Though we suggest all runners transitioning to Vibram Five Fingers take their time and make a very gradual transition, Rafael ran in the Nautica Malibu Triathlon after just six weeks in Vibram Five Fingers.My name is Rafael from Sacramento, CA. I…
Tag: Vibram Five Fingers Classic [Barefoot] Toe Shoes
The Vibram Five Fingers Classic is the original — the first “barefoot” toe shoes produced by Vibram — or anyone, as far as we know (Jump to posts on the Classic below!). The Classic features an open-topped design and the standard Vibram Five Fingers sole. It is secured to the foot via a bungee cord that runs the circumference of the opening and can be cinched behind the heel. Many Classic fans ultimately remove this cord (permanent, voids warranty!) to make the Classics more comfortable; some users find the bungee cord can dig into the top of the foot, causing irritation, which could also be why Classics tend to “break in” over time, becoming more comfortable with wear.
Like all Vibram Five Fingers models, the Classic has five separated toe compartments that allow the foot to splay on contact with the ground. The Five Fingers Classic has no arch support and no cushioning or padding. The Classic is a favorite for casual wear and travel, but is used by many for fitness and even running.
The standout features of the Classic include:
Open top makes the Classic airy and easy to put on or take off. It is the “flip flop” of the Vibram line-up (except it doesn’t flop at all!).
The Classic, like the Sprint, features Vibram’s most minimal sole approved for outdoor use. If you want barefoot feel but a small amount of rubber protection, you can’t go wrong with the Classic.
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 Classics size slightly smaller than the same size in the KSO (and other closed-top models). So a 43 Classic will fit smaller than a 43 KSO. For this reason, Vibram prescribes you size up in the Classic compared to the 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 Classic’s open top design makes it easier to fit “high feet” (as compared to closed-top Vibrams like the KSOs, Flows, Treks, or Bikilas).
Read (and see!) more about the Five Fingers Classic via these reviews:
Vibram Five Fingers Classics review via JustinOwings.com [BirthdayShoes founder]
The Classic, Everyday Greatness of Classic Five Fingers
Mods and other considerations:
Remove the bungee cord strap on your Classics if you like to live dangerously and only wear your Classics for casual, everyday applications (and don’t mind voiding your return/warranty).
Keep the hems of your pants from dragging behind your heels using an S-biner.
Got webbed toes? Turn your Five Fingers into Four (or three or whatever) Fingers
Okay, I want some Classics. How much are they? Where can I get them?
The Classic retails for around $75 and can often be purchased with free shipping from most online retailers. Find the Vibram Five Fingers Classic 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 Classic posts below —
Steve took along his Vibram Five Fingers Classics, Sprints and Bikilas on a recent trip to Greece. That’s about 2 pounds. Not bad for three pairs of shoes. After the jump, read what Steve had to say about his travels, see some more great pics and learn t…
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Finnish Girls Hike Alps in Toe Shoes
Sara and Eeva were ready to get the heck out of Finland after graduation, so it was off to the German Alps where they could hike through the snow in their Five Fingers. They sent us some pics and a summary of their trip:We are two Finnish girls who a…
Why Trek Sports?Being the new kid (geriatric new kid, that is!) on the Birthday Shoes block, I only own two pair of Vibram Five Fingers, the Classics and Bikilas. My Classics don’t get a lot of wear except as an occasional flip flop alternative (Just…
Me running in red/grey Vibram Five Finger Bikilas. (All photos by Kent)The Birth of birthday shoesOver a year ago, when Justin mentioned to me that he was starting a blog about Vibram Five Fingers and minimalist footwear, I thought it was interesti…
BirthdayShoes.com is pleased to introduce a TheShoeMart.com as new site sponsor and simultaneously give you a preview of the new Vibram Five Fingers 2010 fall line-up which will soon be available there. You can be confident you are getting the real thing…
Michael “Sifu” Banaag is quite an accomplished martial artist and self-defense instructor. He was taught by James DeMile, a student of Bruce Lee. He is also a Vibram Five Fingers fan and wears KSOs to train and teach self defense. He recently acquired a…
Tripp, from Austin, was previously seen here on BirthdayShoes when he first got his Vibram Five Fingers Classics, then later when he ran a 5k in them. Recently, Tripp purchased a pair of Bikilas from City Sports and sent us a nice comparison to his…
We first ran across Edward Edmonds a few weeks ago in a youtube video of him running barefoot and posted it in our Link Love section. Later we discovered on his blog that he training full time as a runner and has the ultimate goal to run a marathon under…
The World’s First Ever Five Fingers 5k, sponsored by Mahoney’s was held this past weekend in Johnson City, TN. It was open to all runners, regardless of footwear. However, the winner was wearing fivefingers and finished the race in 17:33. Vibram Five Fin…