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Vibram FiveFingers Sighted in NYC

Kevin (koffekev on the forums) was recently gallivanting around New York City with his niece when he

Kevin (koffekev on the forums) was recently gallivanting around New York City with his niece when he happened upon a fellow VFFer named Richard (pictured above). Kevin wrote about the experience:

Hi Justin.

I met Richard on Mott St. as I was walking out of Gimme Coffee. I just said “hey, do you mind if I take a pic of your five fingers?” Before he realized I was wearing the same KSO’s he asked if I liked his prosthetic feet? When he noticed I was wearing the same thing he mentioned that they were far less expensive here than in his native Australia. I invited him to check out B-day shoes so hopefully he will introduce himself. …

In the Times Square area I noticed a group of tourists pointing and giggling. I asked if they liked them and a young woman said “yes, very much” in very broken english.

Waiting at a busy cross walk a man crouched down to try to read the Vibram stitched on my foot. I had a quick conversation with him. He seemed interested when I told him it felt as if I were barefoot but when I suggested he google five fingers he replied curtly and condescendingly that he would. I just laughed and waved him off.

Thanks, Kevin!

Inspired by Kevin’s experience meeting people in the Big Apple, I’d like to offer up the following definition for Vibram fivefingers:

Vibram fivefingers [noun] — a rubber-toed foot in the door for sparking conversations with complete strangers (and making new friends).

Am I right?

If any of you have a “VFF sighting” or chance-meeting with another VFFer, tell us about it! We even have a forum topic about fivefingers sightings in the wild.

By Justin

Justin Owings is a deadlifting dad of three, working from Atlanta. When he's not chasing his three kids around, you'll find him trying to understand systems, risk, and human behavior.

2 replies on “Vibram FiveFingers Sighted in NYC”

I’ve had so many pleasant conversations with strangers since wearing VFFs I can’t count. I would recommend them as social ice breakers, if nothing else. In New York people tend to keep to themselves, but quickly open up at the drop of a hat–or the sight of shoes with toes.

The other day I walked by several rugged looking construction workers on break, and one of them exclaimed, “Whoa, those are hot! Pointing at my VFFs. We talked for several minutes.

I just received my Performas in violet,ordered from Travel Country,no waiting.I have to say the color is more “cassis”than “violet” but I had to have them!I also want the black which I tried on for size at City Sports here in NYC.A decadent foot indulgence for me…

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