Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

If you're outdoorsy, you've probably read about these in an article or website about barefooting. These Vibram's are getting a lot of press right now, and it's well deserved in my opinion.

They're great for boating, swimming and trips to the beach or river. But, I'm a runner and bought them as an alternative to my Asics. I've been wearing my KSO's nearly two years now for every single run, including 3 half-marathons.

I love the feel of running with almost nothing on my feet. I thought having something between my toes would really bother me, but I don't even notice (just like gloves for my hands don't bother me). The KSO's make me feel light and REALLY fast.

The first time I put them on, the absence of a thick running shoe heel made my form near perfection and kept me in a sprinter's stance the entire time. And there's the only con in my opinion. You've got to take the transition to Vibram's SLOW if you're using them for running.

Try running in socks on carpet. Your body won't let itself land on your heels. Same concept here. Your entire body weight is caught on the ball of your foot and calves.

I won't pretend to be a doctor or a running expert (I'm neither), but when I run in my Vibram's it feels right to my body. My stride is light and fast during the run and my hips and knees don't feel sore afterward (even after 13 miles).

There are more and more running shoe "alternatives" on the market, but these keep getting the highest ratings and stores can't stock them fast enough. They're actually less expensive than a new pair of runners, so give 'em a shot.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Once I learned about these shoes I wanted them right away. Sadly I lived at least an hour away from the nearest store that carried them and once I got there they were all sold out. I had wanted to try them on in order to find the best fit because that is obviously a very important part of this shoe. Once I ordered and received the shoes I tried them on and they were extremely hard to get on the first time, I have gotten faster at it but I don't believe that I order a size slightly small. Within the first day or two from tugging at the shoe trying to get it on a small rip had formed on the left side of my right big toe. However, once I finally got time to take these shoes out and use them for what I wanted, trial running, I loved them. I was never one to go run around in bare feet before but with these shoes you can do just that, but with protection. It's hard to explain but it really feels like I was using my feet for the first time. With the flexibility of the sole I could rap my feet around trees and climb straight up like a monkey, and with the uniquely designed, individual toe slots I could feel the mud between my toes as I ran through the woods. These shoes make me look at the world differently, it makes me challenge myself to see how far I jump, how high I can climb, or how fast I can run. Lastly, Vibram Five Fingers even made running fun again, it really made me feel like a kid, and all I wanted to do was go outside and PLAY. I am very glad that someone finally came up with a shoe like this, and that I was finally able to get a pair for myself. The only regret I have is that I didn't get them sooner and that I can use them everyday.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I run in them and it has made running even more of a pleasure. They keep me more on my toes, and my feet feel much more natural than they do in shoes. I run slightly pigeon-toed in shoes, but my feet are slightly turned out with the Vibrams, and it makes me feel more balanced.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I like working out barefoot, but it's not always possible, so I got these as an experiment. So far, everything's been great. They've been exactly what I hoped they would be.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I row crew, and these shoes are great because one, they have very good traction on a slippery dock, two, I don't have to worry about getting them wet, and three, they are incredibly comfortable. It fells like you aren't wearing any shoes at all.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Important to follow sizing guidelines on Vibram website for a good fit. I wear these exclusively on hilly sand and dirt trails. I transitioned over a period of 4 months, by first running in Crocs for a few months, then walking in VFFs, then gradually working up to about 6 miles of running in VFFs. Now I crave that "barefoot" feel and wear them for 3-4 x 6 miles runs per week. As the weather is getting colder, I've noticed that my toes are cold by the end of the run. Although I could wear toe socks with them, I do not like the way they feel with socks. So once the snow flies I will run in water mocs and trail running shoes for the winter. Since I began running in VFFs, I no longer care for my overbuilt trail shoes. I have since switched to lighter weight trail shoes. My feet and ankles definitely feel stronger. It's wonderful to run almost silently along the trails.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

