For those of you who run in the vibram 5 fingers, can you give me an idea on how long they last?
I am wondering because I need to get my running shoes shipped to me (overseas) because of the size I need (12) and the lack of availability of real running shoes (asics, NB,etc, etc).
My thought is that since they have no cushioning, they have less to break down so maybe they would last longer than a standard shoe, is this right? How long does it take to wear through the bottoms of them?
Obviously I would transition into them and not exclusivly use them, but this could help keep cost down both from shipping and replacement, Currently Im about 100 miles into a pair of 2170s and I have a brand new pair of DS trainers, after these, I need to get more sent out so Im thinking maybe a few pairs of vibrams in addition to more asics.
VFFs do indeed last longer than standard running shoes. There’s less padding to break down, and so they only need to be thrown away when the sole is completely worn through or their smell becomes overpowering (if you run barefoot in them some models can get a pretty impressive stench). I’ve heard of people getting 1000-1200+ miles on them before their toast but some models have thicker soles (e.g. KSO Trek is thicker than KSO). In my experience, I’d gotten about 800 miles on a pair of KSOs but when I wore a hole though the toe. I put a few wraps of duct tape over it and they were still going strong for another couple hundred miles.
I’ve had mine for four years, but only do probably 1/3 of my mileage in them running. However, I do wear them at work as well and they are just fine, maybe a little bit frayed around the edges but the soles are still great.
I’ve tried several of there models including the KSO, KSO Trek, KSO Treksport and Bikila.
The KSOs are the most minimal, and the ones I used most often. A great all arounder but they will stink after a while. They have almost no traction in the wet.
The KSO Treks are probably my favorite of the models as the kangaroo leather is awesome, they’re super comfortable and have enough traction for all but super muddy trail races. I’ve used them in the winter and for road runs as well without any problems.
I was unimpressed with the KSO Treksport. Although they were comfortable and had a better designed heel counter than the Bikila, the fabric split at the toe during a 5k trail race when I had less than 30 miles total on them.
I’ve run in the Bikilas but tend to use them more for short stuff (<5 miles) and lifting. I’ve run up to 10 miles in them but because they have more material, they don’t quite have the flexible, glove-like fit of the KSO or KSO Trek IMO.
In my experience, all of the models except the KSO Trek require a “break-in” period of about 20-30 miles before they conform to your feet and small areas which cause irritation/blisters to the foot wear in. Bodyglide helps with this.
I put 1000-1500 miles in mine before I started wearing holes in the soles. They may have lasted longer had I not taken them on a hike with lots of very sharp rocks towards the end of their life.
When the rubber on the bottom starts to get really thin, I put a layer of shoe goo on the thin spots and that will last a month or 2 before I need to put more shoe goo on. The thing that wears out that I can’t fix is when the material between the toes start to develop holes and then they allow junk into the shoes.
I have used both the KSO and Bilikas and prefer the KSO’s every time. I think the extra padding on the Bilikas wear out quickly and the KSOs are more comfortable.
THe vibram website shows you how to measure your foot so you get the best fit.
I sized down 1-2 sizes from what the website suggested for a proper fit. I recommend trying them on if you really want to get a pair.
