I bought some Vibram Five Fingers KSO last summer for walking around and cross training. I really love them, but they are not made to use in the winter. They are made of a thin mesh fabric, and the sole has no grooves to walk in snow.
Has anyone tried using VFF (any model) in the winter? What model would you recommend?
Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
I run because it's fun.
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
I haven't tried them, but the Flow is promoted as a colder weather model.
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
Yes. Up to -20C (with KSO's)(Running, not walking). Packed snow, like the sideroads and pathways. Once you get moving your feet stay fairly warm - even without socks. I find running on dew/frost covered grass 100 times worse. So long as your feet stay dry. Only done about 20min though, but they work (and can leave some fun prints in the light snow).
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
I actually have a pair of the VFF Surge (don't make them any more). Add some toe socks and it's time to play
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
A good friend of mine who runs either barefoot or in VFFs from spring-->fall uses these in the winter. I've been running minimalist for the last couple of years now and I just picked up a pair and intend to use them this winter.
I haven't tried them yet I like the fact that I will be able to put on a pair of merino wool socks in them to up the insulation value.
I haven't tried them yet I like the fact that I will be able to put on a pair of merino wool socks in them to up the insulation value.
22 halfs (PR 1:42:02)
5 full (PR 3:48:21)
...and a smattering of adventure and trail races thrown in for good measure!
--------------------------
All running is on hold until further notice .... :0(
5 full (PR 3:48:21)
...and a smattering of adventure and trail races thrown in for good measure!
--------------------------
All running is on hold until further notice .... :0(
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
Strider wrote:I actually have a pair of the VFF Surge (don't make them any more). Add some toe socks and it's time to play
Seriously, these look cool. But since the idea is to have a minimalist shoe, they would defeat the purpose.
Strider, I took a walk with the KSO when it was 7-8C outside. it was OK, but borderline comfortable, especially when waiting for transit. I wish the surge would still exit, because it covers the ankle and is not made of leather (which gets destroyed by salt).
Gnu/NFL, I will look into these options.
I run because it's fun.
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
Are you dead-on stuck on VFF Bebette? Or, just a minimalist shoe? As, there are quite a number of Minimalist Trail-type options now available on the market .....
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
NewFinnLoper wrote:A good friend of mine who runs either barefoot or in VFFs from spring-->fall uses these in the winter.
Those look like they're worth a try. I'm currently using the Saucony Hattories, but they're not suitable for winter running.
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
jgore wrote:NewFinnLoper wrote:A good friend of mine who runs either barefoot or in VFFs from spring-->fall uses these in the winter.
Those look like they're worth a try. I'm currently using the Saucony Hattories, but they're not suitable for winter running.
Merrell has a nice line of minimalist shoes and have partnered up with Vibrams for the outter sole ... Also, checkout the following link for reviews of the many different offerings ...
http://birthdayshoes.com/merrell:
eta: How about the VFF Borimos ?? http://birthdayshoes.com/bormio-vibram-fivefingers-review
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
At the end, I bought these from MEC:
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/ ... womens.jsp
and
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/ ... unisex.jsp
The sole has some grip and is thicker than the KSO. Also the material is thicker. Since I don't plan to use them when it is -20C or when the sidewalks are full of slush, I should be OK. I let you know how the experiment goes.
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/ ... womens.jsp
and
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Footwear/ ... unisex.jsp
The sole has some grip and is thicker than the KSO. Also the material is thicker. Since I don't plan to use them when it is -20C or when the sidewalks are full of slush, I should be OK. I let you know how the experiment goes.
I run because it's fun.
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
In another life:
3 marathons including Boston twice (PB: 3:47), 6 halfs (PB: 1:45), 6 10k (PB: 46:41) and 3 5ks (PB: 21:00)
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
I run in the bikilas and have used them to about -10 with injinji nuwool socks in them. That was about as cold as I could go though for running. I have heard several BF runners say your feet change and the cold does not bother you any more but I am not convinced. I just started in VFF's last November (walking) / December (running) so maybe I will see a change this year. I do have a pair of the flows now and have been wearing them in the few 0 or lower temps we've had this fall. They are warmer then the bikila's for sure. I have the NB minimus trail which I wore in the coldest days last winter with socks and they are warmer. For me, though, there is something about having the toes free. I tend to toe in (pigeon toe) with one leg/foot except in VFF's or true barefoot. So I can only go shorter distances in the minimal shoes. The saucony hattori as an 'all weather' version I'd like to see / try but so far I have not found it in Canada despite the company telling me it was released on Nov. 1. They even gave me names of the stores in Ottawa that had it and when I went they both looked at me and said 'don't have it, not sure if we are getting it ..."
VFF's on mild winter days on packed snow are great though! Love the footprints they leave!
VFF's on mild winter days on packed snow are great though! Love the footprints they leave!
Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
The biggest problem with the VFF in the winter is the grip. I tried it a few times in '09 when I first got mine (KSO) but they really really really suck on ice/slush.
Other posters are right in that your feet warm up quick, but slipping around is another story.
Since last year I run winter in the Saucony Razors - total water protection - so awesome
Other posters are right in that your feet warm up quick, but slipping around is another story.
Since last year I run winter in the Saucony Razors - total water protection - so awesome
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Re: Vibram Five Fingers in the Winter
fingerboy wrote:The biggest problem with the VFF in the winter is the grip. I tried it a few times in '09 when I first got mine (KSO) but they really really really suck on ice/slush.
Other posters are right in that your feet warm up quick, but slipping around is another story.
Totally agree and want to add snow-packed trails even get too slippery with the grips of the VFFs. You have absolutely no bite to grab trails with VFFs. I left them alone after the snow fell and picked them back up in April this past year.
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I solemnly swear that I'm up to no good. ~Harry Potter
Get off the friggin' assfalt and run dirt. ~Strider
What doesn't kill me will only make me stronger.
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