Vibram FiveFingers Speed are Barefoot Running (or Natural Running) shoes with a lace-up closure that are ideal for running, but can (for those who do not feel uncomfortable with an otherwise very unique shoe) also be worn in everyday life. They are placed in a mid-range price range (in the store about €110).
It is important to remember that their glove shape (for the foot, but still a glove) identifies them as perfect shoes for natural running. In other words, FiveFingers do not have the degree and level of impact protection (cushioning) that we are used to finding in running shoes. Rather, they constitute a protection from the roughness of the ground thanks to their approximately 3 mm thick sole, which allows the sole of the foot to feel the roughness of the ground sharply, but which does not offer-by the very nature of shoes-any cushioning effect. They can therefore be used normally in everyday use, being extremely comfortable and natural, but in running they require a different setup from that of the runner used to landing on the heel. Natural Running in fact imposes a toe- or midfoot-based approach, but excludes loading the heel. In other words, employing these shoes for running traditionally can result in injuries due to the lack of cushioning at the heel. Use them only if you are able to run toe to to toe or midfoot, but never if your usual shoe is a traditional running shoe that is more or less cushioned.
Cushioning and outsole
The Vibram FiveFingers Speed has no cushioning whatsoever, except for the approximately 3 mm footbed. Only another 3 mm of rubber separates the sole of the foot from the ground. The result is a very clear perception of its irregularities and roughness, while maintaining a certain degree of protection that psychologically it is important to perceive, if only to run safely and without obsessively sounding out the terrain we are about to face.
The rest of the Barefoot, and generally FiveFingers, experience is exciting and alienating: one is not used to walking/running outdoors in a technological sock, yet that is the effect.
The sole is the shoe. FiveFingers shoes are a patent from Italy’s Vibram that has set a revolutionary new standard in (almost) barefoot running, giving the almost unmediated sensation of being barefoot. A sensation that results in a perception of grip that is related to the experience of bare foot grip, but is instead mediated and enhanced by the grip of the sculpted sole. The first few outings discount the wariness that is logical to have in taking the bare foot: one is suspicious and intimidated of slipping, for example. The test was carried out with partially slippery subgrade. After a few accelerations and decelerations, however, the shoe communicates confidence: the grip is precise and you can push. The shoe discharges well to the ground and does not dissipate energy. It does not slip and is supportive. In the 7 km run, the paces ranged from moderate (5.5-6 min/km)* to sustained (4.1 min/km). In all cases and intermediate variations, the shoe responds promptly and most importantly communicates confidence to the runner. You can push or run with continuity she follows you, faithful.
Fit
These shoes are like socks. You have to try them out and choose the right number. Nothing else. They fit the foot because of their softness. They are very light (158 g each) and you forget you are wearing them after a short time. The only drawback may come from the fact that they must be worn without socks. After 7 km I encountered some tearing on the inside of my fingers.
Aesthetics
The aesthetics are unobtrusive. It is a shoe that, when worn in a relaxed manner, is not only comfortable but also pleasing to the eye, thanks to the laces and made up with its unusual shape.
Pros and Cons
Pro
- Sensitivity that transmits to the foot
- Grip
- General comfort
Against
- Can cause lacerations on the inside of the fingers
* Time readings were taken with Nike+ GPS for iPhone.
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