Who Are Vibram FiveFingers? Past and Present.

Many of us see Vibram FiveFingers and think ‘Vibram? They’re a new brand. I don’t know whether to trust these or to stick with Nike / Adidas / Asics / New Balance / etc [delete as appropriate].

But Vibram have been around a long, long time. In fact, Vitale Bramani founded Vibram the same year that Dame Shirley Bassey was born; the same year than J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit was published; and back when our George VI was still King.

You may recognise the yellow octagonal Vibram logo. It can be seen on rubber soles around the world on shoes and boots designed for outdoor purposes, fashion, performance, work and orthopedy. Having almost 80 years in the market, Vibram is a renowned leader synonymous with performance, quality, innovation, design and safety.

Vibram created the first sole made from vulcanised rubber, after Vitale Bramani applied the same technique used by tyre manufacturer Pirelli, applying the rubber under his mountaineering boots.  That kind of performance, reliability, and durability had never been seen before, and since then Vibram has been the sole of choice for outdoor shoe manufacturers.

Vitale Bramani, mounaineerer and founder of Vibram
Vitale Bramani, mounaineerer and founder of Vibram

To further elaborate on the strength of the brand, here are some other brands that are now industry standard:

Gore-Tex Waterproof Logo
Think ‘waterproof fabric’– You think of GORE-TEX.
Thinsulate - Thermal Fabric
Think ‘clothing insulation’ – You think of Thinsulate
The world-famous Vibram logo
Think ‘durable soles’ –You think of Vibram.

Since 1937 Vibram have applied their experience and unique know-how to develop the worlds most technologically developed soles. Today, 99% of the US Military wear Vibram soles.

An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert
An old Vibram advert

It is fair to say that Vibram revolutionised the world of mountaineering, and now, with Vibram FiveFingers, they are revolutionising the sport of running.

Even Vibram FiveFingers are not as new as we think. Many of us think that they have only been around a couple of years at most. In fact, it was 2001 when the idea of Vibram FiveFingers was first proposed by Robert Fliri, an industrial designer, to Marco Bramani, the grandson of Vibram founder, Vitale Bramani.

2004 saw the patent filed, and in 2005 the Vibram FiveFingers went in to mass production. Soon, Fliri arrived at Vibram to begin his work in a team of experts to redefine and realise his idea of a shoe especially created for bare feet. The minimal footwear revolution was born, directly inspired by the barefoot phenomenon. Vibram had developed what is often referred to as a ‘barefoot shoe’: a flexible glove for your foot, with a Vibram rubber sole, each toe (finger) having its own ‘pocket’, helping the articulation of the foot, whilst stimulating the muscles of your lower limbs, thus giving a higher sense of wellbeing to the whole body.

 

NEW FOR 2013: The Vibram FiveFingers EL-X
NEW FOR 2013: The Vibram FiveFingers EL-X

Vibram continue to dedicate themselves to innovation. Their appreciation of continuous development and improvement has seen Vibram open their mega Technology Centre in Guangzhou, China. If you’re wearing a pair of Vibram FiveFingers, you can bet they’ve been researched, prototyped, tested, and manufactured inside this 41,000 square-metre innovation plant.

 

Impressive huh?

Who wants a pair? Click here to see our full range – and remember – every pair of Vibram FiveFingers comes with FREE DELIVERY and a FREE FEETUS NECK TUBE.

 

Vibram FiveFingers

Inspirational: Cancer Survivor Running Around Australia in Vibrams

At 52, Janette was diagnosed with breast cancer and the prognosis was only 6 months or possibly a year with conventional chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Throughout the year 2013, to inspire and motivate conscious lifestyle choices, to promote kindness and compassion for all living beings and to raise environmental awareness for a sustainable future, veteran raw vegan athletes Janette Murray-Wakelin and Alan Murray are running together around Australia, approximately 15,500km, 365 marathons each in 365 days.

Australia Map with Route
The Route

Not only that – But they are doing it in Vibram FiveFingers! Incredible and inspirational!

Alan Murray and Janette Murray-Wakelin
Inspirational: Alan Murray and Janette Murray-Wakelin

 

Check it out: RunningRawAroundAustralia

And if you would like to support their cause, you can donate here.

FeetusOnTour

#FeetusOnTour : St Kitts and Nevis

At Feetus, we LOVE it when customers get in touch to let us know how they are getting on with their orders. We love it even more when they share photos with us!

Here are some photos to make us all go green with envy at, courtesy of top customer Chloé, who sent these lovely pictures of her Vibram FiveFingers Komodo Sport during her getaway in St Kitts and Nevis.

Wish You Were Here?
Wish You Were Here?
The Komodo Sports taking a well-earned breather in the Caribbean
The Komodo Sports taking a well-earned breather in the Caribbean
Greetings from St Kitts!
Greetings from St Kitts!

