Customer Reviews

Vibram Fivefingers KSO Water Shoes (Black-Black-Black, 40 M) - M148

5 star:		(87)
4 star:		(25)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I have always liked to run but as a middle-aged, overweight, back-pain-suffering man, I have had way too many injuries to ever get into serious running. Every time I increased my distance or started running faster, my feet came back to bite me. I have had ankle issues, plantar fasciitis and other heel related injuries causing me to move to more and more cushioned shoes with customized orthotics. But none of these helped and things kept on getting worse and worse. So much so that I seriously thought about giving up running altogether. Came a day, recently, when was 40 lbs overweight and my left knee had started to hurt. Along with that my blood pressure had gotten worse and my back pains had returned (thanks to herniated discs of a few years ago).

It was only about 6 weeks ago that I heard about Chris McDougall's book, 'Born to Run'. Reading the book exposed me to barefoot running and these wonderful VFFs. I did some Internet research and since I had nothing to lose, I decided to give them a try. I must say, that from the very first time I put these on, I fell in love with them. I wore them on and off for a couple of days in the beginning and the more I wore them, the more I liked them. Then, after a week of trying them on and walking with them in my neighborhood park, I went for my first run and my feet along with all the unused muscles in my calf ached like hell. This went on for about a week. What I did notice right away, though, was that my running form improved dramatically. I was no longer pounding the pavement (or asphalt since that is surface where I run) and my stride was much, much shorter. Also, even though I had aches in my feet and legs, nothing really hurt. The sharp pains in the knees, in the soles of my feet and the heel were nowhere to be found. By the 2nd week, I was already running with ease and comfort.

My running has improved steadily and dramatically in these last four weeks to the point that I just ran 9 miles (for the first time ever!) and had absolutely no discomfort all all. My feet feel great and strong (I can actually feels some of the muscles in there) and I have not aches and pains anywhere else (thanks perhaps to the improved running form and posture). These simple VFFs have already done for my feet what no doctor or shoe has ever done. They have made them stronger and gave them the freedom to move and support my body according to my body's own particular needs.

There is nothing really especial about me. Like I said, I am an average middle-aged male, 40-50 lbs overweight, with high blood pressure, lower back herniated discs and knee pains. Nothing about me is geared towards running and my shoes have certainly always made sure that I knew that. Running in VFFs though, on asphalt, is showing me just how wrong it all was. When you feet can move the way they need to to support your body's uniques needs, when your running form improves and you stop punishing your body with those artificially long strides, you find that your body, especially your feet and legs, get stronger very quickly. Four weeks running in VFFs and I just ran 9 miles without any ache, pain or discomfort. And I have dropped about 10 lbs.

So do go ahead and give these wonderful VFFs a try. Your feet (and your body) will truly thank you.
[...]

I bought these shoes for my wife and I for running and other outdoor activities because I naturally run up on my forefoot and I hate wearing shoes with all the extra padding that only adds bulk. We have had them for several months now and I no longer get shin splints when I run and find that I like walking around barefoot (real barefoot) much more now. Go easy when you start running in them though as you will get very sore because you will use many new muscles. Your calves will get especially sore but they will also look much sexier after you spend a few months running in these "shoes."

Yes, these shoes do draw attention. I am so happy with "shoes" that allow me to run barefoot on grass and sand without worrying about stickers or glass. At last, very light weight shoes that allow your foot to move! My first pair were a size 38 but it didn't give me enough room for my toes to stretch out when I walked on the carpet, so I sent them back. A size 39 gives my toes all the room they need! I did not follow the advice on the shoe, I started jogging down my asphalt road as soon as I got the replacement pair in the mail. Next day my hips and knees told me to slow down and my calves said, "Yes, at last I'm working some of those other muscles!" They are keepers.

