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8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
1/21
the birthdayshoes.com [beginners guide] to
Vibram FiveFingers a free e-book from birthdayshoes.com the unofficial fan site for VFFs by Justin Owingsthis beginners guide is intended to provide an overview of VFFs and help assist
beginners with deciding which pair of VFFs is right for them. The contents of this
book are:
what are fivefingers? An overview.
which style should I get?
how do I determine my size?
where can I get them?
okay, Ive got them: now what?
additional resources
Disclaimer: This guide is intended for infotainment purposes only. BirthdayShoes.com is not owned,operated, or otherwise affiliated with Vibram
or the FiveFingers
brand. The advice in this guide is not
intended to be construed as medical advice. As always, youre ultimately responsible for your own actions!
http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://justinowings.com/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://justinowings.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
2/21
2010 by birthdayshoes.com2
What are they? An overview.
The Basics:
Vibram FiveFingers, or VFFs for short (andalso known as simply Vibrams), are littlemore than five-toed foot gloves for yourfeet. VFFs have a thin rubber sole making
VFFs floppy
and lacking a rigid structure.
Marketed as the barefoot alternative,
FiveFingers let your feet be feet. Theyprovide no arch support and effectively nocushioning. Variations in the ground canbe felt through their thin rubber soles,encouraging the wearer to tread lightly.
Background:
VFFs are made by an Italian-based rubber sole company called Vibram and taketheir unusual name from the fact that the Italian word for toes is the same as the
word for fingers. Thus, in Italian FiveFingers areFiveToes!
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3/21
2010 by birthdayshoes.com3
What are they? An overview (cont.)
Background (continued):
VFFs were originally invented by Robert Fliri
and were first marketed as boat shoes
back in early 2006 by Vibram (Vibram is pronounced Vee
brum). As awareness of
VFFs grew, they began being used by barefoot runners such as Barefoot Ted
McDonald (barefootted.com), who wore them to run the Boston Marathon in April2006.
Since then TIME Magazine named VFFs one of the Best Inventions of 2007. The 2009release of Christopher McDougalls
best-selling book Born to Run
also prominently
featured both the barefoot running movement and VFFs via Barefoot Ted.
Furthermore, research by Dan Lieberman, Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology atHarvard University, was released in early 2010 that raises new questions regardingwhether or not the prevailing sports shoe design, featuring an elevated heel and thicklycushioned soles, does much if anything to reduce impact or prevent injury. In fact,Liebermans research suggests that modern shoes may force us to heel strike
rather
than forefoot strike
as we would when barefoot, and this shift results in greater
impact to the runner (see link to Lieberman research on the additional resources page).
You can read more about the history of Vibram Five Fingers here.Barefoot or VFF running is important enough for a bit further discussion.
http://barefootted.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/what-are-theyhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/what-are-theyhttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/what-are-theyhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://barefootted.com/8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
4/21
2010 by birthdayshoes.com4
What are they? An overview (cont.)
The human foot is a masterpiece ofengineering and a work of art.
-
Leonardo da Vinci
A bit on feet and the barefoot running or minimalistfootwear movement:
A growing number of runners are giving up on modern runningshoes in favor of either running completely barefoot or in
minimalist footwear such as FiveFingers.
In addition to skepticism regarding the benefits associated with
more thickly-cushioned running shoes, many are asserting thatthe human foot was molded by evolution over countless
millennia to allow for walking, sprinting, and running over variedterrain completely barefoot and without injury. Assuming this istrue, then human beings are perfectly capable of being
incredibly active while being barefoot or close-to-barefoot aswith VFFs.
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5/21
2010 by birthdayshoes.com5
What are they? An overview (cont.)A bit on feet and the barefoot running or minimalist footwearmovement (continued):
Many runners whove wrestled with chronic injuries have made theswitch from running in their cushioned sports shoes to runningbarefoot or in VFFs and seen their injuries reduced or eliminated(Read Daves story, for example). Indeed, it seems modern runningshoes force us to heel-strike
rather than forefoot-strike. Natural
running is pain-free (Something we innately knew this as kids!).
VFFs have been revolutionizing the footwear industry by taking theprevailing footwear paradigm and turning it on its head: rather thanmore padding, more stability control,
and springier heels, in the
case of our feet, the adage holds true: less is more. Our feet performbest in their natural form: barefoot.
Vibram Five Fingers let your feet do what they were designed
to do.
VFFs free your feet!
