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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.

8 comments:

  Patsy

March 24, 2010 at 7:05 AM

I've seen these and always think they look a bit 'odd'! Interesting to read your review... I've got huge feet already and would be worried I'd look like a Hobbit in them! ;o)

  Alison

March 24, 2010 at 7:27 AM

I love the concept but will never wear them as I absolutely HATE having something between my toes, toe socks drive me crazy I can't imagine the added width of the shoes. I really need to try to go barefoot more often.

  Anonymous

March 24, 2010 at 9:36 AM

Thanks for the review. They seem so interesting to me. I wish I knew if they would help or hinder me as far as shin splints go. I have a tendency to get them when I start running and I don't know if something like this would be beneficial or not. Something to think about for sure!

  josie

March 24, 2010 at 9:37 AM

that was me above! LOL

  Em

March 24, 2010 at 11:46 AM

I SO want a pair of these now! WOW! I love going barefoot anyway. But shoes that are next to being barefoot. Those may rival my rope sandals for shoes.

And the fact that you can run in them too? WOW!!

  Anonymous

March 24, 2010 at 4:41 PM

I am afraid of those shoes...they look otherworldly to me. Did you ever read The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (from The Chronicles of Narnia)? I am reminded of the army of gnomes...scary stuff for me.

I do like to be barefoot and I DON'T like anything between my toes, I don't even wear flip-flops.

I am glad you find them comfortable though and are able to use them for everything. Also very cool that you got two new pairs for free!!!

  South Beach Steve

March 24, 2010 at 6:31 PM

Like you, I love going barefoot too. I have decided the next time I replace my walking shoes, I am going to replace them with Vibrams. Your review just solidifies that.

  beej

March 25, 2010 at 8:26 PM

@patsy- I know what you mean! I have wide feet, too! they're not too bad, though. :)

@allison- it really was weird for me to have things on my toes, but i feel really comfortable with them...

@josie- I don't have experience with shin splints, but I've heard that they really do help. I'd say you should check them out!

@em- rope sandals? no way! I have a pair, too! I got them from ozarksandals.com (I think!)

@kim- funny! not even flip flops, huh?

@steve- sweet! you'll have to tell me when you get them.