Vibram KSO Review (IMHO)

I know there are lots of Vibram reviews out there. And a great blog based around the bare-footing movement. So why add another? Because I think I have a unique perspective, seeing as how I started wearing my "shoes" on August 12, 2009, weighing 317.2 pounds. So, that's 32 weeks, 89 pounds, and probably about 400 miles ago. So, yeah, I was rocking these at over 300 pounds. I think I can tell obese people about my experiences with these. And why I love them!

Breaking Them In
I have the Vibram KSO's.  I have always gone around barefoot whenever possible, so it wasn't too hard for me to "learn" how to walk in these (remember that I certainly wasn't running in these back in August). They really fit me like a glove. (Lots of people do have to get used to wearing them, then walking in them, and finally running in them...) Of course, I did get some crazy blisters in my arches on both feet, but nothing that a couple of band-aids couldn't take care of. And they felt fine after about a week--though I still have the scars from breaking them in.

Build
But then, the day I got them, they ripped. One of the seams burst out. But, my local REI gladly swapped them out! How cool are they? (I did bust out another seem a few months later, sewed the seam shut, and then wore through the sole, and the tension straps frayed)--and REI took them back again!! I'm now on my third pair and only had to pay the $85 once. But really, if I whould have had to buy trwo pair, it still would have been worth it. I've heard that most running shoes only "last" about 350-500 miles. So the life cycle looks to be about right. The build isn't too bad, but there are some weak points: the mesh seam can tear (just fix it with some thread--and pick a cool color, too!); the straps could wear (just reinforce with some tape--I did this, see my pictures below).

Style
Vibrams are a little funky looking, I've got to admit. I, personally love the look. They make lots of different styles, so there's probably one out there for everyone. I'd go to their website and check them out!

Funk
The Vibrams can comfortably be worn without socks (I mean, they fit on your toes, right?), but after about 3 or 4 days can reall stink! You can wash them in the washing machine and air dry them with no problem. But really? I don't like to wash them that often, so get the toe socks! They also help in the cold and the heat, since there is no insulation/padding on the shoes (which is kinda the point, you know?). Yeah, I've been wearing socks since about October.

Final Thoughts
I LOVE my Vibrams. And, really? I can't see myself wanting to wear any other shoe. I hike, run, and work in them. If you have some, post a comment; if you try them, post a comment; if you hate them (or are against them), post a comment!

My Vibrams

Tuesday:
12 minutes on elliptical
12 minutes on stair stepper
12 minutes on exercise bike
50 situps
25 push ups
prayed daily
read the bible daily
date with Anna

Total:
24 minutes on elliptical
24 minutes on stair stepper
24 minutes on exercise bike
200 situps
100 push ups
ran/walked 6 miles
prayed daily
read the bible daily
2 dates with Anna

Weekly Calorie Count:
Saturday: 2,205 Calories
Sunday: 2,280 Calories
Monday: 2,120 Calories
Tuesday: 2,260 Calories
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:

Daily Average: 2,216 Calories.

Want to watch me twEAT? Check it out here.