“Monkey shoes” is definitely one of the various names people give to Vibram fivefingers. That said, since human beings are much more closely related to apes than monkeys from a genetic point of view, I submit that VFFs are more appropriately nicknamed “ape shoes.”
Tag: Vibram Five Fingers Sprint [Barefoot] Toe Shoes
The Vibram Five Fingers Sprint is one of the first “barefoot” toe shoes produced by Vibram (Jump to posts on the Sprint below!). The Sprint features an open-topped design with a velcro-strap over the top of the foot and two small straps on either side of the heel to secure the shoes to the foot. This mechanism allows the user to dial-in the attachment of the Sprint to provide an exceedingly latched-on fit. The Sprint has the standard Vibram Five Fingers sole.
Like all Vibram Five Fingers models, the Sprint has five separated toe compartments that allow the foot to splay on contact with the ground. Sprint Five Fingers have no arch support and no cushioning or padding. The Sprint is a favorite for running (and sprinting!) and fitness.
The standout features of the Sprint include:
Open top makes the Sprint airy and relatively easy to put on or take off (Though the velcro straps present a bit of a learning curve to the new wearer).
The on-skin top strap provides a locked on feel — and actually doesn’t cause blistering or irritation.
The Sprint, like the Classic, features Vibram’s most minimal sole approved for outdoor use. If you want Vibrams with the most barefoot feel, like the Classic, the Sprint is a great choice. What sets it apart from the Classic is that it can be used in just about any application — no matter the intensity!
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 Sprints size slightly smaller than the same size in the KSO (and other closed-top models). So a 43 Sprint will fit smaller than a 43 KSO. For this reason, Vibram prescribes you size up in the Sprint 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 Sprint’s open top design makes it easier to fit “high feet” as compared to KSOs.
Read (and see!) more about the Five Fingers Sprint via these reviews:
Tim Runs the Marine Corps Marathon in his Sprint Vibram Five Fingers
VIbram Five Fingers runner Jawa tries beach running and traveling in his Sprints
Slacklining and 1,000 miles in Sprint Five Fingers
Okay, I want some Sprints. How much are they? Where can I get them?
The Sprint retails for around $80 and can often be purchased with free shipping from most online retailers. Find the Vibram Five Fingers Sprint 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 Sprint posts below —
An interview with Vibram Five Fingers fan Sterling Purdy who lost over 50 lbs. by changing his diet and lifestyle to one more in tune with his primal roots.
Maybe one day Vibram will come out with some patent leather VFFs for gents in need of five-toed dress shoes and sequin and/or rhinestone-covered VFFs for the ladies. If they ever do, I’m sure we’ll cover it here.
A Vibram Five Fingers fan travels to Grenada making good use of his VFF Sprints on hiking and exploring both the grounds of the resort and the ocean!
Naree demonstrates how you can combine Vibram Five Fingers Sprints with Scuba Fins! Apparently, the combination works well (photos, user story!)
It’s great to continue hearing (and seeing!) all the great things everyone is doing in their Five Fi
Got a couple photos in the mailbag from Cody. Cody’s was climbing at Clayton Beach, Washington. I
I received the above photo of Alain, which was taken on a hike in Easter Newfoundland, Canada. I as
click any image to enlarge!Maria Coryell-Martin sent in the above photos taken on her recent, tw
Above are photos of Tim Kelley taken as he was finishing the Dextrose ITU Triathlon in Washington D.