beginner's guide to vibram five fingers

Resources, Reviews, Frequently Asked Questions, Guides, Mods/Repairs, and How-to's

For something as simple as moving around with bare- or close-to-bare-feet (This being how we first learned to move about as toddlers!), there is a remarkable need for information and resources regarding "toe shoes," minimalist footwear, and "barefoot running shoes" — all are footwear intended to allow your feet to function as they would in their natural, naked state. The Vibram FiveFingers (toe) shoes, for example, require a six-step process just to nail down your size, and that can even be hit or miss as far as accuracy. The truth is that most of us have adapted to a cushy existence — one spent moving around in high-heeled (as with Nikes and other athletic footwear), heavily padded shoes with built-in arch support (Since when did arches need support?).

Because of these ingrained habits, when switching to barefoot or minimally shod walking and running, we have to reprogram our bodies and retrain and rehabilitate our muscles and bones. It takes both patient and guidance.

By the way, if you're new to the concept of toe shoes or minimalist footwear and the growing trends around barefoot-like movement, let me suggest you start with this primer/pre-history on toe shoes!

Below are listed the most sought-after guides and resources on this site. Or if you prefer, jump straight to the "guide" category blog posts.

Guides

Reviews


» find help on the forums!

How to Run or Walk

Barefoot Research

Frequently Asked Questions

Mods and Repairs

If you would like to see a topic covered on this site, please contact us!

Read all posts in the guides category below —

Category: guides

VIVOBAREFOOT Barefoot Running Technique Course

Nov 1, 2011 | 8 comments »

"I agree with you completely. After looking at what is involved, it looks like a money making scheme to profit on the barefoot movement." This was the comment I posted on Jason Robillard's Barefoot Running University website in reply to his blog post,… more »

FiveFingers and Flat Feet? Shin Splints? Slippery Surfaces?

Oct 27, 2011 | 5 comments »

Got the following email in the mailbag last night and got a bit carried away with my response so I figured I'd share the exchange below in hopes of helping others — and also if I'm missing anything, please add a comment to help G out further!… more »

How to Walk Barefoot [FAQ]

Aug 31, 2011 | 31 comments »

An image of what it looks like to fox walk, a method of low-impact walking that may provide some answers to how to walk barefoot
An image of what it looks like to fox walk, a method of low-impact walking that may provide some answers to how to walk barefoot (Source: TrackerTrail.com)
How do you walk barefoot? Given most of us have learned to walk in heeled shoes, learning to walk barefoot requires listening to your body and retraining your biomechanics to minimize impact and walk gently. more »

Why Toe Shoes? The Benefits of Toe Separation for Barefoot Feel and Shoe Functionality

Mar 21, 2011 | 54 comments »

A pair of smartwool Classic FiveFingers grip to a stony ledge.
A pair of smartwool Classic FiveFingers grip to a stony ledge.
"What are those — toe shoes?"It has to be one of the first questions that runs through the minds of someone when they see Vibram FiveFingers—or Fila Skele-toes—for the first time. Actually, the recent Fila Skele-toes billboard adve… more »

Vibram Five Fingers Sole Repair Using Shoe Goo

Dec 10, 2010 | 16 comments »

Guest post by ChadIt was an unhappy day when I threw out my first pair of Vibram Five Fingers KSO shoes. I had gotten them for Christmas in 2008 and they served me faithfully throughout many miles of running in 2009, including the Hatfield & McC… more »

Barefoot Running Shoes

Sep 7, 2010 | 37 comments »

Nike Zoom Streak XC 2 with Bare Foot Superimposed
Nike Zoom Streak XC 2 with Bare Foot Superimposed
Barefoot Running Shoes aren't an oxymoron. What else could you call minimalist footwear that mimicks the biomechanics of barefoot running? We define barefoot running shoes by weight, flexibility, style, and more! more »

Knock-off Toe Shoes: Update on Counterfeit (Fake) Five Fingers

Jul 1, 2010 | 21 comments »

The above images depict typical stock imagery seen on counterfeit Vibram Five Fingers websites. These are fakes!
The above images depict typical stock imagery seen on counterfeit Vibram Five Fingers websites. These are fakes!
See the original post on the emergence of counterfeit Vibram Five Fingers (Posted April 12, 2010) here. more »

Tips and Tricks on Barefoot or Vibram Five Fingers Running [Sound off!]

