Got a set while I was in IRAQ.. Just thought I'd throw the link out there incase anyone else was interested.

Worth the read and really worth the order

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

Do actually run in them? I saw these a while back and thought they were cool, but also thought running in them would be hell on my knees.

I had been battling really bad stress fractures.... I am a terrible heel striker in regular tennis shoes. Got a pair of these and have had no inflammation, swelling or running related injures since... whether running on concrete or grass these have corrected my gait and have enjoyed running more than ever. Just my two cents.

I have a couple questions about this.

1. What were to happen, if i were to wear these for a while, and then switch back to regular tennis shoes?
Would i experience leg pains of some sort?
Would the gains made in these shoes carry back to the regular shoe?

2. are these shoes allowed at indoc?

Well, I typically run up to 4 miles in these, and up to 6 when I'm wearing socks in them... (Yes they do make socks that they sell on the site HAHA). I every now and then switch back to my regular shoes, and I don't have any problems making the switch. It does feel a tad bit different though putting back on regular shoes.

As far as these shoes being allowed at INDOC... I highly doubt it. When I was going through they wouldn't have been the best choice for indoc anyways. You do way to much running in to many different places and on top of that, you have to wear all white socks at indoc which no company makes ALL white socks for them.

Plus at indoc, it's probably best not to stand out to much HAHA.

But def give the shoes a try... I LOVE'EM!

I may just give them a try then. As soon as i'm allowed to run again.

Just ran in my first pair yesterday. I love em already, and i hate running. Definetley could feel it in my ankles and calves the next day. I've never has this feeling in any standard running shoes. Thumbs up in my book.

Glad to hear it Funk... The shoes really make you work on your technique, to include how your foot strikes the ground. Best of luck to you!

Sorry to bring this back from the dead, but I just wanted to throw out that I also consider these great for improving running technique. I went to a seminar at my LRS and decided to give these a shot. Be sure that if you do get them, or even just plain old barefoot running a try, you give yourself lots of time to switch over. Example: If you can run 6+ miles in your regular shoes, you probably can't, or shouldn't, in these. Try 1/2 a mile or even less at first seeing that you're using a whole new set of muscles for running. Depending on the strength and durability of your calves, you'll be hurting the next day.

The only reason that I really am using these (I'm not using them for any racing or any real distances) is to train myself to be more of a mid to forefoot striker and to force myself to get used to an increased cadence (somewhere around 90.) I want to try it out some more, but the other day I went out after using these for a couple weeks (wearing my regular neutral Brooks shoes) and just concentrated on my form . . .it just so happend that I knocked 20+ seconds off my best 3 mile (I've never been to terribly fast, but I'm creeping up on a 19 min 3 mile) time without even trying in the process.

Of course you can get all these benifits without buying these silly looking shoes, but they do FORCE you to change rather quickly.

Which VFF's are you using? I'm planning on buying a pair, and have heard the Bikilas are the best all-around Vibrams. Any suggestions?

"the Bikila is our first model designed specifically for a more natural running experience.."
the Sprints and the KSO's are the best all around, as they're designed for all around.

i currently have a pair of KSO's, and run about 3-4 miles a week in them. they do pretty good, and have helped a lot on my speed, and i've had zero knee pains related to running.

and be careful when buying a pair. i almost bought a pair of fakes, until a buddy pointed out a website that showed how to spot fakes, and now it's on the main page at vibram
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/counterfeits/how_to_spot_a_fake.cfm

I've been running in my KSOs for about 9 months. I used to be have an ankle injury almost quarterly. Since switching over, I haven't had an issue.

There was definitely an initial learning curve though. Build up slowly and give yourself a break if there is any pains. Eventually you'll be able to do marathons in them. (I just ran the Austin Half this past weekend with a time of 1:54.)

So what you guys are saying its possible, with some getting use to, to be able to run 6-10 miles in these?

Alot of what Im reading is people complain over a couple of miles in VFFs

My buddy and soon to be CRO P1 applicant just ran the most recent Boston Marathon in 3:20 wearing his Vibram's if that answers your question.

Also read here:

http://www.specialtactics.com/ubbthreads....html#Post58315

Its sad that the support for longevity is not there in this "shoe" because they look like a special operators dream shoe for all kinds of cool stuff! Looks like a neat climbing shoe too!