Bad design

[Delta6]

I have been running in KSO's for about a month now. These shoes have a terrible design IMO. There is no protection to the right of your big toe on the right shoe and vice-versa on the left. If your big toe does not come down on the "sole" part and slips to the side of the other toes your big toe just constantly grates on the fabric and the surface. There's nothing to ensure it stays within the toe "pocket." A rather terrible design and a regretful purchase. Passable for walking but not for running whatsoever. I will be recommending anyone interested in these shoes to pass on them.

[McLoki]

I apparently have not encountered the issue you are describing as I am having a hard time envisioning it...

Sorry they did not work out for you though.

Michael

[Delta6]

Here is a photo to better understand what I mean. The red line illustrates where the sole for the big toe ends. A portion of my toe is coming down on fabric. When I initially put the shoes on I ensure that all my toes are securely in each toe pocket however, as I run in them my big toe pulls into the other toes so to speak. I also was sized and the size above was too big and the size smaller caused my toe "knuckles" to bend.

[Leaves]

I also don't have this issue...sorry for your troubles.


leaves

[harrino]

I think you got a duff pair - my KSO's do not look like that - you should simply return them and ask for a new pair - then I am sure you will be happier running in them as I am

[Delta6]

I think you got a duff pair - my KSO's do not look like that - you should simply return them and ask for a new pair - then I am sure you will be happier running in them as I am

How do yours look? The bulge you see in the big toe pocket is my big toe.

[hippierunner]

What does the bottom of the shoe look like while you are wearing them?  It almost looks like the sole and the toe pocket were not aligned properly when it was glued.  My big toe is rather fat and it doesn't hang over the sole like that.  I only wear them for running.

[McLoki]

can you take a picture of the bottom?  Here is a stock picture of some classics.  The toe looks the same on the KSO's.....



Here is the KSO...  (from Vibrams site)


There is just no room on the bottom for your toe to hang over....

[ap19]

i have that problem with a pair of classics, with the big toe sticking out a bit.

I think it's a duff pair, another quality control issue.

[Delta6]

What does the bottom of the shoe look like while you are wearing them?  It almost looks like the sole and the toe pocket were not aligned properly when it was glued.  My big toe is rather fat and it doesn't hang over the sole like that.  I only wear them for running.

Difficult to get a good shot but here's what it looks like.



No different that the photos Ive seen of other KSO soles. I don't believe it was a construction error, it is the fact that there is nothing to keep your big toe from slipping out of the pocket. On the outer side of the toe the sole curves upward providing a nice "wrap" to keep it from sliding out. On the inner side there is nothing but light mesh material. The sole stops and creates a drop off, this is why I think its a poor design. Photos below to show what I mean. Note: they were not on my feet in the next two photos.  





 

[Delta6]

There is just no room on the bottom for your toe to hang over....

I don't know how to illustrate better that my toe does in fact hang over.

[iain]

This is the first time I've seen someone's large toe "overhanging" its toe pocket like this before. The toe proportions in your top view picture just doesn't seem quite right, but the bottom side seems ok. Is it the same on both sides?

It may also be that the shape of your toes just does not suit the VFF design, the big toe seems to curve inwards. Everyone's feet are different after all , so it's hard to make an average foot shaped shoe.

If you don't mind, a photo of your bare feet may be quite informative. If your toes curve in a lot, you have the choice of returning your KSOs, or allowing your toes time to spread out which may take a few months.

[tak555]

this is interesting... i haven't logged a ton of miles yet, but i do get a slight amount of toe overhang like you describe (right side of the right big toe, and vice versa on the left).

based on the wear on the bottom of the big toe, so far it doesn't look like it's going to be an issue for me, but only time will tell. my worry is that eventually my big toe will be making contact with the ground.

i've attributed it to the fact that not all feet are the same, so i just happen to have a slightly wide big toe, which means it doesn't seat perfectly in the toe pocket.  unlike you, mine don't hit the ground directly, so it's more just grating on the fabric which is ok.

[Delta6]

Apparently it's not just me...

http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/birthdayshoes-com-general-discussion/%27finger%27-sole-not-properly-aligned/

http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/birthdayshoes-com-general-discussion/defects-with-kso%27s/  (See the 4th post down)

[Delta6]

This is the first time I've seen someone's large toe "overhanging" its toe pocket like this before. The toe proportions in your top view picture just doesn't seem quite right, but the bottom side seems ok. Is it the same on both sides?

It may also be that the shape of your toes just does not suit the VFF design, the big toe seems to curve inwards. Everyone's feet are different after all , so it's hard to make an average foot shaped shoe.

If you don't mind, a photo of your bare feet may be quite informative. If your toes curve in a lot, you have the choice of returning your KSOs, or allowing your toes time to spread out which may take a few months.

Here are my ugly feet



Now that I am looking at them it does seem that my big toes do curve inward. I thought there is only a 30 day return policy for the FiveFingers? Do I have another option to return?

Regarding the threads in my above post. I still don't think its a construction error I think I just have feet that don't work that well with these shoes. It is still disappointing to me that Vibram could not create a more wrapped pocket for the toes.