Jun 18, 2010 | 49 comments »

Many Vibram Five Fingers owners bought their Vibrams specifically for running. Others are incorporating straight-up barefoot running into their training. There are even a few of you who are running in other minimalist footwear like the Vivo Barefoot Ev… more »

The Definitive Guide to Cleaning Vibram Five Fingers a.k.a. How to Get the Smell out of your Vibrams!

May 20, 2010 | 62 comments »

A massive load of Vibram Five Fingers (Plus some Injinji socks!) ready to be thrown in the washing machine. All models of Vibram Five Fingers are machine-washable (though should only be left out to air dry).
A massive load of Vibram Five Fingers (Plus some Injinji socks!) ready to be thrown in the washing machine. All models of Vibram Five Fingers are machine-washable (though should only be left out to air dry).
One of the first discussions on the Birthdayshoes.com forum was on perhaps the most widespread problem with Vibram Five Fingers — they can develop quite a stench, "VFF Stank," or Vibram funk. It's enough that VFF fans so afflicted with smelly Vibr… more »

Got Morton's Toe? Lengthen your Vibram Five Fingers' Second Toe with this Mod

Apr 16, 2010 | 56 comments »

How to modify your Vibram Five Fingers to accomodate a long second toe -- also known as Morton's Toe. A permanent modification to your Vibrams that stretches the second toe! more »

Vibram Five Fingers Fan Stories — a list of everything fans are doing in their Vibrams!

Apr 15, 2010 | 3 comments »

A full listing of Vibram Five Fingers fan user stories as documented through photos and firsthand accounts on BirthdayShoes.com. If you think about it, chances are it's been done in Vibrams! more »

The Guide to Spotting Fake/Counterfeit Vibram Five Fingers

Apr 12, 2010 | 479 comments »

A collage of many of the common fake Five Fingers that are out there available for sale over the Internet.
A collage of many of the common fake Five Fingers that are out there available for sale over the Internet.
I have some bad news: there are Fake, non-Vibram Five Fingers at large masquerading as our favorite five-toed shoes. These pirated copies are duping would-be VFF fans into buying low quality, black market goods, sometimes at pretty high prices. Buy… more »

How to Transition to Running in Vibram Five Fingers — Let Your Skin be the Guide!

Apr 6, 2010 | 49 comments »

Pro-tip — Before you take off in your brand new Vibram Five Fingers, seriously consider going barefoot first. Build stronger feet and diminish your risk of injury. Chances are you’ve just purchased your first pair of Five Fingers, or are conside… more »

Pants on the Ground? A cheap and quick fix to stop jeans from dragging behind your heels while wearing Vibram Five Fingers and other Minimalist Shoes.

Apr 1, 2010 | 37 comments »

A side-by-side comparison of me wearing jeans with my KSO Vibram Five Fingers. These jeans would be the right length for normal footwear, but with KSOs, they drag behind the heels. By using an S-Biner, I'm able to keep my pants off the ground!
A side-by-side comparison of me wearing jeans with my KSO Vibram Five Fingers. These jeans would be the right length for normal footwear, but with KSOs, they drag behind the heels. By using an S-Biner, I'm able to keep my pants off the ground!
A quick fix/minimalist shoe or Vibram Five Fingers hack to keep the hem of your pants from dragging on the ground behind your heel, a common problem when you take away the heel as is the case with most barefoot-style shoes. more »

An Introduction to ChiRunning®A Natural Running Form

Mar 29, 2010 | 8 comments »

An introduction to ChiRunning, a natural running method that be used in conjunction with minimalist or barefoot running, written by Certified ChiRunning instructor David Stretanski. more »

Cut the Cord - Vibram Five Fingers Classics Strap Removal [modification]

Mar 25, 2010 | 40 comments »

