The wait is over: zip-up toe boots — a.k.a. Bormio Vibram FiveFingers — are available for purchase at Travel Country! What more, if you "click through" and buy today through September 30, 2011 (midnight), you're eligible for a bonus bit of BirthdayShoes swag (see below for how this works but the gist is you have to click to TravelCountry via one of the links below and then send me your order number)!
I've reviewed the Bormio FiveFingers at length thanks to having had a pair to play with over the past few months. Here's my conclusion:
The Bormio FiveFingers are clearly aimed at a very niche fan of toe shoes who want to go almost-barefoot outside the gym, maybe in the workforce, and definitely in more casual atmospheres. Is that you? Want to wear VFFs that are a bit more sophisticated, push the boundaries of fashion, and encourage even more questions from curious onlookers? Want to boldly go where few have ventured outside the realms of Milan, Italy? Then, the Bormio is for you. It's also for you if you want a warmer option of toe shoes for cooler climates. I like mine well enough and outside of wearing them a good deal lately for this review, will be wearing them more as Fall (and then Winter) arrive.
They aren't cheap though — MSRP is $160, so prepare to drop a coin or two if you want a pair. And as for sizing, I'd put the fit as close to the KSO Trek, if not a hair roomier. My versions are pre-production, so sizing might vary for the final product. I'd expect to stay in a size 43 though (which is what I wear across the entire line).
a few photos from the review
Travel Country has the Bormio FiveFingers in both black and brown for $159.95 in sizes 40-47 (men's). And yeah, they ship free. Like I noted about sizing, I'm the same size Bormio as KSO Trek, Trek LS, Speed, etc. Though I'd say the Bormio (and other Trek varietal Vibrams) all size a little larger (exception: TrekSport) than VFFs that are Bikila-soled (Bikila, Bikila LS, Speed). Here is the full sizing chart for the Bormio straight from VibramFiveFingers.com (click to enlarge):
If you're going to drop the $160 on a pair of Bormio FiveFingers, I also recommend picking up one or two pairs of the Injinji Performance toe socks. They cost $10/pair which ain't cheap, but having one or two pairs on hand (er ... nevermind) is useful. There are two versions of the Injinji Performance that I recommend for the Bormio both of which are ankle height or higher — the mini crew or the crew. Either one works with Bormio VFFs, it's just that the crew will extend past the top of the Bormio ankle whereas the mini will rise to the top of the Bormio and no higher. These Injinjis are the new "micro liner" style toe socks and they are much, much better/more comfortable than the originals, which I honestly didn't care much for wearing (See Britt's review of the no-show Injinji performance toe socks). You can pick up mini Injinji performance/micro crews here and full height performance Injinji crews here.
If you missed this the first time around, the Trek LS FiveFingers are out, too. You can grab them at Travel Country for $139.95 and round out your Fall toe shoe collection while you're at it.
Limited Time Bonus!
If you buy a pair of FiveFingers Trek LS or Bormio FiveFingers from TravelCountry today (August 26) through end of September (Sept. 30) by clicking through from one of these links on this post, I will send you one of the classic BirthdayShoes stickers plus a yet-to-be-released new version of the BirthdayShoes sticker that is literally nothing more than the BirthdayShoes "5/foot" logo (sneak peak). Here's how to claim your sticker:
- Click through to buy the Trek LS or Bormio from TravelCountry using one of the above links (Trek LS link | Bormio link).
- Make a purchase!
- Drop me an email (send to: justin at birthdayshoes.com) with your TravelCountry.com order number (It's a seven digit number) and your mailing address.
- As soon as I see your order ship, I'll throw your two stickers in an envelope and drop them in the mail the next day!
I know a couple stickers isn't much, but your orders help support this community and what better way to say "thanks" than via vinyl stickers?
So go pick up a pair of Bormio or Trek LS now! And once you get them on your feet, start letting me know what you think!
