Day Two with the Treks

So, I got to wear the Treks out and about a bit today, making a run out to do some errands.  While they certainly feel different than the standard KSOs, I still like them a lot.  They transmit much less tactile information, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing considering that sometimes you want more protection and these won't get your feet wet as easily when you walk through puddles.

As you can see to the right, the tread on the Treks is much more aggressive, which I think I would prefer on rougher trails or in situations where I might be walking over grating,  such as in the city (Indianapolis has a surprising amount of grating and rough pavement, go figure).  I think I would still prefer the KSOs on asphalt, grass or on crushed limestone, however.

Another thing which has come to my attention is that it is now quite easy to get these on and off.  The leather seems to have stretched a bit and the added rigidity of the soles allows for easier entry and exit from the shoe.  They still do feel a bit more glove-like though, which I think has more to do with the material.

I also noticed that there is a small tag which is attached to the insole just under the heel.  While walking around this wasn't uncomfortable, but it was noticeable.

The overall construction of the shoe seems well done, although I did notice some stray dangly threads and there was a touch of extra adhesive here and there, but nothing that seems to impact the performance or the aesthetics of the shoe.

I do have some concerns around the funk factor with these, so I might try out some of the Injinji socks with them, still haven't decided on that front yet...

New Fivefingers have arrived: Initial impressions

I was like a kid on Christmas morning when I got home today to find my new Vibram Fivefinger KSO Treks waiting for me.  As my attempts at repair of my worn-through KSOs were just a stopgap, I was really looking forward to trying the treks, with their leather uppers and thicker soles, out for a bit.

My initial reaction to the aesthetics was very positive, as was my wife's, daughter's, a family friend's and the dog's.  They certainly are the most "conservative" Fivefingers and will draw less attention in public.  Honestly, my biggest concerns were around the leather and the soles, so I immediately decided to try them on and walk around a bit to test them out.

First, I replaced one of my original KSOs with one of the Treks.  I have to say that the fit of the Treks is much more glove-like and they are tougher to slip on due to the fact that the leather doesn't stretch as readily as the nylon on the KSOs.  Once I got the shoe on, I noticed that it has a completely different feel on the foot that the standard KSOs do.  My initial reaction was that it felt heavier and more constricting.  I took a walk around the house with one of each type on and it is a totally different foot-feel to the Treks.  The thicker sole certainly doesn't transmit as much tactile information, but it doesn't feel bad, just different.

I then put on both of the Treks and I have been wearing them for an hour or so.  They seem to be adjusting to my feet as I wear them and I am getting used to the change in foot-feel.  I would have to say that, initially, I am very positive about them but I would really like to see how they are on breathability and over the long-haul.  With this pair, I might try out some of the toe socks that REI sells as these are much more useable for casual wear in public and I really don't want them to be all funky...

I'll post some pics and will do further reviews as the situation dictates or as I think of worthwhile (fsvo "worthwhile") things to say...

Hope this was of use.

tldr:  Vibram Fivefinger KSO Treks feel more shoe-like, initial impressions still very positive.

I refuse to accept the death of my Vibram Fivefingers...

I have opted to try and repair the VFFs for the time being.  While I am cautiously optimistic that the "Super Goo" athletic shoe repair adhesive will hold up for awhile, I have also ordered a new pair of KSO Treks (the ones with the thicker soles).

Mishel used this goop to create the soles of the slippers she made me for Burning Man one year, and it held up really well for the entire week on the playa, so I will test this repair out over a few days on the streets of Indianapolis.

I shall keep the VFF world (well, at least my little part of it) informed...

Insert witty title about the failure of my Fivefingers here...

I am a total fanboy of my Vibram Fivefingers.  I admit this about myself.  I tell everyone who asks that they are very comfortable, totally awesome, and one of the best footwear investments I have ever made...

worn spots behind 3rd toe...

However, now I am depressed.

After somewhere around 250 miles in them, my wife noticed a spot where one shoe was worn through.  It was an unusual spot, between the ball of the foot and the toes, not where I would expect them to wear out, but they did.  We decided to check the other one.

Oh, the horror!

Almost exactly the same spot!

I am so depressed.

