Vibram fivefinger shoes

[wing]

Hello,

Has any one has experience with Vibram fivefinger shoes doing squatting and deadlifting?

Wing

[Mouse]

I've got a pair of those Vibram Five Fingers shoes, I've got to say I love them for lifting, as well as running (although I do not do a lot of running).

I'm a little concerned about their durability though. I got my pair last May and the seem in the upper by the big toe already ripped. It was pretty easy to repair though. I have been putting them through a lot, but they are kinda expensive so I hope they last a good while. Nothing else looks worn, at least.

Also see here.

[coreJack]

I deadlift with them. Well, technically, I do my Romanian deadlifts with them, but I will deadlift with them once I get a little more hamstring flexibility and can actually get in a good deadlift position.

I don't squat with them b/c I like the heel lift that my squat shoes provide.

[wing]

I've recently changed to front squat for a few weeks because I like to give my lower back a rest. I would like to gradually work up to 1 RM of 1.5 x bw (135 kg) and I would need all the help that I could gather. That's why I would like to try the Vibram fivefinger. Mine has just been delivered (This is not a commercial, I bought this online from a site that offer 10% discount which is quite a bit of saving). The most difficult thing to start with is to get my little toe into the pocket. I would like to share my experience after a few weeks' experience.

[ArthurNijkamp]

I always lift with Vibram 5 fingers. In my opinion they are great for lifting. However, as I had a pair before starting the stronglifts 5x5 routine I cannot compare. Only thing I can share is that I have been injury free ever since I had them and this was not the case in the past...

Be prepared for some weird looks in the gym, though (part of the fun)

[DeadStrength]

Be prepared for some weird looks in the gym, though (part of the fun)

Honestly between the narrow grip for low-bar squats (and the required shoulder flexibility), plus squatting below parallel, plus squatting 3x a week, they're already looking at me.

Does anyone who has tried the fivefingers have wide feet? I know the FAQ says it accommodates wide feet, but I wanted some of those "real world testimonials" that all the awesome ads for "losing 30 lbs in 1 day with this asian tea!" diets have.

[vhalros]

I have wide feet (I normally have to get wide shoes), and they fit me well. I ordered a size up from what the chart on their website says though; if possible it might be best to go in and get fitted.

I also have a mild morton's toe; this made my second toe feel a little squished in the five fingers initially, but felt fine once I had broken them in.

[itsbruce]

Also see here.

Mr Spammy never did come back, I see.

[DeadStrength]

I have wide feet (I normally have to get wide shoes), and they fit me well. I ordered a size up from what the chart on their website says though; if possible it might be best to go in and get fitted.

I also have a mild morton's toe; this made my second toe feel a little squished in the five fingers initially, but felt fine once I had broken them in.

Thanks!

[lionize]

As a lifting shoe? there are better and cheaper alternatives.

[itsbruce]

Cheaper, certainly. What makes the alternatives better? Or the vibram shoe inferior?

[Shoebox]

I just picked up a pair of these, lifted in them a few times, and I really like them so far.

To answer a couple questions the whole philosophy of these shoes is basically the same as Medhi's philosophy with belts, artificial support used over long periods of time weakens whatever it's supporting and increases chances of injury. To quote a friend when asked about barefoot running "What do you use for arch support?" -- 'My Arches'

If you're running in them, break them in VERY slowly, 15 minutes at a go for the first week or your calves will be killing you.

I also have VERY wide feet, and they fit fine. I wear a size 12 4E or 13 2E depending on the manufacturer, and the 46 Vibram KSO fits like a glove.

Great product!! Price is steep, however well worth it IMHO.