Hi, I am a trail runner, obstacle racer and ex fitness trainer / pose running coach who loves getting outdoors and moving in Nature. I began using barefoot as a way to manage my injured knees in 2006, discovered Vibram Fivefingers there same year and founded Barefootinc in 2007 to begin importing and selling them into Australia. Many runs, adventures and mishaps later Barefootinc has grown into a destination for those looking for natural footwear, including Xero, Furoshiki, Earth Runners, Vivo Barefoot, Altra and of course my first ❤️ FiveFingers. One rule has seen me through all of it. Don't BS people, only sell what you've tested and want to use. Hope you find there reviews useful and live every day to the max!
For me i just wat the zero drop and some room for me big toe. I dont want a sole so thin i have to look out for pebbles. That part dousnt seem to have any advantage to me. But then i hate walking barefoot i don't want to have to constantly look out for pebbles .
Hi thanks for the great video. I have been looking at the ultrapire 4 waistlight. Is this an upgrade? I see the 4.0 version is 600 lumens and s this 850 lumens? Thanks
@@PavelBystrov Unfortunately they didn‘t fit me 😢 One size up was too large and the toeboxes much too long, I could hardly walk. In my regular size the „entrance“ of the toes were very narrow and therefore my feet felt uncomfortable, like I would wear fingerrings around some toes …..
Seems that none of these reviews test to see if these sandals ground you when wearing them. I just got a pair and I found out I was not grounded on the ground and on pavement.
Allen it's a fair question and I believe there are videos showing earth runner sandals being tested for grounding specifically. I have not done such tests partly because that's def not my core competency but also because the grounding aspect is not one of my key requirements. I am barefoot on earth, sand and grass for some part of every day, and that's my time to 'earth'. The sandal's fit, comfort, durability and flexibility is what I primarily enjoy. Also worth pointing out you can only ground when on a conductive, natural material, so when on pavement or in your house or building or road you will not be grounding weather in shoes, sandals or barefoot. Need to get direct contact with the Earth. Hope this helps 👍🏽
These bottles are great, easy to drink and easy to clean. Tip in using this bottle is to keep the bottle squeezed and take as much air out of it when you finished drinking. The sloshing noise this bottle makes can be very pronounced when it's no longer full.
I wish I had the problem of barefoot shoes being too wide, lol. Still on the search for something that is double extra wide and the entire last not just the toe box. Fortunately, is sandal season! No cramped foot, maybe a little overhang, but I can live with that. Now I am off to check out some of your other videos.
I'm a boothead myself, but I'd always been curious what barefoot shoes were like, and love how human like the FiveFingers look, so earlier in the year, I bought myself a pair of preloved V-Alpha's that were in great condition, and I absolutely love them 🥰 I'm booted 99.9% of the time and in Trainers or FiveFingers the other 1% of the time. My true shoe size is a UK 10, but I know they tell you to size up in FiveFingers, so went with a EU 45 with my V-Alpha's, However I recently got myself a pair of V-Aqua's, I ordered an EU 45 in them, but exchanged them for an EU 46 but ended up exchanging them again for a EU 45 as I could move the heel up and down in the 46, the 45 fits perfectly 😁 I've started the process that Vibram recommends to get my feet used to them and build strength in my feet and toes, currently either my V-alpha's or V-Aqua's for a little bit every other day, I walked 3.1 miles in my V-Alpha's yesterday, of course I had toe ache afterwards because my feet are yet used to them, but love how comfortable they are and how good I can feel the ground in them, maybe walking 1 hr 6 mins(3.1 miles) in them is too much currently whilst my feet are still getting used to them, don't want to end up getting any micro fractures. Also thank you so much for the tip on how to get them on and off, It's helped me out so much, I can now put my FiveFingers on quickly and easily ☺️
Everyone is talking about how the shoe is stiffer and more cushioned and a downgrade from the original HFS and you only have to say good things about it. Sponsored much? Whatever..