I still love these shoes, so we will try to repair them with some "Shoe Goo", but I am not hopeful.  I am also planning on ordering a pair of KSO Treks, which have a more rugged sole than the normal KSOs.  However, I am also probably going to get another pair of KSOs as well as I really like the feel of these.

I will now go off and be sad for my shoes...

100 Miles, one blister, awesome calves...

Well, according to my log, I topped 100 miles of walking/running in my Vibram Fivefingers today.  So, I thought I would provide a "century review" of them for those who were interested in them, but didn't like the risk of getting them to try out...

So, overall I would have to say I absolutely love these shoes.  So much so, that I am getting one or two more pairs (more on that in a bit).  After 100 miles of mostly asphalt walking/running, the soles look brand new, with the exception of the black "dirt" on them from the asphalt.  I have noticed no wear and they feel like the day I got them.

As far as getting used to them goes, it cost me a couple days of sore calves when I pushed too hard and a blister as I adjusted my running style.  That happened in the first week or so.  Since then, I have gotten no blisters and I recover much quicker from walks/runs that I push it on than I did when I wore boots or shoes.

The feel of these shoes is incomparable to anything else I have worn.  You sense the nuances of the surface you are walking on and you feel much more sure-footed on uneven surfaces.  I am thinking these would be great for recreational climbing, would defer to a climber on that though.

Another positive note is their impact on the tone of your legs.  Since you are absorbing more impact through your musculature, as opposed to transmitting it up bone to your hips, you will quickly find that your calves turn into rocks very quickly and the rest of your leg muscles quickly start to define.  I have a lot of slacking off to compensate for, but I am seeing marked improvements in the toning of my legs.

Now, it isn't all rainbows and unicorns.  There are some negatives.

My particular model, the KSO version in grey, black and camo, make me look like I have gorilla feet.  They are seriously dorky looking.  However, I like them enough not to care.  The other negative is the fact that you really need to clean these regularly.  They don't smell as bad as regular shoes, but if you don't wash your feet before putting them on, or if you have problems with dead skin on your feet (my feet have been messed up since the military, lots of dead skin) you build up "funk" inside the shoes it the natural eddies formed where your foot doesn't apply pressure.  You will want to throw the shoes in the wash at least once a week.  Now, while that is a negative, it does illustrate how easy the shoes are to clean.  Just toss them in with a load of clothes and hang dry overnight.

Which brings me to why I am purchasing a couple new pairs.  First, I want to get another pair of the KSOs like I have so that I can rotate them for use and cleaning.  While the shoes will dry overnight, sometimes I sleep less or I forget, so having a second pair would be nice.  The other pair I want to get is a pair of the KSO Treks, which are made of brown kangaroo leather.  They seem like they would look a bit less dorky in public.

So, long story short, if you have been wanting to try out the Vibram Fivefingers, I would suggest popping into REI and trying on a pair.  If you order them online, make sure the place has a good return policy if the fit is off (follow the directions for fitting).  However, I highly recommend them and give them an 9 out of 10.  They only got an 8 because they are so damn weird looking.  That aside, I would put them at more like a 9.8 out of 10.

Hope it helps...

Oh, if you are going to purchase, please support one of my favorite stores, either REI or Erehwon.  You can get more info on the shoes from Vibram.

An Update on the Fivefingers...

So, it has been a couple weeks and I have been wearing the fivefingers a lot.  I must say that I am a fan.  My calves are getting used to the extra punishment, the shoes are lightweight and comfortable, caring for them is easy and the only negatives I have, at this time, are the dorky looks and the "getting used to them" thing.  But, like any new technology, there is an adoption path (for more on this, see my work blog here).

I started running in them more today during my walks by alternating running/walking and lengthening the amount of time I'm running.  I have to say, I am way out of shape :-).  But, so far, it is going well.  My calves certainly feel it and I am still struggling with the stride a bit, but I will eventually get it down, I think.

So, if you have been thinking about trying them and have hesitated for concern about the comfort, or the performance, I say go for it.  The fit is the most important thing.  So, be sure to try them on and make sure they work for your feet.  I have to warn you though, people will look at them funny.

Feel free to reach out if you have any specific questions.

And on the Fifth Day, Andrew Rested...