P.S. I'll be switching out the classic BDS stickers with the new versions in the next week or so!
About the Author — I founded BirthdayShoes.com in April 2009 on realizing just how much I enjoyed having "free feet" - I mostly wanted to use them for weights, sprints, and plyometrics (I'm not much of a runner!). I'm a Googler by day and minimalist footwear aficionado by night; you can find me 'round Atlanta. If you want to catch up with what I'm doing outside of the site here, follow me on twitter @bdayshoes or @justinno or check out my personal site JustinOwings.com.Justin Owings+ has written 844 articles and 379 comments.
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Boot to me says cold weather, and separated toes are inherently not a good design for that purpose. But they'd probably be too hot for the summer. And they're certainly not good for running/exercise. So... for mild-to-cool weather casual wear, then? Vibram is getting awfully specific with these new models. 
I'm not seeing how you claim the stickers... it just says, "Here's how to claim your sticker:"
I think the HTML was screwed up -- can you see the instructions now? 
When are the women's coming out? 
Thanks for the "in action" shots. I am looking forward to the Sorrentos becoming avaiolable as they will leikley cost less than the Bormios, but will work well in my office environment. 
Please say there is a women's version coming out soon!! 
So what if we did go through the link but we didn't buy the Bormio? I bought a pair of Bikila's to run in, since I don't want to run in the Speed I have. Can we still get the stickers? 
I'm chiming in, too-- anyone know if a women's Bormio is coming out? 
These look awesome! I have been waiting for new VFF boots since they discontinued the Surge. I was ready to pounce on an order button (looking forward to the sticker for my car, too), but Travel Country does not have them in 38. Do you know when they will or if anyone else has them in size 38? Thank you. Your site has been very helpful. 
Shoot them an emaill they were very fast and knowledgeable when I emailed them. They also shipped mine on Saturday which was impressive. 
I love the look on this new model,
Hi Rich, I agree with your comment. To me treks are too cold on the toes for wintertime, specially below 5 Celsius. Same think will happen with this boots, due to the toepockets (no mitten effect) and thin sole. If wearing long trousers the boot will not be noticeable, so I would better get the trek LS and save some money. 
Unfortunately after trying them on at the local sport store, my feet are too tall an arch for the boot. Could barely get the zippers up, then painful to walk in. Too bad, was really looking forward to them. Hope they come out with a lace up version. 
I am wondering if they are somewhat watertight?
I think that the bormio are a very specific type of shoe for a very small market at a very high price, I would have to agree with Keith and wait for the Sorrentos. 
I agree with Schlingel as I'm from the Netherlands and would also very much like to know how much these are actually usable in the rain. When I step into a small puddle of water just inches high with my Speeds, my toes get wet instantly. I need to know if the Bormio's have a little more water protection and how much it'll take for the water to actually soak through to your socks / toes.
why is it always only for men ore people with big feat?
Please tell me these aren't coming out in women's sizes, ever!
I think the boots are a fantastic idea and I plan on wearing mine whenever the snow is more than ankle deep! And as far as warmth, I wore my KSOs last winter, all winter without socks I might add. I even shoveled snow when I was wearing them. FiveFingers are absolutely revolutionary. So my feet got a little wet but once I was inside again, they were dry in no time! And for the new Bormios, I plan on wearing them to do everything from casual wear, to school, to hiking, to running. Its all about keeping my feet happy! 
they really need to come out with some womens because i really want me a pair. they would be great for me going to school in the winter time, then i won't have to worry about buying boots. 
Having a rough time finding black Bormios in size 46. Found some but they were on a site that is on the counterfeit list. I'll continue to hunt on sites listed on your "where to buy" section. 
Justin - I really appreciate the reviews you've put up, and the space you've created for people to share about awesome footwear. I enjoy my Bikila LS and more recent purchase of Treksport. Apart from barefoot, my feet are happiest in Five Fingers!
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