3.11.2013

First, a bit about me: I am a barefoot runner, and by barefoot, that's what I mean: no shoes. I've been running this way for about a year and a half, after experiencing my fill of running-related injuries that, as it turns out, appear to have been directly related to those thick, cushioned boat anchors that the salespeople insisted I needed because of my particular foot structure. To be fair, I have a mild case of Morton's toe, but the traditional running shoes were recommended to "correct my pronation" (becoming a barefoot runner tends to make you recognize the silliness of that sort of diagnosis). In any event, I say this only to demonstrate that I have a background with traditional running shoes,then ditched them completely. I didn't do the "minimalist transition to barefoot;" I am doing the barefoot transition to minimalist, because sometimes I just want a little bit more protection under my soles. A wise barefoot guru once told me that if you can run barefoot, you can run in everything, and he's absolutely right.Now, as to the VFF EL-X: I have a pair of size 43 (too large VFF Bikila, sized for me by a running shoe store - my shoe size is a US 10). Then I bought another pair of VFFs whose name I can't recall, sized at an REI salesperson at size 41, and they fit nice and snug, comfortable even with my Morton's toe. I like most everything about them except the lacing system, which tends to bind the top of my foot if I don't get it just so. When I saw the EL-X, with their super-thin soles and no laces, I thought what the heck. I am training for a half-marathon in a few weeks and don't want to run this particular one bare. So, I bought ordered these and they arrived yesterday. Put them on straight away and spent the day in them, just walking around, and they felt great. A bit snug, but new shoes always do. The real test would be on my morning run.Took them out this morning on a hilly 8-miler on mixed pavement, from concrete to chipseal asphalt to graveled roadside, and I have to say, I absolutely loved the run. Was able to maintain the same high cadence that barefoot running encourages, the same leg spring, the same full foot flex, all important components of good barefoot form. I was able to focus less on the conditions and more on the run itself, but still had quite good feel for the road beneath my feet. I finished the run feeling exactly the way you want to feel after a run, refreshed and stronger. I knew I'd finally found the right shoe for those times when I want a bit more foot protection.I highly recommend these for experienced barefoot or minimalist runners. Do NOT buy these shoes if you aren't willing to undergo a lengthy and patient transition period, hopefully guided by an experienced barefooter. These shoes are so unlike a standard running shoe that it's almost a certainty that you'll hurt yourself if you don't do it right. True barefoot running utilizes dormant muscles and connective tissues you never knew you had, and these shoes are an extremely close approximation to that experience. But if you have some barefoot or minimalist miles under your belt, and you want an ultra-thin sole, slip-on ease, and a highly responsive experience, the EL-X is the VFF for you. I'll be ordering a second pair.

27.11.2016

I've worn my El-X for about a year now. The design of the shoe is almost more like a sock. There's some very thin elastic fabric along the top of the shoe and an extremely flexible and thin rubber sole on the bottom. That's it.The sole separated from the upper along the sides of the shoe relatively quickly, but the damage hasn't gone any further than that with continued use. It's not the most durable shoe in the world, but it has lasted well considering its inherently fragile design, and I wear them every day.Having worn mine exclusively with no socks, I can confirm that they do indeed get pretty stinky. I'm not particularly fussy with the smell,

19.6.2019

Ok so I have to say that the fit and feel of theses shoes is absolutely amazing, they are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. In fact once you have worn them you don’t actually want to put your “normal” shoes back on.Having said that they are an unconventional looking shoe so you are pretty limited to where you can use them without people thinking you are an oddball.Personally I use theses for walking and jogging in the country side on grass paths. They are perfectly suited to this terrain and on it are the most comfortable shoes you will ever wear. They protect your feed really well and even in pretty muddy conditions they do a good job of keeping your feet clean.

18.12.2014

I guess Vibram decided to change their business model after the horror stories of injuries and the class action lawsuit, but they seem to defy their own logic as of late. One of the pioneers of minimalist footwear seems to introduce shoes with more substantial outsoles and more and more EVA midsole every year. This shoe is the lone exception to the recent change in Vibram's product offerings (at least for men). Very minimal sole substance (under 3mm) and no-frills design -- just like the KSO that brought Vibram into the spotlight in the first place.I've had several pair of Fivefingers, and these are my absolute favorite. Not only is groud feel outstanding in these (just as good if not better than the original KSO's),

28.8.2013

I bought a pair of Bikila LS about 6 months ago and I've worn them all day, every day since I opened the box. I work in retail and am on my feet for 8-12 hrs a day. Before the Bikilas, I had back and knee pain all the time. After, it's minimal. Most days, it doesn't exist. Needless to say, I fell hard for Vibrams.So, I started shopping for a new pair a few weeks ago, since my job requires black footwear and dress code was becoming an issue around the shop. I landed on the EL-X. I sized down one size to get a tighter feel because these are built much different than the Bikila. The soles are the thinnest that Vibram offers and are made with what I assume is a vented Neoprene upper.Sizing down turned out be a good choice.

