We understand buying a pair of Vibram FiveFingers can be very daunting. There are so many different types – and you need to know which is best for you, what size to buy, and how to care for them to ensure they last you a long time! We’ve put together a list of Questions and Answers that we hope will help you.
You can view the full FAQ section here.
If you have a question that hasn’t been covered here, please let us a comment and we’ll add it to the list!
Vibram FiveFingers Frequently Asked Questions
How Should Vibram FiveFingers Fit?
In your ‘conventional’ shoes, you may have often had around 1cm to a half-inch gap between your toes and the end of your shoe. With vibrams, you want your feet to fit much closer inside the shoes.
Your heel should fit snug to the back, and your toes should fit into each toe pocket comfortably.
Fit: My toes touch the ends of the toe pockets, is this normal?
It is completely fine for your toes to ‘graze’ (lightly touch) the end of the toe pockets. We always recommend that as long as they do not restrict movement or cause discomfort to you, the chances are they are probably the correct fit.
Fit: How can I tell if my Vibrams are too small?
Obviously, you don’t want to go running in them only to find they are too small or unsuitable for you, but at the same time, we understand it is difficult to know this before you have tried. As such, Feetus.co.uk recommends a simple test (do indoors) can determine whether your vibrams are going to be a good fit.
- Put your vibrams on and fasten them up. Wiggle your toes. How do they feel?
- Jump up and down on the spot, landing on your forefoot. How do they feel?
- Do some lunges, both left and right legs. How do your toes and heel feel inside the vibrams?
If they feel snug, yet comfortable, they’ll probably be just right when you wear them for your chosen activity (be it running, gym, etc).
If they feel too loose, you have to scrunch your toes up to grip, or your heel keeps slipping out of place, try tightening them up. If they still feel the same, opt for a smaller size.
If the Vibrams feel too tight, if your toes feel compressed / restricted, you may want to try a size bigger.
Fit: My smallest toe does not fit in the toe pocket, is this a problem?
Unless your little toe is set really far back from the toe pocket, and as long as you can still wear the Vibrams without any discomfort, this should be fine. Always use comfort as an indicator for good fit.
I’m a man—can I wear women’s sizes? (Or, I’m a woman—can I wear men’s sizes?)
Vibram cover this question themselves:
Yes, we have made this recommendation many times with great success. The best fit for your individual needs is determined by your foot measurement in inches. The only difference between male and female Vibram FiveFingers is that male “lasts” (shoe forms) are slightly wider and longer than the female models.
If your foot is smaller than the smallest male size, certainly try on a female size based on your measurement in inches—you may have much better luck! Alternately, if you are a woman and your foot is bigger than the largest female size, we encourage you to try one of our men’s models. Please refer to our size guide to understand which size will suit you best.
How do I ensure I get the right size?
The best way to do this is to measure your feet in cm/mm.
Simply place your heel against a wall with your foot flat on the ground. place a rule beside your foot (or underneath) and take the longest measurement (usually your big toe or second toe). Repeat for the second foot. Use the longest measurement and cross-reference this against the size chart. For example, a male with longest foot measuring 26.4cm foot would require a size 42 (typically a UK size 8).
Sizing: my measurement is between two sizes, which size shall I buy?
If you are right on the threshold of a size (ie 27.3cm is as large as a size 43 goes) you may find that this size is too small. Feetus.co.uk recommends sizing up.
Why don’t I see Vibram FiveFingers in high street sport shops?
Vibram Fivefingers are extremely popular and often we find that demand exceeds manufacturing capabilities. Regularly you will see popular styles that are sold out in popular sizes and colours, and they may not be restocked for some time after. For an online retailer this is not so much a big issue as it is for a high street retailer, but we believe that the availability (or lack of) is the biggest factor that puts retailers off stocking Vibram Fivefingers.
What materials are in Vibram FiveFingers?
Each different style of vibram five fingers is made up of different material.
