High five to Vibram FiveFingers

by Rachel Pugh
Weekender General Manager
Times Leader Director of Community Relations

The Vibram FiveFingers deserve some accolades for one reason only. They’re insane. I don’t mean that they’re crazy because they can make you run up tree trunks or walk across water but they’re crazier for a more realistic reason. Look at them.

These are bizarre gloves for your feet, and are for the true outdoorsman. Vibrant FiveFingers claim these barefoot-looking shoes is as close to au naturel as it gets, boasting the slogan, “Free your feet.”

Although this brings the deplorable Crocs to a whole different level, I can see the appeal for these shoes that separate your digits and give the illusion that your shoes are shaping your feet. If people start wearing them to the grocery store however, this positive recognition may certainly change.

So where on earth would you wear these Vibram monstrosities or as Vibram calls them, water booties? If you’re into water sports, they’ll provide many benefits to your feet and overall protection. Made with a 1.2mm neoprene lining, an ideal thermal material for water sports and those in fast-moving water, some styles also have adjustable straps that will keep your foot secure and free from flooding. They are also slip resistant. The company states this shoe (or version of a shoe) is perfect for: sailing, kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding and flats fishing. They can even be worn for running.

For even more insulation, you can purchase socks that look very similar to the shoe, providing individual attention to your toes. The Injinji mini crew socks would work best when fitting socks with the Vibram shoes. You obviously can’t wear a traditional sock with them, so if you’re serious about your water sports and serious about keeping your feet safe and dry, buy the necessary accessory to ensure this occurs. Don’t cut corners.

Just when you thought FiveFingers couldn’t get more bizarre, check out the variations on color choices. Whether you want a solid basic color or something a little louder, you’ll find it. Even the basic colors have a little bit of a kick and steer clear of boring features. The solid color choices often have a complimentary color for the toes, making them stand out a little more. And for the quirky pairs, camouflage seems to be Vibram’s thing and offers a hip style to a shoe that already possesses a whole lot of personality.

There are four styles of the Vibrant FiveFingers, The Classic, a strapless slip on; The Flow, a low-cut bootie with straps; The KSO (Keep Stuff Out), which is styled after The Classic but has more material to protect the arch of your foot and resists abrasions and The Men’s Vibrant FiveFinger Sprint which claims to be the most versatile. It has hook-and-loop straps around the heel which helps keep feet secure.

So enjoy the outdoors while feeling the freedom of going barefoot. The Vibram FiveFingers will keep your phalanges safe from injury, waterproof in fast currents, and comfortable for all your sporting needs. Plus, if nothing else, they make your feet look nuts. I think that’s all the reason you need.

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