Vibram Fiver Fingers fan, Steve, recently ran in his 15th Big Sur Marathon, and his first in VFF KSOs. Steve comments on the switch:
I saw at least 3 other runners with VFFs, including a woman in purple ones, and one barefoot runner. I got quite a few positive comments on mine and I was surprised how many had heard of VFFs and were interested in my experience with them. I was happy to oblige and emphasized the fact that they are very comfortable to run and walk in, far more so than regular running shoes with all their padding – after running in these for 6 months regular shoes seem squishy and unstable. There was a Vibram booth at the expo and I got to see the new Bikila – I can’t wait to buy a pair! I’ve been running for over 50 years, and had no trouble transitioning to KSOs, though instead of my normal 4 month marathon training cycle I started a couple months early to ease into using them just in case I had any problems. I have no regrets about switching over, in fact I look forward to my runs more than I have in years, and as a side benefit, despite doing most of my training in the hills, for the first time in forever I have no black toenails! VFFs Rock!
Thanks Steve! Please send us some photos when you get your Bikilas.
3 replies on “Veteran Runner Makes the Switch to Vibram Five Fingers KSOs”
Congratulations Steve! I will be doing a trail marathon in October, and I can’t wait to do them in the VFFs.
My first VFF marathon in June, a road marathon, in Sprints. Once I discovered and maintained my stride with BF and VFF I too was reinspired to run. I love the feel of the shoes. I love the lack of residual muscle soreness. And I like the novelty of being in the VFFs.
After my marathon I am going to try some trail running in the VFFs. Can’t wait!
I just ran my first marathon at Big Sur in my KSOs; I was the slow one that came in at the end of the pack!
I only had my KSOs for about two months before I ran the marathon. I don’t know if that was a good idea or not but after training in the KSOs for just a short time I couldn’t stand my traditional running shoes. They are now collecting dust in the closet.
I was disappointed that I couldn’t try on the Bikila at the Expo but glad to see it before I ordered a pair. Frankly, I think I am going to stick with the KSOs and/or my barefeet. As others have noted, it does seem to be moving in the direction of more shoe instead of less…