When I checked the box "feels full size too big" I only did so because there isn't one that says "feels 2 full sizes too big." They got the sizing all wrong. I wear a 42-43 in the rest of my shoes and the KSO 40s fit me perfectly. Make sure you try on a pair before ordering. That being said, these are the best thing I have ever done for my feet. I trail run in them, hike in them, and wear them all day at work. I would recommend getting Injinji toe socks tho...keeps ur feet much cleaner and smelling fresh. My running relates injuries disappeared soon after buying these, and I can feel a noticeable increase in the overall strength of my foot after two months. The only bad thing I noticed is the velcro strap is fraying a little at the contact points. We'll see how long those last. Oh, and every third person on the sidewalk says something about them. But I am still completely satisfied. Thanks Vibram

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I bought these after a few friends began using them for working out. My 1st run in them was very awkward for about the 1st 10 minutes. I love them! Rock Creek Outfitters was the ONLY place I found that had the color and size I wanted (KSOs/black/mens 42), in stock.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I bought these for my husband, and he liked them so much, I got a pair also. He got them as he was recovering from plantar fasciitis and believes that they have helped his feet. He now runs 30 miles/week in them. I run and walk in mine. They force you to maintain good running form. They are machine washable -- and they will need frequent washing. They are not very warm and do not have much tread, so the KSO Trek is probably a better choice for winter. Right now the Trek only comes in men's sizes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Takes some practice to get them in with ease but it is very much worth the effort. Injinji socks, get them.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

This is my favorite pair of shoes. I bought mine almost 6 months ago, and have wore them nearly daily. I love to go bearfoot but its just not acceptable or practical now days, however if you can get over the odd looks you get when you wear them its the next best thing to being barefoot. I love to running in these also. I have noticed my balance and lower leg strength has greatly improved since first wearing these, and since they are so light, I love to throw them in my pack for a camp shoe also.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

This is a fantastic fitness shoe. I lift weights and run in these shoes because of the minimalist design; it allows your body to do the work instead of relying on modern shoe technologies that often cause more harm than good. You will likely require a period of adjustment during which your leg and foot muscles adapt to natural, unsupported biomechanics. After that, it's all positive with this great product. The Vibram Five Fingers shoe is a durable, light-weight, protective, and ultra-responsive piece of equipment that will improve any athlete's performance.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Unless you live in a very cold climate, you can wear these things without socks just about as long as you want and you wont even get a hot spot, let alone a blister, which is kind of a nice perk, not having to purchase any more over priced sport socks.

The only problems I have with the five fingers is their color selection, and that the pinky toe for whatever reason is too long. I guess I've got abnormally short pinky toes or something because all the other toes fit perfectly, but the pinky toe has a good half inch of vacant space. It does not make the shoe less comfortable in any way though, it just sort of bugs me. Oh yeah, I live in Phoenix, so when I use these in the middle of the day, my feet start to burn. The rubber sole is tough, but it's not quite impervious to 120 plus degree cement.

These are great shoes, you wont be disappointed. They're also guaranteed to spark a conversation. Be prepared to explain countless times that yes, they are like gloves for your feet, and no, it does not hurt to walk in them.

So ditch the sneakers, turns out you wont be needing them.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I bought these shoes to help fix my posture, reintroduce myself to trail running, and in general live a healthier barefoot lifestyle. Shortly after buying them I went tubing in Helen GA and they were absolutely PERFECT for running up and down the river. Since I bought them I've worn them so much and am considering ordering a few more pair just to keep in storage until the sad day this pair wears out. [...]

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

It took a couple months to get used to running "barefoot", but it was definitely worth it. I'll never go back to regular running shoes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

When I got these shoes I had to get another pair as the sizing on the website wasn't correct. Even a size up I find the shoes painful after wearing them for a while. But they feel AMAZING in the water. I really like how they corrected how I walked and they feel good when I initially put them on. After about 1.5-2 hours though my big toe nail throbs from the design of the shoe (and possibly a sizing issue). I don't know if anyone else had this problem but these are Short-term -wear shoes. Also, after the second time putting them on the weave tore slightly even though I was gentle and followed their "How to put them on" recommendation.I would probably get the Classics or Sprint next time.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Great pair of footwear. I ended up getting a 44 instead of a 42 and am glad I did. They really feel like gloves for your feet. They do take a bit of getting used to walking around in, but after that you can pretty much go anywhere in them. Really great for the outdoors from washing your car to playing a round of frolf. Only negative I can think is if you wear these without socks (why wouldn't you?) they tend to get smelly, but one quick wash and hang dry and you are good to go. Thinking about getting a second pair![...] Best price online [...]. Doesn't get any better.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