Thanks for sharing your photos Chloé. Enjoy your Vibrams and the rest of your holiday! 

Like the look of these ‘barefoot’ running shoes? Click here to check out the Komodo Sport.

Vibram logo

CQOTW3: Which Vibram FiveFingers for Every-day Use?

CQOTW: What type of model of Vibram FiveFingers can be used for every day use?

As with everything, this can all depend on personal preference. We all know that Vibram make some very quirky styles that are not for the faint-hearted (the Nizza!), and some outrageously bright styles (the SeeYa Day-glow); but they also make some models that are more relaxed, more socially acceptable, and less conspicuous. It is the latter that we will focus on for this week’s ‘Customer Question of the Week’.

The Vibram FiveFingers KSO

A lot of people enjoy wearing the KSO as a shoe that suits both running and lifestyle. This was one of Vibram’s earliest models and the sole is very thin, giving a great ‘barefoot’ feel.
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO
The Vibram FiveFingers TrekSport
Trek Sport is also a popular choice. The black colour-way is less conspicuous and therefore looks a little more casual than some of Vibram’s more ‘vibrant’ models (i.e. SeeYa). The Trek Sport features a more rugges sole, designed for those who enjoy getting out in the trails and/or do light trekking. Again, stock levels are poor (unless you are size UK10+) but more will arrive very soon.
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Sport
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Sport
The Vibram FiveFingers Komodo Sport (KMD)
The Komodo Sport is another style that looks more like an every day trainer. It features a lacing system and a sensible colour-way. This shoe is designed with the gym-goer in mind, and so the sole is not agressive at all, making it ideal for general wear.
The Vibram FiveFingers Komodo (KMD) Sport (this version is the ladies)
The Vibram FiveFingers Komodo (KMD) Sport (this version is the ladies)
The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila
You may also like to consider the Bikila. Ideal for road running, for gym use, but many enjoy the Bikila as a casual trainer. The Bikila is a men’s bestseller for Feetus, and we stock this model in a variety of colours as well as Velcro and lace-up (Bikila LS) versions.
The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS
The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS

Additionally… Vibram’s Spring/Summer 2013 (SS13) Collection is making its way to the UK very soon. This range cover the Trek Sport Sandal, EL-X, Alitza, plus more. You can pre-order yours now and we’ll have them shipped out to you via Special Delivery as soon as they come in! 

If there are any styles, colours, or sizes that we do not stock – please get in touch with us, and we’ll order them in specially for you (and offer them to you at the best possible price!)

And remember – be aware that there are counterfeit (fake) models out there. Make sure you buy genuine… Click here to see why. 

The Ugly Sister: Vibram soles should never wear out so soon. Nor should the TC1 rubber change colour

CQOTW2: Why Should I Buy Genuine Vibram FiveFingers?

CQOTW: Why should I fork out for a pair of Genuine Vibram FiveFingers, when I can buy a Fake pair on Ebay?

This week’s ‘Customer Question of the Week’ came from a friend, and I too remember asking myself the same question several years ago whilst contemplating my second pair of Vibrams. It can be quite easy to forget that when you buy a pair of shoes – you’re actually investing in top materials; a product of many, many hours of research; a particular (not to mention consistent) fit – and not just something that looks good.

My Bin Bag Analogy: It won’t work out cheaper

Have you ever, whilst doing you weekly grocery shop, looked at bin bags? You pick up a roll of bin bags for £1.99 and say to yourself “blimey – that’s expensive – I only need them to put the rubbish out!” then notice you can get some ‘value’ bin bags for a fraction of the price, and you get twice as many. You put the £1.99 bags back on the shelf, and throw the cheaper ones in your trolley.

Later that week, you go to empty your bin, and what happens? The bin bag splits. You have to clean up all the mess. You vow never to use the cheap bin bags again and make your way back to the shop to opt for the bin bags you should have bought in the first place. It has cost you time, hassle, and money.

Don’t Make That Mistake With Your Vibrams

Back in early 2011, I picked up a pair of (Counterfeit!) Vibram FiveFingers Bikila on Ebay for around £45. I was really sceptical and expected the worst. Then they arrived. After waiting (a few weeks!!) for the package to arrive, I opened the mailing bag and was amazed to see what looked like a perfectly genuine Vibram FiveFingers box.

I opened up the box. The Bikilas were wrapped in tissue as normal. They looked and felt exactly like a genuine pair. I was surprised. A lot of fake Vibrams I’d seen on Ebay were dreadful! I thought I’d bagged a huge bargain and couldn’t wait to go for a run.

Fake Bikilas On Test

The counterfeit Bikilas endured a 12-mile debut.

Although they seemed to fit perfectly normal, I could feel rubbing in various places. The stitching inside was clearly not Vibram-standard. And although the sole felt flexible, the shoes felt light, and they looked very smart – I didn’t enjoy running them at all. They felt awkward.

