Vibram on the playa

[joya]

no, not vibrators ;)
Vibram 5-toed shoes...

Does anyone have any experience with these on the playa? I'm wondering how the all-purpose Sprint version would hold up out there with the dust, heat, and cold... and would love to hear feedback on this if anyone has it.

thanks in advance
joya

[bm_cricket]

no, not vibrators
Vibram 5-toed shoes...

Does anyone have any experience with these on the playa? I'm wondering how the all-purpose Sprint version would hold up out there with the dust, heat, and cold... and would love to hear feedback on this if anyone has it.

thanks in advance
joya

I wear boots but my young lady friend loves her 5-finger shoes. What ever you put your feet in make sure you give the shoes some time to air out overnight and that you wash your feet with some frequency. If you wear shoes that keep the dust off of the pads of your feet you won't need to go crazy washing them. 5-finger shoes are not dust proof. It will get in and then you will have dust soup. Jes still liked them. One thing to think about is how comfortable you are wearing them for extended periods. Jes found that putting many miles on her 5-finger shoes each day started to kill her arches. It's more walking than most people will likely do in those weird shoes.

[chris2010]

no, not vibrators
Vibram 5-toed shoes...

Does anyone have any experience with these on the playa? I'm wondering how the all-purpose Sprint version would hold up out there with the dust, heat, and cold... and would love to hear feedback on this if anyone has it.

thanks in advance
joya

Hello Joya,

I don't know, but I plan on using my Vibram FiveFingers KSO & KSO Treks on the Playa. I had been looking at getting a pair of Sprints. I use my KSOs hiking here in Florida. I really love them!

How do you like the Sprints?

[joya]

hmmmm... thanks for the responses.

Chris, I don't have the Vibrams yet, but was thinking about getting them so can't answer your question yet.

BM_cricket, dust soup doesn't sound like something I want to experience! Maybe I'll stick with socks and boots, and if I do get the Vibram, be sure they are not my only footwear out there.

thanks!

[EspressoDude]

whatever you wear on your feet, make sure the fit and are broken in / worn a lot before you get to the playa

[Bling]

Hi all, I didn't want to start a new thread for what's basically a really similar question. Just in case it rains and there's a ton of mud, I got some vinyl rainboots. IMHO, these'll probably be too hot to wear if it doesn't rain, but they're a lot easier to wash off than my (fake) Uggs!

Has anyone got any experience with vinyl on the Playa in whatever form? Does it dry out & crack and fall apart in a week?

[trystanthegypsy]

re: Vibrams!

There is a proper way to walk in them- if your arches are hurting, your doing it wrong. Your quads and calves should be hurting if you're doing it right- more like an animal, or when you're running in place on your toes, you flex in your legs, not your feet.

They do leave some of your feet exposed to the dust, but they protect your soles from cracks and cuts (but not bruises...)

I find them really cold. If you want to be warm, get the KSOs and wear toe socks with them, and they are still cool during the day, or get the neoprene ones that are actually warm. Or just wear boots at night

[Token]

Those thing freak me out. I don't know why.

Every time someone wiggles their toes in those abominations my scrote retracts and my sphincter convulses.

Stay away from me I say!

[Ugly Dougly]

I like being barefoot, but I might have issues with sticking rubber between my toes. Nothing belongs between my toes except a little toe-jam.
But then I haven't tried it.

[LostinReno]

Hi all, I didn't want to start a new thread for what's basically a really similar question. Just in case it rains and there's a ton of mud, I got some vinyl rainboots. IMHO, these'll probably be too hot to wear if it doesn't rain, but they're a lot easier to wash off than my (fake) Uggs!

Has anyone got any experience with vinyl on the Playa in whatever form? Does it dry out & crack and fall apart in a week?

You'll be fine with vinyl. The thing is, when it rains out there, you're better off to just stay put. The mud forms layers and layers on the bottoms of your shoes. I was out there years ago in a pair of Teva sandals, they turned into 3" platforms after walking about 50 feet.

[Bling]

Thanks, LostinReno! I appreciate the advice. We went to a regional burn and I stepped into ankle-deep mud while wearing my Teva's. Ugh! Nasty feeling. I'm not a mud fan. But it did occur to me that hosing off Teva's was easier than trying to get mud off of Ugg boots...

[LostinReno]

Thanks, LostinReno! I appreciate the advice. We went to a regional burn and I stepped into ankle-deep mud while wearing my Teva's. Ugh! Nasty feeling. I'm not a mud fan. But it did occur to me that hosing off Teva's was easier than trying to get mud off of Ugg boots...

Playa when wet turns into a slippery sticky clay. When you get out here just watch people run after water trucks for their shower. Great entertainment!
Someone ALWAYS bites it slipping in the mud .

[theCryptofishist]

There is a proper way to walk in them- if your arches are hurting, your doing it wrong. Your quads and calves should be hurting if you're doing it right- more like an animal, or when you're running in place on your toes, you flex in your legs, not your feet.