Since they have only a thin layer of rubber for a sole, independenttoe pockets, which allow your toes to splay and grasp the ground,and lack a rigid structure (So your foot can bend and flex as if
it
were barefoot), Five Fingers mimic the barefoot condition withjust a bit of protection.
http://birthdayshoes.com/this-is-not-a-fad-you-can-run-pain-freehttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/the-silent-majority-and-the-barefoot-running-debate-or-the-runners-who-never-werehttp://birthdayshoes.com/the-silent-majority-and-the-barefoot-running-debate-or-the-runners-who-never-werehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/jawa-s-vibram-vacationhttp://birthdayshoes.com/the-silent-majority-and-the-barefoot-running-debate-or-the-runners-who-never-werehttp://birthdayshoes.com/the-silent-majority-and-the-barefoot-running-debate-or-the-runners-who-never-werehttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/digging-into-daniel-lieberman-s-barefoot-running-researchhttp://birthdayshoes.com/this-is-not-a-fad-you-can-run-pain-free8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
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7/212010 by birthdayshoes.com7
Which style should I get? (cont.)The FiveFingers Classic:
The VFF Classic is
an open-topped model that has an elastic band that
runs the rim of the top and can be cinched behinda heel tab.
The Classic is the most basic VFF model available,and it is also the cheapest retailing at $75. Theopen-topped design makes it also the easiest to put
your foot into. This ease of entry and open-airedfeel makes the Classic the everyday champion of the FiveFingers line-up. Its theflip-flop of VFFs. Even still, it can be used for many types of active wear.
Pros: Ease of entry, comfort, and price point make the Classic a solid
candidate
for first VFF. The Classic is great for everyday wear not unlike your favorite pair of
sandals. That said, the Classic is both comfortable and capable
of use for running,
weight lifting, and random, spontaneous activities (like climbing a random tree!).
Cons:You must cinch the elastic band to lock on
the Classic for active wear (e.g.
sprinting, running) which can be uncomfortable under sustained use. For casualwear, no tightening is necessary making Classics quite comfy though there may bea small break-in period (Push through it!). Though the Classic can be used for
jerky activities, the open-topped design will make the heel more likely to pop off.
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8/212010 by birthdayshoes.com8
Which style should I get? (cont.)
RECOMMENDATION: Get the Classic if you want a VFF for everyday use and the
occasional active use. From a total time-spent wearing perspective, I wear myClassics more than any other model (More on the Classic model here!).
Above are things people are doing in VFF Classics. Click any image to read more.
http://birthdayshoes.com/classic:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/cody-and-daryl-wall-climb-in-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/nathan-owings-on-his-birthday-shoeshttp://birthdayshoes.com/ryan-s-dog-and-dogs-vff-classicshttp://birthdayshoes.com/mini-golfin-in-five-finger-classicshttp://birthdayshoes.com/jason-cruises-the-med-in-fivefinger-classics-italy-france-spainhttp://birthdayshoes.com/scott-rafer-at-techcrunch-london-in-his-classic-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/more-vff-running-with-chadhttp://birthdayshoes.com/alika-s-classic-five-fingers-in-oahu-hawaiihttp://birthdayshoes.com/classic:8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
9/212010 by birthdayshoes.com9
Which style should I get? (cont.)The FiveFingers KSO:
The VFF KSO, which is
an acronym for Keep Stuff Out,
is the best-selling
VFF available. The KSO is covered on top with thinmesh and uses a Velcro hook-and-loop strap to lockthe KSO onto your foot.
The KSO can take anything you throw at it: sprintsor water wear, running marathons, hiking, or
climbing a random tree, the KSO does it all.
Pros: Covered upper keeps debris out of the VFF while also lending the
KSO a
more normal
aesthetic. Lock-on velcro
strapping method keeps the KSO on your
foot no matter what the application. KSO provides an attached feeling like theSprint but is easier to fit and generally more comfortable. Finally, for whatever
reason, VFF fans tend to wear socks with the KSOs
more than with the other two
models (though socks are not necessary for any model and most prefer sock-less).
Cons: Covered top can make the KSO a bit more difficult to put on. KSO
has 2mm
of EVA (foam) which will reduce barefoot feel but offer a tiny bit more paddingcompared to Classic or Sprint. The KSO retails at $85, making it
the most expensive
of the general-purpose VFFs. Also, due to the closed top design, individuals withhigh-insteps may find the KSOs
harder to fit on the top of the foot.
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10/212010 by birthdayshoes.com10
Which style should I get? (cont.)RECOMMENDATION: Get the KSO if you want the VFF that does it all
and dont
mind the extra fabric on top or the additional effort of putting
them on. You can read
more on the KSO here
(reviews, mods, more!).