After I bought my FiveFingers they haven't straighten (yet) out my little toes which many have said they should do (actually not that important). But even better, they've instead let my instep (metatarsus) widen so much that I've gotten much better balance. The downside however is that all my previous sneakers feel all too narrow or tight now. Then my fivefingers might be a bit too big cause they tend to move a bit around and cause blisters when I run with them on. No problem however when I'm walking, that's when they're most comfortable!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

These shoes are incredibly comfortable and, in my opinion, extremely cool in appearance, and unbeatable in function. Brilliant is a good way to describe them - it's hard to improve on millions of years of evolution!

I've got several pairs and like the KSOs and Classics the best. I wear them to work, for walking around town, for hiking, running, trail running, river hiking, river tubing, etc.

some people have thought I'm nuts for running up and down mountains in these, but they're really fantastic trail runners. really light, really bouncy, great feel for terrain. stubbing your toes in these isn't any worse than stubbing your toes in regular shoes, but you do have to be a little careful with your little toe on the outside - don't want to catch that on a rock or root and pull it out sideways ... almost did that once, not fun. but that's rare.

incidentally, the only reason I mentioned the con of "causes blisters or hotspots" is that there's a thin bit of stitching inside the KSOs by the ball of the foot near the big toe, that after several hours of hiking and two of running down the mountain, whereby the stitching wore in that one place rather painfully... maybe next time I'll be smart and wear socks, huh? wearing socks would definitely take care of the problem.

the only thing that's not so great about them is if you're trying to keep your feet dry. these breathe really well, and are by no means waterproof or even water resistant, so unless you mind your feet getting wet, it's best to wear these only when it's dry outside.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

These shoes were a gift for my 30 year old son, my 23 year old daughter and 17 year old step grand daughter. My son told me that's what he wanted for his birthday and he also wanted a pair for his sister and step daughter. I looked up the shoes on line and thought those are so weird. I ordered the shoes and gave them to my son. They live in them, they go hiking, swimming,rock climbing. Amanda who is a chimney sweep and mason even builds chimneys in them.I highly recommend them to any one, they get so much attention from everyone, what are those is the usual question, followed by a big spiel about how they are the greatest shoes ever!!Just buy them you won't regret it.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I originally got the KSO in a size 47....they were way too big....after exchanging them for a size 44 in all set. [...] i bought these shoes mainly for river trips and alternatives to my hiking shoes and i think ive found a winner with the Vibram Five Fingers KSO.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I originally purchesed the shoes to strenghten my feet so I wouldn't get blisters in boot camp. But as I was waiting for my departure date, I picked up a job as a lifegaurd and the shoes have become my everyday attire.
They are the perfect mix of a shoe that gives you the comfort you need on the beach as well as the ruggedness and flexability needed to be athletic. Flip flops suck because you end up taking them off anyway every time you need to do any kind of strenuous activity.
With these you can walk, run, frolick, or skip with conference and even go in and out of the water without worrying about soggy shoes. They are gods gift to feet. I'm about to order my second pair this week.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I've only been wearing these for 2 days but I already notice a difference. I feel much more "stable" while wearing these and I can feel my toes becoming more involved with my balance.

