Vibram Five Fingers fan, Sean, is a competitive runner from Canada. He runs for the Phoenix Athletics track club and has competed in the Canadian Championships. Read what Sean had to say about discovering and later training in Vibram Five Fingers: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 —
Vibram Five Fingers Fan, Graig, recently wore his newly acquired KSOs in a 5 mile race in Spring Lake, New Jersey and had this to say:So enjoy the site and check it almost everyday! I had been experimenting with barefooting over the past few years…
Avid fisherman and sailor, Jonathan, has found that Vibram Five Fingers make great boat shoes. He tested them out on a recent fishing trip to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.Read about his experience choosing the right pair of Vibrams and see pics…
Vibram Five Fingers fan, Mary, likes getting back to nature in her Classics. They provide sure footing and it’s ok if they get wet! She told us why VFFs work for her:A friend and I spent the morning at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve, which is located…
The casual denim Classics, released only in Europe, are a stylish alternative for Vibram Five Fingers wearers. European Five Fingers fan, Dirk, gives his take on this new model:
Travelers, Jeff and his wife, found that their Vibram Five Fingers classics and KSOs were perfect for scaling ruins and exploring caves in the jungles of Belize and Guatemala.
The Definitive Guide to the Vibram Five Fingers Classic, the original, open-topped five-toed barefoot shoe from Vibram that is used for running, walking, weight lifting, and many other everyday, casual applications.
Some have wondered how a pair of Classic Vibram Five Fingers would function if you removed the elastic bungee cord strap that cinches behind the heel — is it possible? Advisable? Will the Classic Vibrams stay on your feet? Learn more about this permanent modification to your Classics Vibram Five Fingers!
Latest week’s Vibram Five Fingers reviews from around the internet!
Andrew Harwood sent in the above photos showing off his Vibram Five Fingers collection (black Classics and Flows). I asked Andrew to share a bit about what he’s been doing in his VFFs and what he likes about them. Here is what he had to say:I have…