Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

These are my first vffs, and I am thrilled to death with them! The bikila and bikila ls have a more flexible, thinner sole than the other vffs meant for running. So I decided to jump right in with a pair to get the most natural experience, while still protecting my thin-skinned feet. The bikila and bikila ls are also the only vffs that have reflective trim.

The ls version is meant for women with a high volume instep, such as those with a high arch and/or wider foot. The laces make them adjust to a larger size around than the regular Bikila. But the laces also cinch up snugly around a regular volume, very flat foot like mine. I like the look of the laces and the colors of the ls version, and by cinching the laces, I can still get a comfortable, secure fit. But any lower volume and I think I'd get uncomfortable wrinkles on the top.

The vibram website says that to adjust your muscles to these shoes, wear them for only 1/10th of your regular run for the first two weeks. I thought I could adjust a little faster since I do yoga and tae kwon do barefoot. But, even though my first run felt great, it was definitely DIFFERENT. I could feel my foot bones, across the ball area, spreading out with each footstrike! Cool, but different! I just couldn't bring myself to sprint, I was afraid of damaging something by doing too much, too soon.

So I did a lot of walking and slower jogging instead. Wow. Instead of being the price I pay to get warmed up for a run, the walking and jogging was FUN! More relaxing, uplifting, and grounding, the way a good run feels. It was also a bit of a massage for my feet, which makes me wonder if you also get some circulatory benefits from allowing the natural patterns of pressure to occur between your foot and the the ground.

I went around a mile more than I planned, because I was enjoying myself so much! I also had no soreness the next day, which seems to be unusual at the start.

After a week, I still have trouble getting my toes in the right place when I put them on, but it's worth the effort!

I would highly recommend vffs to anyone. I like the ls best, but go to the store if you can, so you can see the differences in sole structure, fit, and appearance.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

These are the best shoes I have ever owned. Bar none. I am new to running and have struggled a lot with shin splints and even stress fractures. These shoes are the answers to my prayers! I really enjoy running but was frustrated with the pain I kept experiencing. These shoes just feel SO GOOD. It really is incredible. I will never run in another shoe again.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

These may be great for those with high arches, but for us with narrow heels, long toes, and flat feet, the foot splays all over the place with the lace up format and very stretchy top. I have worn VFF's for years (KSO's are awesome on my feet & have actually strengthened my arches), but I bought these for hiking/trail running thinking that the soles might be better & the absence of velcro might mean no more snags. I tried on the strap variety Bikila which felt great, but had to order the unavailable lace-up online. As I was informed in store, the sizing was the same but, alas, the support is not! There is also a piece of rubber that rubs beneath one big toe. BOTTOM LINE: Suggest trying on the exact pair in store & not ordering online in this case. Would recommend to a friend as long as they are aware the shoe is not good for everyone, so to keep foot flexibility in mind before choosing a VFF style.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

As an evolutionist, I was intriqued with the concept of allowing the human body to "take back" its true running form. Before purchasing the Bikila LS, I was running in Nikes (10-12 miles per week) and was developing knee pain.

Rather than live with pain or create damage I went to my local REI and tried on the Bikila (strap) and the Bikila LS (lace up). Undecided, I came back a few days later and tried them on again (I would suggest one try on a pair before buying so one gets a good fit). I finally decided on the Bikila LS as I liked the feel with the Quick Lace closure system.
I did my homework and gradually worked in to these shoes as I knew my feet, ankles, and legs would need to adjust to this new way of running.

While some may adjust more quickly, I gave myself 6 wks to ease in to this running shoe. I found wearing the shoes in my daily activities helped my body to adjust. When I was physically comfortable running my 2 miles I made the leap to 4 miles with ease. I am now running 20 miles a week. Once in a while I will need to stop and tighten the lacing. I don't know if the lacing is loosening a pinch or I didn't lock it down before I started to run. But this is not a significant issue.

