflecting fabric on the sides make the shoes suitable for road running at night. The fabric upper of the Bikila LS is buttery soft. The shoes are very lightweight. If you've never tried on Vibrams before, get ready for a struggle. The first time I tried getting them on, my toes went crazy. I was pulling on one end, while my boyfriend was trying to squeeze my toes into the individual toe pockets. I got a bit worried that it might be too much hassle to put them on every time I want to go for a run. Instructions are included, you're supposed to get your toes in first, then gently slip the heel cup around your heel. I am happy to report that my brain seems to have caught on to the technique, as subsequent fittings were no trouble at all. They slip on so easily now that I am willing to take them off to show others. That's another thing you need to be aware of, people will comment on your shoes. Expect a lot of questions and even people touching your toes!
I used the size guide on the Vibram FiveFingers website. The fit is perfect. I opted for the LS style, because the adjustable lacing system seemed to offer a better chance of a good fit. I went out for a jog in them as soon as I got them. It felt amazing. I'd been running barefoot for a while to prepare myself and get used to using the proper technique (you use a forefoot strike when running in Vibrams, never land on your heel!). Running in the Vibrams just made everything come together - the pleasure of running barefoot, without worrying about hurting yourself on road debris.
For the first time in my life, I enjoy the feel of a shoe so much that I want to go out running just to be able to wear these shoes. I've also used them for indoor exercising on tiles. I can't get over how much range of movement they allow my feet to engage in. Going back to regular trainers will feel like wearing concrete blocks. The other surprising thing is how these shoes have changed my walk. I actually use all of my toes now. Instead of plodding along, I use my entire foot and it feels good.
These shoes are made from a very thin (hardly there) fabric, so they won't keep your feet warm. I have noticed that after a run, my feet are toasty warm for quite a while, but if you wear them casually, they offer very little in terms of insulation. On the plus side, they are machine washable and because they're so thin, will air dry rapidly. I generally don't wear shoes without socks, but these feel great without socks. You do get toe-socks to wear with them, but I don't think they're necessary.
One piece of advice when starting to wear these for the first time is to take it slow when exercising. If you're used to wearing conventional shoes, you're going to use completely different muscles. Even if you used to run for miles in your regular Nikes, you'll have to start from square one when transitioning to minimalist shoes. Even though I knew I was supposed to take it easy, I still managed to overdo it on a recent run. Switching to a barefoot/minimalist technique will strengthen your feet and ankles, but if you jump into it unprepared, you're risking injury.
If you're just interested in wearing them for comfort, then go for it. These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn, and I'm including slippers. After trying mine on, my mom and sister are also ordering VFFs (Vibram FiveFingers).
I've been using my Bikila's for a month now - 4 runs a week. I love them! Yes, there's the initial getting used to, with calf-soreness and some strange looks from passersby, but otherwise, it's helped my form and has been a fun reason to run!
BalasHapusI agree with another poster that at first the material was tight on the top of the foot, but that never actually bothered me when I started running, and now has stretched to the point that there's no tightness (not to say it's stretched out, just that it's formed to me now). I have gotten no blisters or heel chafing, but I would say that sizing is so important. So if you buy online, you still might want to go to the store to make sure you've got the right size. Based on measuring my feet, I was a 39, but after going to the store, I realized I needed a 38, which fit me perfectly.
Best part of my run, bar none: running through the wet grass or feeling a breeze all the way to my toes in the Bikilas!
These shoes are incredible. I wore them home yesterday and when i went to get out of the car I looked for my shoes. They were so comfortable i forgot i had them on.
BalasHapusI finally purchased a pair of Bikila shoes and I am not disappointed. They were difficult to put on initially, but that has gotten easier with use. They feel wonderful on my feet and are great for both general fitness and running. I would caution anybody who is using these for running to go to their web site and follow the directions (reducing your distance, not using them two days in a row, etc.) for the first month or so.
BalasHapusI walk in these every morning on paved and dirt trails and they are great. I almost always get knee pain while walking in any other shoe (my hips/back are out of alignment). But with these Vibrams I have no pain anywhere and can just keep walking. It feels like it redistributes your weight more evenly throughout the foot, giving a more stable stride. There's a lot of hype about these being great for running, but they are a blessing for walking too. I usually wear a 7-7.5 size shoe, and I wear a 37 in these Bikilas. At first, my big toe felt too tight, but I would say that there is some slight breaking in time (or my feet just got used to it), because now everything feels great.
BalasHapus