Modify your Classic Vibram Five Fingers by removing the elastic bungee cord strap to make them more casual and more comfortable!
Some have wondered how a pair of Classic Vibram Five Fingers would function if you removed the elastic bungee cord strap that cinches behind the heel — is it possible? Advisable? Will the Classic Vibrams stay on your feet? Learn more about this permanent modification to your Classics Vibram Five Fingers! more »

Vibram Five Fingers Reviews 'round the Web

Mar 23, 2010 | 3 comments »

A comprehensive list of Vibram Five Fingers reviews gathered from around the internet including reviews on Classic, Sprint, KSO (Keep Stuff Out), Flow, KSO Trek, Moc, and Performa reviews. more »

Barefoot Running Ultramarathons: Possible? Of course!

Mar 19, 2010 | 5 comments »

Jason Robillard of Barefoot Running University demonstrates barefoot running on the trails in Michigan.
Jason Robillard of Barefoot Running University demonstrates barefoot running on the trails in Michigan.
Jason Robillard discusses the advantages (and disadvantages) to barefoot running (or minimalist shoes running) an ultramarathon -- things like moisture control, proprioception, and injury prevention! more »

The Pose Method of Running - An Introduction

Feb 24, 2010 | 5 comments »

Photo Nicholas Romanov founder of the Pose Method of Running.
Photo Nicholas Romanov founder of the Pose Method of Running.
A overview and introduction to Dr. Nicholas Romanov's Pose Method of Running by Barefoot Benny. Includes tips and common running errors as well as an introductory drill and links to additional resources. more »

the Beginner's Guide to Vibram Five Fingers

Feb 2, 2010 | 24 comments »

How-to guide to Vibram Five Fingers for beginners, this free PDF talks about the background to the barefoot running movement; the standard Vibram shoes - Sprint, KSO, and Classics; sizing and fit; where to buy; and links to user reviews and photos. more »

Digging into Daniel Lieberman's Barefoot Running Research

Jan 28, 2010 | 17 comments »

A Kenyan elite runner who grew up running barefoot but now runs shod is taped in slow motion running in running shoes. Screencap from Lieberman research into barefoot running.
A Kenyan elite runner who grew up running barefoot but now runs shod is taped in slow motion running in running shoes. Screencap from Lieberman research into barefoot running.
Do modern running shoes effectively force runners to heel strike? Here we dig into Daniel Lieberman's barefoot running research, and also poll the Vibram Five Fingers community regarding how to walk or run in shoes versus Vibrams. more »

Results of Daniel Lieberman Barefoot Running Research

Jan 27, 2010 | 3 comments »

Screencaps from the Nature video, this image shows that initial impact running with a heel-strike registers at around 1.81 x body weight compared to .34 x body weight initial impact running with a forefoot strike. Interestingly, peak bodyweight impact on each curve registers higher with a forefoot strike — around 2.60 x bodyweight running with a forefoot strike compared to 2.30 x body weight with a heel-strike. Note in both running styles here, impact is measured with barefeet.
Daniel Lieberman's research into impact forces experienced while forefoot-striking or heel-striking, full round-up coverage of all the press surrounding the research release. more »

Using tape to add strength, durability, and even style to the Vibram Five Fingers KSO (and KSO Trek) straps! [modification]

Dec 11, 2009 | 2 comments »

A pair of blue camouflaged KSO Five Fingers showing off the Marley Mission Tape Mod!
A pair of blue camouflaged KSO Five Fingers showing off the Marley Mission Tape Mod!
A drawback to the hook and loop Vibram Five Fingers KSO strap design is that the bend in the loop can cause friction that may ultimately degrade the nylon and break the strap. Use tape to add style and strength to your KSO Vibrams! more »

Alternative Names for Vibram Five Fingers

Aug 18, 2009 | 18 comments »

Vibram FiveFingers wearers and gawkers alike all have come up with a slew of alternative names for " more »

How to put on Classic Vibram Five Fingers without using your hands [How-to]

Aug 4, 2009 | 7 comments »

A video demonstration of how to put on Classic Vibram Five Fingers without using your hands, a necessary skill to take your Vibrams from being a fantastic shoe to the staple footwear (like flip flops or sandals) you were for every occassion! more »
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