How To Buy Your First Pair of Vibram Five Fingers [2019]

Picking the right pair of Vibram Five Fingers is essential if you want to get the best out of them. The range is wide and first time wearers especially may feel overwhelmed with options, but once you find the right model, you’ll see that the hunt is totally worth it! In this post, we’ve compiled a handy guide that’ll introduce some of the most common designs and highlight the activities they’re best for.

vibram fivefingers

If you’re still trying to work out which Five Finger is best for you, have a look through to see if any of these tick all your boxes!

How To Choose Your First Pair of Vibram Five Fingers

We’ll start with:

The Vibram Fivefingers V-RUN

The V-RUN features an Eva midsole making it a great first time option for those making the switch from normal running trainers to FiveFingers. This is an upgraded version of the hugely popular Bikila design. The added cushioning in the sole will be most appreciated by runners looking to cover long distances, as it helps to reduce fatigue and makes up for dips in form as you tire. 

Why is it better?

  • Breathable upper
  • Great traction on various surfaces
  • Shed water quickly
  • Strong toe grip for climbing or parkour
  • Thin sole for flexibility and natural foot movement XS TREK technology

Men’s and Women’s versions:

Vibram Fivefingers V-Aqua

The V-Aqua is a game changer! This “amphibious tool” will allow you to move naturally in and out the of water while moving across different surfaces. V-Aqua is light, flexible, thin, but at the same time firm enough to provide you with the protection you need. The snug and lightweight design, along with perforations in the innovative sole allows water to move quickly through for the quick drying.

Men’s version:

The Vibram Fivefingers EL-X

The EL-X features the thinnest Vibram sole to date. If you really want to feel the ground underneath you, these are the ones to look at. They’re great for the gym, treadmills, road running and indoor training. They don’t feature a normal fastening system. Instead the shoes slip on with a skin tight upper fabric that hugs your foot seamlessly. The laced version is called the KSO-Evo.

Just for men:

Vibram Fivefingers KSO EVO

This model is built using the same sole as the EL-X. The KSO Evo is part of Vibrams Maxi Feel range. It features a very agile thin sole and is designed to give users greater ground feedback. It’s great for road running, gym, casual wear or indoor activities.

Men’s and Women’s versions:

Vibram Fivefingers V-Train

This is Vibram’s premium gym design. The V-Train features several elements that make it perfect for indoor training. The multidirectional sole pattern gives you unparalleled levels of grip on the spot which can prove vital during weight training. The upper fabric is reinforced giving the shoe far more resilience in an area that’s bound to see contact when doing various indoor exercises such as rope climbing or when your feet need to be strapped to certain machinery.

Men’s and Women’s versions:

The Trek Ascent Insulated

These are perfectly suited to winter conditions. The top of this design features an insulated upper to keep your feet warm. With the Megagrip sole and slightly oversized body to compensate for sock layers, it’s well suited for training in winter conditions, walking and hiking. Please keep in mind that a significant number of users had a hard time getting the right fit and sizing. Vibram advises going one size up in this shoe.

Men’s and Women’s versions:

The Vibram Fivefingers V-TRAIL

The MR in the title stands for mud runner, so you can guess what these are built for. Spyridon MR has been designed with the toughest muddy conditions in mind. If you need a barefoot shoe that can handle any harsh terrain, then this is one to take a closer look at. With a reinforced deep tread sole, you’ll feel more grip in these than any trainer you’ve ever worn.

Men’s and Women’s versions:

Vibram Fivefingers V-Trek

The V-Trek model is hugely popular for its stellar reliability. With Vibram’s Megagrip sole, these minimalist shoes offer a fine balance between minimalism and greater stability. They feature a traditional fastening system and the upper fabric that completely covers the foot ensuring max resistance to debris and moisture. Great for trails, hikes, obstacle courses and extreme outdoor sports.

Men’s and Women’s versions:




Vibram Fivefingers VI-B

The VI-B model is inspired by elegant ballet flats. They are built on the maxi-feel sole, with an ultra minimalist and nimble body providing great ground feel and agility helping you to prevail in any indoor training. Ideal for the gym or any fitness class.

Just for women:

The Vibram Fivefingers V-Soul

This beautifully crafted ladies’ shoe is built on Vibram’s Maxi-Feel sole. This minimalist ‘barefoot’ design is great for indoor training and travel. If you’re looking for a pure lightweight and flexible feel, these are certainly worth a try. 

Just for women




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