Vibram Men's FiveFingers KSO Trail Hiking Shoe

TLDR; Durable; only for those committed to re-naturalizing their gait and getting rid of pains and injuries of high-intensity mid-distance running; not suitable for running or hiking on gravel, small stones, or twigs of approx. 1cm diameter.These are minimalist shoes for a nearly barefoot walking and running experience. Please order this only if you are ready for that and the associated changes in your running gait and ground surface selection. If that is what you want, then you will not be disappointed. I have used them somewhat regularly for running on road, sidewalk, grass, and trails for two months, and they are holding up fine.Pros:1. Nearly barefoot (natural) walking and running experience.2. Gradual strengthening of the feet and elimination of injuries associated with running. I had given up running due to pains before I discovered flex-foot running.3. Potential reduction in post-run pains and downtime.4. Durable.5. Shoes take minimal packing space.6. Look cool.Cons:1. Need special socks with separated toes.2. Uncomfortable on gravel or twigs that are about 1/2" (1cm) in diameter.3. Will get wet from the inside in shallow puddles and waterlogged grass.4. Not suitable for sports such as soccer, as your toes can get twisted.5. Strands of dandelions and small twigs get stuck between the toes.6. Look dorky.Here are some changes you would want to make in your outdoor excursions with these shoes on:1. Learn to run with a forefoot strike: That is the precise behavioral change that this shoe is meant to promote. Humans have forgotten their natural gait developed over millions of years of evolution ever since we started wearing shoes with heel support, motion control, and whatnot. I have a severe flatfoot, and I over-pronate. Yet, I had no problem switching my gait, first using Nike Free, and then graduating to Vibram FiveFingers. Strive to make sure that your heels do not touch the ground. Try imagining that you are lightly grabbing the ground with your toes and the ball of your feet as you land and push off.2. Start gradually: I started with running 1 mile every two days, and then built it up to 5 miles every two days over a few months. I recommend not running long distance in the beginning, and striving to make sure that your heel does not touch the ground.3. Choose surfaces a little carefully: If you are like me who did not grow up running barefoot, you will find it very uncomfortable to run on medium-sized gravel (1cm or 1/2"). You will feel poked, although the shoes will probably hold up fine. Also, avoid hiking on such surfaces. I took the shoes for such an "adventure" and regretted it, although your feet feel fine with a night's rest. In terms of comfort, grass > sand > road > trail without gravel > sidewalk > trail with gravel > gravel. The last two are not recommended until you are comfortable in the strength of your feet. Running on grass with these shoes on is very enjoyable, and you realize what your feet were naturally meant to do. Running on road is also a good experience, provided you have mastered keeping your heels in the air. You realize that your feet are your natural shock absorbers, and do a good job of it. Also, try to avoid even very shallow puddles or waterlogged grass, if you feel icky when your feet get wet outdoors while running, because even very shallow water will get into these shoes.

For all my pedestrian life, shoe manufacturers have been working on the assumption that the human foot is a faulty design. Shoe-engineering has always clamored for More Support, More Support, making the "platform" stiffer and the heel wider, and always vacillating between heavier construction but lighter materials. Podiatrists have made comfortable fortunes by prescribing uncomfortable arch supports, and more and more people have found themselves lifetime committed to wearing orthotics.Vibram Five Toe shoes are based on the assumption that "evolution got it right", that the human foot does its job quite well if it is allowed to flex and grip as it is 'built' to do. The toes are fitted independently, like fingers in gloves, and the sole is merely a tough membrane like the calluses that form naturally on the feet of barefoot peasants around the world. The construction is as light as a hiking sock or a moccasin. The shoes are intended, I suppose, to be worn without socks, but I prefer to wear the lightest Injinji five-toe socks in them. It was the Injinji socks that I wore inside my stiff heavy old hiking boots, on a 20-mile hike, that persuaded me to try these Vibrams. No hot spots, no toenail problems, and my "dogs" weren't barking at the end of the day.Personally, I confess that I've been more concerned all my life with the durability of my running and hiking shoes than with the durability of my feet. In my sixties, that 'concern' has proven to be misplaced. My sturdiest Vasques boots are still in good shape but my feet have been showing signs of wear and tear. So, I thought, why not try the Vibram shoes, since the Injinji socks seem worthwhile? Besides, if they don't work for walking and running, surely they'll make excellent kayak/beach shoes.Putting the five-toe shoes on for the first time isn't an encouraging experience. They don't 'fit' until they've been worn to the shape of YOUR feet. They're tricky to get over your toes properly for the first six or eight times, and it's hard to believe the your heels will enjoy the pounding on cement sidewalks or rocky trails. I've been wearing my first pair for all outdoor activities now for about two weeks, and I love them! Light, cool, free-feeling, and I don't seem to be having any problem with jarring on hard pavements. They look somewhat funky with a tuxedo, I have to acknowledge, and on the street people will gawk at your pedal extremities rather than your ample forehead or bosom. Hey, that's not such a bad thing in itself!I can't yet declare that my overall 'foot health' will permanently improve from wearing Vibrams. Also, I doubt that they will survive as long as a pair of indestructible Vasques; the soles are thin by design and will wear through. But the price isn't so high, even if you replace them twice a year, in comparison to the potential benefits of accepting the wisdom of Evolution and letting your feet do the job they did for your genetic ancestors over the past four million years or so.

I've been contemplating these for awhile. Then, I heard about the benefits of them while listening to Born to Run while running. On Thanksgiving I was telling my daughter's boyfriend about what I hear in the book and that I was going to buy a pair when my Brother in law walked in wearing his. That was it. I came onto Amazon and they were on sale for half price. I bout a pair and so far after 3 days I love them. Like most people I was concerned about the sizing. I can tell you I wear a 10.5 vans and 10.5 New Balance running shoe so I ordered the 10.5 and they fit as they should. My only gripe is I haven't figured out how to get them on quickly. It takes e a few minutes to get my toes operated and where they need to be. If you're like I was and thinking about getting some. I say buy them now, especially if they're on sale.