The Ugly Sister: Vibram soles should never wear out so soon. Nor should the TC1 rubber change colour
The Ugly Sister: Vibram soles should never wear out so soon. Nor should the TC1 rubber change colour
Worn Out: Counterfeit Vibrams showing heavy signs of wear after just 12 miles
Worn Out: Counterfeit Vibrams showing heavy signs of wear after just 12 miles

I returned home with sore feet. I peeled the shoes from my feet to reveal several areas of blistering, and the shoes were stained with blood from rubbing.

The biggest complaint was with the sole. Vibram make some of the best soles in the world. They are a household name, on the same level with the likes of Gore-Tex (waterproofing), YKK (zips!) and Lycra, and Vibram soles are extremely durable. This fake sole however, looked as though it had been put through a 500+ mile test! The colours had worn out and some of the midsole was very heavily worn! The shoes were absolutely useless! 

I Got Lucky

Many of the fake styles available on Ebay are much, much worse. They come in unofficial colourways, some don’t look or fit anything like a genuine pair, and others don’t even arrive at your doorstep, even though you’ve paid for them!!

The Neighbour from Hell: At first glance he seems genuine, but give it a while and he'll turn nasty!
The Neighbour from Hell: At first glance he seems genuine, but give it a while and he’ll turn nasty!
The counterfeit looks very genuine. It is difficult to spot, unless you compare with a geuine VFF side-by-side
The counterfeit looks very genuine. It is difficult to spot, unless you compare with a geuine VFF side-by-side

…Now You See The Relationship between a Bin Bag and FiveFingers

It cost me much more than it should have done. I paid for a counterfeit pair, and then (rather reluctantly) had to buy another pair (this time genuine). It served me right. I learned my lesson, and I hope you learn from my mistake.

OTHER LINKS YOU MAY LIKE ON FEETUS.CO.UK

See our fantastic range of GENUINE Viram FiveFingers

See our previous CTOTW where we look at Vibram FiveFingers: Velcro vs Laces

Our full range of barefoot and minimalist running shoes

CQOTW: Vibram FiveFingers: Laces or Velcro?

Customer Question of the Week

Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post each week to our favourite customer question, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’. So, without further ado, here is our inaugural CQOTW:

CQOTW1 – Vibram FiveFingers: Which is best, Velcro or Laces?

Vibram’s range of Velcro-fastening shoes are definitely the fastest and most versatile.

The KSO and Komodo Sport shoes have a Velcro that wraps around the heel and then fastens into place over the top of your foot. The Bikila and SeeYa range are more of a slipper-style (no rear strap), with the Velcro fastening over the top of your foot. Shoes that have just one Velcro strap such as the Bikila and SeeYa are less secure, albeit very slightly.

Laces are regarded by most as giving the most secure fit. Despite Vibram’s speed-lacing system, they still take longer to put on than a Velcro counterpart. Laced versions also offer slightly less ventilation, and have less of a barefoot feel.

A Personal Opinion

Personally, I prefer the Velcro versions of all Vibrams. This is because I have narrow feet and when I tie the laces, I feel that there is too much excessive lace (due to having to pull them tighter than normal).

If you have a normal width foot, or have wide feet, go with whichever – they will both serve you just as well.

Looks DO Matter

Taking in to consideration the above, consider looks. Which do you think look the best, lace or Velcro? That may just determine your final choice…

One final note

I have found that runners prefer laces, and gym-goers prefer Velcros. I have no scientific evidence for this, however, I think this is probably due to laces being a more conventional ‘look’ in running shoes, whereas gym-goers often like to look like they are wearing the latest trend – and Velcro, you could argue, looks a little more quirky and unconventional.

Here’s a handy table to help you find your perfect training partner:

Men

Women

Laces

Bikila LS (Black/Green)

Bikila LS (Blue/Grey)

SeeYa LS

TrekSport Sandal

Komodo Sport LS

Lontra LS

SeeYa LS

TrekSport Sandal

Komodo Sport LS

Bikila LS

 

Velcro

Bikila (Silver/Black)Bikila (Black/Red)KSOSeeYa

KSO TrekSport

Spyridon

SeeYa

Komodo Sport

KSO TrekSport

KSO

 

Any More Questions?

Feel free to drop us a line if you have a burning question. Who knows? It may just feature as our CQOTW!

Born-To-Run-Christopher-McDougall-Jake-Gyllenhaal-Barefoot-Peter-Sarsgaard-Film-Book-Vibram-Fivefingers-Shoes-BLOG

Will ‘Born to Run’ bestseller get film adaptation?

Will there be a film adaptation of Christopher McDougall’s bestseller Born to Run? There has been talk of it for years, with rumours that Jake Gyllenhaal was going to play a lead role, and that his step-brother Peter Sarsgaard (An Education, Garden State) would be in the directors chair.