So, five days into having the Fivefingers and I kind of hurt.  The balls of my feet are a little angry, my calves are screaming and I still have that blister to heal up.  So, tomorrow I am going to throw my boots back on when I take Reggie for his walks to give my dogs a day to heal up a bit.  I probably should have done so today, but I was thinking I was all tough and shit.

Still loving the shoes though.  So much so, that I think I will grab a pair of the KSO Treks when I get a chance.  You know, for business casual situations :-)

On Altered Strides and Constantly Falling

Okay, I tried the "Constantly Falling" running style recommended by those into the whole barefoot running thing.  It is not easy to do.  It's almost like learning to walk again but it certainly is nicer in the Fivefingers.

The thing to do is to think about not pushing off with the trailing foot, instead, bring your foot off the ground from the knee, using your upper leg.  I imagine that this running style looks like the old cartoons where the character spins his legs in place before going anywhere...

I couldn't do much running today, as I am dealing with that blister on my right foot.  However, I can see that, with practice, I will be able to adopt the new stride and it should be more comfortable as I developed no new hot spots.

Reggie was pretty good on the walk.  He now only gets really distracted by seeing dogs he has never seen before or by people in their yards.  He is the biggest wuss on the planet in his own yard, but out and about he wants to greet everyone.

Have I mentioned he is handsome?  He is.

UPDATE:  I should also mention that in the very short bursts of running, my calves are super-sore.  So, I don't think I can emphasize enough to take it slow or you won't be walking for a couple days...

Damn the Blister! Full Speed Ahead!

Yup, got a blister in that section between the ball of the foot and the big toe.  According to all the info I have dug up around running in the Fivefingers, it more than likely has to do with me overdoing it before I am used to the new stride.  I think they are right.

Apparently, my forward foot should make contact when it is directly beneath my torso.  Most people writing about it liken running barefoot or in Fivefingers to "constantly falling forward" and state that you should curl your toes up slightly prior to impact.  When I did my brief spurts of running in them today, I was striking the ground forward of my torso and was more upright, like I was running traditionally.  What I was doing was shortening my stride so I could impact the ball of my foot, but since my weight wasn't in-line over the foot when it struck, it forced my foot forward in the shoe and caused friction.  Simple physics gets me again.

So, I am going to continue trying to take it slow, but beware the traditional gait, there be dragons (and blisters) there...

The First Tentative Strides...

On this morning's walk with Reggie we worked some more on his short attention span (SQUIRREL!!!) and his heeling, at which he is getting pretty darn good. As this was a gorgeous Saturday morning, all of the dogs were out with their invisible fences, so it was like going through the Gauntlet of Distraction for Reggie. I have to say I am pretty proud of him though. For the most part he stayed in his heel and only paid a little bit of attention to the other dogs.

As a part of this, I decided to change up my pace when he started getting distracted. So, I began some unplanned jogging in my Fivefingers. Let me tell you, it is a whole different experience. In regular running shoes, I am a total heel-striker, which causes me issues in the shins and knees and my lower back. So, I don't run. With these, you completely alter your stride and take much choppier steps so that you take the impact on the ball of your foot and then settle into your heel. However, I didn't really put any weight on my heel as when it made contact, I was already starting to bring it back up for the next stride. A much quicker cadence.

I liken it to a running style we used in the military called the "Airborne Shuffle". A very short stride meant for being done in boots and so annoying instructors would have more time to yell at us (it was a slower pace). But, this isn't like the shuffle in the fact that while you are taking shorter strides, there are a lot more of them and they flow into each other a lot better. It is a smoother run than I am used to.

Now, I didn't do much running today, but I can tell you it will mess with your calves. They simply won't be used to this. In the little bit of running I did, I can feel them burning more so than when I would do calf raises at the gym. So, take it slow if you go this route.

All-in-all, still very happy with the shoes, and very happy with Reggie.

Stay tuned for further updates.

Tools of the Trade

I got asked yesterday what pedometer I am using. I must say that I have tried a few standalone models and have been disappointed every time. Now, I use a pretty nice app on my iPhone called, creatively enough, iTreadmill.

