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.

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

Results of Daniel Lieberman Barefoot Running Research

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]

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

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]

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 »

Vibram Five Fingers for Webbed Toes? Introducing "Vibram Four Fingers" [modification]

Individuals with webbed toes often think Vibram Five Fingers are automatically out of the question due to the individualized toe pockets. Not anymore! You can modify your Vibrams to only have four pockets using some thread with this simple modification! more »

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall (Review)

A review of Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. Born to run is simultaneously a story about an elite band of ultramarathon runners, a takedown of the sports shoe industry, and an expose of how human beings may have been literally born to run, being "designed" by eons of evolution for long-distance running. more »

Vibram FiveFingers & Z Health: Moving and Feeling Even Better.

Enhance the benefits of Vibram Five Fingers with a neuromuscular training approach called Z-Health developed by Dr. Eric Cobb. Z-Health practice enables you to have better movement, improved reflexes, more energy and fewer aches and pains. more »

Morton's Toe (Second toe longer than the first) and Five Fingers

Can you wear Vibram Five Fingers if you have Morton's Toe -- a condition where your second toe is longer than your big toe? It is possible given your case isn't too extreme. more »

Something's Missing on these Vibram Five Finger Classics ...

If you don't plan on wearing your Classic Vibram Five Fingers for strenuous acitivites, just cut out the elastic and make them even more comfortable! more »

Black KSO Vibram Five Fingers in "Dress Mode" [modification]

Mod your black Vibram Five Fingers KSO model to be dressy with black slacks by using a marker to darken and cover up the yellow stitching and logo. Even more ninja now! more »

Are VFFs any different between gender styles? What about wide feet? [FAQ]

Are Vibram Five Fingers different between genders? Aside from women's Vibrams coming in different numerical sizes than men's, for the length foot, there are still slight differences worth consideration surrounding width. And what about foot width? more »

How thin is the Vibram Five Fingers material? [FAQ]

By pinching the fabric of the KSO Vibram Five Fingers, I can demonstrate just how thin it is.
By pinching the fabric of the KSO Vibram Five Fingers, I can demonstrate just how thin it is.
How thin is the upper material on Vibram Five Fingers? Apparently, it's thin enough to get bitten by mosquitoes through it! They make up for this lack of protection against insects by being breathable (not hot)! more »