Above are things people are doing in VFF KSOs. Click any image to read more.
http://birthdayshoes.com/kso:http://birthdayshoes.com/ronald-s-10k-podium-finish-in-kso-v5shttp://birthdayshoes.com/kso:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/bernard-finishes-100km-trail-race-in-kso-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/feeling-fitness-deep-down-in-my-solehttp://birthdayshoes.com/bien-and-ben-run-nittany-valley-half-marathon-in-vibram-ksoshttp://birthdayshoes.com/erik-takes-his-kso-five-fingers-to-the-playgroundhttp://birthdayshoes.com/patrick-goes-rafting-on-the-ocoee-river-in-kso-vffshttp://birthdayshoes.com/edgar-s-barcelona-segway-tours-in-vff-ksoshttp://birthdayshoes.com/erin-swimming-in-natural-pools-in-hawaiihttp://birthdayshoes.com/pedal-play-luis-rocks-and-drives-in-his-kso-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/mountain-biking-in-austin-in-fivefinger-ksoshttp://birthdayshoes.com/post-run-handstand-leg-drains-with-jawahttp://birthdayshoes.com/ben-and-m-cheezy-hiking-upstate-new-york-in-kso-v5fshttp://birthdayshoes.com/chris-and-bien-run-the-baltimore-half-marathon-in-kso-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/phillip-s-first-skydiving-trip-in-his-kso-fivefingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/ronald-s-10k-podium-finish-in-kso-v5shttp://birthdayshoes.com/ryan-travels-the-world-in-flows-ksos-and-mocshttp://birthdayshoes.com/kso:8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
11/212010 by birthdayshoes.com11
Which style should I get? (cont.)The FiveFingers Sprint:
The VFF Sprint is an
open-topped model that has three Velcro straps: one
over the top of your instep, and two on either side ofyour heel.
Of the three general-purpose models, thanks to theample use of straps, the Sprint is simultaneously thehardest to fit just right
and also the most locked
on
once you get the straps properly dialed in.
Pros: With such a locked on feel, the Sprint is great for not only sprinting, but alsoany intense activity. It can be used in activities involving moving water, generalrunning, and for just about any form of play you can imagine. Also, the Sprint retailsat $80, so if you want an active-wear VFF, you can get the Sprint for five bucks
cheaper than the KSO. Even better, the Sprint lacksthe 2mm of EVA foam betweenthe Vibram sole and the insole that the KSO has, giving it the same ground feel aswith the Classic but with a more functional, locked-on feel. The Sprint can also beworn with the straps loose
to maximize comfort for casual wear (no dialing in
necessary).Cons: It can take a lot of of
wrangling to get the Sprint fit dialed in properly. Also,
the heel can sometimes be irritating. Also, the open-top can invite in dust, sand, anddebris.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/1010876866001638/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
12/212010 by birthdayshoes.com12
Which style should I get? (cont.)
RECOMMENDATION: Get the Sprint if youre willing to work with the straps to get
the right fit and/or want an open-top active-use VFF with a bit more ground feelthats also five bucks cheaper than the KSO! Read more on the Sprint here.
Above are things people are doing in VFF Sprints. Click any image to read more.
http://birthdayshoes.com/sprint:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/maria-hikes-the-north-cascade-mountains-in-her-vff-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/shanna-and-kelly-s-vineyard-5k-in-vibram-five-fingers-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/tim-finishing-triathlons-in-five-fingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/michael-and-lindsey-take-fivefingers-to-hawaiihttp://birthdayshoes.com/naree-combines-five-finger-sprints-with-scuba-finshttp://birthdayshoes.com/robert-explores-grenada-in-vibram-five-finger-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/getting-married-in-the-dunes-in-vibram-five-fingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/conor-kayaking-and-longboarding-in-five-finger-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/conor-kayaking-and-longboarding-in-five-finger-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/maria-hikes-to-the-top-of-mount-taugetus-greece-in-fivefinger-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/new-kicks-in-waikiki-fivefinger-sprints-and-classicshttp://birthdayshoes.com/rana-drives-walks-runs-and-hikes-in-her-vibram-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/cody-tries-ultimate-frisbee-in-fivefinger-sprintshttp://birthdayshoes.com/barefoot-michael-camps-in-sprint-five-fingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/robin-and-erik-take-on-indonesia-in-vibram-five-fingershttp://birthdayshoes.com/sprint:8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
13/212010 by birthdayshoes.com13
Which style should I get? (concluded)
I know what youre thinking: but w hat about the other models?
For sake of completeness (and so you are in the know), other VFFs available are theultra-minimalist, indoor-only Moc
and Performa, the neoprene-upper Flow, and the
trail-specific, kangaroo leather-upper Five Fingers KSO Trek
or theFall 2010 Trek Sport.