If you’ve never read the book, here is an overview:

“Isolated by the most savage terrain in North America, the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s deadly Copper Canyons are custodians of a lost art. For centuries they have practiced techniques that allow them to run hundreds of miles without rest and chase down anything from a deer to an Olympic marathoner while enjoying every mile of it. Their superhuman talent is matched by uncanny health and serenity, leaving the Tarahumara immune to the diseases and strife that plague modern existence. With the help of Caballo Blanco, a mysterious loner who lives among the tribe, the author was able not only to uncover the secrets of the Tarahumara but also to find his own inner ultra-athlete, as he trained for the challenge of a lifetime: a fifty-mile race through the heart of Tarahumara country pitting the tribe against an odd band of Americans, including a star ultramarathoner, a beautiful young surfer, and a barefoot wonder.”

Have we been waiting in vain?

A simple Google search can yield thousands of results covering the possible adaptation, some dating as far back as July 2010. After years of waiting (in vain it seemed) there has been dwindling talk of the film, but this week, several online resources released information that McDougall had taken the reins instead of Sarsgaard:

McDougall told Relaxnews that the film adaptation negotiations have recently been “on the griddle,” with him taking on the project after finding Sarsgaard’s screenplay to be misguided. Sarsgaard also was hoping to make this project his directorial debut, but McDougall, who was excited about working with the “Jake/Peter combo,” said the working relationship with Sarsgaard has become acrimonious.

I would interpret this that it may be many, many years before we see anything come of this. Perhaps this story has been reignited in the media lately to help boost interest in McDougall’s new book.

Another adventure story

McDougall adds that he is also working on a book project, “another adventure story.” While he won’t give away too many details, he said he is looking at how “natural movement played a pivotal role in resistance fighting in World War II.”

Barefoot-Ted-Shoes-Running-Feetus.co.uk

Why Should I Adopt A Barefoot Running Style?

Barefoot running has seen a huge surge in interest since the 2009 release of Christopher McDougall’s bestseller Born to Run.

As appetite grows for shoes that replicate the ‘feel’ of running with bare feet, have you taken the time to understand exactly why running barefoot is good for you?

Why Should I Adopt A Barefoot Running Style?

Runners in shoes typically land on their heels, using the cushioning built in to the heel of the shoe. When your foot lands in this manner, it sends a jolt of force though your ankles, knees, hips and spine. This impact is called a transient force spike.

Running barefoot promotes a different technique. Runners who run barefoot tend to land on their forefoot or midfoot. This effectively keeps the landing point closer to your centre of gravity (as opposed to in front of the body, like shoe-clad runners).

When you run, your muscles, ligaments, and tendons in and around your feet will provide you with a natural spring-like mechanism, reducing the impact (transient force) through your body.

Correct Running Technique
Correct Running Technique

It’s All About Technique

Running with bare feet (or with barefoot shoes) will not guarantee injury-free running. Instead, you have to ensure you learn correct technique, focusing on a forefoot/midfoot strike, a shorter gait (shorter, faster foot steps), and only increase your mileage incrementally.

If you tried to run barefoot the same way you do when you’re in running shoes, it would really hurt. You should lose the shoes to understand how to run in a way that feels light and comfortable. Once you have mastered this, start to increase your mileage by around 10% and you may find running more fun and less likely to cause injuries.

There is no science that proves running shoes are helpful. In fact, people lived for millions of years without shoes. Until the 1970’s, runners enjoyed running without padding, orthotics, pronation, arch support, and motion control shoes.

Stephen Sashen from Xero Shoes (rather splendidly) puts it this way:

The three parts of our body that have the most nerve endings are our hands, our mouths and our feet. There’s only one of those that we regularly cover and make numb to the world… does that seem right?

Put a limb in a cast and it comes out of the cast a month later atrophied and weaker. When bind your feet in shoes that don’t let your foot flex or feel the earth, isn’t that similar to putting it in a cast (or as barefoot runners like to say, a “foot coffin”)?

Vibram FiveFingers running
Vibram FiveFinges offer perfect protection when you’re out on the trails!

Barefoot Running Shoes

Of course, in today’s world we can scarcely discard our shoes in favour of bare feet. That’s where barefoot shoes come in. They give you the sensation of running barefoot, whilst providing protection from anything nasty you may step on. VIVOBAREFOOT shoes have puncture-resistant soles. Xero Shoes have FeelTrue rubber soles that are guaranteed for 5,000 miles. And of course, Vibram FiveFingers and Merrell running shoes are equipped with Vibram TC-1 rubber – Very flexible, yet extremely durable!

 

Want to learn more about correct running technique? …Head over to the VIVOBAREFOOT Training Clinic.

What are your favourite barefoot running shoes? Let us know by making a comment…