Pikes Peak Sports

Running, Cycling, Hiking and Climbing in the Pikes Peak Region

Vibram Five Fingers running shoes?

Looking for some feedback from runners who have run in the Vibram Five Fingers running shoes.  I've heard that they are easier on the knees and the back than traditional running shoes.  Is that true? 

 

Julie

Tags: barefoot, fivefingers, running

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Permalink Reply by Dave Adair on August 17, 2010 at 9:09am
I've been doing the incline in a pair of Five Finger KSO's since the ice melted (and running down Barr Trail). Love em. I can tell that my ankles and arches are stronger. Wore a pair of trail runners the other day and felt awkward. I've also been wearing a different pair almost daily to work.
Permalink Reply by Brian McCarrie on August 17, 2010 at 10:31am
Dave, so are the 5 fingers the only running shoes you have? How often do you run in them? I've been thinking of running barefoot once a week to strengthen my feet.
Permalink Reply by Dave Adair on August 17, 2010 at 10:37am
Prior to using the Five Fingers, I used Salomon XA trail runners. I'm not really a runner, more into biking/climbing, but do the incline about twice a week. The Five Fingers do take some getting used to; I suggest building up to running any distance in them.
Permalink Reply by Julie Ann Hoffman on August 19, 2010 at 3:03pm
Saw this today: http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/baring-it-all-the-barefoot-ru...

I'm curious for a copule of reasons: 1) I see a number of people running in these at the Jack Quinn's run, but I haven't approached anyone yet to ask them what they think of these shoes; 2) I've got some new and creeping lower back issues and knee issues (mostly because of age), and some things I've read say that the fivefingers shoes help with this by strengthening feet, ankles, and calves and by improving balance.

The Run for Rwanda that I do every year has a "barefoot" division, mostly to be in the same spirit of the runners in Rwanda (they do a simultaneous run as we do ours in CO Springs) who run barefoot for many reasons, not the least of which is that they prefer it. So, does one buy the bells-and-whistles shoes that cushion, fix overpronation, purportedly protect your heels and back and knees, or are we going too far with the "technology"? Add, too, that I'm in my 40s, and these back and knee problems didn't exist (of course) five, ten, fifteen years ago. I'd like to keep running, and I'd like to run smart(ly), and I'd like to protect myself. I do more road running than trail running currently, and I'm also wondering how these shoes fare on the road, which can be quite punishing.

Interested in more comments!

J
Permalink Reply by Dave Adair on August 19, 2010 at 3:29pm
Several years ago I tried backpacking in trail runners and did not feel that I had enough support. Two weeks ago I ended up carrying a heavy (>60 lbs) backpack while wearing trail runners and everything felt great. I attribute it to the improved strength/balance from wearing five fingers.
Permalink Reply by Duane Fonner on August 23, 2010 at 9:43am
My experience has been that they are great for trail running and hiking. You will feel roots and rocks though. Your first few times expect to have some real sorness in your calves unless you are already a forefoot striker vice heel striker. I've done some road running too, but it seems I always end up with blisters.
Permalink Reply by David Harrison on August 24, 2010 at 6:46am
I have been running in Vibrams Fivefinger shoes for 3 months now. My first pair of KSO classics lasted about 350 miles before I wore holes in them. I run mostly on asphalt so on trails I would expect more wear as the dirt would be a little less abraisive. The first two weeks are pure calve torture, so easing into them and building a base is a great idea. using them a few runs a week to build foot and arch strenght seems to make sense.
Permalink Reply by Melanie Presnell on August 26, 2010 at 7:52am
Just got my first pair of KSO treks last week. I have been walking/running in them daily for 1-2 hours. Yes my calves are sore even though I thought I was a forefoot striker. Gets better every day. I have torn meniscus in my right knee and even with injections it would swell and be painful with each run, and forget hiking! From the day I put the Five Fingers on, my knee has not hurt or been swollen! Ran five miles on trail last night and just fine this morning. I will be learning much more and am happy so far.
Permalink Reply by Brian Smithey on August 26, 2010 at 4:20pm
Haven't tried the Five Fingers, but I do all of my running, including long runs, in racing flats. Similar idea, getting away from the built up shoe and going with something minimal. I used to suffer from hip pain and some knee pain; switching from the typical $100+ fancy running shoe and heelstrike to a cheap flat and a midfoot strike seems to have done the trick for me.

Julie, in that article you posted, it's interesting that the exercise physiologist that they quoted said that there are no studies that indicate that running shoes cause injury, or that barefoot reduces injury. That may be true, but in Born To Run (the book mentioned in the article), McDougall points out the opposite, that none of the running shoe companies have produced any studies that show that running shoes reduce injury (think about that one for a minute -- you'd think Nike, with all their $$$, would be able to produce a study that shows that their shoes are good for you). Anyway, it seems we lack scientific evidence supporting either case!

So what to do? No easy answer, I think all you can do is try different things until you find the one that works for you. Sounds like you're open to trying something like the Five Fingers, and based on my personal experience, I'd say go for it. If you want to talk so more, you can find me at JQs most weeks. I'll probably be wearing a pair of dorky-looking black Adidas cross-country flats.
Permalink Reply by Melanie Presnell on August 26, 2010 at 7:16pm
Julie have you gone to the Five Fingers site? Here is a link on transitioning to FF: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/technology/faqs_switching.cfm
I almost always run on roads. Today I wore my KSOs for a mile walk this morning with the dogs and again tonight for my walk. Then I kept them on around the house while making dinner. Like Brian says 'go for it'. If I have to put 'shoes' back on my feet I may go for the flats!
Permalink Reply by Julie Ann Hoffman on August 26, 2010 at 8:42pm
I have been snooping around the site. I'm leaning toward trying these out instead of buying new trail runners... thanks, everybody for your input!

Melanie Presnell said:
Julie have you gone to the Five Fingers site? Here is a link on transitioning to FF: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/technology/faqs_switching.cfm
I almost always run on roads. Today I wore my KSOs for a mile walk this morning with the dogs and again tonight for my walk. Then I kept them on around the house while making dinner. Like Brian says 'go for it'. If I have to put 'shoes' back on my feet I may go for the flats!

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