A running-specific version called the Five Fingers Bikila
is also making waves in the
community. If you want to learn more about these models, just take a spin aroundbirthdayshoes.com. The reason I do not recommend consideration of any of these
models for your first pair of VFFs is:
Expense. The cheapest of these niche-specific models is the Flow, which retails at $90
(U.S. prices). The Moc
and Performa retail at $110 and the KSO Trek at $125. The Bikila
and
Trek Sport retail at $100.
Function / Application. Though each of these models can be a great choice, they all
serve more specific needs. Granted, if you are buying Vibram Five Fingers specifically to run,you might give consideration to the Bikila, but you can cut your teeth on natural running justfine in a pair of KSOs, Classics, or Sprints! The Moc
and Performa are indoor-only, catering to
martial arts, yoga, or Pilates enthusiasts. Also, the Bikila, KSO Trek and Trek Sport have athicker sole, which means youll lose some barefoot-sensation as compared to other models.
My advice: get started w ith a pair of Classics, Sprints, or KSOs, and then pickup the more specific models later. Most VFFers end up having a few pairs!
http://birthdayshoes.com/moc:http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/moc:http://birthdayshoes.com/performa:http://birthdayshoes.com/flow:http://birthdayshoes.com/moc:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/trek+sport:http://birthdayshoes.com/moc:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/bikila:http://birthdayshoes.com/trek+sport:http://birthdayshoes.com/kso+trek:http://birthdayshoes.com/flow:http://birthdayshoes.com/performa:http://birthdayshoes.com/moc:8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
14/212010 by birthdayshoes.com14
How do I determine my size?Figuring out your size in FiveFingers is perhaps the most difficult part of the buyingexperience; however, perseverance pays off!
VFF sizes do not correspond to standard or European shoe size at anypredictable conversion ratio! Rather, VFF size requires taking a measurement ofyour foot from heel to longest toe (usually big toe, but sometimes your second toe) forboth feetand then matching that length to both the model and gender on Vibramschart (see the next page).
Even though your best bet for figuring out size requires finding
a retailer and trying on
VFFs until you find the pair that fits, it can be helpful to have a starting point and tofamiliarize yourself with the sizing system in advance (shoe store employees arentalways in the know on how to size VFFs).
Its easy enough to figure out your size by following Vibram's measurement instructions
(measured in inches):
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 longesttoe.
3.
Take the longer of the two foot measurements.
4.
If the foot length varies more than 1/6 in. it will be difficult
to get a precise fit for both feet.
5.
If your second toe is more than 1/6 in. longer than your big toe
it may be difficult to get a
precise fit.
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15/212010 by birthdayshoes.com15
How do I determine my size? (cont.)
Source: Sizing chart as seen at VibramFiveFingers.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/1010876866001638/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
16/212010 by birthdayshoes.com16
Below are some tips on sizing and fit:
Your toes should not be ramming up against the ends of the toe pockets.
They should be right behind
the end of the toe pocket. This mainly applies to your
big toes as smaller toes may have excess room in the toe pockets
(this is okay!).
Different models will feel different on your feet. Also, some have noted
different color combinations within the same model (particularly
with KSOs) fit
differently. This can cause problems if you have high insteps (the instep is the top partof your foot).
KSOs size down one from Classics and Sprints.
Sizes are differentacross genders for the same or similar foot length!
Men can wear womens VFFs and vice versa, but womens tend to be a bit morenarrow.
Foot width is not a problem! VFFs can stretch to accommodate most foot widths.
Generally you do not need to size up for socks!
If youre in betw een sizes, you are likely better off sizing up.
When in doubt, try them on in person OR order your two closest sizes
online and return the size that doesnt fit (This is what I did on my first pair backin 2008).
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17/212010 by birthdayshoes.com17
Where can I get them?
1. Buy local
You can search for a local retailer who carries VFFs by checking
Vibrams store locator. If you cant go local or local doesnt haveem
in stock
2. Buy online At Birthday Shoes weve got a list of the biggest online retailers of
Vibram Five Fingers, as well as details on their typical purchase policies like freeshipping.
Go to the store!
3. Watch out for fakes! A rash of counterfeit VFFs (knock-off, off-qualitymerchandise sold from China) have hit the market in the past few
months! If you
Google [Vibram Five Fingers], greater than 60% of the results w ill befake online retailers! If youd rather not deal with these fraudsters, avoid thementirely by sticking to 1. or 2. above.
