Vibram Five Fingers (Page 2)

Here's a link showing how one guy modified his VFFs for his webbed toes.  If you're handy and motivated, maybe something like this would work for you?

http://birthdayshoes.com/index.php/fivefingers-for-webbed-toes-how-about-vibram-four-fingers-mod

Technically, you don't need ANY shoes to run barefoot.  Otherwise, you're not running barefoot.

Are there any faster runners using this shoes exclusively for training/racing? Something like sub 1:20hr half-marathon or sub 2:45hrs marathoners?

* The above is just to satisfy my personal curiosity and not really regarding the usefulness or not of this shoes.

So would these be legal during the swim? Use some straps on the bike and you'd never have to put on or change shoes during the race. Maybe we need a cycling tri shoe that some version of these could slide in easy.

I find it hard to swallow spending $80 to $120 to run barefoot, but I'm guessing you would have to wear something during most races. I come across broken glass on the roads enough that I would anyway.

i have the kso, i love em... wear em everywhere (and get TONS of crap from co-workers ect) run about once a week for 2-3 miles...2 races since, 2 prs (ran both races in shoes)...fwiw, i credit consistant running for the prs rather than the kso's, but i still love em

I like the KSO version for trail running and hiking on the wet rocky trails. 

Barefoot running shoe = 5k marathon = Sprint Ironman

I generally agree.  But I think part of why this demographic is willing to change is that they have the least to lose.  I'm involved in a coaching group with around 30-40 athletes.  I'm the only one going exclusively this way right now.  And I've got the least to lose in doing so.  I was never able to sustain run training of an hour in length while in regular shoes.  I was always very slow running relative to my swim and bike.  So I felt there was really nothing to lose by going this route.   In contrast, those more successful have much to lose.  Thus, the likely slower adoption.

Anyone try running in the snow with these?  Try them with YakTrax?  Just curious if any VFF wearer has dealt with snow and ice or been forced to the treadmill.

Ok, so today was a HTFU day weather wise.  I tried my first Vibram KSO run in the snow/slush.  I do not recommend doing this.  The KSOs have holes between the toes to help vent air and allow water to escape.  They were originally designed as river shoes.  The snow and slush was seeping into the shoes between my toes.  And my toes got somewhat numb.  Not a major problem on short runs like the 30 minutes I did today.  But I don’t think it would be a good idea for longer and/or colder times.

I know Vibram makes a cold weather version.  That might be more appropriate for this time of year.  Either that, or learn to accept the dreadmill.

They are fine on the TM, if thats what you like to run on. 

I'd recommend 5 minutes in them your first time out.  IF that goes well, try 10 minutes.  You will likely be sore in your calves and achilles.  Stay at your given distance until doing it doesnt make you sore any more.  Then build again, 5 minutes at a time.  You just have to listen to your body and feel what its ready for.

You have to go by the longest toe usually, if your little toes are hitting the end of the toe pockets you have some long toes and may need to get the bigger size. If your little toes aren't hitting the ends and are just tight I would wait a little and see if they break in and feel better.

If there is a store nearby I would go there and recheck some other sizes and or styles. Even different VFF the same size and style may fit slightly different, I exchanged my KSO's once already and the second pair fits a little tighter than the first same size.