Toe Shoes - Vibram Fivefingers

Vibram Fivefingers are unique. They're the only shoes I've ever seen that have individual toe spaces - and they are definitely a talking point. Whenever I'm wearing them, children stop in the street to stare, and they make fantastic footprints.

While wearing my Vibram Fivefingers through Scotland one week, I left all sorts of amazing footprints behind me which became the talk of the trail. I was hiking the West Highland Way and my long feet finished off with five distinct toe-marks left their mark in the Scottish mud. Somebody managed a jump of intuition and stories of Big Foot started to replace those of Nessie, until people started to notice what was covering my feet.

Vibram have produced several versions of the Vibram Fivefingers shoe: the Classic, the KSO (for Keep Stuff Out), and the Surge which has extra straps for water sports. I went for a black and yellow Classic which makes it look like I've walked through hot tar and lived to tell the tale. It does take some getting used to placing each toe in it's little glove, but they are quite comfortable.

I expected to be able to use my regular Vibrams in the water, but they tended to fall off. The shoe doesn't cover the whole foot, in fact it just covers the toes and heel. There is a version that has a strap to prevent this, and a full-foot one as well, that's suitable for climbing.

Many people are starting to see the benefits of barefoot running, and Vibram Fivefingers can make a good intermediate step. Barefoot runners often have to suffer from cuts and scratches from rubbish or natural debris and a pair of Classics can help protect the sole while allowing your body to get into a natural gait. Even if you don't like running the feeling of cobbles or grass beneath your feet is particularly nice.

Want to find out more about Vibram FiveFingers, then visit this review on how to choose the best Five Fingers for your needs.