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:
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.
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…