Not sponsored.. we sell them of course but then we only sell models / brands we feel deliver value. The HFS 2 undoubtedly has more stack (1.5mm bare foam) and thus a more cushioned feel. This can be a + or a - depending on who’s talking. Half of our customers are transitioning from running or training in ‘conventional’ shoes. I always felt the original HFS were not ideal as a transition shoe, too slappy and thin. The HFS 2 is a better transition shoe and a better all day shoe (I mostly wear VFF but still enjoyed the comfort the HFS 2 deliver) I get that people used to running in the HFS 1 might not need / enjoy the extra cushion.. and maybe Xero should consider keeping both, but the v2 has a place, and those who enjoy the v1 should take it as a message from the universe to give the v-run a try 🤷🏼 if you’re trying to be a purist, you’re going to end up at the VFFs.
Does the v-run model have a fairly stiff rear heel? have you tried doing very powerful sprints? does the leg shift inside when running powerfully or is the fixation excellent??
No, I wouldn’t say that, they have plenty of forefoot width but feel different as the toes are still kept together and can’t move independently in the same way VFF allows
I just lift weights, no running. My main concern is leg press / squats. My ankle mobility seems fine. Idk if I should get xero hfs, tolos archetype, or just some chuck Taylor’s
I have to wear heel caps in my vtrails ,I've been wearing barefoot shoes for a few years now and the five fingers hurt my heels after a few days, but gel heel cups seem to be the way to go
Hi, just got a new pair after wearing my previous for 9 years and the ones before that for about 4. No clue what size the others were but pretty sure they were men's with more room in the toes and foot width. New ones felt too tight at first mid-foot mostly, but loosened as I wore them around the house. I am really conflicted about sending them back and rolling the dice on a larger size that might end up being too big. I don't think I will know if these work or not until I wear them for a full day. Buying these blind is rough even for people who are used to them.
Adriana totally get it, and is the last 9 years the sizing / cut may well have changes slightly. Can I ask what model/size you bought? Happy to jump on a call to discuss how they are fitting you in more detail if that would be helpful.
@maxdelacy3701 that would be amazing, I'd love some guidance before sending them back. I believe the previous pair are Bikilas and based on sizing and carving it in my brain at some point because I don't know where the box is, I believe they are a 41 men's Bikala. I ordered the 42 women's V-Run and they look to be the same length, but the Bikalas are definitely wider in the toes and foot width. I realize the old ones are also looser because of the amount of time I've worn them, but the old ones genuinely feel like I am basically barefoot
The five fingers are awesome. I use the Alpha as my all-in-one shoes for daily, road running, training, bush walks and even taken it swimming. Then I have the Vtrek for trail running. Great under foot with subtle protection and are slightly stiffer than Alpha that makes the feet more stable. I also carry a Xero, as my other daily and as Max mention has bad lateral movement due to lose toe box that even caused me to trip once crossing a road. Solved that by wearing a slightly thicker injinji socks to fill in the gaps without squeezing the foot tight.
I don't know how you manage these on the road while running. I really want to run in these but it is exhausting trying to not get hurt. I'm so impressed by your ability to withstand the force involved in order to run like this. I still need the padding on my Nike's to propel myself forward. For now I'm just running on grass. Spectacular effort!
So true about Vibrams versus the others. I used to love my old Altra Sampson's, flat, th8n, wide, supple, ugly, great for running in relatively straight lines. But you wanna ball? Strap on some Vibram Treks. For table tennis, Vibrams are like glue when changing directions. Other people think I'm weird. lol. If they tried Vibrams, then they'd understand . Unparalleled grip!!!
@CRASHASS thanks for the input. True some people love them very snug but our podiatrist friends all tell us if the big toe is touching the end while sitting it will cause micro stresses to the toes once up and walk/running which in time will effect gait and poss comfort. In general (and in my experience) a little room in not a bad thing.. but if they work for you snug.. that's awesome 👍🏽
Got a pair and didn’t feel anything until a mile in Stitching could be felt on the bottom of the right shoe but not at all on the left. Is that normal? V Trail 2.0s
One more question. Which vibram would you use to replace the Xero messa trail 2? V-trek 2.0? I've read they have more feel and are more flexible than the V-trail 2.0. My thoughts are the V-trails replace scrambler lows and the V-trek replaces the Messa 2's. Debating of the V-run or V-run retro replaces the HFS 2's. I already have two pairs of KSO evos, they are my favorite. I've climbed mountains in them, but not often because I don't want to shred them.
