Vibram Five Fingers Shoes Review

On the popular series "Parks and Recreation," a health-oriented supervisor, Chris Traeger, refers to the human foot as "the ultimate technology." He says this is the reasoning behind choosing Vibram Five Fingers shoes over regular shoes. The joke is funny, but the statement rings true the second you slip a pair over your feet.

Versatility

Made for fitness but built for comfort, Five Fingers wear comfortably no matter what the situation. Should you take them to the track for a run, you'll find them supporting your foot, breathing easily, and comfortably meeting your stride. Going for a hike? You'll marvel at the padding and support as you trek over rock and dirt, field and valley. With that, though, they also fit well for lounging around the house, or just walking around town. Where other shoes cramp, pinch and wear, the Vibram Five Fingers move with your foot as you do, wherever you go.

Design

Substituting traditional shoe design, the Five Fingers wear tight but airy. Where there were laces, there is now a hook and loop closure. Where there was bulky rubber and unnecessary padding, there is thin mesh, allowing air in and heat and moisture out. The "non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1performance rubber insole" adds more technology, creating soft but firm support for any adventure you find yourself on.

Aesthetics

While the shoes are stellar examples of footwear, the aesthetic is initially jarring. Ergonomically designed for toe-fitting wear, the first fitting can be strange. "Where are the laces?" you'll ask; "this isn't even a shoe!" And in that you're right. This isn't a shoe, in any traditional sense. When you put on a pair of Five Fingers, you're not putting on a shoe. Instead, you're putting on a direct support for your foot. Instead of substituting the design and ability of biology, Vibram's design supports the human foot and, in turn, you.

A Snug Fit

Additionally, there is a bit of a learning curve. The sizing works a bit differently than most shoes. The fit is not conforming to the idea of growth that you're told to take into account with most. These should fit snugly onto your foot -- not too tight, but firm enough to hold onto your foot without much budge. This is made to fit your foot, so the less extra room, the better. Also, you'll want to be careful about how you fit the shoe over the foot itself. Even if you've chosen the perfect size, and the best fit possible with it, you'll want to take the time to make sure your foot is secure every time. If it's loose, it won't be as easy to adjust as most shoes. Where there was a sort of awkward scoot, there isn't any more. The benefits are worth it though, so take the time, get it on right, and enjoy.

In Conclusion

Realistically, the effort here is what warrants the usefulness. While the shoes are comfortable for pretty much any walk of life, there is additional work that there isn't with normal shoes. That said, the effect is spectacular, and for most, worth that time. Most shoes are made to be a safety buffer between your skin and the ground. Because of that, there isn't much thought given to the overall design. The Five Fingers are made to complement the foot, and so the ultimate effect is palpable. The foot is supported, and with it the corresponding muscles of movement. Every step is more natural, and every movement as close to the real thing as possible. These are Vibrams. Your foot has not changed, but your shoe has.