It looks like minimalist footwear and toe shoes are starting to become rather mainstream. The fact that major footwear brands are starting to develop minimalist and toe shoes of their own design is proof that the public is starting to accept this type of footwear. Fila even stepped in to the ring several months back with their Skele-Toes four toed shoes. Justin reviewed that shoe and you can find the original review here. Incidentally, Vibram has filed a lawsuit against Fila for patent infringement.
While the original Fila Skele-Toes were a reasonable first step in to the market it left some things to be desired. Now Fila has taken what they learned from the first release of the Skele-Toes and refined some of the aspects of the shoe for the Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 release. I received a pair of Skele-Toes 2.0 not too long ago and I have been testing them out since.
For the most part they have improved on the majority of the aspects of the original design. However, it is not all improvements across the board. To find out what I thought about the Fila Skeletoes 2.0 keep reading after the jump!
Skeletoes 1.0 versus Skeletoes 2.0
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I thought I would start out by comparing the original Fila Skele-Toes design to the new Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 design. The form factor is still pretty much the same. They still only have 4 toe pockets combining the last two toes in to one pocket. Fila calls this the “EZ-Slide” toe pocket. Theoretically, it makes it easier to put the shoes on.
The most noticeable difference between the Skele-Toes 2.0 and the 1.0 is the material they chose for the upper. The original Skele-Toes had a thick neoprene like upper that was very uncomfortable against the skin. I personally did not like the feeling of the original upper in the Skeletoes 1.0 it left much to be desired. In the Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 they used a stretch fabric that feels much softer and suppler against the skin. The new fabric is one of the biggest improvements over the previous version.
The second most noticeable difference is the design of the sole. The original Fila Skeletoes had a very thick and inflexible sole. It was too thick and did not flex enough with your movement. Fila has made efforts to change that with the Skele-Toes 2.0 design. Parts of the shoe have been released with an EVA like material that is more flexible then the previous version. Overall, the flexibility of the sole of the Skele-Toes 2.0 is improved over the original.
The last really noticeable change is the strap system. The previous strap system had several straps connected to the shoe in different locations. It has one strap for the top of the foot and two straps for the back of the foot on the Achilles tendon. The new Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 has a single loop strap that attaches to two points on one side of the shoe. Unfortunately, this strap design is a huge step backwards and really affects the overall performance of the shoe. I will talk more about my issues with the strap later in the review.
Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 Performance
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So the form has changed when you compare it to the original but do those changes add or detract from the new shoe? For the most part the changes they made have been big improvements. The upper in the Fila Skeletoes 2.0 is soft and feels great against the skin. I was able to wear it with or with out socks for hours at a time and not feel like it was starting to irritate my skin.
When you compare the sole of the Fila Skele-Toes to other minimalist shoes it is still quite thick and inflexible. Compared to the KSO Trek the sole feels much thicker and less flexible. This could be a negative or a positive depending on what you are looking for in toe shoes. For everyday wear I feel like the sole is just too inflexible and stiff — you don’t get a good enough ground feel when you compare them to other minimalist offerings.
If it is so inflexible and you lose so much ground feel then why would you want to wear them? I kept asking myself that over and over again. It then dawned on me that these are like training wheels for FiveFingers. The sole is thicker so people who are worried about too much ground feel can rest easy and the 4th and 5th toe pocket are combined to make it easier for people to get the shoes on.
Training Wheels??? Well yes, I could see these being a good option for someone who is interested in toe shoes but concerned about having too much ground feel or would like a thicker sole for the peace of mind. I have several friends who I have tried to get to wear Vibram FiveFingers (with varying degrees of success). I showed them the Skele-Toes 2.0 and a couple said they were more likely to wear the Skele-Toes because of the “extra protection the sole offers.”
There are also a handful of instances I could see myself reaching for the Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 over other shoes. For instance I could see myself wanting to walk on a rocky creek bed in these shoes. In that instance the lack of ground feel could be beneficial in case you misstep and land hard on a sharp rock. The extra sole in that instance could help you prevent bruising on the bottom of the foot.
