BirthdayShoesThe Vibram Five Fingers Flow features a closed top design whereby the fabric on the upper of the shoes is 1.2 mm of neoprene — the sort of material used to make wetsuits. Like it’s close cousin the KSO, the Flow also has a 2mm insole, which provides more insulation in colder temperatures. By extension, the Flow is best suited for water sports or winter-wear (Jump to posts on the Flow below!). Also, the neoprene’s added thickness gives the Flow a stiffer overall feel compared to other Vibram Five Fingers models, and also makes the Flow feel very snug against your foot, with the fabric gripping closely to your toes.
The Flow is not waterproof (nor is any Vibram Five Fingers model), but it does lock moisture inside the toe shoes — this being a feature of neoprene. This moisture-control makes the Flows warmer, but it also results in them being uncomfortably warm for indoor wear (and your feet can get a bit sweaty).
The Five Fingers Flow has no arch support and a minimal amount of cushioning or padding — its sole is thicker than the Classic and Sprint due to the Flow having a 2mm insole. Though this the diminishes barefoot feel of the Flow, you still get a great deal of ground feedback.
The Flow is seen most often for winter running.
Model specifics
Here are the technical specifications of the Vibram Five Fingers Flow straight from Vibram:
A 1.2mm Neoprene lining and 2mm EVA insole provide the thermal insulation and protection. And our new IdroGrip performance rubber (available only in black) is razor-siped for added slip resistance over a variety of surfaces.
FLOW IS BEST FOR: Light Trekking, Cold Weather Running, Water Sports
The standout features of the Flow include:
Using a thin neoprene upper, the Flow is the warmest Vibram Five Fingers model available, making it popular for winter wear and water sports. The flipside is that the Flow can make your feet uncomfortably hot for indoor wear.
Featuring a closed top that has a small opening at the ankle, like the KSO, the Flow “keeps stuff out.”
The Flow has a 2mm insole, which reduces “barefoot feel” as compared to the Classic or Sprint.
The Flow uses a two-strap velcro mechanism to lock the toe shoes onto your foot — one strap over the top of the foot and the other at the heel.
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 Flows size slightly larger than the same size in the Classic or Sprint models. So a 43 Flow will fit larger than a 43 Classic or 43 Sprint. For this reason, Vibram prescribes you size down in the Flow compared to the Classic or Sprint models.
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 Flow’s closed-top design means that if you have particularly high arches or “high feet” the Flow may not fit properly and you might consider the Sprint or the Classic.
Read (and see!) more about the Five Fingers Flow via these reviews:
Running a Tough Mudder race in Vibram Five Figners Flows
Run a Thanksgiving Marathon in Flow Five Fingers
Hike the Inka Trail in Vibram Flows
Okay, I want some Flows. How much are they? Where can I get them?
The Flow retails for around $90 and can often be purchased with free shipping from most online retailers. Find the Vibram Five Fingers Flow 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 Flow posts below —
We recently received a story from James Grundler about his hike through the Grand Canyon in his patched up Vibram Five Fingers Flows. It is the type of story enthusiastic Five Fingers fans share with us every day and we love passing on to our readers. Bu…
In the beginning, Father Patrick Dorn, wore traditional running shoes, but he recently switched to Vibram Five Fingers. Here is Fr. Dorn’s story:I’m Fr. Patrick Dorn, priest at “runner friendly” Church of the Apostles (Anglican) in Evergreen, Colo…
Andréa Maria Cecil (Follow her on twitter @andreacecil) recently participated in a Tough Mudder race at Bear Creek Mountain Resort near Allentown, Pa. She shared this narrative about her experience with us:
VFF fan, Jason, on his variation of slacklining done wearing his new Vibram Five Fingers Flows:I picked up my VFF Flows over Easter and I love them. The Flows were the only pair that fit me, but I got them half off, so I won’t complain. I’ve been…
Where exactly is Cebu City and who wears Vibram Five Fingers there? With a population of almost one million people, Cebu City is located in the Philippines. Lavin and Lhar are technology teachers at a university there. Lavin comments on discovering VFFs:…
Here’s what Derik has to say about his newly acquired Vibram Five Fingers KSO Treks and Flows:My first pair of VFF’s! I received them in the mail about 3 weeks ago and was anxious to hit the gym and treadmill with them. I searched everywhere here in…
In the video above is Bob wearing black Flow Vibram Five Fingers. The video was shot at Dupont Circle, Washington D.C. at a massive snowball fight. If you didn’t already know, D.C. got nailed with a snowstorm that shutdown the city. Here’s Bob on…
Running in V5F since July and have been using Flow’s lately as the temperature dropped. Went out for a few 3-mile runs during and after the blizzard that hit the east coast before Christmas. My Flow’s did a much better job than I expected. Without any…
The above photos came in from Ryan, who has been taking his VFF collection on the road (or in the air) as he’s traveled to India, Hawaii, and gone on an ocean cruise! Here’s a bit more:Greetings, Justin!I’ve had the pleasure of taking my VFFs to…
The photos above were sent in by Chris, who recently ran the Richmond Marathon in Flow Five Fingers.
