beginner's guide to vibram five fingers

Vibram Five Fingers KSO - Keep Stuff Out - [Barefoot] Toe Shoes

The Vibram Five Fingers KSO (KSO stands for "Keep Stuff Out") has been one of the most popular models of Vibram Five Fingers to date (Jump to posts on the KSO below!). It's closed top design sets it apart from the open-topped Classic and the open- and strap-topped Sprint. Some might argue the KSO put "Toe shoes" on the map due to it's popularity among runners. Like all Vibram Five Fingers models, the KSO has five separated toe compartments for each toe that allow the foot to splay on contact with the ground.

The Five Fingers KSO has no arch support and a minimal amount of cushioning or padding — it is slightly thicker than the Classic and Sprint which have zero insole (the KSO has a 2mm EVA insole). Many, many minimalist runners "cut their teeth" with the KSO — running 5KS, half-marathons, full marathons, and even ultramarathons in the KSO. That said, the KSO is also a favorite for exercise, casual wear with jeans (or shorts), and also for travel.

Model specifics

Here are the technical specifications of the Vibram Five Fingers KSO straight from Vibram:

Featuring a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch nylon and breathable mesh upper that wraps your entire forefoot to "Keep Stuff Out." A single hook-and-loop closure helps secure the fit. A non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber sole is razor-siped for a sure grip, and a 2mm EVA insole enhances plating protection and comfort.

KSO IS BEST FOR: Running, Light Trekking, Climbing/Bouldering, Fitness, After Sport, Water Sports, Yoga/Pilates & Travel

The standout features of the KSO include:

  • Closed top providing a fairly tight "seal" around the ankle. The KSO manages to "keep stuff out" by way of this seal leaves it looking somewhat like an ankle sock.
  • The KSO has a 2mm insole, which reduces "barefoot feel" as compared to the Classic or Sprint. Many users don't notice this small amount of cushioning. Some find it more comfortable for more varied surfaces such as trails.
  • The KSO is the most popular model for men!

Sizing and fit

If you've never sized your foot for Vibram Five Fingers, you need to consult the Vibram Five Fingers sizing chart (image) and measure the length of your feet as presecribed. Vibram sizing does not correspond to standard shoe sizes!

If you've sized in Vibrams before, note that KSOs size slightly larger than the same size in the Classic or Sprint models. So a 43 KSO will fit larger than a 43 Classic or 43 Sprint. For this reason, Vibram prescribes you size down in the KSO compared to the Classic or Sprint models. Generally, it is better to size up if you're in between sizes — you don't want your toes bending out of lack of room! Also, the KSO's closed-top design means that if you have particularly high arches or "high feet" the KSO may not fit properly and you might consider the Sprint or the Classic. Finally, some have anecdotally observed that black KSOs size smaller than other color combinations.

Read (and see!) more about the Five Fingers KSO via these reviews:

Modifications and other considerations:

Okay, I want some KSOs. How much are they? Where can I get them?

The KSO retails for around $85 and can often be purchased with free shipping from most online retailers. Find the Vibram Five Fingers KSO in stock via the Store or subscribe by email to inventory alerts.

Looking for something else? Try one of these other Vibram Five Fingers models:



Of course, there are other barefoot shoes worth checking out!

More Vibram Five Fingers KSO posts below —

Tags: kso

Bien and Ben Run Nittany Valley Half Marathon in Vibram KSOs

Bien (left) met fellow VFF-runner Ben (right) at the starting line of the Nittany Valley Half Marathon.  Both ended up finishing the race at the same time, spreading the good word about Vibram Five Fingers.
Bien (left) met fellow VFF-runner Ben (right) at the starting line of the Nittany Valley Half Marathon. Both ended up finishing the race at the same time, spreading the good word about Vibram Five Fingers.
Above are photos of Bien and Ben taken at the Nittany Valley Half Marathon at Penn State on Here's B more »

Joshua wears VFFs pre-race, runs 5K barefoot

LEFT: Joshua wore his black and orange KSO Five Fingers before taking them off (RIGHT) to run the Jingle Bell 5k.  Note the ankle bells!
LEFT: Joshua wore his black and orange KSO Five Fingers before taking them off (RIGHT) to run the Jingle Bell 5k. Note the ankle bells!
Joshua recently ran the Arthritis Foundation Jingle Bell Run 5k — barefoot — as in, with more »

Feeling Fitness Deep Down In My Sole

Guest article submission by Tim Donahey, NASM CPT As a competitive raw powerlifter, when I'm get more »

Roll Tide at the SEC Championship in VFFs

LEFT: "Here I am wearing my two week old black KSOs right before kickoff of the Southeastern Conference Championship game in Atlanta on Saturday December 5, 2009!" RIGHT: "Here's my black KSOs during the awarding of the SEC Championship Trophy to the game winning Alabama Crimson Tide!"
For some reason I had a feeling there would be at least one person at this past weekend's SEC Champi more »

Bob runs the Cal Poly Midnight 5K in Black KSO VFFs

Bob passes another runner in this 5K.  Note the stark contrast between the form of Bob and the heel-striking fellow to his left.
Bob passes another runner in this 5K. Note the stark contrast between the form of Bob and the heel-striking fellow to his left.
Bob recently completed his first 5K in KSO Five Fingers — the Cal Poly Midnight 5K:Ran [th more »

