runners that wear vibrams..which ones do you wear?

[disney_girl125]

I have tried sprints and bikila ls's a few times. The sprints didn't seem like they had enough sole for me. I ran inside on a track and couldn't imagine outside on pavement even though they were comfy otherwise. The bikila ls's left me with a heal blister. It kept rubbing where the reflector was. So, i'm wondering which ones everyone else uses? I might just stick with the bikila ls's and wear inji socks with them unless someone has a better recommendation.

 

[tedhowe]

I run only in VFFs... that's what I started running in and it's what I'm most comfortable in.

I don't know if I'm much help for you though, because the only two kinds I've ever worn are KSOs and SeeYas.

I started with KSOs... which are basically the classic/sprint shoe, but with fabric covering the whole foot to Keep Stuff Out.

If the Sprints are too little sole for you, then the KSOs wouldn't be any different from that standpoint.

Since April I've only run in SeeYas... and they are far more minimal overall than even the Sprint/Classic/KSO soles.

The SeeYas almost feel like they are not there at all. There's just enough covering the sole to prevent scrapes or cuts from the road or debris. They are kind of tough if I'm running on a particularly rough road surface, but overall I just love them.

I have settled on SeeYas as my running footwear of choice now and for the foreseeable future. I just bought my second pair, and if I ever hear that Vibram is discontinuing the style, I will buy as many pairs as I can when they go on clearance. To me, it is nearly perfect as minimalist road shoe.

Ted

 

[disney_girl125]

Thanks for your reply! I just noticed you are in Chester County, PA. So am I!! I went to eastern mountain sports today and got the seeyas. I tried just about every shoe and I just haven't had much luck!I am currently running in nike free run 3.0's. The seeyas were the most comfortable I have tried. I'm going to go run in them later. I will deal with the sole. Have you run in any 5k's or marathons in them? By the way I got mine for 30% off today.

 

[tedhowe]

30% off today... ouch that hurts.

I bought my current pair of SeeYas last monday at EMS in Exton... full price.

I had finally decided to retire my previous pair after my first 10 mile race on Saturday.

I've run 2 5K races, 1 10K and the 10 mile race in the SeeYas... No problems in any of them. I fully expect my first HM next month will be in the SeeYas.

Hmm... when I checked EMS online, I found the Men's SeeYas on sale for 50% off. (The women's SeeYa's are full price online.) I think I'm going to stock up and order another pair or two to put away in the closet. The SeeYas are the most comfortable "shoe" I've ever worn... more like a soft sock with strong rubber sole.

I hope you enjoy them.

Thanks for the heads up on the sale at EMS.

Ted

 

[Princess on the Run]

I wear VFF Bikilas and love them. I do sometimes get a heel blister when breaking in a new pair but if I put a bandaid over it for the first 2-3 times wearing them, it works out. Once they're broken in, no problems. I love them!

My last pair made it through 3 mud runs and washed up great! I held on to them to wear for Tough Mudder in October and then will retire them. They do look a little sad next to the bright shiney new ones that have only been on the street (no mud yet) but they're still pink and comfy.

 

[TifffanyD]

I love love love the Komodo Sports! Since then I bought a pair of Bikila's but I don't like them quite as much (the heel does rub and plus they feel tighter). Need to get some new ones but let my membership lapse... so no more 10% off. I need to find a sale!

 

[Raenstoirm]

No clue which vibrams I gave but they are the "Mary Jane" style. I originally bought them for kickboxing. Now I alternate running in the 5 fingers (with socks) and my running shoes. The sneakers cause shin splints and the 5 fingers hurt my ankles (I pronate really bad). So going back and forth keeps both issues at bay.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I bought a pair of Bikila's this past Spring (from REI for $55; now it looks like they have them for $44) and I ran for about a month in them with no pain whatsoever (I almost always have knee pain after a long run). However, after a month or so, I was doing a short 3 mile run and I felt something pop in my ankle and my ankle was terribly swollen and painful for almost a month. I still wear my Bikila's around the house and on the weekends, but I'm back in my Asic's for now as I'm running a full marathon in November and didn't have time left to get used to them enough for my really long runs. I think, well, actually I know, I'm a hard heel striker, so I think I'll have to change my running form to ever be able to properly run in my Bikila's. I do love them, though, and think they are super comfortable.