Sarah changes into her Vibram Five Fingers Classics to more comfortably dance at a wedding reception!
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 —
Tripp, a new VFFer out in Austin, Texas, wrote in about his first week walking about in his Five Fin
Sarah talks about getting her black Classic Vibram Five Fingers and wearing them with her starry toe socks!
Tina talks about her six pairs of Vibram Five Fingers – KSOs, Flows, Surges, Sprints, and Classics
If you don’t plan on wearing your Classic Vibram Five Fingers for strenuous acitivites, just cut out the elastic and make them even more comfortable!
Vibram Five Fingers fan Kevin talks about his KSO Vibrams and getting his pregnant sister-in-law comfy in Classics.
Pictured above, Marianna shows off her black fivefinger Classics at a Red Sox game (See the Green Mo
Click for full sizeYou might have noticed it was fairly quiet around here over the past week.
Vibram Five Fingers fan Ryan talks about his favorite Vibram model — the Classic — which he wears to relax around the house with his dog and family.
A video clip of Mark Sisson, an extraordinarily healthy 50-something blogger, doing Beach Sprints in Vibram Five Fingers!