So this post is not about where to buy a Vibram FiveFinger shoe that’s in the size you are looking for.  I know that’s a problem in itself.  These shoes are way too hot now.  Nope.  This is one step before putting down cash.  How do you properly find the right size FiveFinger shoe so you don’t end up screwing up your toe nails (like I did).  This is the advice that I should have listened.

Officially this is what Vibram says you should do to find the right sized shoe:

1. Stand with your heels flush against a flat vertical wall.
2. Slide a ruler under each foot and measure the distance from the wall to the tip of the longest toe.
3. Take the longer of the two foot measurements.
4. If the the foot length varies more than 1/6 in. it will be difficult to get a precise fit for both feet.
5. If your your second toe is more than 1/6 in. longer than your big toe it may be difficult to get a precise fit

They also have a video that is good to check out for the more visual learners out there.

As simple as that sounds, I still screwed up.  The first time I ordered my Vibram Classics they were way too small.  What was the problem?  I didn’t follow the directions.  Instead of measuring my foot while standing up I had the bright idea to measure my foot while laying down (I was watching TV).  It was my own fault when my order finally arrived and they didn’t fit.

Learning from my mistake I took the time to make proper measurements the second time.  I found it helpful to slip a piece of paper on the ground and marking with a pen/pencil “the tip of the longest toe.”  After I had this mark I could easily measure it accurately using a ruler.

This time around it went a lot better and when I got the shoes they fit 1000 times better than the first pair I received.  However, you should be aware that if your toes don’t fit the same length distribution of a pair of FiveFinger shoes then you can have some issues with squished toes.  That’s what I experience now.  Every toe fits well except my pinky toe.  Next time around I’m going to order a size up.

Some suggest washing your Vibrams in the washing machine and then letting them hand dry.  While thats definitely a valid option,   I prefer to hand wash them.  It’s much faster and efficient for me and I also feel like I clean it better than any washing machine could.  Here are the steps that I take to wash the Vibram FiveFingers shoes.  As you can observe from this post it is super easy.  It takes about 5-10 minutes depending how dirty and thorough you want to wash them.

1) Get Your Running Shoe Cleaning Supplies Out

For me, this includes any detergent and a toothbrush.

2) Turn on the Warm Water and Pour a Small Amount of detergent In the Cap

3) Brush Your Vibram Five Fingers

Make sure you brush the inside with the toothbrush getting at each and every toe.  This is one advantage in hand washing the shoe and using a toothbrush as opposed to just throwing them in the washing machine.  You can get at places the machine wont.  By doing this you will eliminate and potential for nasty foot odor until the next couple times your run in them.

4) Dry the Vibram Five Fingers Shoes

Hang them in your shower or outside and your done!

I recently received a pair of the Vibram Five Finger Sprints from a friend of mine who bought them from a Rock Creek closeout sale a while back.  There was only the size 43′s left from this sale and he thought he would fit them comfortably.  I have never tried to fit a pair of the sprints but I figure a size 43 should fit fine since I had a pair of KSO’s that were the same size.  Keep in mind that these sprints could be an older version of the current Sprints because it was from a closeout sale.  Here is my initial experience:

Sizing

I was disappointed when I realized that it was a bit too tight for my toes.  As you can see from some of the pictures, the toes are slightly bent after putting the shoe on.  I think my toes are a bit too skinny and long for the sprints.  As you can see from the picture below, my toes bend a bit too much in the shoes.  This was disappointing since the size 43 KSO’s fit me perfectly.  Maybe I just have to break them in for a while but that might be painful.  I’m not sure if they changed specifications for these shoes that would allow my toes to fit more comfortably in the newer models but I’ll definitely let you guys know once I try the newer Sprints.  Although I haven’t tried a larger size, I am pretty sure a size 44 would fit my foot.

Adjustable Strap

The different between the VFF Sprints and the VFF Classic is the adjustable Velcro strap that goes over the top of the foot, and 2 other ones that are in the back.  For me these straps are not too useful.  I can see how they can be useful if you needed extra security and tightening on your foot and if the fit wasn’t initially great, but from my personal experience in wearing the Vibram Classic, the straps don’t provide additional value to my personal fit.

Running in Sprints

Despite the fact that I did not feel the shoes fit perfectly, I did a short 3 mile run on the treadmill to see if I could break them in.  After about 2-3 minutes on the treadmill, I realized that this wouldn’t work out so I adjusted the shoes so that instead of slipping the back portion of the shoe onto my foot, I was stepping on it.

I do not recommend doing this but I was able to complete my run comfortably as the front portion of the shoe fit perfectly snug.

Conclusion

I will attempt to break the shoes in a bit by wearing them around casually.  But if they don’t conform to my feet after a bit of breaking in, I will either give them away or wear them like the images above.  If anybody has any tips of ideas, let me know!  For more information on the Sprints and where you can get them, click here.

For more information on Vibram Five Fingers Shoes, click on the links below:

Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Men	Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Women

The latest shoes from Vibram is the KSO Treks. In this video. the KSO Treks are closely compared with the standard KSOs. You get a really good idea of the intricate differences between the two. Since my feet are similar to Jacob’s feet as the toe fingers are also a little longer in length, I can see where the shoes may cause problems or be uncomfortable.

Some of the points that Jacob goes over in this video:

• He examines the grooves in the new KSO Treks and shoes how the rubber portion is deisgned much differently than the original KSOs.
• The strap design is also different in length.
• Putting on the trek’s could be more difficult. (Good information to know)
• The new KSO treks are less stretchy so it could be tougher to initially get your foot in.

For more information on Vibram Five Fingers Shoes, click on the links below:

Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Men	Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Women

This video talks about finding the right fit for your feet when looking for Vibram Five Fingers shoes. Not very detailed information but still informative and gives you a better idea of how to fit and wear the shoes.

The information in this video includes:

• Description of Mr. Gibson, an avid back packer, climber, caver and photographer.
• It describes the sizing process to find a snug fit
  • Use the Vibram Five Fingers sizing chart, measure foot directly, use ruler underneath the foot and make sure it goes to the tip of your feet and is accurate.
• The review is useful up until 2:33 where he begins his hike

For step by step instructions, here is an eHow article by GlenTheWise:

For more information on Vibram Five Fingers Shoes, click on the links below:

Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Men	Shop Vibram FiveFingers for Women