Vibram Men's FiveFingers KSO Trail Hiking Shoe
A**A
Durable. Almost barefoot experience, but not for everyone.
TLDR; Durable; only for those committed to re-naturalizing their gait and getting rid of pains and injuries of high-intensity mid-distance running; not suitable for running or hiking on gravel, small stones, or twigs of approx. 1cm diameter.These are minimalist shoes for a nearly barefoot walking and running experience. Please order this only if you are ready for that and the associated changes in your running gait and ground surface selection. If that is what you want, then you will not be disappointed. I have used them somewhat regularly for running on road, sidewalk, grass, and trails for two months, and they are holding up fine.Pros:1. Nearly barefoot (natural) walking and running experience.2. Gradual strengthening of the feet and elimination of injuries associated with running. I had given up running due to pains before I discovered flex-foot running.3. Potential reduction in post-run pains and downtime.4. Durable.5. Shoes take minimal packing space.6. Look cool.Cons:1. Need special socks with separated toes.2. Uncomfortable on gravel or twigs that are about 1/2" (1cm) in diameter.3. Will get wet from the inside in shallow puddles and waterlogged grass.4. Not suitable for sports such as soccer, as your toes can get twisted.5. Strands of dandelions and small twigs get stuck between the toes.6. Look dorky.Here are some changes you would want to make in your outdoor excursions with these shoes on:1. Learn to run with a forefoot strike: That is the precise behavioral change that this shoe is meant to promote. Humans have forgotten their natural gait developed over millions of years of evolution ever since we started wearing shoes with heel support, motion control, and whatnot. I have a severe flatfoot, and I over-pronate. Yet, I had no problem switching my gait, first using Nike Free, and then graduating to Vibram FiveFingers. Strive to make sure that your heels do not touch the ground. Try imagining that you are lightly grabbing the ground with your toes and the ball of your feet as you land and push off.2. Start gradually: I started with running 1 mile every two days, and then built it up to 5 miles every two days over a few months. I recommend not running long distance in the beginning, and striving to make sure that your heel does not touch the ground.3. Choose surfaces a little carefully: If you are like me who did not grow up running barefoot, you will find it very uncomfortable to run on medium-sized gravel (1cm or 1/2"). You will feel poked, although the shoes will probably hold up fine. Also, avoid hiking on such surfaces. I took the shoes for such an "adventure" and regretted it, although your feet feel fine with a night's rest. In terms of comfort, grass > sand > road > trail without gravel > sidewalk > trail with gravel > gravel. The last two are not recommended until you are comfortable in the strength of your feet. Running on grass with these shoes on is very enjoyable, and you realize what your feet were naturally meant to do. Running on road is also a good experience, provided you have mastered keeping your heels in the air. You realize that your feet are your natural shock absorbers, and do a good job of it. Also, try to avoid even very shallow puddles or waterlogged grass, if you feel icky when your feet get wet outdoors while running, because even very shallow water will get into these shoes.
N**N
Go 1-2 sizes down what you normally wear.. I love um!
I love these shoes and I'm sorry I didn't get them sooner. I always felt these shoes were too "hippy" for me but I love what they do for your feet and your toes.Note: they're kind of tricky and annoying to fit each toe in, and the tighter the fit the better they feel.I'm normally a size 13 shoe US... and I ended up fitting the best in size 45 EU. My big toe sticks out alot further than the rest of my toes so going an extra size down for me fit better overall. Really that was the toughest part was just trying different sizes so that all my toes fit comfortablely (and all the way in) each toe.They feel almost like your barefoot. It's wierd at first, your wearing shoes... But they almost feel like heavy duty outdoor socks lol. You feel the ground, and stepping on something sharp still feels sharp .. but it doesn't penitrate the bottom rubber and the fact is it only hurts slightly because my feet are used to giant pillow cushion shoes that keep my feet from feeling anything at all.I recommend wearing them at home around the house at first, start small, wear them here, where them there. . the more you wear them the better they feel and now I wish I could wear them at work lol. But I don't dare because it looks like you're wearing socks lol and anyone who hates feet in general.. (like my boss) won't be a fan of these shoes lolMy feet kept cracking while wearing them, and that's because these shoes are so form fitting that they re-align your whole foot and your toes so it will be a little uncomfortable in some ways at first, thats why you wear them for 20 mins here... 30 mins there... Then an hour... Then half the day .. ect.My feet feel great. The shoes help separate your toes more so it re-aligns everything wear it's all supposed to go. My feet are stronger, and don't ache or hurt as much as they used to.Getting the right size is crucial. I had to try 3 different sizes (47, then 46, then ultimately ended up keeping the 45's for my size 13 foot.Oh, and the more sweaty or damp or your feet are, (like coming home from work then switching shoes) the harder it is to put these shoes on. So make sure your feet and toes are dry so they can slide in more easily.
D**W
Lightweight, comfortable
Similar to another pair i have. Easy to put on and comfortable to wear. Easy to dirty.
G**R
Great shoes
Great shoes to take to the beach. Value for the money I paid for.
R**O
Están muy apretadas del empeine
Viene muy aprestado el empeine y de los dedos súper amplios y se ven mal
M**N
My everyday rugged shoes
It’s been a long time Im for this product and thankfully with amazon I found it onlineIt’s my everyday walk specially if it’s an outdoor activity like fishing hiking or just simply walking around the parkIt fits well in my feet and I like the feeling of walking bare footed by not really bare foot
R**N
Good
Seems durable so far
O**R
Muy cómodo
El calzado es muy cómodo, y los materiales son de muy buena calidad
A**.
Ottimo
Scarpe molto comode.
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