A note on sizing: Luckily I was able to try these on at a local shop. I measured my feet as described on the Vibram website and came up as 10 3/4 inches. That would have put me as a mens 42 by the manufacturer sizing. I ended up with a 44 although I could have gone with a 45 also. I might just buy both sizes next time.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Have been using this product since March 2008, have NOT put on tennis shoes since. It does take a bit to get used to at first. You will use muscles in your calves and feet that may have been underused due to tennis shoes. But it is an INCREDIBLE improvement in calf and body strength

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

While rehabing a partial meniscectomy I came across this study: [@](walking barefoot causes less stress on knees and hips than walking with shoes). Having worn prescription orthotics for years the results came as a surprise. When it was time to begin running again I decided to give barefoot running a try but, being the big baby I am, wanted some type of protection. After a bunch of research I ended up with these shoes. The results have been pretty amazing. My stride has changed, my hammer toe is almost gone and my knee feels good.The only down side is that it's hard for me to pull off the look in most public settings (even at the climbing gym I get no end of quizical looks). My next goal is to find a day to day shoe with the same type of "barefoot" performance.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

These are the best pair of "shoes" I have ever owned. They feel just like you are walking barefoot and I have noticed a little pep in my step when I have them on. I would recommend using the sizing chart they have on the website.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

these shoes ( if you can call them that ) are great. my roommate got a pair and i couldn't let him have all the fun so i bought myself a pair. when they got in i tried them on and could not believe how comfortable they felt. the first thing i did was to go run around outside in the snow. now this is a mistake. they are great for the running part but not for the snow. i have been wearing them to all my classes and i am stopped at least once a day by comments such as: "are those shoes?" , "are you wearing socks?" and "Dude where can i get a pair?". these suckers are durable and comfortable. i recomend them to every one who asks about them because they have helped my posture and my balance.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

They are great for exercising. They are really confortable and are like being barefoot. I would reccomend wearing with sock or your need to wash them alot. I wear them for crossfit also and they are great. You can wear them to the gym for anything your doing. The downfalls include; they have no traction on ice and provide no protection from stubbing your toes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I got the KSO's to run on the beach and not worry about cutting up my feet while still getting the benefit of barefoot running. They do the job, they protect my feet while keeping them safe from being cut on shells or other debris on the beach. They are a little tricky at first to get your toes into it but after a few times it becomes easier. The only difficulty was figuring out what size to get them in since they list European sizes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I bought these thinking they would alleviate some runners injuries I had (plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis). It did not help, but I think having such shoes might have prevented them. Wearing them definitely changes the way you walk and run, which may have long-term benefits. You do not strike hard on the heel with them. I ran in them for about 2 months. Later, I stopped running completely for 2 months, and my injuries healed. I am going to try running in them again. The "antibacterial" stuff maybe lasts a few days. You should wear socks with them or they get real smelly, as they don't breathe very well and feet can get hot and sticky. I ran on the beach with them, without socks, and the sand that creeps in caused blisters.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I own a pair and I have used them for just about everything. The KSO are better for keeping out particulates that can get into the other styles. They are certainly great around water because they dry out quickly, but I use them for any outdoor activities, including jogging, hiking, and biking. I wear them on my walk to work on the streets of Los Angeles. I've walked over a shattered glass bottle to test their durability and felt no discomfort. They do take some getting used to, but I've been wearing toe socks for years, so I took to them like a fish to water. I have people stop me all the time to ask me about them. I had some initial problem with finding the correct fit because I have long toes, but Vibram swapped out my first pair that didn't fit. After a week of breaking them in, they fit me like a second skin. My only wish is that they come out with some sleeker, less sporty-looking styles so I can get away with wearing them with less casual clothes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

These are great for water shoes. I'm not sure how they would hold up on sharp rocky surfaces though.

Comfortable enough to sleep in, watch the sizing, it isn't like normal shoes.

Also the color in the photos is not true, do yourself a favor and get the black ones!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

I use KSOs for my daily runs as well my races.They are great if you are thinking about barefoot running. Even training in them will help build the calves and lower legs. A little bit of getting used to might be needed in case of rocky trails. Especially if you end up kicking a rock which is not a good experience

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO (Men's):

Bought these as an alternative to traditional water shoes for wetfooting in the BWCAW. They are very well suited for this, although you do have to move your feet a little more carefully, as they don't protect your toes from stubbing like shoes would. WAY better than sandals, though.