481 replies to this topic

[declampers]

has anyone tried running with the VIBRAM fivefingers?? any comments? what is the max distance you can do? how do you break in to the shoe and how long does it take you to break in?

thx.

[kifo]

I am just a beginning runner so my comments might not reflect what you experience.

I run with my KSO once per week on the tracks. The softer surface on the track makes the footfall lighter, but you will still need to slowly get use to it. Other times in the week, I run with my Nike Free 3.0. I bought these 2 shoes because I wanted to improve my running posture and make myself a better runner. I have come across several articles on the internet that suggest such a combination to strengthen your feet. I feel that this pairing is a good working strategy as I am able to run 5k in my KSO on the tracks now.

At the beginning it is very sore and painful for my feet, with some minor shin splints and plantar fasciitis at the arch area. I would take 1 or 2 days rest to recover before the next run.

For 5 - 15k, I would prefer to run with the Nike Free rather. There is a bit more cushioning.

[milelael]

Hi declampers,

I have been running in a pair of Vibram Fivefinger (VFF) Sprints.

Reason for buying them - suffered from some niggling knee injuries while training for Sundown, read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and thought I will give them a shot

To describe VFF running in one word - "liberating". I don't think I am running a lot faster but I am surely running a lot lighter. My form has also changed from a heelstrike to a forefoot strike. Downside, my calves were sore as hell after the first few runs (about 5k). The furthest I ran with them is 8k and I do not experience any soreness anymore. As for the surface, I run mostly on hard surfaces like pavements.

Breaking in the shoe - Some of the articles I read online suggests walking in them first, then using them to run the last few Ks of a regular run (e.g. run 4k in regular shoes, change to VFF and run the remainder 1k to make a 5K run), then using the VFF to run a full distance. For me, my first run in them was a full 5K and my calves were sore for 3 days.

For more information, I suggest you check out the Runners' World Barefoot Running Forums. They have loads of info about the VFFs.

Hope that helps.

[declampers]

Kifo, Milelael, Thank you so much for your responses.. Appreciate it greatly..

I'm so much of a heel runner now.. and i'm currently on mizuno wave inspire 5. It's for those with severe low arch kinda shoe. I'm sure you guys know better.

I've watched some vids online bout ForeFoot running.. they said that it's better, more efficient, and less prone to injuries..

Well, I tried it this morning for a good 25minutes of run for about slightly below 5km..
It feel awkward running with my forefoot rather than my usual heelstrike im so accustomed to. I've been so dependent on the cushioning on the heels of my wave inspire. My landing on my forefoot feels unnatural as my heels are thick and cushy.

Slightly more than halfway through the run, my righ calf was screaming in pain.. But I kept on going to finish the run. I guess the muscles are being activated now that I've changed my style and not the negative side of feeling the pain due to improper shoe or technique.

I need to train up more on forefoot running before I could even think of using racers and even Vibram's to run with..

Thanks again guys for your replies.

[milelael]

Declampers,

Am glad that you are giving the VFFs a shot. I hope you find running in VFFs as rewarding as I do.

On a separate note, there's an interesting video on youtube about running barefoot as opposed to running with shoes. Should check it out.

[declampers]

hahaha.. wait a sec milelael..

i have not got a pair of VFF (yet) .. im still with my new mizuno wave inspire 5.. need to work on my running style 1st then i can think of going VFF or bare.. etc..

btw, got a few good links from this sites.. they have

gazelle warm-ups..
haile run analyzed..

this site showed me the reality of what i've been doing WRONGLY... HEELSTRIKING...

http://njsportsmed.c...ce_Running.html

hope those of you reading this, do find the link of use..

[milelael]

Oops my bad.

Misinterpreted what you said. And thanks for sharing the vid!

[trailblazer]

Good to see quite a number of "minimalist footwear" runners here.Just to off-track a bit,even though you people are doing forefoot running with your vibrams,do take note of your running form when attempting.If done wrongly,it can become another set of running injuries

Another alternative to the VIBRAM will be the feelmax shoes.If you wish to purchase them,you have to buy them online.More information is at http://www.feelmax.com/concept.html

[declampers]

hey thanks trail for the bit.

yup, i agree that form is important in any running style. i currently am still recovering from my forefoot ordeal here. i'll tune my forefoot running each time i run.. but for now, rest, recover.

now, im unsure of what style i should adopt for the AHM. less than 2 weeks left to change from heelstrike to forefoot. no biggie? or big mistake? haha...


btw, this MBT's.. u guys heard of it too?? they claim to make u feel walking barefoot on sand or smtg...
i tried it on just for kicks over in taka level 4 a few years back.. it feels like im walking on clouds.. haha

http://us.mbt.com/


cheers~

[trailblazer]

hi declampers!

Try not to be too impatient in your switch.Give yourself some time to make a smooth transition.What stops many people from making the switch to midfoot/forefoot running style is the time & effort needed.Persevere and you shall reap the benefits


But if you are doing a race now,it is a little bit late to do forefoot.But if you are confident of adopting forefoot for a certain distance,you can test it out on race day though...


Back to your question,i viewed the MBT website and i find a bit too good to be true.In terms of form & gait training,it is best not to rely on orthotics or cushioned shoes but thorough good form and base training instead.

[declampers]

thanks trail!! noted that.

as for MBT's.. i've got some feedback from total strangers so as to why they wore them.. they told me cos' of their knee problems and such, thus they wore the MBT's..

i can't seem to dig up a testimonial by an ultra marathoner.. he said that his doctors and physicians told him that he can run no more due to some injury. but once he wore the mbt's, he recovered slowly.. to walking.. jogging.. and then running again. it's good to be true but that was his testimonial to the company but i just cant seem to locate it anywhere on the website (in any country)....

[hino]

Guys, Wanna ask if buying this shoe from the shop in Velocity would be cheaper or just ship myself a pair of shoes from US?

[funkmeister]

Guys, Wanna ask if buying this shoe from the shop in Velocity would be cheaper or just ship myself a pair of shoes from US?

Firstly greetings to all, i'm a noob on the forum

Hi Hino, if i might add, i would assume that you've tried out the sizing yourself? I would advise physically trying out the shoes to get the exact fit. The size chart on the official VibramFF website is generally trustworthy, but it's my experience, as well as the experience of many others, the best is to try the sizes to get a good fit before buying.

I got my KSO and Classics at Outdoor Life (the Velocity shop), when they had this 10% discount thing (2 months back). Not sure if it's still valid. Also not sure how much cheaper it would be to ship in from overseas with shipping included.

[Mikex]

Guys, Wanna ask if buying this shoe from the shop in Velocity would be cheaper or just ship myself a pair of shoes from US?

Firstly greetings to all, i'm a noob on the forum

Hi Hino, if i might add, i would assume that you've tried out the sizing yourself? I would advise physically trying out the shoes to get the exact fit. The size chart on the official VibramFF website is generally trustworthy, but it's my experience, as well as the experience of many others, the best is to try the sizes to get a good fit before buying.

I got my KSO and Classics at Outdoor Life (the Velocity shop), when they had this 10% discount thing (2 months back). Not sure if it's still valid. Also not sure how much cheaper it would be to ship in from overseas with shipping included.

Hi bro,

How much u got the KSO for? interested to get one too..
Mind pm me the price?

[JP-Empire]

How would the benefits from wearing the VFF differ from that when donning a pair of flip flops? I probably wont ask this question if VFF come cheap but unfortunately they arent. Besides, flip flops are what the Tarahumaras wear too?