Please refer to the Product Description of your desired style for a description of the materials used in that model’s construction.
I have a latex allergy, should I use Vibram FiveFingers?
Trace amounts of latex may be present in the bonding compound. Those with latex allergies should avoid wearing Vibram FiveFingers.
Care and cleaning Tips
We understand that you want to keep your Vibrams looking as smart as possible. Here’s a few simple tips and tricks to maintain them:
- Vibram FiveFingers® footwear is machine washable. Use gentle, cold water cycle with liquid or powdered detergent.
- Hang to air dry. Make sure to keep away from direct sunlight or heat source.
- Do not place them on a radiator or inside a tumble drier.
- A quick way to dry your vibrams is by placing scrunched up newspaper inside (to soak up the moisture). Be sure to remove this paper shortly after to let the fabric breathe.
How much do Vibram FiveFingers weigh?
Each style and size of Vibram FiveFingers s has a different weight. Please refer to the Product Description of your desired style to find out the weight of your chosen model.
Do Vibram FiveFingers come in different widths?
Most Vibram FiveFingers footwear features a stretch fabric upper that accommodates most medium and wide widths (up to eee) comfortably.
I have wide feet, is there a particular style that will accommodate my feet better?
If you have wide feet, a high instep, or high arches, feetus.co.uk recommends choosing a style that has laces (as opposed to a Velcro style). Lace-up styles often have the suffix ‘LS’ at the end of their name (for example, Seeya LS).
I have wide feet, do I need to size-up?
You do not need to go for a bigger size, simply use the sizing guide as normal and select the size that best suits the length of your foot.
I have different sized feet and require two different sizes
Unfortunately we do not sell mismatched pairs. There are however, times when we may have an odd shoe or size spare, so it is worth contacting us to see if we can fulfil this for you. I f this is not possible, and if your feet are slightly different in size, we would recommend going with the larger size to accommodate the longer foot. If your feet are significantly different in size then your option would be two purchase two different sized pairs of Vibram FiveFingers.
Are Vibram FiveFingers warm?
Some styles have a thicker upper fabric and a thicker sole, but in general Vibram Fivefingers are not warm. They are designed to be close to the ground and add a protective layer to give ‘barefoot’ feel.
Can you wear socks with Vibram FiveFingers?
Yes, we stock a fantastic range of toe socks for your Vibram FiveFingers, from Injinji, Gotena, ToeToe and V-Toes. they come in different weights, different styles, colours and lengths, so you’re bound to find the perfect pair to match your Vibrams.
Are Vibram FiveFingers heavy?
Absolutely not. Designed to let your feet do their thing naturally, Vibrams are deliberately super-light.
Are Vibram Fivefingers comfortable?
Everyone is different, but the general consensus from those that have tried Vibram FiveFingers is that they are extremely comfortable (almost like slippers!).
I have bunions, can I wear Vibram FiveFingers?
This depends on the severity of the bunion. From experience, we have found many customers to successfully wear Vibram FiveFingers and experience absolutely no discomfort. Many customers often find that the fit and soft fabric feels incredible, and provides relief where other ‘conventional’ shoes would rub and hurt.
I have long toes / Mortons Toe syndrome, can I wear Vibram FiveFingers?
In most cases this is not an issue and the best advice is to go with what you feel comfortable in. In some cases you may want to size-up to accommodate your toes. Providing the Vibrams stay close to your feet and remain comfortable, they ought to be fine.
If, however, one toe is significantly longer than the rest, resulting in the shorter toes to fall too far short of the toe pockets, Vibram FiveFingers may not be suitable for you.
I have flat feet, can I wear Vibram FiveFingers
Yes. Vibram FiveFingers are designed to encourage your feet to act naturally. Wearing Vibrams should not cause any discomfort to flat feet.
Do you have a question about Vibrams?
If so, leave a comment and we’ll add it to the list.
