Vibrams Five Fingers (hereafter referred to as “V5F”) are a type of shoe manufactured by the Vibrams Company. The company is most known for manufacturing hiking boot soles. The shoes came from the cooperation of designer Robert Fliri and Marco Bramani (grandson of the Vibrams founder). Fliri has been quoted as saying:
“We have five toes: when they can move and grasp the ground independently,
and when you can really sense the surface under your feet, your body is able
to do what it is designed for by nature. That is a powerful feeling."
From this idea came the design of the shoe. The shoe is often referred to
more as a “foot glove” than a shoe proper. The bottom of the shoes is
composed of a Vibram sole that varies between 3mm-9mm in thickness depending
on the model. All of the soles lack any inclination at the heel, they
provide a flat surface for the foot. What defines the V5F is that at the
end of the shoe instead of the normal enclosed shoe we all know and are used
to, there are individual pockets for each of the toes. Much like toe socks
(which can be worn with the V5F) these individual pockets allow for
articulation of the toes while one is walking or running. The uppers are
made from various materials suited to different functions.
A rundown of currently available models (2010)
The Classic
The classic was the original model. It resembles a ladies ballet slipper
(outside of the toes) in basic design.
*Materials:*
UPPER - abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric
SOLE- Vibram TC-1 performance rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
5.3 oz. each, 10.6 oz. a pair
The Sprint
Exactly the same as the Classic except it has a strap that goes across the
top of the foot
*Materials:*
UPPER - abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric
& Hypalon® straps
SOLE- Vibram TC-1 performance rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
5.6 oz. each, 11.2 oz. a pair
The KSO
Stands for “Keep Stuff Out.” This model has fabric covering the top of the
foot and more closely resembles a sock rather than the ballet flat of the
sprint or classic.
UPPER - abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric
& Hypalon® straps
SOLE- Vibram TC-1 performance rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber with 2mm EVA insole
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
5.7 oz. each, 11.4 oz. a pair
KSO Trek
This model has the same design as the KSO for the upper but features a more
rugged sole with tread similar to that found on hiking boots. The sole of
the Trek also means that this model has the thickest sole of any other model
in the line. This has lead to some complaints that it reduces ground feel
and is not as natural a walking experience. Though the tradeoff is that with
this model there is significantly more grip available and as a result the
shoe has been marketed mostly as a trail running, or hiking shoe. This shoe
is also the first in the lineup to have been made from non vegetarian
friendly kangaroo leather. This lead to some complaints from one side, but
praise from the other due to the fact that this model would have superior
cold weather performance compared to the others.
*Materials:*
UPPER - Kangaroo Leather
SOLE- 4mm EVA Midsole & TC-1 Rubber
FOOTBED- Kangaroo Leather
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
6.7 oz. each, 13.4 oz. a pair
The Flow
Same design as the KSO but with a neoprene (i.e. wetsuit material) upper.
These were marketed at the water sport and cold weather markets.
*Materials:*
UPPER - 1.2 mm Neoprene & Hypalon® straps
CAMO SOLE- Vibram TC-1 performance rubber
BLACK SOLE- IdroGrip performance rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber with 2mm EVA insole
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
6.6 oz. each, 13.2 oz. a pair
Moc/Performa/Performa Jane
The Moc/Performa are indoor only models designed for around the house wear
or for indoor specific sports such as yoga or Pilates. The sole on these
models is split up into little “pods” placed under specific points on the
foot including the toes the heel and the ball of the foot
These are basically the same shoe the name difference coming from the gender
split, the Moc are for men, and the Performa are for women with the Performa
Jane being the same shoe as the Performa but with a “marry Jane” style strap
across the top of the foot.
*Moc:*
*Materials:*
UPPER - Kangaroo Leather
SOLE- 7 Piece TC-1 performance rubber
FOOTBED- Kangaroo Leather
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
2.6 oz. each, 5.2 oz. a pair
Performa
*Materials:*
UPPER - Kangaroo Leather
SOLE- 7 Piece TC-1 Rubber
FOOTBED- Kangaroo Leather
*Weight:*
Women’s size 38 -
2.0 oz. each, 4.0 oz. a pair
Bikila
Named after Abebe Bikila, this model is specifically geared towards running.
It features the pod design again for the sole rather than the full sole
design seen on the Classic, but it has significantly more than the
Moc/Performa family which are much more minimalist. It’s interesting to note
that despite the fact that people have been using V5Fs for running almost
since the inception of the shoe, this is the first model to address that
customer base.
*Materials:*
UPPER - Stretch Polyamide with TPU toe caps for protection
SOLE - Anatomical Pods TC-1 Rubber
FOOTBED- 3mm Polyurethane with Dri-Lex Sockliner
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
6.0 oz. each, 12.0 oz. a pair
Smart Wool
Same design as the classic but with a smart wool upper
*Materials:*
UPPER - SmartWool Cozy with
67% Merino Wool, 33% Nylon
SOLE- EcoStep 2 rubber with 50% recycled content
FOOTBED- SmartWool Felt 2mm with
95% Merino Wool, 5%Polyester
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
8 oz. each, 16 oz. a pair
Trek Sport
This was made as a response to demands for vegetarian friendly KSO treks.
It features the same cleated bottom as the Trek but offers an upper made of
Non animal parts.
*Materials:*
UPPER - Coconut Active Carbon Fiber
TPU Toe Protection
SOLE- 4mm EVA Midsole & TC-1 rubber
FOOTBED- Antimicrobial microfiber
.
*Weight:*
Men’s size 43 -
6.5 oz. each, 13 oz. a pair
V5F shoes have found a market primarily in the realm of athletes. Though
certainly people wear them as casual shoes the majority of users seem to use
them for running, cross fit, yoga, kettle bell, or any other physical activity that could
benefit from a more secure ground feel that is offered by the thin sole of
the V5F. Users often cite better balance during physical activities as a
result of having more independent movement of the toes. The benefits of
barefoot running have been discussed in multiple sources and V5F shoes seem
to offer the best option for the individual seeking the barefoot experience
without the dangers of stepping on glass or painful plant matter. Though
some caution is required because running over a pointy rock in such a
pliable thin soled shoe will result in pain if not actual damage. Currently
more companies are coming out with enclosed toe shoes. There are
enough imitators cropping up as well for the company site to offer a guide on how to
spot fake V5F shoes. This is not surprising considering that the vast
majority of sales seem to be internet based due to the low number of
physical retailers looking to carry the shoes.
Numbers and specifics taken from the company website: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/