I also enjoyed riding my bike in the Skele-Toes 2.0. The sole has ridges that gripped my bike pedal better than some of the FiveFingers soles do (this was especially when comparing the grip from the KSO sole and the Fila Skeletoes 2.0 sole). The extra ridges on the Skele-Toes really help you get a better grip on the pedals.
The biggest gripe I have about these shoes is the strap system. In my opinion the strap design of the Skele-Toes 2.0 is flawed if not broken. The strap material is very inflexible and kind of sharp along the edge. I cut myself once trying to tuck the excess slack of the strap in to the side of the shoe. My finger slipped down the side of the strap and I got small cut as a result.
I could not tighten the strap as much as I wanted because there was not enough Velcro on the strap. Meanwhile, the strap is also too long and has quite a bit of extra slack. Worst of all that extra slack is prone to just hang off the sides of the shoe. I did find that I could tuck the excess strap in to part of the shoe but it did not look very good. The excess slack looks really sloppy and detracts from the overall design of the shoe.
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Functionally, the strap is connected to the shoe at two points on the same side of the shoe. Unlike the Vibram FiveFingers KSO the strap does not make a complete loop around the shoe. When you do tighten the strap on the Skele-Toes 2.0 it pulls on these two parts in an uneven manner. I did not want to run in these shoes because I could not tighten the straps down enough to make the shoe not slip. If there is one thing I would completely change about the Fila Skeletoes 2.0 it would be the strap.
The toe pockets also seem a little narrow when you compare them to some of the Vibram FiveFingers. One of my friends tried to put on the shoes but his toes were too thick to fit in the toe pockets and he had an easier time fitting in his toes to a pair of FiveFingers.
What would I change on the Skele-Toes?
The first thing I would change on the Skele-Toes is the strap (surprise!). I would completely redesign the strap and I would model it more after the Vibram FiveFingers KSO. I would also use a material that is not so thick and has more flexibility to it but is still strong. I would increase the amount of Velcro on the strap as well so you can secure it better.
I think they should keep the sole they have now because there are some people out there that like a thicker sole. I would suggest making a 2nd design that sells in parallel to the Skeletoes called Skele-Toes Light… or something. It should have a much thinner sole that is more inline with what people expect from minimalist footwear.
I would also change some of the styling of the shoe. I find the Skele-Toes styling to be sort of Juvenile. I would have thought they looked cool when I was a kid but now at 26 I find the design of the sole to be very tacky. Currently because of the aesthetics of the Skele-Toes I would limit where I would consider wearing them: you will never see me at the Opera in these shoes! On the other foot, I have worn the Speeds, and Bormio, and many other Vibram FiveFingers styles to the Opera.
Final Thoughts
Would I recommend the Fila Skele-Toes to someone who has several pair of Vibram FiveFingers? No, I would not. If you are already used to Vibram FiveFingers then the lack of ground feel with the Skele-Toes will probably annoy you.
These shoes seem to fill the gap that is between regular shoes and Vibram FiveFingers. Offering a less minimal experience than the FiveFingers but still significantly more minimal then most of the sneakers produced today. The price is also significantly less than most of the FiveFingers styles available (Note: if you can find FiveFingers on sale, then the pricing becomes much more competitive). This makes the Skele-Toes a good first pair to pick up if you are unsure about toe shoes and don’t want to invest in a pair of FiveFingers.
If Fila keeps improving on their Skele-Toes line and continues to make changes like they did over the last version then Vibram could have some real competition in the toe shoe market. I look forward to see what Fila develops for the Skeletoes 3.0 version.
Video Review
I’ll wrap up my written review with an in-depth video review of the Fila Skeletoes 2.0 toe shoes (9:13). Check it out!
