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).