I bought a pair of these last week and have fallen in love. They are so comfortable and such a unique experience. Let me preface with a little bit about the reason I bought these shoes. I am not a runner. I am also not very athletic and don't do much hiking or outdoor activities more strenuous than long walks around town. However, I've always had back pain, always had problems with shoes (every pair hurts, they never break in and usually rip my feet up no matter how careful I am about the sizing) and a few months ago I developed Plantar Fasciitis in my left foot (no clue how I did that as, since I stated, I'm not a runner). My friends raved so much about these shoes and the differences they'd made in their lives I decided to think of this as an investment in my health and give it a try.

After the first time I put these on, I never wanted to take them off. Of course, I had to because, as you can probably guess, there is NO arch support in these shoes so my plantar fasciitis acted up after a few hours. You have to be patient with these, or, more accurately, with your feet. The muscles in my feet are used to getting a free ride with my shoes, so I can't wear these an entire day until I've sufficiently strengthened my foot muscles, which is the reason I bought these. Even so, I've noticed the difference immediately. When wearing my work shoes, I walk more evenly, strike more with the ball of my feet, and experience a lot less pain because of it. I am more than happy to take the time to break in my feet because these shoes really ARE amazing. I look forward to being able to wear these for full days at a time and plan on buying a pair of black sprints next.

Side note- I bought the color pictured above because I strongly disliked how the mesh part of the black KSO's looked when they were on my feet. The color of this pair in real life looks very little like this picture. It's an agate/slate color with a nice rich grey. They complement each other very well and the "camo" rubber bottoms are more understated than they appear in this picture. And I highly recommend trying these on in a store before buying. The sizing is tricky and you need to be SURE they fit. They are supposed to be very close, like a glove.

As for pricing, you should not be paying more than retail price (plus either shipping or tax) for ANY Vibram Five Fingers, so make sure you're not being charged more. You also should not buy from any site that says they have them at a discount- those are FAKES. If you're unsure, go to [...] to check and see if the seller is authorized.

I have to admit the first time I saw my old roommate with these shoes that he'd gone and lost his mind, but curiosity got the better of me and several months later I bought my own pair. Since purchasing my Five Fingers I have done everything from swimming to yoga, to weight training to running and true to their word my legs and lower back have gotten stronger and my posture has improved! I highly recommend these shoes to anyone who lives an active lifestyle with a variety of interests. As a single man they also make a great conversation starter at the beach!

As far as I know, there is no other shoe on the market that so closely mimics the effect and benefits of barefoot walking/running as the Vibrams. This is due to the extremely minimal design of simply encasing the feet in an extremely flexible and durable rubber while allowing the toes to sit separately instead of getting scrunched together as happens in most shoes...this allows the toes to stretch and grip the ground when walking or climbing, and when running the toes would be slightly pulled upwards (dorsiflexion) while the entire foot is allowed to stretch fully and completely, which doesn't happen in most shoes.

Runningbarefoot dot org is one excellent source of information on the growing trend of barefoot running, which is somewhat related to minimalist shoes which are favored by runners seeking a gentler, more biomechanically efficient way of running less prone to injuries than the traditional heel-striking, bone-jarring "power-running" that most traditional running shoes tend to encourage. Barefooting can be used in lieu of shoes altogether, or to complement shod running---it basically forces you to learn correct form and equally important, strengthens the muscles in the feet and calves which protects against injury in the long term.

I use my Vibrams when running on treadmills and for those times when I'm somewhere that I can't find any safe clean asphalt or concrete roads to run barefoot on. They are also very comfortable to wear just walking around the house, grocery shopping, etc.---it's good to spend a few days wearing them if you've never barefoot run before and want to start.

CAUTION: When running outside with them, be sure to run a lot more slowly (you should be taking far softer steps than usual) and shorter distance than you would when wearing normal shoes. The first time I used them outside, I ran 2 miles at a 10:30 pace ... my normal moderate run would be about 6 miles at a 7:30-8:00 minute-per-mile pace ... and afterwards, my calves and Achilles tendons were sore for a good 4 days, as if I'd just run a marathon! So they are a really unparalleled muscle-conditioning tool.

