VibramMen's FiveFingers V-Run Shoe, Black/Yellow, 45 EU / 11 - 11.5 US

I’ve tried the el-x, el-x knit version, and KSO original and find these to have just the right amount of cushioning, breathability, and lightness for running.Minimal shoe history: I have worn anything from altra's to vivobarefoot for running and found that vivos had too little cushioning for anything but gym work and also altered my walking, feeling more like a slipper and less barefoot. Altra’s have a decent amount of cushioning for long distance runs and are a good compliment to my vibrams.KSO/el-x Comparison: My first few times running in the KSO’s were painful to the bottom of my foot and definitely weren’t breathable. I would wear those for light hiking, walking, and running errands. El-X are def a casual shoe, but the new KSO-EVO definitely make sense for those who want to do gym work and are very comparable to the sole thickness of a vivobarefoot primus lite.V-Run: There isn’t any noticeable “cushion” so to speak as there is no give, but just enough “padding” to where my feet aren’t crying in pain while running on concrete or pavement. Less pressure on the metatarsals and heels in these than the KSO’s. The lacing system is also great as the shoe feels almost nonexistent while running and very natural. These are also much lighter than the Kso variant and very comfortable.Sizing- everyone’s foot is different and so are their preferences. After measuring the length of my foot standing on a ruler, I bought the exact measurement in the KSO as well as a size up in the V-Run. If you’re just walking around the house, true to measurement will leave your toes pressing against the end of the shoe like a second skin. If you go up a size, you’ll have enough breathing room to where you won’t be hitting the end. Definitely personal preference. But be warned, the shoes do not stretch in length! They will only stretch in width in each toe if you’re wearing socks.

I chose the Prime Wardrobe option this time around (this is the third time I have ordered these) because of the ability to "try before you buy." The sizing chart available on the Vibram website is somewhat off. I found that the size recommended by the website is off by a half size. So I ordered a size down, still too big. This last order I finally got it right. You need to measure your foot exactly from heel to big toe. A shoe measurement device (found at most shoe stores) is best but a tape measure works just as well. It's measured in inches.Now a little about comfort. They're very comfortable. I wear them almost exclusively except when I have to wash them. If you get the size just a little big (not on purpose) you can make up for this with a pair of Injinji toe socks. They're $10 for a pair but worth every penny as they last years, not months like most socks.The shoes themselves fit like gloves for your feet. I've had numerous foot problems over the years, including being born with my little toe (on both feet) curling under my fourth toe, creating blisters and hard callouses. The Vibrams eliminate this problem completely as the toes are completely separated from one another. The shoes also have built in arch supports, so if you have flat feet... This particular model has ventilation holes all throughout the front part of the shoes and the laces are the pull/loop type with a velcro fastener. I live in Phoenix, AZ and there is a bit of heat transfer from the hot concrete to the soles of your feet but nothing painful, just a slight discomfort. My favorite thing to do is to walk on rocks ground as this gives me a nice foot massage.When wearing your Vibrams for the first time you should take note of one particular thing. Your foot and lower legs muscles will ache or be quite sire. This is entirely normal as you are retraining those muscles to support your ankles. Regular shoes actually weaken your ankles over time because it's the construction of the shoe that provides the support and not your muscles. This is why when people first get home from work they usually take their shoes off first and find enormous relief, as non Vibrams are quite restrictive and don't allow the foot to spread out naturally. I work in a warehouse and walk on concrete floors for 10 hours each night. The first few nights I was sore, as I was retraining my lower leg muscles. But after wearing them consistently I have no more soreness. It's a strange sensation wearing them as you almost feel barefoot because of the thinness of the sole. But the sole is very protective and according to YouTube reviews these shoes can last upwards of five years.Basic care is hand washing or wear them in the shower and scrub them with soap and drip dry. You don't want to toss these in the dryer as the high heat can damage the glue that holds the sole to the shoe.These are the best shoes I have ever owned and I'll likely order a second pair for Winter. I'm probably going to donate all my other shoes as these Vibrams make them obsolete.

So far so good. Took a little getting use to with the toes and all but feels good while running after a bit. Going from vapor glove to this. This has a much thicker midsole feels more sturdy and protected. Over all great feeling shoe. The wife calls them birth control shoes 🤷‍♂️

I have been wearing Vibram for 10 years. First pair that were Way too narrow. Too long as well.

I know that they might look a little strange for the average joe smoe and people will absolutly stare but if you are okay with that then these shoes will make your feet knees and back feel so much better. I had terrible back and knee pain for a very long time and after about 6 months of wearing these, I am almost completely free of pain. I would highly recommend following the workout guide for getting your feet back in shape. The only complaint that I have is that they do start to smell after a little bit and I have yet to found a good way of getting rid of the smell completely.

These things are the prettiest shoes but they help my balance so much. Take a while to break them in cause you’re using different muscles 💪🏼 than you’re used to using. Love them. Wear them all the time now. Husband got a pair now and is hooked, too

Would give 4.5 starts, but rounding up. I’ve been lucky that I haven’t had the rub raw blister over the Achilles but just once and was minimal. I think stretching that part of the shoe or building up a callus is all you can do. I had a bandage over mine for short time.Otherwise great shoe. If you want them to fit tighter throw them in the dryer after a wash, otherwise hang dry.I wear these without socks. I wash 1-2 times per month and have two pair in different colors. One for working out and one for going out. Sometimes I throw in a little foot power. I found that wetting a paper towel with some bleach and rubbing the inside sole goes a long way too.There’s also vivobarefoot if you want to wear socks and don’t want to have to get each toe in it’s place like a glove. My wife has the vivobarefoot and loves them. I wanted more toe freedom and got these.