Where to Buy
The Fila Skeletoes 2.0 toe shoes are now out for sale (as of 11/21/2011). The size based on standard American sizing and can be found over at BirthdayShoes.com sponsor Action Sports Web for $59. Fila Skele-Toes have also been seen at your local department store. If you check them out, report back what you think here in the comments!
55 replies on “Fila Skele-Toes 2.0 Review”
Holy cow, those suckers are ugly :/ I got excited to see what Fila would bring to the table with the 2.0 release, but MAN those are nasty looking. They make the ugliest color combos by Vibram look like works of art.
And that strap leaves me baffled. How did it make it through testing? It looks as if it does absolutely nothing…
I completely agree with you on their terrible aesthetics. We actually ran into a pair of the high-tops last week. Has anyone had a chance to check those out yet? I feel like Fila doesn’t get the point of minimalist running and that they are just doing this to join the market.
Fila obviously didn’t learn anything. Still putting out pure junk.
I think your review is right on. I love my skeletoes for certain conditions, but I don’t think they are the best for running, or everyday wear. However, I took them on a sailing trip and they were an excellent boat shoe. They worked well snorkeling and rock climbing. I could swim to shore in my skeletoes, then go on a run, and swim back to the boat with no discomfort. So neoprene and a thick sole has its advantages in the right situation.
Originally they marketed this as more of an adventure shoe than a running shoe. The 2.0 changes seem to try to move more towards a running model.
Vibram already makes a thicker sole shoe: Treksport or Trek, Trek LS 8mm. That sole is ideal for offroad rocky terrain. You don’t need thicker than that!
i really don’t like how fila have joined the last two toes on each foot and it makes it some what less human.
Bought a pair of 1.0 on sale, and was happy with them *for the price I paid*. If they give me a not-neoprene fabric and a reasonable strap, i’ll buy 3.0 when it comes out.
I took a look at the Fila website; at least this looks better than the Skele-toes AMP, which puts a Nike Free sole on to give even less ground feel.
I’ve seen both the 1.0 and the 2.0 in stores. The price was appealing but not once I saw them in person. I now own three pairs of Vibrams. The difference in quality is pretty unbelievable. As someone stated earlier, the Filas are pure junk. Whenever people comment on my Vibrams and mention that they picked up the Filas based on price, I have a hard time not saying anything. Im not trying to be a Vibram Fanboy, just go see the difference for yourself.
You said Vibram wrong!
Love, Stefanie
Stefanie you caught me. I have a hard time saying Veebrum for some reason. I realized I did it after the video was done and I decided not to do it over. I figured it was only a matter of time before someone caught me 😉
I really like Vibram but I have deformed toes so therefore; Vibram is not market friendly for people who have deformed toes. So I’m with Fila all the way. I like their 1.0 better than the new version of 2.0.
I tried on a pair at my local Kohls. I felt the 2.0s were much more “cushy” . They seemed comfortable and I wore them around the shoe department and some of the ajoining areas for about as long as I thought I could get away with. I didn’t notice a problem with the strap.
I would request a follow up on the durability of the Skele toes 2.0. Sort of a “long term test drive”.
Keep up the good work.
I have been wearing them around town from time to time when I am running errands. They seem to be holding up well. I have not noticed any tears in the seams or anything. The sole is breaking in more as I wear it. Still not as flexible as the Vibram models.
I just got these from kohls on sale for $38. The soles are much thicker but it doesn’t bother me while running. I also think that the heel strap is worthless. Overall, I think I like this shoe.
I just got the 1.0 version on sale (2 straps). I have to say that so far I like them. They are comfortable even though the longest I have worn these is about an hour a day . I haven’t bought the vibram because in my mind I couldn’t justify it. I will try these while I zumba. If they work they will become my zumba shoe.
You know, everyone is bashing these shoes, but they’re $60!!! That’s fantastic compared to Vibram which can go up to $120. Finally someone created an affordable toe shoe. Most may disagree, but hats off to you Fila!
