I’ve been eyeing the FiveFingers for a while now, wanting to get a pair mostly just to try them out. The price tag was getting in the way, so when I found a deal for 50% off, I decided it was time to try them out.
I went for a pair of the Men’s KSO FiveFingers, which seem to be the most popular and most versatile of the different models. And from what I’ve heard from different salespeople at different shoe stores, there isn’t really a whole lot of difference between the models. That makes total sense, since the whole point of the shoe is being barefoot–something that doesn’t have a whole lot of variation.
When I first put them on, they felt a little too small. I had gone through the measuring process to figure out my size, but my big toes seemed too close to the edge. Turns out the ideal fit is when your big toes (or longest toes) graze the edge of the toe pocket. They’re supposed to fit like a glove, but not curl your toes. After wearing them for about 5-6 hours, they feel just fine.
Wearing them is fantastic. It really does feel like you’re walking around barefoot, just with a little protection on the bottom (the KSOs have a 2mm sole). They’re natural, they don’t get in the way, and it’s easy to forget that I’m wearing them at all. The thing I enjoy most about them is the same thing I enjoy about being bald–it’s one less thing to worry about. When I’ve got the shoes on, I can be inside, outside, go to Costco, or curl up on the couch. I don’t have to think about putting on and taking off shoes, just like I don’t have to think about doing my hair.
If you’re on the fence about getting a pair of FiveFingers, I’d definitely recommend them. So far I’ve only done regular walking, but I already feel like the shoes have been a good investment. I’d like to get into barefoot running in the coming weeks and will write another post if that happens. But if the price tag bothers like like it did me, be patient as you look for a deal–they don’t come too often.
UPDATE (1/2/2011 7:20pm MST): I found another deal on this exact pair. If you’re interested, you can check it out here. Not sure how long this will last.
Hey, you need to come over and see the project my husbands been working on. He’s been trying to make his own barefoot shoe and has been barefoot running in them for about six months or so. For the same reason you didn’t buy the FiveFingers til they were half off, he’s been trying to find an alternative. Let me know if you’re interested. He’ll talk your ear off and show you everything he’s been doing, he loves it.