Here is a short (ish) video explaining what to do on receiving your Vibram FiveFingers to ensure the fit is right for your foot and that they are able to be returned for a size change is necessary.
When I fit my V-Alpha, I lace them up snug but not tight, sometimes even a little loose. As Max mention, the foot "enlarges" as you walk/run. At first I tighten them well and it started to hurt on top of the foot. The internal seam was also hurting the tip of my toes, but that's temporary and eventually went away the more I used the shoes. Loving my V-Alpha, looking at getting another one soon.
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 ☺️
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
You talked about knowing if they are too small but….How do I know if they are too big? I got a pair and there is soooo much room in my smaller 3 toes but the biggest toe feels about a lateral thumb length of room like you mentioned….
Dennis depending on the shape of the foot sometimes the smaller toes can only be half way up the toe pocket.. that's ok, the most important thing 'fit' is the longest toe, which cannot be tight or constricted within the shoe. if you could send me an areal image of the foot inside the toe that would be super useful in seeing if the sizing is ok. But yes, not all the toes will fill the pockets, and that's ok 👍🏽
Yep, depending on foot shape the smaller toes can indeed be only half way into the pockets. Ultimately you have to be happy with your fit of course but the most important thing is the longest toe (usually big toe or second toe) is not pushing the end of the pocket
Max could you advice about socks matter. I have noticed that you wearing them. What is the differences/ should I buy bigger and wear socks to accommodate foot?
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
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
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!
Chief they are the Vibram No Show Grey socks.. they are thin enough not to impact on fit or feel but they last well and keep the shoes smelling fresh 👌🏽
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! 😁
@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 👍🏽
