Anyone own Vibrams Five Fingers Shoes?

**Hiro Protagonist** · Posted On: 4/14/2011 1:03am

How do those shoes work on different terrain?

I'm pondering to train for one of these survival parkours marathons (Tough Mudder - thx Pandinha for pointing me there), and the people that I talked to all wanted to sell me on those shoes.

**Ketsueki** · Posted On: 4/14/2011 1:20am

Tough Mudder looks pretty sick. I've pondered the same a few times, but I'm apparently not man enough.

I like the VFF for a multi-surface run. The Vibram rubber is a good sole. I find the grip a little too much for dojo training, but I've loved them for running and climbing. The rubber itself has pretty decent grip, and it's got tons of micro-cuts running across it, which open very slightly when it's flexed. Adds even more grip.

However, as training for a marathon is already pretty difficult, be aware of the difference between "barefoot" running and traditional running shoes. I mean specifically the extra load it puts on a few of the muscles of your lower leg, and your increased risk of damage to the plantar fascia. Going into training slowly and carefully can save you time in the long run.

**Hiro Protagonist** · Posted On: 4/14/2011 1:38am

Thanks, man. - For me, the point is really, I got to work way more on cardio, and thus the crossfit-ish training TM preparation requires is just right for me at the moment. And ALL those guys do barefoot running, which indeed keeps me puzzled, mainly because of the risk of unjury you mentioned.

**kazimer** · Posted On: 4/14/2011 2:44am

the smell doesnt go away with just machine washing or febreeze or any other deoderant type spray. I have always used vinegar to get the smell out of mine. it seems weird but i lightly douse them in vinegar and let them dry in the sun...BAM no more smell

the trick to keeping the smell away is being vigilant with washing them and to not store them in a gym bag while still wet from sweat. its best to let them dry in the sun

WHoever asked about running in the snow: its really all up to what your body can handle man. i was living in GA when i first got mine and couldnt run in them in the winter. my feet and ankles were too cold for it to be a pleasant experience

**Tom Kagan** · Posted On: 4/14/2011 6:27am

Originally Posted by Hiro Protagonist

And ALL those guys do barefoot running, which indeed keeps me puzzled, mainly because of the risk of unjury you mentioned.

CrossFit monkees live to find excitingly quirky and trademarkable exersize variations to increase their injury risk factors.

**Pandinha** · Posted On: 4/15/2011 2:53pm

Originally Posted by Twobits

Aren't they machine washable? Why not just throw them (along with your other smelly gym stuff) into the washing machine with some febreeze-tide?

Hand wash to keep them looking new. From what I'm reading of other peep's experience, a hand wash will extend the life of your VFF.

**lucistius** · Posted On: 4/20/2011 6:53am

It took me a while to get accustomed to my KSOs but I've also got 17 years of bad Army running shoe experience. I love them now and my knees kill me if I try to run in anything else. It definitely requires a learning curve but it's worth it.