Wearing the FiveFingers at Big Foot Beach
Recently I was contacted by Chicago area’s Uncle Dan’s Great Outdoor Store on twitter. They graciously offered me a pair of Vibram FiveFingers for me to use in return for a review. Please see my disclosure statement. Uncle Dan’s is offering a 10% discount on the shoes when you text “gear” to 80565. Show the return text code at the store and redeem your 10%.
After work I went down to Uncle Dan’s on Southport and got fitted for a pair of Vibram FiveFingers. I was asked which pair I preferred and not knowing much about the product I went with the KSO because they were kind of camouflage color and they looked cool.
Carlin at Uncle Dan’s fitted me with a pair and had me walk around the store. Then she proceeded to pull out this board with a little reproduction of certain landscapes one might fine while hiking. It was kind of like a desert tray at a restaurant, but instead a smorgasbord of adventure travel environments. You can walk on different ground to see how the FiveFingers feels on it right at the store.
Trying out the Vibram FiveFingers on different environments in the store
The Vibram FiveFingers are basically gloves for your feet. The top part is a thin, elastic, breathable mesh while the bottom consists of a rubber soul with tread. It is held together with a Velcro strap and fits rather securely. One of the big perks is they are light weight and according to their website allow a more natural gait when walking or running.
Before I tried them, I tried to think where they would fit in my adventure travel wardrobe. They are multi-purpose shoes, so I calculated the pros and cons one might encounter when using them for running, hiking, canoeing, but the only way to figure this out is to strap them on and use them.
Big Foot Beach State Park in Wisconsin seemed to be the perfect place, and name, to try them out at. I hiked for six miles, and then I hit the beach. The shoes are versatile, so there was no need to change or take them off before swimming. I simply just walked right in. It is the first time in my life that I felt like an amphibian.
Big Foot Beach State Park in Wisconsin was a great name and place to try they Vibram FiveFingers out
The next time I tried them on was during Leinenkugel’s Friendly Float down the Chicago River. This is where I think the shoes really fit. They are an excellent river shoe.
Vibram FiveFingers on the Chicago River
When canoeing it is sometimes necessary to get out of the boat and wade in uncertain water. Bare feet only work if the river is completely sand bottom. Unless you are on the Wisconsin River bare feet are out. Other shoes can get wet and take too much time to dry. Sandals often do not have the tread and durability to work on rocks and fast water, so I think this makes the Vibram FiveFingers ideal for a canoe shoe. I highly endorse them for this activity.
When I went whitewater rafting this spring at the Wildman Ranch, my guide warned me the biggest danger facing people on the Peshtigo River is when people dump in fast water and try to walk. Their feet can get stuck in the rocks and the current pulls them forward and there is a dangerous chance of drowning. This most likely happens when they wear bulky shoes. The chances of your feet getting stuck with the sleek Vibram FiveFingers on are great reduced.
The Vibram website says the KSO is best used for: “Running, Fitness Training, Cross Fit, Light Trekking, Bouldering, Water Sports & Travel.” I can vouch that they are an ideal river shoe. I also agree with the light trekking notion. I hiked for six miles without discomfort. I did get a little bit of a blister, but that is normal when hiking six miles on a new pair of shoes.
I would not want to hardcore backpack in them, and I have yet to run in them, so that review will have to wait. They also make a great camp shoe. The one negative about the shoe is they are kind of a commitment to put on. You have to fit each little toe into their place; however, I have heard this gets easier as you become accustomed to them. Also, as I mentioned previously, once you put them on you will not have to take them off as they are so multipurpose.
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Stay tuned,
TT
The goal of Traveling Ted is to inspire people to outdoor adventure travel and then provide tips on where and how to go. If you liked this post then enter your email in the box to get email notifications for each new entry. Daily travel photos are excluded from your email in order to not flood you with posts. There is no spam and email information will not be shared. Other e-follow options include Facebook (click on the like box to the right) or twitter (click on the pretty bird on the rainbow above).
Looks rather weird. I’d probably need quite a bit of convincing to put these on. I have a feeling that these would not be ideal for hiking, even for easy hiking.
I’ve always wanted to try a pair of these! I’ve only worn socks like this & I agree with your point it takes some time to get them on. They seem quite versatile but as you mentioned probably not ideal for hardcore backpacking.
My friend has these shoes and he uses them to run. He likes them a lot. They look a little weird to me so not sure how comfortable how I would feel hiking in them. In the water, they look perfect. Thanks for sharing all the uses and your review on them. Can you give a ballpark figure on the price?
I see the prices now in the Nextag ad. Like Michael not sure I would get my money’s worth and agree they look weird.
Looks like this footwear offers a bunch of advantages..
Cheers…
Great review, Ted. Glad to know those shoes are functional, especially in a river environment. Personally, I think they look hideous! I would only wear them while in the deep woods where no one would see me. Hehe
They look so funny! I have similar socks and the first time it was really weird to walk in them!
My DIL has some and loves them. I tried them on last summer and they are not for me.
I have never heard of the Vibram FiveFingers before I read this article. I personally would want a more heavy-duty pair of shoes but they do look cool.
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I own two pairs of Vibrams and use them for traveling all the time. I love them and swear by them. They aren’t great for cold weather, but everything else, they are lightweight – super comfortable and I have no trouble putting them on.
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Hey Ben,
Thanks for commenting. I am going to Trinidad & Tobago in two weeks and plan on living in them for a week.