VFFs for running

I'm looking at getting a pair of VFFs, as I've already started running barefoot on the track and I like it. I train at around 3-6 miles at time at a fast pace on either a soft track or on pavement. I don't plan on using the shoes for anything else.

What is the best model of five fingers to get for running? I hear that there are problems with the back strap of the classic chafing your heel, and the sprint has better fitting strap. However, many people swear by the KSOs.

I know its subjective, but I'd like to hear VFF owners' opinions :o

I would also like to hear some of this. Saw a family rocking their VFFs on the track I run on at my gym. Curious now.

I bought the sprints 2-3 months ago. the KSOs are definitely what you want if you EVER plan on running on trails or anything sandy/dirty. They also look better and you won't get a VFF strap tan. I have no opinion on the classics since I don't know how well they stay on during running.

Also... VFFs aren't the unconditional solution for injury-free running. I've been injured twice running in them already (i would have pain when i walked around my metatarsals). Now the problem might be with me or the way i run, but I know others get injured in VFFs too. I'm not trying to discourage (I really love the idea of them even tho I can't get them to "work"), but I'm trying to inform.

To update the thread, I actually bought black KSO's today. I was previously thinking of buying online and saving money, but I wanted to make sure that the fit was right. I ended up getting a size 46 and a pair of Injinji socks.

From my research:

Classics - Not good for running at all. Originally designed as just watershoes. Will fall off if you sprint. Some people have problems with their backing.
Sprint - Good, but I personally don't like the idea of the strap digging into my foot.
KSO - The most popular shoe now. Looks more like a shoe so that not quite everybody will notice your gorilla feet. Can be used for anything. The KSO Treks are coming out soon with Kangaroo leather which will be really expensive.
Flow - Pretty much a water shoe.

I don't normally get injuries running, but i was getting some problems over the summer because I was running on pavement more often than normal. In the fall, I have access to the track, and I'm really just trying to improve my form and get a good lightweight shoe. I still have my Pearl Izumis.

Here's what they look like. Maybe I'll get pictures of mine eventually.
http://www.sportsremedies.com/catalog/images/kso_black.png

I will update with my experiences later. Right now I'm just trying them out indoors in case I have to return them.

even though I've ripped on them on here, I'm seriously considering getting some. I just can't get over how goofy they look though. It's all about style

conf, check out this video. this really sold me on them.

Vibram Five Fingers Shoes: The Barefoot Alternative (http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2009/05/07/vibram-five-fingers-shoes/)

hmmmm

I might give Free a shot first and move on to these if I like it

Just purchased a pair of KSO's. I was sold after having them on for about 15 seconds. They feel amazing. I'm not going to run in them for a while. I will report back once I do.

I haven't run in anything other than my KSOs (other than totally barefoot) since this spring. Do it.

I haven't run in anything other than my KSOs (other than totally barefoot) since this spring. Do it.

I think they're something I'll need to ease my feet into. Also, since I developed plantar fasciitis in my left foot last year, I've barely run. It will be a slow process.

I ran in my KSOs tonight for the first time on our quarter-mile soft track. They felt great and I feel like I'm doing pretty well so far with form. The sizing seems to be correct and I had to try them out in the store to get the right size. I'm planning to spend some time reading about the Pose method to further improve it.

I finished 1.25 miles but didn't want to push it with my calves still adjusting. I also tried some sprinting and was amazed at just how fast I could run without all that weight and with far better control.

pic is w/ Injinji socks

http://i30.tinypic.com/jaxuvo.jpg

it's also nice they have large sizes readily available since i wear a size 15 in normal shoes.

I'm on my 2nd pair of sprints and have been running barefoot style for 1.5 years now. I personally love the sprints for my type of running which consists of mostly street or track. My typical distances are 400m, 800m, 1 mi, 5k, and 10k's.

I have never had a problem with the strap on the top. In fact I never even notice it is there. The elastic heel strap tends to dig into my achilles tendon if I wear them for more than 2-3 hours at a time.

A friend of mine uses the KSO's and loves them as well. No complaints as he's been in them over a year.

size 15?!

yep, I have unusually large feet for my height, 6'2. So I have to go to big feet shoe stores to get my proper size.

I feel like everything I've ever known about shoes has been a lie