@Marc I mostly agree with you. I think it is good that they are offering what they do. It is a different niche then FiveFingers.
The only downside is that if you search properly you can find some sales on FiveFingers that make models like the classic, KSO, and Sprint cheaper then a pair of Skeletoes. Sometimes you can find the Skeletoes for $39. If I had to pick between a pair of $39 classics or $39 Skeletoes I would pick the classics.
If everything is regular price though you have a point and for some that extra cost is a big factor in why they decided to buy something other then FiveFingers.
Ok let’s put this perspective, I just bought a pair of Komodo sports at Paragon (NYC) on sale for $80.00 with tax included.. Seemed like a great price as I assume New models are coming for 2012. Bottom line I love the Komodo sports!!! They feel like I’m wearing nothing at all, my friend has the KSO’s and he gets blisters if he does not use socks… I believe the Komodo sports solved that problem as I don’t where socks with my Five Fingers.
Now my point, I just ordered a pair of Skele Toes from Finish Line for $29.99 plus $7.00 shipping so I feel it’s cheap enough to give a try since its 1/2 the price of my Komodo Sports!! Worst case, I wear them around the house…best case I have an excellent pair of back up barefoot shoes that I can train with in the worst weather conditions without thinking I’m ruining by beloved Komodo Sports!!
Any input from Mr. Birthday Shoes and anyone else would be great.. I love your site and only discovered it researching which Five Finger shoes to buy, keep up the excellent work!!
i got a pair of 2.0s a couple weeks ago and i have been using them as my new running shoes. super comfortable and great protection from any injury. bargin for 49 bucks
Just started wearing Skele-toes last week. Comfortable enough for work, on my feet 8 hours at a time, but there aren’t many colors to chose from. My shoes have a clip/hook which is convenient. I did buy a second pair, on sale, of course. I too, have a deformity in my toes, but since it”s the “pinky” toes, the 4 toe system works well for me!
I wore a pair of Five Fingers last year during PA’s Tough Mudder (12 mile Trail Run mixed with Extreme Obstacles, Mud, and Water). The bottoms of my feet felt horrible because the sole was so thin. I am planning on wearing these for this year’s event in hopes they work well. They were $37 at Finish Line (delivery included).
I got Fila 1.0 at DSW today and love them. I always have issues with sneakers (my feet go numb) and a friend suggested I try to vibrams. Well, they’re a bit out of my budget right now, and I agree with the review that says they’re a stepping stone.
Tonight I ran two miles in them over some pretty uneven sidewalks and grass and I like that I can feel the ground but I’m still protected. They were super light and I felt like I could fly.
I’m sure to Vibram purists, they’re crap, but for those of us slowly getting into toe shoes, it’s a nice option. Once these are done, I can definitely see myself going to Vibrams.
While training for a 5K when I first started running a few years ago, I pulled a muscle in my knee that kept me off the track for a couple of months. After resting for a bit, I resumed my training and I had reinjured my knee. I did some research about running shoes and that’s how I learned about toe shoes. I’ve been interested in the VFFs for awhile, but I’m just not thrilled with the price point. My question is this: would these Filas be a cheaper alternative for those wanting to make the transition to toe running shoes? If I ended up liking them, I’d probably purchase a pair of VFFs, but $100+ is quite an investment for shoes that I may not like. Thanks!
got 2 kinds of skele a toes my problem is
after 5 x use got a hole on inside part the big toe i think they need a stronger
fabric between the toes
Had the original Skeletoes, but the “funk” eventually overwelmed them regardless of which alternative I tried using to clean them. Thought I would try the 2.0’s as I did like the original shoes. I am REALLY disappointed. The straps are useless, due to them being way too long and skimpy on velcro. You are left with straps that hang out about 1 1/2 inches in the back and touch the ground with the side strap if you want the velcro to attach; and I don’t even have narrow feet! Cause of the lack of velcro just cutting the straps isn’t an option, and its impossible to get them as tight as I would like. I did like the new material they used for the shoe, but cheaping out or doing absolutely zero product testing makes me wonder what Fila was thinking.
