Discussion on the new fivefingers Moc and fivefingers Performa

[justin]

Stubbing this topic for discussion of the new fivefingers Moc and Performa!  Trying to consolidate questions, thoughts, critiques, answers, etc. into one place!

[ZeitHeld]

I don't think I'm fully interested in these enough to invest in a pair. They seem fairly indoor only, not to mention I don't like them as much aesthetically.

[iamcam]

yeah, if I could take these outdoors and they'd be ok, then I might invest.

[desaulniers]

I was set on *needing* a black pari, but now I'm liking the blue since you posted photos. Of course I don't really have a need for this kind of VFF, so I may wait to try them in person, but they definitely look nice and comfy.

[justin]

I was set on *needing* a black pari, but now I'm liking the blue since you posted photos. Of course I don't really have a need for this kind of VFF, so I may wait to try them in person, but they definitely look nice and comfy.

I think they are pretty nifty particularly if you like the aesthetic.  Note: b/c the Moc utilizes a totally new structure for the base, be aware that the feel for them will be a bit different from other VFFs.

[Joakim]

I'm very unsure how I feel about the Moc. If they are for indoor use only, then why not go barefoort? Why put "shoes" on, if not to protect from hard/cutting/cold outdoor surface?

As I'm writing this, I started thinking about dancing. A lot of dancers wear shoes when performing, probably because of friction and/or to look more clothed. But a part from dancing, I don't see why people shouldn't go barefoot.


But Moc or no Moc aside, I'm Jóakim and I'm new here. I'll be making my Hi- I'm-the-new-guy post soon.

[desaulniers]

I'm very unsure how I feel about the Moc. If they are for indoor use only, then why not go barefoort? Why put "shoes" on, if not to protect from hard/cutting/cold outdoor surface?

As I'm writing this, I started thinking about dancing. A lot of dancers wear shoes when performing, probably because of friction and/or to look more clothed. But a part from dancing, I don't see why people shouldn't go barefoot.


But Moc or no Moc aside, I'm Jóakim and I'm new here. I'll be making my Hi- I'm-the-new-guy post soon.

I used to do martial arts and really would've loved some Mocs back then. With the padded floor and all the sweaty bare feet it got slippery really fast.

[ZeitHeld]

If they hold up to light outdoor wear, I may get some. I was looking as getting classics as a simple kind of slip-on thing instead of flip-flops, but depending on the durability and nature of the Moc's, I may get them instead.

[rhicks]

Justin,

You'll have to let us know how they perform just for home -> car -> grocery store -> car -> home type outings.  I wouldn't think that would be too much for the Moc.  At least I hope not.  That would be my main reason for buying them.  Also  home -> car -> work (cube farm) -> car -> home 

[justin]

Re: what are they good for, I could see them being useful for something like what Ido does in these videos:

http://idoportal.blogspot.com/

Guy has amazing body control (he does his stuff barefoot, but I imagine a bit of traction couldn't hurt)

@rhicks,

I'll definitely do a bit of a more intensive review once I get to spend some more time in them.  Having said that, the review is probably still out another month -- need to put them through some ropes first (same goes for the Treks).

My gut tells me that if you walk right - fox walk, midfoot/very light heel strike (no sliding or dragging your feet), these will be fine for outdoor transitions.  The trick, I'm guessing, is in how durable they will be given outdoor use.

All of which is to say that I bet it is only a matter of time before Vibram puts out either a leather Classic or a leather KSO-styled VFF (or both) that are intended not for high activity levels, but normal everyday wear.

[nironavro]

Is there a verdict yet on how these will hold up for basic every day wear, indoor and outdoor?

[justin]

Definitely not that I've seen ... I'd guess we're still a ways away from something conclusive on that front!

[desaulniers]

Is there a verdict yet on how these will hold up for basic every day wear, indoor and outdoor?

I don't own a pair (yet?) but having tested them out at Travel Country last week I'd venture to say that they might hold up okay for outdoor use in a generally mild and dry climate. The bottom sole give more coverage than I expected based on the online photos I had seen. I certainly wouldn't wear them hiking through the woods, but I think they could definitely replace a fair weather sandal. The Classics will do the same thing, but I find the fit to be just ever so slightly different and think it would come down to preference.

I've worn my Classics to work (software engineer) every day since I've gotten them at the beginning o the summer. I do have to wear pants instead of shorts and I think the Mocs might be just a little bit dressier because of the higher vamp. Seeing how as it's getting cooler now and I don't need another house shoe I will probably hold off until spring and see what the 2010 catalog holds before I lay out some money for them.

[Marnee]

I got a pair of black Performas last weekend.  I have been wearing them exclusively except for running.  I wear them all day as my regular shoe.  They are sooo comfortable and look really cute.

[shapeshifter]

i'll be the one to moc... 'cause i picked up a pair just now!