Vibram FiveFingers Bikila Running Shoes - Men's

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

I've been using the Bikila's for a few weeks, and love them. I had been wearing the FiveFinger KSO's for a while, got used to "barefoot running" with them, and noticed that running on pavement/roads was a little rougher than I liked.

Then came the Bikila's.... They have just enough cushion to make road running that much more enjoyable. I wear them without socks, and they feel great. Compared to my KSO, they are a TINY bit more snug, I wear my KSO's around with Injinji socks all the time, but the Bikila's with socks seemed too tight.

My only complaints about the shoe are:

Wet traction on pavement (roads) is a little slick. Be careful.

Quality control needs to be addressed on Vibram's part. I have acquired three pairs of Bikila's, all three are defective in some way, shape, or form. Two pairs both had a defect in the way the strap on the right foot was sewn on, it was too low, about 3/4" lower than the left foot and it was apparent when looking at the shoes together. Fortunately the strap on these shoes really do not do much, and I honestly think you could literally cut off the strap completely. I actually put the shoes on now without undoing the velcro strap. The 3rd pair of Bikila's that I got (and returned to REI) had a defect in the large toes and the rubber that goes over them. That rubber piece was off to the side, not glued on in the right spot, causing my toe nail to feel like it was coming through the fabric. So out of three pairs, all three had issues, and I have noticed some issues with other "online" fanatics with their Bikila's as well. Some have experienced issues with the Bikila falling apart after washing them in the washing machine. You have been warned. Seems like demand on these puppies are so high that Vibram is making them quickly, but with error.

Please check the two photos that I uploaded of these two defects that I have noted.

Overall, these shoes are all that. I am new to running, and these shoes make me feel like I am doing it correctly. My calves are completely "worked" after a few miles, and I am slowly building myself up to do more and more. Also, my knee pain that I had for five years is almost gone, after using these and the KSO's for several months. Doctors and MRI's showed nothing, but these shoes are strengthening my feet, calves, legs, and obviously knees!

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

Ok. I own 3 pairs of VFF. The Bikilas are by far the best for running in. I recommend them to everyone. Great shoes and the feel fast! I've used them on trails and the road. Love them.

2 issues with them. The first is the fit. They fit differently then the KSO and KSO treks because of a redesigned strap. The heel is not strapped in and it feels like it is going to come out.... But it never has and now (after 30+ miles in them) I am used to running in them.

The other issue is that they are great for running, but not much else. If you want a VFF for everything get the KSO. If you want one just for running the Bikila is the best choice.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

If you are trying to figure out which model of Vibram Five Fingers to purchase, these are the pair you want if you are a runner (except for trail running--in that case, stick to the KSO Treks). I own 7 pairs of Five Fingers (soon to be 8 once my Speeds are shipped from the UK where they are available)--1 Classic, 2 KSOs, 2 KSO Treks, 1 Flow, and 1 Bikila. They all have their uses, but the Bikilas have definitely become my favorite shoe for running and going to the gym.

I won't get into the science of minimalist running here, as you can Google that on your own, but simply comparing these to the other Vibram models these are the runner's choice. The extra padding on the sole gives just enough comfort when running without losing the minimalist feeling. They don't feel the road or track quite as much as KSOs or Classics, but I find this to be a plus side in offering slightly better protection.

When you put these on they just feel fast. I don't quite know how to explain it, but they just do. I've never liked running, and only do it because I know it's good for me, but these shoes make me want to run and jump. They are very lightweight and nonrestrictive. I'm not sure if I run faster in them, but I feel faster. I've ran in all my other models and these feel by far the most ideal for running.

Bottom line--if you are a runner, you must buy these shoes. If you are not, buy them and you may become a runner.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

First let's talk about sizing: I have a size 42 KSO which feels half size too big. But the 42 Bikila fits like a glove with very little room unless my toes are pushed all the way in. So I'd say my size is 42 in Bikila as 41 will be extremely tight.

Now my review: I have two issues with this shoes.
I run 3 times a week and average about 8 miles a run on hilly trails ONLY.
(1) Running downhill w more than say 6% gradient my heel comes out which is a huge turn off in a running shoe. On flats and moderate slops the heel stays in place. IMHO this due to bad design of the strap which in combo of the heel design does not do enough to keep heel in when all toes are all the way in pocket such as when running downhill.