24.10.2015

The Amazon size chart puts me in a 44, the Vibram website size chart says 45. I ordered a 45 but they were too small. My toes pressed too tightly against the end of the toe pockets and they became uncomfortable after a short period of wearing them. I returned them. I am hoping to buy a 46 soon because had they fit I think they would be very comfortable, like a glove on your feet. I wear Merrell Vapor Glove shoes most of the time and the EL-X felt like it had more padding than the Vapor Glove shoes. I checked the "no arch support" box....but in my opinion this is a POSITIVE, not a negative. I am looking forward to getting a pair in size 46!I found the easiest way to measure my feet was to take a paper and draw lines across it at 11",

14.9.2019

I’m a size 11 so ordered the relevant size. However, i was sent size 11.5 - 12.5 which were too big. Try as I might, I just couldn’t get my little toe into it’s space. The size on the box also doesn’t tie up with the sizing chart on the Amazon website.I sent them back and got a size smaller which fit ok. However, they can be areal bind to get on correctly with toes going where they shouldn’t. Once day, it took me 10 minutes to get them on properly.They seem well made but I’ve only used them for a week whilst I was on holiday last month so an’t speak to long term durability. The reason I got them was to save space and weight in my suitcase for training whilst on holiday.

21.9.2015

I take between a size 9 - 9.5 shoe, so expected these to fit feet snugly; but unsurprisingly there is no other room for toe-socks. I will take this into account when I buy another pair of Vibrams, and will opt for a half size larger (these came in whole sizes only). I like these so much that I am going to buy another pair of Vibrams, though slightly different model.I have found the teething period quite sore on the heels, which I gather is expected for those of us not used to placing our centre of gravity over the front of our feet. However, I know from talking with others, people who are used to walking in high-heels - and therefore already used to being slightly forward in their gait - do not have as much heel discomfort during the transition phase.

18.5.2013

I have been interested in Vibram Five fingers for a few years, but had never "pulled the trigger" before. I'm glad I did now: the price was right, and my experience agrees with the online reviews I've found--this is a great first pair.I got two pairs of Injinji socks so I could get full coverage of the top of my foot when desired.I am happy enough with these to wear them as my "everyday" shoes, including to work, except for formal occasions.I received them about two weeks ago. The first couple of times I wore them, I got a "hot spot" above my ankle where there is a small reinforcement to pull the heel up. My skin seems to be accustomed now, so that isn't a problem anymore.They breathe nicely,

20.4.2019

I use these on my trails and they are great. As close to barefoot as possible which is why I bought them, I can't bear arches, they shorten my gastrocnemius and soleus and give me terrible calf pain besides.There are only two flaws with these:They will not protect your feet whatsoever, I've broken several toes from jabbing them into hidden tree stumps etc. Bloody hurts but then I just take a break, keep wearing these day to day and my toes heal without medical intervention so that's a plus I guess!Finally, you will get stared at. A lot! Depending what mood I am in, it either amuses me that people have never seen toes before, or the morons annoy me with their constant stares/whispering - however nowadays if I'm in one of those moods,

26.4.2013

I had a pair of KSO that I liked, but when I saw the EL-X, I was intrigued by its lighter, thinner construction and the lack of the velco strap. I've only worn them on one shorter hike (2.5 miles) since I got them two days ago, but I found them to be just as sturdy as the KSO. They seem to give me even more ground feel, which is a big part of what these shoes are about for me. Love the way they fit and feel--and once you've accepted the goofiness of the fivefinger look, they look great too.They seem easier to put on than the velco-strapped KSO, but I'm glad I took the hint I saw elsewhere and bought one size smaller--my KSO fit well at size 41, but the fit of the EL-X was perfect--very snug but perfect--at size 40.

22.9.2016

These are my favorite Vibram Five Finger running shoes mainly because its the closest to being barefoot that you can get. The shoes are just like a glove and wrap around the foot so comfortably. The only problem is that they do come apart at the side slightly quite quickly, this isn't a major issue as they come apart slightly and it just stays that way and are perfectly fine to run in. Depending on how much you use them depends on how long they will last. I run around 15-20 miles a week and they will last around 3/4 months I would say. The next thing is that they can smell after use, I recommend hand washing them gentle and drying naturally. They have a fairly good grip but not the best for really slippery surfaces especially going downhill.

21.5.2015

I have been using the Five Finger shoes for a while now, several years, and these have turned out to be my favorites. I have used them in marathon distance runs as well as at the gym. Seem to work great for both: a "free" feeling while running, and a lot of tactile feedback while wearing at the gym (squats, deadlifts etc.). Though, I would recommend breaking them in, starting slowly, before going for the long distances. These also tend to be much cheaper than the other Vibrams, and work just as well. I actually prefer the ultra-minimum feel of these. They have about as much ground feel as the KSO - EVO's, but don't have to worry about the laces. A final recommendation,

13.6.2015

These are great. I love the sole, and the look is simple. I blacked out the yellow 'Vibram' branding on the top.The only slight drawback for me is the heel fits a little loose, and doesn't always sit snug against my heel. I have the sizing right, because initially I bought a pair that was one size too small, and with those the heel still wasn't snug, even though they were too tight. The heel on these points out slightly, and sometimes scuffs when I walk. It's not a huge problem. When running it doesn't cause any issue because my heel meets the ground last of course.In the future I might prefer the KSO EVO, I think they're the perfect model for me because they have the same thin sole as the EL-X,

21.11.2013

The Vibram FiveFingers EL-X Running Shoes that I ordered are just a shade on the short side but easy to slip into and wear all day. I suspect they stretch just enough to remain comfortable throughout the day, having worn them for up to 12 hours at a time; and I prefer going barefoot! I almost forget I have shoes on when wearing them.The pair weighs less than 8.5 ounces total, which is a HUGE improvement over conventional shoes of any style as they don't put any appreciable extra weight on your feet to pull on your back.The only real downfall of these shoes is that the sole tends to pick up and hold onto small debris, which then is brought into the house or building you are entering.

Vibram Five Fingers EL-X - Reviews

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