Read a fascinating book recently, that claimed that moving from shod feet to bare feet meant a relearning of how to walk. I was very interested in his discussions about how technologies come with techniques.

[chris2010]

There is a proper way to walk in them- if your arches are hurting, your doing it wrong. Your quads and calves should be hurting if you're doing it right- more like an animal, or when you're running in place on your toes, you flex in your legs, not your feet.

Read a fascinating book recently, that claimed that moving from shod feet to bare feet meant a relearning of how to walk. I was very interested in his discussions about how technologies come with techniques.

For me going barefoot is easier on my back then when I wear shoes... I do notice I walk differently when I am barefoot than I do when I wear shoes. I was really happy when I got my Vibram FiveFingers because that let me have the feeling of being barefoot without burning myself on the blacktop... it gets very hot here in Florida.

[peacefulhuman]

Those thing freak me out. I don't know why.

Every time someone wiggles their toes in those abominations my scrote retracts and my sphincter convulses.

Stay away from me I say!

Wow, I thought I was the only one. Those things just give me the willies. I sat next to a guy wearing them at a seminar recently and I just wanted to say, "please keep those creepy thumbless hands away from me".

[Ugly Dougly]

I notice around the pool that many people are awkward walking barefoot. Some walk on tiptoes like they're still in heels.

[chris2010]

I notice around the pool that many people are awkward walking barefoot. Some walk on tiptoes like they're still in heels.

I see that too!

[Ugly Dougly]

I'd figure you for a barefooter.

Try out Nike Free:

[chris2010]

[quote="Ugly Dougly"]I'd figure you for a barefooter.
who me? I am when I am not working... or don't want to be kicked out of a store - LOL

[joya]

Those thing freak me out. I don't know why.

Every time someone wiggles their toes in those abominations my scrote retracts and my sphincter convulses.

Stay away from me I say!

LOL

nice. now why does this make me want to hunt you down and test this theory out...

[gabecolors]

i was just at the store and checking out the models.

the CLASSIC is 90 euros (im in holland) feels good. but it's so open on top of the foot that i think it might just be a bucket for collecting playa dust.

the FLOW is too hot, it wraps all the way around, is harder to get on, and is 140 euros.

so i'm thinking KOS but they didn't have any in stock

i usually like to wear flip flops on the playa but thought the vibram fivefingers might protect my feet a little better from the dust... but i wonder if it will have the opposite effect.

do they collect too much playa dust?

[C.f.M.]

My friends swear by theirs. They're becoming hip for runners to wear, too.

One of them (my friends) has a model that's like, a more "real shoe" bottom with the toe part.

I'd just go to a store and try them on - I was eyeballing some last week, but I'll just as soon go barefoot. I was wondering about arch support, m'self.

I like the idea of not wearing boots during the hot days.

I was thinking about a simple pair of mary janes, but wondered about the dust collection, too. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter, there'll be dust everywhere, and I'll hate all shoes by the end of the week, eh?

[chris2010]

i was just at the store and checking out the models.

the CLASSIC is 90 euros (im in holland) feels good. but it's so open on top of the foot that i think it might just be a bucket for collecting playa dust.

the FLOW is too hot, it wraps all the way around, is harder to get on, and is 140 euros.

so i'm thinking KOS but they didn't have any in stock

i usually like to wear flip flops on the playa but thought the vibram fivefingers might protect my feet a little better from the dust... but i wonder if it will have the opposite effect.

do they collect too much playa dust?

I plan on using the KSO's on the playa... I will see how they work out.... I may pick up a pair of Classics or Sprints when I get to California as well..

[chris2010]

My friends swear by theirs. They're becoming hip for runners to wear, too.

One of them (my friends) has a model that's like, a more "real shoe" bottom with the toe part.

I'd just go to a store and try them on - I was eyeballing some last week, but I'll just as soon go barefoot. I was wondering about arch support, m'self.

I like the idea of not wearing boots during the hot days.

I was thinking about a simple pair of mary janes, but wondered about the dust collection, too. Ultimately, it doesn't really matter, there'll be dust everywhere, and I'll hate all shoes by the end of the week, eh?

Yea I love mine too! I normally go barefoot and have flat feet, but the Vibram FiveFingers KSO seem to fit really well and are very comfortable. I also have the KSO Treks, which take a little breaking in.

[kickstart]

a little breakdown of the various V5F models in regards to playa use:

Classic: Open on the top from the metatarsal area on back. Tightening is done via a draw string at the back (cord cinches around the opening on top)
Pros:
Most minimalistic.
light weight.
Least amount of heat buildup.
Open air.
Cons:
Can slip off foot
Tab in the back can cause irritation of the Achilles' area.
Possible chafing around the opening due to thick cord.
Sunburn.

Sprint: Same openness as the classic but for tightening it uses a strap over the instep (top) of the food and a strap on either side of the lower ankle.
Pros:
Low heat buildup.
Open air.
Great adjustability.
Secure on the foot.
Cons:
Possible chafing under the instep strap.
Sunburn.