(2) On one foot I'm developing arch pain a.k.a. Plantar Fasciitis. I have a relatively high arch which is why I heavily wear out the outside of my heels on normal running shoes. So if you have a high arch unfortunately these shoes may not be for you due to what I'm going through now.

Service and delivery comments:

yes. delivery was good.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

I've been running barefoot for a few weeks now after reading about ChiRunning and the benefits it has for individuals with bad ankles and knees. The sole of my feet have really felt the wear, but that's it which is a huge relief to me. Was able to get my size in the Bakila and was stoked when they arrived today (3 full days after order, very fast). The confidence I felt running was radically more than on my bare feet. I still felt in touch with the ground and still felt my feet and ankles getting a great workout. They take a bit to get on and at first I was thinking they wouldn't fit at all. The fit is definitely snug, but extremely comfortable. I did my run, then my work out and felt I could have kept wearing them for the rest of the day. I would highly recommend them off what I have experienced thus far.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

If you have never run in Vibram Five Fingers, stop reading this review and purchase a pair - any pair you can find in stock - and you will love them. Make sure you read about Chi or Pose running form before using them.

If you already own a pair of VFFs, continue reading. I purchased Bikilas after running 30-40mi a week in Vibram Five Finger KSO's since around January. The Bikila model is more running oriented, which means mostly 1) the cladding on the bottom of the shoe provides a bit more protection from rocks and surface imperfections and 2) the liner is seamless and less likely to cause blistering on long runs. There are a wealth of other upgrades that you can read about, but these are the big two. I find that both are helpful, although different than my KSOs. There is definitely more protection from finding a stray pebble or sensing road cracks, and I ran 7mi in my first Bikila run without blistering issues, unlike my KSOs. So I think the Bikila meets the intent. I can't decide whether I like the "protection" from ground feel yet or not, and will update this review when I do decide. The sock liner is a welcome upgrade regardless. If you want an all around VFF I would buy the KSO. If you want a running shoe, buy the Bikila.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

I have owned 5 pairs of vibram kso's and I love them the only issue is that the soles woreout to quickly I thought the Bikla was the answer to this problem and it is. However they are TERRIBLY UNCOMFORTABLE the cause pressure points that hurt like hell (I havnt made it through a run yet without taking them off), They are HOT, TIGHT and NARROW in the forefoot, they are simply AWFULL and I am DISAPOINTED I expected so much more from Vibram.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

I have bought every pair of expensive sneakers with the notion that I will be able to stop the knee, ankle and waist bone aches and pains. First couples of days the expensive sneakers have worked and then it has been back to the usual pain that I am used to.
I run an average of 5 miles per day and without my running, I end up really restless when I go to sleep. I think it's an awesome problem to have, although I don't know what I'll do when I get old.... Anyway I think this pair is the best thing that has ever happened to my bone problem areas. I have no pain anywhere. Walking down the stairs is no longer something I have to agonize about and, I m sleeping like a baby because my running is now back to normal again.
I cannot say enough about five fingers, but what I have experienced with this particular pair, "I own the other different series of five fingers" its running bare foot, without all the stuff under your feet hurting you. In simple English...IT'S AN AWESOME FEELING. The other series of five fingers have either been for walking and yada! yada!
First couple of days you may experience some discomfort, regardless of whether you use the socks or not, but once your toes get used to it, it will be the greatest thing you have experienced in a long time..... in terms of running of course. If you blister, just bear with it, because it's worth it.
I cannot say enough about five fingers, but they are everything and then some!!!

Service and delivery comments:

Super fast delivery, in excellent condition and quicker than promised date.

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

I measured my feet in the morning and in the evening using the method described in the video on the Vibram web site. Left foot 10.25, right foot 10.5. I then ordered the shoes one size larger, i.e., 42 in case I wanted to wear the thin Injinji socks. I wore them around the house the day I received them. Went for a slow 2.5 mile run the next 3 days in a row. Wore them an hour after each run. The left foot never fit well. It made my toes curl because they were too short/bumping the ends of the toe pockets. For reference my second toe is not longer than my big toe on either foot. I measured my feet again with the same results. How could my left foot which is 10.25 inches be the tight foot? I countinued to run in them and wear them in order to let them "mold to my feet." After two 5 mile runs I couldn't take it any longer and took them back to REI in Fairfax to exchange for 43 size Bikila's. [...]. Too bad we can't try them on in the store. Great concept....

Comments about VIBRAM FIVE FINGERS BIKILA M:

Its like strapping a pair of tire treads to your feet. unreal.