It is a really well done app that is quite accurate in step counting, sounds tones at each 1/4 mile, auto-pauses and provides history and graphing capabilities. You can also configure it to tell it if you are walking or running as well as various other config options. Oh yeah, and you can listen to your music while it is running.

So, if you have an iPhone or iPod Touch and are looking for a pedometer it is worth the $1.99 in the app store:

iTreadmill in the App Store

speaking of iPhone/iPod Touch apps that are kinda helpful in the diet/exercise department, there are a few more I am or am planning on using:

Lose It! - This is a nice calorie tracking app that allows you to use foods in their database or enter your own foods and recipes. There is also an optional online component with more robust analytics and the ability to link with friends for motivation and ridicule. Here is the iPhone app, which is free (as in beer):

Lose It!

100 Pushups - The simple goal of this app is to get you to be able to do 100 consecutive pushups. It shows you proper form, has you assess your abilities, then builds a workout plan to accomplish the goal. It also has timers for rest cycles and graphing/history. This is an app version of the online presence. iPhone app available here for $0.99:

100 Pushups

200 situps, 200 squats and 25 pullups (future) are all related sites to the 100 pushups program. I haven't started on the situps and squats yet, but I will be in the next week as a component of my program. You can get the iPhone apps here for $0.99 and $1.99 respectively:

200 Situps

200 Squats

So, as you can see, I have a pretty iPhone-centric set of workout tools. For those of you without an iPhone, I don't have much for you except to tell you how awesome the iPhone is. If you really don't want one, all of these work on the iPod touch as well, so you can go that route too.

One last note is that the tools are only as good as the effort you put in to use them. So, give it a go and see if they can help you out.

Dork Status... Confirmed

So, I wore the Fivefingers for a quick run to my local italian grocery store (Caputo's, great produce) and there was a guy standing in the produce section that looked like he just walked off the set of "The Soprano's". Shiny eggplant-ish color mob suit, the black shirt, big gold medallion... You know the guy I am talking about.

Anyway, he looks at my shoes and kind of chuffs a bit and nudges one of his worker guys to point out the shoes. He kind of laughs and asks, "Hey, what kinda shoes are those you got on?"

I reply, "They are called Vibram Fivefingers."

"Well, they sure look weird."

Now, usually, I would have just nodded and wandered off, thinking of snappy retorts much later. This time though, this time it was perfect. In my best imitation of Marisa Tomei from "My cousin Vinny" I was able to reply, "Oh, and you blend."

It was awesome.

I also had a very good conversation with another patron who had been thinking of getting them too. They agreed that they are very dorky shoes :-)

The First Walk...

Reggie (my klutzy boxer, who is handsome and good) and I went for a walk this morning to accomplish two things:

1) Get him more used to walking on leash.

2) Test out the Fivefingers.

We walked for ~2 miles. I am not sure of the exact distance because the Fivefingers definitely alter your stride. You are much more aware of heel striking and the shoes almost force you to shorten your stride and make initial contact with the ball of your foot. This certainly throws off any pedometer calibration you might have done in the past. So, be prepped for that.

My initial reaction to the shoes after a couple of miles is very positive. If you aren't used to walking barefoot or in thin moccasins, don't push it as I can see how the balls of your feet might hurt a lot (I am used to mocs though, so not really a problem). Also, be prepped for calf soreness. I just finished my walk about 20 minutes ago and I can already feel them tightening up. I was aware of this from the reviews I had read, but it is a bit more pronounced than I expected.

The shoes themselves were great, Wearing them makes you much more cognizant of what you are stepping on while still protecting you from the pointy bits one is sure to encounter while barefoot. I thought the marketing fluff around being more in contact with the earth was, well, marketing fluff. However, you really do connect with the ground better in these shoes. Also, after about 100 steps, you don't even notice you are wearing them (until the previously mentioned klutzy dog steps on your foot and forces a toe out of its pocket).

On the negative side, I had some concerns around the fact that my feet were cold when I started out. However, once the blood got going, that went away. Also, if you do get a toe out of pocket, once you get it back in place it feels weird for a bit.

All-in-all, I have to give these a very high initial review. Over the next few days, I am sure I will post additional thoughts, but I can see me wearing these more often than not (which should make my wife happy, considering their dork factor).