Ok... so it's now been a few weeks since I first purchased a pair of Vibram Five Fingers 'KSO' shoes. As previously discussed, I purchased these as a multi-use footwear solution, primarily for kayak fishing and particularly with expedition use in mind. Now after having worn them almost constantly for 3 - 4 weeks I've reached some conclusions, most of which were previously assumptions. I'm really very pleased to report that these conclusions align nicely with the marketing claims for these unique shoes. The first claim that was proven true was that these shoes are so different that a 1st time user is likely to get a blister or two if worn all day for consecutive days when first purchased. Thats exactly what I did and true to word, I got a small blister on the in-step of each foot. Once healed, however, the shoes were suitably broken in and that problem went away, just like the stated marketing claims.
Another admission of the marketing copy is that they take some getting use to, and that most wearers would most likely experience some aching on the balls and heels of feet, around ankles and possibly calf muscles as well. This is the effect of walking all day barefoot style, which most people simply aren't acustom to. I experienced aches in each of those areas, but only for a couple of days. It didn't take long for my legs to toughen up to it.
Finally, true to word, even after wearing for just a few weeks I am already noticing subtle changes in the shape of my toe spread. My little toe is no longer unnaturally jammed into the toe next to it. Ironically, the only side effect of this that I'm yet to notice is that my feet no longer fit some of my other footwear as well as they use to. My little toe likes having room to move now, and it doesn't have that in most of my shoes & boots. Even my sandals don't feel anywhere near as comfortable as they use to. Perhaps this has as much to do with the fact that I find Five Fingers more comfortable than anything else period. So it's not a bad thing... it's merely my feet letting me know that they prefer the glove-like fit and natural gait they inspire.
I am also impressed with how durable they seem to be as well. So far I've taken them jogging several times, have done some rock-hopping, numerous kayaking trips, worn them to work each day and even put them through a mild wash cycle. Not only are the uppers holding up well (not a solitary warward stitch) the outsole is wearing superbly.
So far I really don't have anything negative to say about them, other than to admit that some people think they look really weird... even ugly. But being the worlds least concerned about self-appearance, I really couldn't care less. I'm not one to sacrifice comfort for fashion. My next pair of shoes will be Five Fingers and I'll be buying the 'Flow' model specifically, which I reckon will better suit cooler weather kayaking.