PS. Also, I have to agree with the previous reviewer that it's best to go size these out in a store rather than ordering them sight unseen.

When I first bought these shoes, I loved them. I wore the KSO, and gradually built up to daily use, including a twice a week 4 mile run. The other days of the week, I ran in regular shoes and increased my speed or distance to accommodate. The KSOs were fun! They made simply walking to the store feel like I was playing. Yep,I felt like a barefoot kid again. Then I bought the KSO treks. I wore them for about a week and then I went on a short hike in them. I often hike all day in regular shoes, but in these, I walked for 45 minutes on a fairly easy Colorado trail. I loved the feel of them when hiking. I could use my toes to grab onto rocks and in softer terrain (like sand and mud) and I could ford streams without worry. But a few days later, I started to develop back and knee pain. I was certain it could not be the shoes. I alternated, as usual, but kept wearing them. At this point, I have been out of commission for two weeks with debilitating back pain. Podiatrist diagnosis? Bad shoes. Or rather, shoes not meant for my particular body. The doctor recommended that, if I wanted to wear these shoes, I should wear them only for Yoga and walking on a flat trail--not running, not hiking.

I have no doubt that some people can wear these shoes without worry. But I--a competitive athlete from the age of 10--can't. At least, not for running and hiking. My guess is, there are others out there like me. So I'd say--enjoy the shoes, but wear them with caution. If you can get a video treadmill analysis of your stride in the shoes beforehand, that would be ideal.

There is the argument that my stride has been "damaged" by years of shoe wear and running in high-heeled Nikes and the like. These folks argue that 5fingers will correct that stride. But that argument breaks down when one considers I was competitive in martial arts, worked out 18 hours a day, and spent all those days barefoot. My primary training has been done barefooted--and my strength has been developed in that manner. But my stride in running and hiking is not one that lends to going barefoot in that specific activity. Know your needs, and then buy, or don't buy, this shoe.

Wonderful for getting up and down my very steep avocado grove. I get easy toe holds impossible with shoes. And the shoes mold the ground feeling like a wonderful foot massage. Seems to be helping my bum knee and sciatica too. But the sizing is small. I measured out as a 39, but they were too tight. I managed to stretch the toes with solvent. I got a 40 which is just right without toe socks. But my next will be 41 so I can use toe socks.

It is now October and I've been meaning to add to my Vibram review. My 15 year old bunions are disappearing and one is about gone. And I'm an old lady.

I have been researching barefoot running for awhile and recently read the book Born to Run. I purchased the VFF and I am very pleased with them. Prior to these shoes I have purchased almost every brand of shoe and inserts as well. I have always had arch and knee issues. Since I have started running in the VFF my knee issues are GONE! No arch issues as well. I wish I had discovered these earlier. It would have saved me so much money and pain as well.

After reviewing the size chart on Vibram's website, I went to the local store prepared to purchase. When I told him what size Vibram recommended, he smirked in disbelief. I tried on the Vibram's Web recommended size and then tried what the salesman recommended. Sure enough, Vibram's recommendation felt a bit small to me. Even though a size bigger had a little breathing room, I found it to be a little more comfortable. In addition, consideration of the activity the FiveFingers will be used for should have great precedence. I'm not running, distance or otherwise, in them so extra room isn't a problem. This is an item I would recommend finding locally and trying on before ordering. Your preferred fit may differ from mine. I'm eager to hear other opinions.
Aside from sizing, I love the product. I've never owned any toe separating footwear but wasn't/am not deterred by the Vibram design one bit. They are quite comfortable just wearing around, indoors and out. I will add more info about how they do on the Hawaii shores when I take them out. The original reason I purchased these was for use as reef shoes; fishing and recreation. The KSO's design that covers the top of the foot is expected to keep sand out, at least more than the Sprint. I'll let you know.