Since wearing them for running or walking I have noticed my calves have developed more tone and muscle, no more knee pain, stronger ankles, and a spring in my step. I recently started trail running in these shoes and love the feel of running near "barefoot" in a natural environment. I do avoid large stones and debris but running over gravel, twigs, and small stones is effortless due to the well constructed sole. Because this shoe has strengthened my ankles I do not worry about the uneven ground on the trails.

I have donated my Nikes to the local shelter and will never go back to a traditional running shoe. I am sold on the shoe, its performance, and the philosophy.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

I spent two weeks researching barefoot running shoes. This included reading articles, contacting friends that were avid barefoot runners, and talking to people at REI that owned these types of shoes. I learned about the concerns as well as the praises of the shoes. My biggest concern was how these shoes would fit with a former ballerina with bunions, since all of the barefoot enthusiasts looked to have "perfect" feet. I have had running shoes "professionally" recommended, yet they were just as bad (or good) as the clearance ones I found at [...] (with a hefty price difference). First off, let me point out that I never planned on running a marathon in the five finger running shoes, I just wanted to run in the gym, do yoga, elliptical etc. They were not intended to be "hard core" by any means. I took the plunge and ordered the shoes off line, after trying on several pairs at REI (the ones I wanted were not available in my size at the store). I have only had them for a week and have not worked out in them so I cannot comment on their longevity or how they feel under that intensity, but I can say that after wearing them everyday (walking, playing with my god-son, grocery shopping, visiting friends, etc…) they are the most comfortable shoes I have owned. Furthermore, the pressure that I felt on my bunions in other shoes is alleviated AND my arches have great support (which my feet naturally are forced to provide). I am not claiming that they are a bunion cure all or the greatest arch support, but after all of my research I was annoyed that I could not find one review from a cranky ballerina with imperfect feet that wanted great shoes to walk, run, and do yoga in. So, I'm taking the chance. These shoes may not work for everyone, but when they do work… they are perfect. Go into REI, try them on, and if they feel like the most natural sock that you want to bounce, run, play in.. give them a try. What's the worst that could happen? If you hate them, you return them. But if you love them, you may have found the shoes of your feet's dreams. Sincerely, A cranky, former ballerina with bunions…and currently very happy feet.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

I have been interested in toe shoes for the past year or so, and have done a lot of research on Vibram Fivefingers before actually buying them. This was my first pair of vff's and I am astounded by them. I had really liked the idea of laces on the bikila ls. I had actually looked into Vibram Fivefingers speed, which have legitimate shoe laces, but it's only available in Europe. So I was delighted to find a similar shoe, the bikila ls.

First off, I know vff's are made for the barefoot running experience, but I'm not much of a runner. I didn't buy these shoes for that reason. I bought them for hiking and rock climbing. I wore them gradually around for a week or so, and quickly fell in love with them. Similar to moccasins, you can feel everything you walk on.

Taking them on a rock climbing trip, I first climbed with my tennis shoes, then with these. I instantly felt a difference. It's like these shoes were just made for the rock, gripping to it with ease. I could step on a small foothold I wouldn't have dared tried with my other shoes. I could feel how the rock laid and how strong it was. Perfect for climbing.

Best thing about the bikila ls is its adjustability and its lightweight. With the laces and vff's tread that wraps up the toes, these shoes can fit about anybody. The toes can stretch to varying toe length with the tread that wraps up, and the laces can adjust to any width or arch size. The bikila ls also weighs practically nothing, allowing you to have more endurance, speed, and agility. Also, they're machine washable, grips well even when wet, and dries quickly. I imagine they'd be perfect for kayaking or rafting, but I have yet to test it.

The only bad thing about being thin and lightweight is that there isn't as much protection as regular shoes. I've stubbed my toes a lot with these, accidentally getting your feet stepped on is not fun, walking over a rock on the sidewalk is kind of painful, and your feet are guaranteed to get wet if there's puddles outside. These shoes are also not the warmest, and while climbing, I worried about tearing them on the rock. They held up fine to scuffs and catches, but not sure at what point they would tear.