I bought my 9 year old a pair of the skeletoes 2 weeks ago. The white parts on the toes have already begin coming loose. I was very disapointed in this, due to the fact I paid 55.00 for these shoes and they haven’t even held up for 2 weeks.
Two of my friends just bought Skeletoes for disc golf. Now it’s my turn, but I’d like to get some input before I just go grab what is on the shelf. I need a pair of shoes that can go through the creek, up the gravel pile, grip the cement tee pad, and still be comfortable. What say you?
I own several pairs of Viabrams (The Original designer/Authentic Version) and I recently brought a pair for my 6yr old son. Well I ventured out to try on the Fila version and I’ll stick with my Viabram’s. Viabram being the orignal designer broke the mold when they made them and there will never be a better duplicater! Viabram’s are flexible and very comfortable for every sport/activity and come in a variety of styles depending on your activity to suit your needs.
I think your review was spot on. I actually prefer my old skeletoes (I just bought a new pair to replace my old ones) over the 2.0s. The sole was a slight improvement, but as you said the strap sucks. I also preferred the material in the old skeletoes (which I know some people don’t). It was warmer, which was great for wearing them in the winter, and I felt it was easier to slide my feet in and out of them.
I got my skeletoes as training wheels for my vibrams. The price of VFFs was intimidating, so I tried the cheaper skeletoes, liked them, and then upgraded. I still wear them just to walk around in since the sole is thicker and they are more comfortable to walk in for a long time. I also wear them after races when my feet are sore and want a break.
Can you use these as a water shoes we r going to the river this summer and are looking for good water shoes
@Brian,
People use these as water shoes — I saw a handful of folks wearing the original Skeletoes when I went white water rafting about a year ago, for example. They’re not at all waterproof of course.
You could hold off and get the BodyGlove 3T though, which is geared towards water.
https://birthdayshoes.com/body-glove-toe-shoes-3t
I bought the 2.0 and wore then one day for about 9 hrs and they started falling apart. I’m never buying Fila shoes again. Nothing but junk!
I am seeing a lot of negative comments here and I wanted to post some positives for people who are considering these shoes. I am a 37 year old mom who works crazy office hours but am an avid out-doors-woman and plan to take these hiking, kayaking, and exploring wherever I go. I live near the beach in FL and have a walk/run from my house along the road/sidewalk/and beach. I suffer from severe shin splints and had just read the “Running (Hu)Man Theory” of evolution, which has motivated me to start walking/running again. I saw these shoes on a store shelf last week and decided to give them a try figuring at worst, they would be good reef shoes. After 5 days, my shin splint issues are gone, my legs and feet feel “alive” again with no pain. I can wear the shoes on land or in the surf, and I even wore them swimming and beach combing. I keep calling them my “duck shoes” and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the four toe design. It gives me stability on land and makes me feel like I am growing a flipper again in the water–I hate dive/snorkle flippers but this felt so natural and improved my swimming. I hate having something around my little toes, which have been turned in/under since birth and this design means there is no uncomfortable rubbing or fit issues and no undue pressure on my little toes. I find the flex to be just right for me–not too rigid like normal sneakers and not too floppy/sloppy either. I can feel the ground features but no pain or heat makes it’s way in. The fabric is soft and feels like wearing support stockings, easing fatigue. I could not be happier, and I am considering buying a dozen pairs to “save” in case this design is retired. I am 5′ 10″ with a size 11 or 12 foot, and have suffered for years in uncomfortable shoes, and have never been so happy before. Going barefoot is not an option with the hot pavement and sand, not to mention broken glass, rocks, and coral. I love the straps and the adjustment they give me–I have a high “last” and many shoes hurt but these let me open up the top and get a custom fit. I can also loosen the back to increase the width somewhat and again, make the fit perfect without going to a men’s shoe (which are too wide and slip around but are better than too tight in women’s shoes in brands like Keen). I whole-heartedly recommend these shoes for anyone who has had fit, comfort, or shin splint problems who wants a versatile 3-5 mile a day run/walk shoe, climbing/hiking, water sports shoe.
