OK, everyone has their own definition of fast. Still, I wonder - does anyone who runs fast
run in Vibram Fivefingers? I’ll just throw out a ballpark figure of fast as sub-7 minute miles
for a 5k, 10k, or half marathon. (I’m throwing a wide net!) The reason I ask is that I read
reviews on message boards about the Bikila and KOS, and all the people that raved and wrote
in great detail about how much faster they ran in them said stuff like “I improved my 5k PR
from 27:50 to 26:30.” Nothing wrong with that, but it made me wonder. I just didn’t get the
impression that any “fast” runners had reviewed the Fivefingers. Anyone here train or race in them,
and/or, run sort-of-kind-of fast by my arbitrary sub-7 minute pace criteria?
I only know one person who runs in them. I don’t know how fast she is, probably 7 min miles. She even wears them while running on concrete. It seems to me that they would be better for softer surfaces, since they offer little or no cushioning.
Not so much in the vibrams, but I saw a guy go something like sub 3 hours barefoot in the Oakland marathon last year. I guess that means you could conceivably run fast in the vibrams.
Speaking of which, I saw someone running out by the gym in vibrams two days ago and he was just about the worst heel striker ever. Someone needed to tell him “you’re doing it wrong!”
Did a 8k last week and finished in 36:20 right next to a guy in VFF, not that I would say it’s fast (it’s not). He was one of the faster people I saw wearing them
I’ve done a 20 minute 5k in them. Not as comfortable as a pair of xc flats, but doable. I did hurt more than usual after as well.
I’ve never quite understood the fascination with those things. Well, I thought they were cool the first time I saw them until I read the $80 price tag and thought, “I could buy some new Brooks T3s for that price.”
Is your question specifically for the VFFs or if you can run fast in a very minimal shoe with no cushioning and virtually no heel lift? I’ve been training and racing in a pair of Brooks T3s that have worn off the outsole and feel very close to barefoot when running while protecting my feet from rocks. They probably weight about 3 oz now that I’ve cut out the plastic heel counter, the tongue, any extra sole material and worn off all the outsole. Without a doubt they are the fastest shoes I own. I ran my pr mile attempt in them while in Iraq.
Chad
there is a guy at the running group I run with some who is regularly banging out sub 2:40 800’s and sub 5:45 miles in then.
I’ve encountered a lot of people that use them at least part time. For the most part they are either fit people that do a little running or they are just within the realm of what I’d define as an avid runner.
One of the reasons I don’t think they will be adopted by very fast runners is that they are heavier than racing (and many training) shoes. I also don’t see any specific benefit from isolating the toes. Therefore racing flats seem to be the better option for racing and even training if comparing against VFF.
I do like to do a little barefoot running here and there. But I can do actual barefoot running on an indoor track (small doses). If I were forced to do my barefoot running outside, then VFFs might be a good way to accomplish it.
His heels & ankles will tell him soon enough that he is doing it wrong.
I’ve been running about 12 training miles a week in VFF’s (out of about 32 total miles)
I’ve been averaging between 7:30 to 8:30 per mile.
40% on grass / 40% on trail / 20% on pavement.
Soft surfaces feel the best but I’m getting more used to harder surfaces.
The Olympic marathon was won by Abebe Bikila barefoot in 2:15, so yes, you can run very fast without shoes or barefoot. Of course he won the next Olympic marathon and went even faster in shoes, so bare isn’t the be all end all either.
Styrrell
im sure a few fast people run in them, but most of the time they are considerably slower than most.
That’s what I’ve always thought, my flats weigh about 2 ounces less than my VFFs and are more comfortable for running, so why run in the Vibrams at all? I do love them as hiking shoes though.
did a 5k in Oct where the 2nd place finisher ran a 16:22 in Vibrams. he went on to run a 2:32 marathon a few weeks later (but i believe he ran the marathon in flats).
I’m pretty sure he does a lot of his training runs in the vibrams.
A friend of mine who runs 100+ miles a week does some of his runs in them. He does anywhere from 20-30 miles a week in them. He is super fast. 15:30 5k. 2:34 marathon. I don’t think he has ever raced in them but he has done some speedwork in them.
I work at a running shoe store that sells the five fingers. It is definently a secondary tool to strengthen your foot. It is not a primary shoe. Most people that come looking for them only know them as the toe shoes, and are looking to hop on the next fad. I own a pair the rep gave me and what I use them for is after I finish a longer run (about twice a week) I imeadiatly take them to the park down the street and run .5-1mile on the grass. The main goal is to strengthen my feet. The idea has always been around I guess. every running coach I have ever had always has athletes run barefoot strides on the grass after their runs at least once if not twice a week. I guess what most people overlook is the fact that you don’t need VFF’s to see the strengthening benefits of barefoot running. Run on some grass, find an indoor track, or run on your treadmill. All of those barefoot offer the same benefits as a vibram without spending the$80-100. Definently a training tool and not a training or racing shoe.
Time for me to stop lurking! I actually just picked up a pair of VFFs a week and a half ago. I have only worn them on a track and in the gym so far, but I love them. I can run a 20:00 5k in them no problem. They are also great for the gym. It’s hard to describe exactly, but doing calf raises and leg press with them feels much better than with regular shoes.
I picked them up because I needed a pair of indoor shoes for the winter. No regrets so far. Let me know if you have any questions.
did a 5k in Oct where the 2nd place finisher ran a 16:22 in Vibrams. he went on to run a 2:32 marathon a few weeks later (but i believe he ran the marathon in flats).
I’m pretty sure he does a lot of his training runs in the vibrams.
Sounds like you might be talking about Patrick Sweeney? (http://bourbonfeet.blogspot.com/). He goes low 5 minute
pace for 5K and on up through ultra distance in Vibrams and/or barefoot.
Except I don’t think he has gone back to flats even for the marathon, so maybe it’s someone else who runs at a similar pace.
Try 'em, if they work for you great. My Asics have served me very well for a very long time, no knee, shin, foot etc. pain or problems, therefore I will stick with them. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Thanks everyone so far. I tried some on, and man, they felt good. I’ve had PF in the past, and I had
toe surgery due to a soccer injury in 2006. So I’m all for strengthening the small muscles in my feet -
that can’t be a bad thing for anyone, I would think. So yeah, I could go barefoot, but it’d be nice to
walk in these for a few weeks, then do some short running, and progress to where I could do maybe
1 mile in them, say. I’d like to feel what difference there is in my feet, ankles, hips, and knees while
running more au natural. In the end, I think it would be good for my feet to wear the VFF, but 95%
likely I’ll stick with my training shoes and running shoes (Asics 2150 and Brooks Racer ST). I know
they are a world apart - VFF (and similar) to encourage more natural forefoot striking vs. regular
running shoes for rolling - but I think each might have their place in my training arsenal. If anything,
maybe the VFF will help me to develop a better run style to where I could wear a more minimal
racing flat than the Racer ST. Worth a shot - and they sure do feel good.