Service and delivery comments:

These shoes weren't available in my local store, and I wasn't sure on the sizing, so I tried on the bikila as a reference before ordering my shoes online. I had them delivered to the store for free shipping, and received an email when they came in. Good service overall.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

i absolutely love the LS version of the bikilas.... i was slighlty skeptical of the "laces" but it is actually easy and secure. it does have a "looser" feel than my treksports but i dont mind, running feels great and i look forward to extending my mileage on these.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

Obviously, based on the reviews, people love these shoes. As do I. My review is to help you find the right size.

I wear a size 6 shoe, regular width. My foot measures exactly 9 inches, which is in between two sizes. I bought the regular bikila in 37 (sizing up), which ended up being slightly too long but still manageable when running. The shoes were hard to put on but once on, very comfortable.

Based on my friend's recommendation, I exchanged them for a size smaller and switched to the LS model. I must say, I was happy before but now I am ecstatic about these shoes. The quick laces make it much easier to put on the shoes since you have more room to insert your feet. The lacing also allows for variation on foot width, such as feet swelling from heat or heavy exercise.

So, if you're in between 2 sizes, I'd recommend sizing down, not up.

I'm usually all about aesthetics, and although weird looking, the quirky look of the shoe is a small price to pay for such an amazing pair of shoes in which to run. Good bye, knee pain. Hello, better cardiovascular health.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

I LOVE THESE! If I thought it were socially acceptable and that these shoes would last forever, I would wear them all the time. I started out last year with a pair of the Sprints, and while I really wanted to love them, they were very uncomfortable and one step on a rock and I was done. These shoes are totally different and so much better. They have little treads on the bottom that are great for traction (remind me a bit of climbing shoes in its grip) but that also really diffuse pain from landing on rocks.

I have had these shoes for about two months and have been using them primarily as running shoes. I just moved home from college, and in my rural hometown there are a lot of gravel/rocky roads. I was excited to test these shoes on them, because at college I was mostly on either paved road or dirt path (which was great, btw). At the end of my run yesterday down a steep hill with up to fist-sized rocks, I did spin a little out of control as I tried to dodge the biggest rocks, but I definitely didn't get any crippling pain when I landed on one anyway. Probably best to use these shoes on smoother terrain, but they can handle it.

My 4 little toes are a bit shorter than average I think, so that helps a lot as far as fit with these shoes. My toes never jam up against the material or cause pain. When you first get these shoes, definitely don't do too much in them. When I got my Sprints I took them out on a 6 mile run after wearing them around the house for a day. Poor decision. Even if your feet are used to the wear of the shoes, your calves aren't used to the workout of wearing them. If you have never used barefoot running shoes before, your calves will definitely be working harder than they are used to in these shoes. I could barely walk my calves were so tight. So just do yourself a favor and start with one or two miles before you step it up. (this is hard to do because these shoes will make you feel super hardcore, fast, and excited to run).

Basically, buy them. It's totally worth it, and your feet and leg muscles will thank you for it as you strengthen them by running in these shoes. Just really make sure before you leave the store that there's nothing funky with the seaming that might stab you later. REI will let you return but you should save them the trouble and the cost and be thorough in checking the shoes before you run in them.

Service and delivery comments:

The man in the store who helped me find these shoes was extremely helpful. The excellent staff is a large part of the reason why I always trust REI with my big outdoors purchases. The other part is the generous return policy for members.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS Running Shoes - Women's:

This is my second pair of VFF with my first being the sprint in the mary jane style. I had to go with those because of my high arch. They were not good in winter for walking given the open style. I was excited to see the Bikila LS with the lace style to allow for my high arch. I went to REI and tried them on in the store in the same size as the Sprint. They do feel roomier but I am happy about that as I expect to use them hiking in addition to my usual road walking and want to be able to add a sock if need be.
I have had issues in the past with runner's knee (which is why I don't run anymore) and also with heel pain. I have neither of these since moving to the VFF shoes. I'm sure I will add more to my list as time goes on and they make improvements. I would love a 'winter' model that was warm enough to wear in the New England winters. I plan to use the Bikila LS hiking in Maine in June so that will put them to the test of tougher terrain. I'm sure they will be great!