Blatent fanboyism! It’s like an iphone person reviewing an android device. I learned nothing from the review and even less from the vibrim cheerleaders in the comments section. Did you read fila’s design philosophy on this shoe? It wasn’t even designed to be a running shoe. Smug much?
@Dee,
My littlest toes slide under the next toes, too, but it’s actually never bothered me or even been noteworthy to me with a five-toed toe shoe. Generally, they are stretch around the toes, so once seated, the toe can slide over. To the extent that this was exacerbated by shoes with too tight lasts, I think five toed shoes have actually helped reduce this a bit for me. You should at least try FiveFingers (or even Adipures) to see the difference. Or actually you might consider the just reviewed 3T Barefoots from BodyGlove.
@justintime,
If you peep our first review of the Skeletoes (I wrote that one) you’ll note that I pointed out Fila didn’t intend them for running, though that certainly hasn’t stopped people from doing it anyway.
I think most FiveFingers fans just don’t get the Skeletoes because they are pretty drastically different animals with the most drastic difference being (in my opinion) the lack of flexibility in the soles of the Skeletoes. Since toe shoes/barefoot shoes are all about providing a close to barefoot experience, it’s surprising just how inflexible Skeletoes are (an objective comparison — no fanboyism required) compared to any FiveFingers sole. That sorta just is what it is.
these are on sale this week at Kohl’s…use your 20 percent off coupon and they are $28! My high school son hasn’t taken them off since he got them except to bathe & sleep.
amazing how all these “reviews” are nothing but comparisons to VFF shoes. review them for what they are, without saying how inferior they are to Vibram’s five finger shoes.
Im goingto be picking a pair of theseup this week beacse im going on a cruise son and i want a good pair of water shoes, i cant seem to find the bodyglove anywere near me and VFF’s are just out of my price range, so my question is how well is the drainage, and do th grip well to a boats surface?
Personally, I’ve had a pair of the skeletoes for a week now and couldn’t be happier. Very comfortable, although a little bit of a challenge to get them on properly at first. They are an interestingly comfortable shoe to say the least. I don’t feel the restrictions of my toes like I normally would with a regular athletic shoe (even with the two small toes together). I like them so far. With that said, I’ve not owned a pair Vibram shoes (yet) so, I really have nothing to base a comparison on at this point, however, coming from someone that has spent most of his life in traditional athletic shoes. This is a surprisingly nice shoe for 39.99. Got em at Dick’s in Martinsburg, WV myself… My first time out with them was a short hike with my daughters, no slipping, no blistering and, no pain after 1.5 miles. Ok in my book!
As someone completely new to minimalist footwear, I bought the Skeletoes 2.0 because honestly, they were the only ones I knew about (good job Fila!). After wearing them for 2 days (about 9 consecutive hrs each day), the balls of my feet are sore. I don’t view this as a negative on the shoes, I think my feet just need to adjust to the lack of padding my feet are used to. I bought a size down and they fit great. Walking is completely comfortable and I’m much more mindful of my feet. My toes are experiencing freedom theyve never had haha, and my stride and posture are much better. After a week I think I’ll try running in them. For an entry level toe shoe, I definitely recommend them for those curious ledge dwellers.
Just got a pair because they were 30 dollars at kohls and i need outdoor mud/creek shoes. So far i like them i agree the strap is terrible though…might try to replace or modify it
Just did my first workout in a pair of skeletoes.
I must admit I was dissapointed with the sole. It’s not as flexible as I expected and I reckon it’s too chunky.