KSO: More enclosed model, with a light mesh covering the top of the foot. Tightening is done via an instep strap that is connected also to the back of the heel.
Pros:
Good adjustability.
Sun protection.
Minimal chafing.
Cons:
Less airflow.
More heat buildup.

KSO Trek: Same design, overall, as the KSO except kangaroo leather uppers and a thicker, more lugged, sole.
Pros:
Same as KSO plus added durability and even more sun protection.
Sole design offers a bit more impact dampening and traction.
Cons
Same as KSO but to a greater degree.
Heaviest.

KSO TrekSport: Same as the KSO Trek, but uses the synthetic materials as the KSO for the uppers.
Pros:
Same as KSO.
Sole design offers a bit more impact dampening and traction.
Re-enforced laminate at the top-front of the toe. (prevents tear through)
Cons:
Same as KSO.
A bit heavier than KSO due to sole.


Those are the most readily available models. The ones I didn't go into detail are the Flow, Performa, Performa Jane, Classic SmartWool, Bikila, and Moc.

The Flow and Classic SmartWool are just too hot for comfortable daytime use, while the Performa series and the Moc run the risk of causing some serious chafing due to thicker and stiffer leather. The Bikila model would be suitable, however supplies are extremely limited. Its like the KSO Treksport but with better cushioning.

[big baby jesus]

Walking around on the Playa might be ok in these, but think about riding a bike. I wore Rainbow sandals/flip flops the whole time last year and for a week after I felt like the soles of my feet were bruised. These offer less support and cushiong than a pair of Rainbows. I'm going for something with a firmer sole to distribute the weight when peddeling.

[chris2010]

a little breakdown of the various V5F models in regards to playa use:

Classic: Open on the top from the metatarsal area on back. Tightening is done via a draw string at the back (cord cinches around the opening on top)
Pros:
Most minimalistic.
light weight.
Least amount of heat buildup.
Open air.
Cons:
Can slip off foot
Tab in the back can cause irritation of the Achilles' area.
Possible chafing around the opening due to thick cord.
Sunburn.

Sprint: Same openness as the classic but for tightening it uses a strap over the instep (top) of the food and a strap on either side of the lower ankle.
Pros:
Low heat buildup.
Open air.
Great adjustability.
Secure on the foot.
Cons:
Possible chafing under the instep strap.
Sunburn.

KSO: More enclosed model, with a light mesh covering the top of the foot. Tightening is done via an instep strap that is connected also to the back of the heel.
Pros:
Good adjustability.
Sun protection.
Minimal chafing.
Cons:
Less airflow.
More heat buildup.

KSO Trek: Same design, overall, as the KSO except kangaroo leather uppers and a thicker, more lugged, sole.
Pros:
Same as KSO plus added durability and even more sun protection.
Sole design offers a bit more impact dampening and traction.
Cons
Same as KSO but to a greater degree.
Heaviest.

KSO TrekSport: Same as the KSO Trek, but uses the synthetic materials as the KSO for the uppers.
Pros:
Same as KSO.
Sole design offers a bit more impact dampening and traction.
Re-enforced laminate at the top-front of the toe. (prevents tear through)
Cons:
Same as KSO.
A bit heavier than KSO due to sole.


Those are the most readily available models. The ones I didn't go into detail are the Flow, Performa, Performa Jane, Classic SmartWool, Bikila, and Moc.

The Flow and Classic SmartWool are just too hot for comfortable daytime use, while the Performa series and the Moc run the risk of causing some serious chafing due to thicker and stiffer leather. The Bikila model would be suitable, however supplies are extremely limited. Its like the KSO Treksport but with better cushioning.

Thanks for the breakdown!

[dinks]

Try out Nike Free:

I have a pair of those, they are to nice for the playa and not that great if your gonna be standing alot. Zero arch support

[Ugly Dougly]

I think that's the point.

[stanley]

There is a proper way to walk in them- if your arches are hurting, your doing it wrong. Your quads and calves should be hurting if you're doing it right- more like an animal, or when you're running in place on your toes, you flex in your legs, not your feet.

Read a fascinating book recently, that claimed that moving from shod feet to bare feet meant a relearning of how to walk. I was very interested in his discussions about how technologies come with techniques.

This is definitely true. I got mine last year and had to come to grips with walking/running without support. My leg muscles ached for a few days, and I had to alternate between using them and using my regular running shoes. As I steadily built up strength, however, the aching stopped (and now no longer affects me). I use my Five Fingers all the time.

I usually just lurk on these forms, but I had to come on and say: if you're a non-barefoot runner/walker/person thinking of making the switch from shoes to Vibram's for the playa...you should have "broken them in" a few weeks back. Don't do it unless you want to be in serious pain for the week!

With that said, I heavily recommend making the switch eventually Just at a proper time, when you can build up walking/running miles by taking it easy, first.