The Vibram Five Fingers Speed (released May 2010) is the first Vibram toe shoes to sport laces (Jump to posts on the Speed below!). It also has a distinct, retro-styling that is more reminiscent of a shoe than other Vibram Five Fingers models. This is all mounted onto the Vibram Bikila running sole. Like other Vibram Five Fingers models, the Speed has five separated toe compartments that allow the foot to splay on contact with the ground.

The Five Fingers Speed has no arch support and a minimal amount of cushioning or padding — it is slightly thicker than the Classic and Sprint due to it sporting the podded Bikila sole. However, the Speed does not have the Bikila's 3mm insole, lending it more ground feel than the Bikila.

Though the Speed can be used for running just like the Bikila, given it's stylish look and high price-tag due to it not being available for purchase in the United States, the Speed is often being used simply to knock about town — and it's getting quite a warm reception from the non-VFF crowd (People seem to really like the look of it!).

The standout features of the Speed include:

• Laces. Having laces on top allow the wearer to dial in the fit to be "just right." May help those with "high feet" find a better fit.
• You get the great Bikila sole without the extra cushioning for a greater barefoot feel.
• The Bikila is downright fashionable — especially according to people who aren't already "toeing" the Vibram Five Fingers line. They tend to go less noticed when worn "around town," but when they are noticed the reaction borders somewhere between "wow" and "awesome."

Sizing and fit

If you've never sized your foot for wearing Vibram Five Fingers, here is the Vibram sizing chart (image). The Speed fits like the Bikila, which seems to place it somewhere between the same size of KSO and Classic. So a 43 Speed would feel slightly larger than a 43 Classic and slightly smaller than a 43 KSO.

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 Speed fits differently over the top of the foot due to the presence of a tongue and laces. It feels slightly more "built up" on top, but can still be worn barefoot. If you have particularly high arches or "high feet" and can't wear Bikilas comfortably, the Speed may be a solution since the tongue and laces allow for some customization of the fit on top of the toe shoes.

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

• Vibram Five Fingers Speed - First Look, Initial Review, and Photos

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

Because the Vibram Five Fingers Speed cannot be purchased from U.S. retailers of Five Fingers, if you're looking to buy them you must search abroad. If you're already abroad, then congrats! Of non-U.S. retailers, here are two buying options:

• £90-100 via Pure Footwear — U.K.-based, Ships internationally — Store reviews
• £98.95 via Fitness Footwear — U.K.-based, Accepts Paypal — Store reviews

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

Classic	KSO	Sprint	Flow	Bikila	KSO Trek
Trek Sport	Speed	Performa	Performa Jane	Moc	Flow Trek

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

More Vibram Five Fingers Speed posts below —