The manouverability of the individual toes was also less than anticipated (my toes are a bit monkey like).
Have just ordered some Vibram’s to compare.
I love the concept though and will be wearing toe shoes whenever I don’t need to be formal or can’t be barefoot.
So after buying these shoes, i must say i love them, i used to were only boots 24/7 now if im out you would have a dammed hard time trying to were something eles, i wish VFF, had a shoe in simaler price, my only beef if my fet have never smelled in my life but for some reason wereing these my feet are awalys smelly
My boyfriend and I both bought the Fila Bay Runners and have loved them! We started with the Fila’s due to the cheaper price over the Vibrams and not being sure of the whole barefoot shoe at the time. Because we love our Fila’s so much we wanted to try out the Vibrams so we headed to a store this past weekend to try them on….they didn’t fit either one of us!! We both found that the Vibrams had smaller and tighter toe pockets and really felt like our feet were completely squished into the shoes. My boyfriend wears a 13 shoe which he can get in the Fila’s but Vibrams don’t come that big. I tried on the proper size for Vibrams but still they did not fit….we will be sticking with the Fila’s! I was looking forward to the style options of Vibrams and was hugely disappointed in the fit!
Does anyone know of a good water shoe that comes in a high-top? I had heard that Fila Skeletoes had one, but Fila said they did not. I walk out in Big Cypress a lot and the muck sucks off regular shoes. Thanks
I’m not a runner, but I’m a new convert to barefoot shoes. I like to walk or do zumba for exercise. I have a pair of skeletoes and I like the for walks. They are comfortable and my feet feel good in them. They are okay for running around with my kids. They are more minimal than my traditional sneakers but not nearly as minimal as Vibrams or the Merrell Pace Gloves. I am happy with t hem though and still wear them.
hey please do a skeltoes 3.0 review please!
please, please, please! do a revie won 3.0s coatsal and regualr! I am buying them but i need to see a vid before i buy somehting for some reason just a quirk i guess 😀
I have seen the Fila Skeletoes but never tried them on because they only have 4 toes. I have a pair of Vibram Spyridons and I hate to take them off. I found you review of Filas very helpful. One thing I would add is that for instance someone who has had pinky toe surgery such as my husband is not able to wear Five Fingers because his pinky toe is too short so I think perhaps if he were inclined, Skeletoes would work better for him. Just a thought.
Los tenis que acabo de comprar Fila Skele-toes FOR JUST ABOUT EVERYWHERE… Estan excelentemente comodos…… Gracias Saludos
I bought a pair of Skele-toes on Woot for 19.95. I had been wanting to try toe shoes and for the price I figured I couldn’t miss. I have really enjoyed them. They don’t have straps of any kind. They have a kind of bungee lace system which is very comfortable. I have been on several short (2 mile) day hikes down into Little River Canyon, over rocks through creeks, etc. and they have been very comfortable and sure footed. I have never owned or worn the Five Finger variety but like the protection afforded my little toe in the four toe shoe. They may look like alien feet, but I like them.
I have recently joined the minimalist brigade (Aug last year). I live in India, where the barefoot/minimalist movement is, well, minimal. So when I read about barefoot running, I was intrigued. The Fila Skeletoes 2 was the only toe shoe I could lay my hands on, so I bought them for the equivalent of 30$.
I have been using them for the last 7-8 months, for all activities such as running (both road and trail), cycling, walking and normal use. I must say I find them very comfortable, almost like wearing nothing at all. My runs have been 3-5 miles, for which I find these well suited, especially the snug feel and phenomenal grip.
Sure, there are some design lacunae, which other reviewers have already covered.
Nevertheless, for someone who is not a competitive or professional athelete, and who is just starting out in the minimalist realm, I think this is a great start point.
I also confess that I have never worn the VFF, so my comments may not be very objective.
one time my son put them on and we went out for a long time and when we got back he took them off and his shoes and his feet reeked he then slept barefoot at night