If you buy online, consider ordering the two closest sizes based
on your measurementsand returning the pair that doesnt fit. Just be sure to check first to make sure the
online retailer from whom you buy accepts returns (and know going into it that youregoing to lose money on shipping). This is actually how I got my
first pair of Classics.
Vibram Five Fingers are in such demand that it can be quite difficult to find yourpreferred model and size in stock. That said, generally, there are two ways to buy
VFFs:
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/productsupport/store_locator.cfmhttp://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/these-are-not-vibram-five-fingers-spotting-fakes-counterfeits-knock-offs-and-other-pirated-black-market-five-toed-shoeshttp://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/these-are-not-vibram-five-fingers-spotting-fakes-counterfeits-knock-offs-and-other-pirated-black-market-five-toed-shoeshttp://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/productsupport/store_locator.cfm8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
18/212010 by birthdayshoes.com18
Okay Ive got them: Now what? Start wearing them to do things youd normally do in regular shoes.
Be patient. Youve been wearing heavily cushioned and or high-heeled shoes for so
long that your feet, legs, and ankles have atrophied: just like if youd been wearing acast. It takes a lot longer than you think to acclimate to being activelybarefoot! If you are sore, allow your muscles to adjust and recover.
Pay attention. This advice is two-fold. One, youre going to be feeling whatever it
is you step on. If you step on a pebble, youll notice it. If you step on soft grass, youllfeel its plushness. Tw o, pay attention to your body. When walking, are you heel-
striking? Does it hurt? Consider taking shorter strides. Rediscover what feelscomfortable.
Again, take it slow ! Remember: youre trying to prevent injuries by freeing your
feet. It takes time to rehabilitate to barefoot walking. Take comfort knowing that youfirst learned to move as a kid barefoot.
Be careful when you jump. If youre accustomed to bounding about in cushioned
shoes, then note that you cant just land on your heels like you are used to. Youve gotto break your fall by using the suspension system in your foot, ankle, knees, and hips,all in conjunction.
Have fun! Enjoy the freedom of comfy feet and
the ability to run and play
effectively barefoot!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/1010876866001638/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
19/21
8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
20/212010 by birthdayshoes.com20
Additional Resources.
BirthdayShoes.com
| forums
| store
covering everything about VFFs and a great
deal regarding the growing minimalist footwear and barefoot movement. At
bdayshoes
youll find plenty ofVFF user stories, reviews, and news
on upcoming VFF
models.
Delve into running in Vibram Five Fingers here.
Daniel Liebermans Harvard web page on barefoot running or in minimalist shoes
an
epic resource on Liebermans research into impact forces under different gaits. Alsoincludes training tips and advice on running barefoot or in minimalist shoes.
Interested in Christopher McDougalls
Born to Run, the book that has started a revival
in the running world? Read my review! I also interviewed McDougall here.
There are a lot of guides and resources at B irthday Shoes. Checkem out
here.
Finally, let me tell you how you can stay on top of all thingsFive Fingers.
http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/user-stories/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/running:http://birthdayshoes.com/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/user-stories/http://birthdayshoes.com/review:http://birthdayshoes.com/news:http://birthdayshoes.com/news:http://birthdayshoes.com/news:http://birthdayshoes.com/running:http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/born-to-run-by-christopher-mcdougall-reviewhttp://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://birthdayshoes.com/interview-with-christopher-mcdougall-author-of-born-to-runhttp://birthdayshoes.com/guides/http://birthdayshoes.com/guides/http://www.facebook.com/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163?v=photos#!/pages/Birthday-Shoes-Vibram-Five-Fingers-and-Minimalist-Footwear-Fan-Site/101087686600163http://birthdayshoes.com/guides/http://birthdayshoes.com/guides/http://birthdayshoes.com/interview-with-christopher-mcdougall-author-of-born-to-runhttp://birthdayshoes.com/born-to-run-by-christopher-mcdougall-reviewhttp://birthdayshoes.com/toes/borntorunhttp://birthdayshoes.com/mcdougall:http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/http://birthdayshoes.com/running:http://birthdayshoes.com/news:http://birthdayshoes.com/review:http://birthdayshoes.com/user-stories/http://birthdayshoes.com/store/http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/http://birthdayshoes.com/8/6/2019 Beginners Guide to Five Fingers
21/21
Finally: Stay on top of things VFF!
Subscribe by email to receive regular updates like
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You can also sign up for inventory alerts and
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Grabbed this PDF from a friend? Make sure you
have the most updated version by simply re-
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Questions or feedback on the guide? Contact me
or
hit me up on twitter @bdayshoes!
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by sharing it on your blog, facebook,
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