Ascending the Incline, Manitou Springs, Colorado in VFF KSOs

Steve emailed me about a video he recently put together that shows off a couple pairs of KSO Five Fi more »

VFF Joggling the Philadelphia Marathon with Joe Salter

Essential equipment for having a truly unique marathon experience: KSO Five Fingers and balls for joggling — an intriguing combination of running or jogging and juggling!
Essential equipment for having a truly unique marathon experience: KSO Five Fingers and balls for joggling — an intriguing combination of running or jogging and juggling!
I got the above photos from Joe Salter who recently ran the Philadelphia Marathon in his KSO Five Fi more »

Josh and Barrett Hike Ransom Canyon

Josh and Barrett hiked Ransom Canyon in Texas in their KSO Vibram Five Fingers.
Josh and Barrett hiked Ransom Canyon in Texas in their KSO Vibram Five Fingers.
Josh submitted the above photos of a recent hike at Ransom Canyon, which is near Lubbock, Texas. Jo more »

Shawn's 25 pairs of Vibram Five Fingers: Collect the Whole Set!

Shawn shows off his pile of Vibram Five Fingers — 25 pairs in total.
Shawn is quite possibly the biggest Vibram Five Fingers fan I've encountered so far as he has a whopping twenty-five pairs of Vibrams! more »

Tyler's First Half-Marathon in KSO Five Fingers

Tyler walks through a sneaker-shod crowd after completing his first half-marathon in Vibram Five Fingers.
Tyler sent in the above photos taken after he completed his first half marathon in his KSO FiveFinge more »

Sergey Brin, Billionaire, Innovator, Five Fingers Model

Who'd have thought that Google's up-and-coming operating system would be less exciting than Sergey's more »

Maria Climbs to the South Arete Summit in her KSOs

Maria Coryell-Martin sits atop South Arete Summit, 7,807 ft, wearing her black KSO FiveFingers, which she used to climb to the top! Photo credit: Joel Reid
Maria Coryell-Martin sits atop South Arete Summit, 7,807 ft, wearing her black KSO FiveFingers, which she used to climb to the top! Photo credit: Joel Reid
Maria alerted me to a recent post on her site, Expeditionary Art, about her recently trying some tec more »

Kim Tours the Southwest U.S. in KSO Five Fingers

Kim was able to manage her bus trip through the Southwest despite being on crutches thanks to the ground-feel provided by her KSO Five Fingers!
In the mailbag came the above photos from Kim who recently toured the Southwestern part of the Unite more »

Robin and Erik Take on Indonesia in Vibram Five Fingers

Random Indonesian Monkey is put at ease by human with "Monkey Shoes."
Robin and Erik (photoed above and also see the additional photos below!) took a two week trip to Ind more »

Bob perches atop Castleton Tower, Utah, in KSO Vibram Five Fingers

A video from Vibram Five Fingers fan Bob at the top of Castleton Tower, Utah. Bob reached the top and promptly swapped his climbing shoes for his Vibrams! more »

Brian at the Berlin Wall (in KSO Vibram Five Fingers)

Brian, "Hear I am leaning against an appropriately painted remnant of the Berlin Wall."
Brian, who you might recall from his Otterness photo or Fife playing, has been photographing Berlin more »

FiveFingers and Tom Otterness sculptures on the Subway in NYC

Kristy sent in the above photo showing her black Classic FiveFingers-clad feet next to part of Tom O more »

Classic, KSO, and Sprint FiveFingers Reloaded: New Colors for 2010 (or sooner in some cases)

Most of the FiveFingers buzz tends to center around the new KSO Trek, Moc, and Performa, not to ment more »

Ben Walks Beijing in KSOs FiveFingers

Ben's VFF KSOs pictured atop a manhole in Beijing, China.
Ben sent in the above photos snapped in the Forbidden City (Beijing, China). Ben was travelling thr more »

Brandon's 5.5 mile road race in KSO FiveFingers

Brandon shows off his KSO FiveFingers pre-race with a nice VFF kick!
Brandon Marshall (@bmarshallpf on twitter) recently finished his first race running in his KSO FiveF more »

Army PT Heel-Toe Running and Running in 5-Fingers: A VFF Story

Dirty black KSO FiveFingers after a run.
From Lou:Hey Justin,I want to start off by saying that I think you are running a great site. I more »

Barehoof Horseplay and FiveFingers with Nichole

Nichole rides her horse in her "birthday shoes" — KSO FiveFingers (in the soon-to-be-discontinued brown color!)
Nichole (@nickel07 on twitter) sent in the above photos of her wearing brown KSO FiveFingers alongsi more »

Bernard Finishes 100km Trail Race in Singapore in his KSO Vibram FiveFingers

Bernard chows down on a banana prior to his 100km trail race in FiveFingers KSOs.
Hi Justin, I've come to know about your website and am excited to know how vibram has transforme more »

Sergey Brin has blue camo KSO VFFs

John Battelle (@JohnBattelle) recently interviewed Sergey Brin, Co-Founder of Google, at the 2009 We more »

Phillip's first Skydiving Trip in his KSO FiveFingers

Phillip just jumped out of a perfectly good plane with someone probably just met strapped to his back! Do you see his KSO fivefingers?
Hello there!I was so excited that I just feel like I needed to share.The first time I saw VF more »