So I go up a full size from my size in the KSO Evos? I love them btw, but for longer runs I'm wondering if I should go with the V-run or V-run Retro (Which feels and fits closest to the KSO Evos? For the V-trail 2.0. How will they hold up to scrambling and scree skiing? I summit alot of mountains in the canadian rockies. Thanks for all your help. I have Xero scrambler lows I have not yet taken to the mountains (it's winter still) but I'm thinking of forgoing those and getting the V-trail 2.0 as I prefer toe shoes to anything else
When you say half an inch, this distance must be there when you are standing and the sole of your foot rests well on the ground right? I purchased a V-Trail 2.0 European market, I live in Italy in size 46 EU "28.5 cm" reported on the shoe box. My feet measure left 27.9cm and right 27.7cm. Despite this I feel a slight pressure on the longest toe and second toe on the right foot. Could this be because I suffer from a slight degree of valgus?
Ciao Gaetano, sorry for the slow response. My experience is the V-Trail 2.0 have less internal volume than say a v-alpha or v-trail in the same size because the upper material of the v-Trail 2.0 is much thicker and less stretchy. For this reason I would always recommend most people go up a size (unless they are a very loose fit already). If you are wearing socks with them, the issue will only be more pronounced. In conclusione.. if you're a 46 in most other sizes, a 47 in the V-Trail 2.0 may fit better. Hope that helps!
Just got some Earth Runner Alphas recently, and I agree they are really hard to beat once you break them in. I've got numerous minimal sandals from other brands, and all have their pros and cons. But for everyday wear, the Alphas are really nice. But the break-in can be pretty brutal, especially if you wear the heaviest performance straps. I needed about a week or so of wear before the straps felt comfortable.
l wish vibram found the way to really create an water proof shoe. l cant understand why ppl is doing an unofficial review and claiming things the shoe doesnt do
Hey.. any footwear (or hand wear) with separate digits will not be as warm as mittens or shoes with all the toes together. The V-trek insulated with winter toe-socks would be usable in sub zero conditions but it's a tough tradeoff to call. pros - toe/foot mobility aside from encouraging foot strength and natural mobility will also help keep the feet warm through increased activation and movement. - the ice grip on icy ground as well as the optimal balance / reaction time will also be a big + cons -relatively (versus conventional winter boots) lightweight upper and separate toes will mean you'll feel the cold more - the V-Trek insulated are water resistant but not water proof. If you're spending prolonged periods in damp snow or wet / cold environments your feet will get damp. So if it's wet or you're spending prolonged time exposed to the cold, esp if standing a lot, I'd go a Xero Excursion Fusion or a Vivo Glenn boot.
Cam, yes there's def an adjustment period, playing with strap tension and wearing a plaster or tape on the inside of the second toe for the first few wears helped me adjust. Hope you found another solution!
The return process is outdated and not on point . There is no easy customer service number or chat or logging with your Vibram acct . I love my five fingers and Im on pair 3 and just realizing they are made for narrow feet with long toes particularly the women shoes . I recommend these shoes to everyone I meet plus my clients . With all that said ; maybe design a shoe for people like me who has been barefoot their whole life ... wide feet / shorter toes ? Also a better return process ...
Hi Annika, thank for your feedback. Where you talk about ease of customer service contact, are you referring to the Barefootinc website or the Vibram one? We only manage the Barefootinc site and my direct number and email is at the bottom of every page as well as across all social pages.. we will look at ways of making it more visible though.
Hi Annika, thanks for your feedback, fyi at the bottom of each page on our website (as well as on our insta & FB) there is an email address and my direct mobile number. I have customers every day call up to ask about fit before they buy and after they receive the shoes. Always happy to help.. please feel free to call if you ever have any questions! 😁
