Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

This is a phenomenal shoe with a couple of critical problems that, if fixed, would render it the world's best close-toe water shoe. The previous reviews are accurate - the toes are tight. I have extremely long, narrow toes (and I mean useful for choking folks in bar fights), so I don't notice the tightness quite as much as the previous reviews suggest, but the toe housings are very snug. For me, this seems to be better than bad for watersports, where open space and flexibility usually = chaffing. The inner stitching of the neoprene will leave marks on your skin - the whole shoe will fit snugly as this is how neoprene works; if you want a soft or loose fit, this is a very suboptimal shoe.

The biggest problem is the finger-pull loop stitching, which needs to be redesigned. It's the same as on the KSO models, but the difference is in the Flow's neoprene uppers - the tightness around the ankles at the rim of the shoes becomes most apparent where the finger-pull loop meets the Achilles tendon. Circulation will be completely cut off if you have narrow ankles, which cause the pressure of the hind rim of the shoe to focus on the narrow edge of the Achilles. This becomes even worse when wearing the shoes for what they're intened - in and around water. The 2mm neoprene is likely the best material for a constantly wet shoe, but the thread used to stitch the loop across the inner back of the shoe rim is standard and acts like sandpaper, much more quickly when wet.

I'm still working on developing callouses in this area, thus being able to use this shoe (Vibram doesn't offer the watersport-optimal Idrogrip tread in ANY other Five Fingers model/color). I think it's rediculous for this shoe, the only real Five Fingers WATERshoe, to have such a critical glitch in design, and one that enough other water shoes have already committed!

I like like the rubber guard on top of the big toe, not to be found in other models (though the small joint slice taken out of it for flexibility is unnecessary given the good flexibility of the rubber guard itself, and the edges of the slice can get caught on sharp gravel/rocks). All in all, you can give them a try, but be ready to take advantage of a return policy in case any of the flaws prove too problematic for continued use.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I purchased and use these shoes for barefoot running, walking & hiking in Portland's rain soaked winter. I really like the barefoot feel, extreme grip and "instant ninja" feel. However I'm disappointed by how tight the toes are. The hope was the neoprene would provide some thermal protection for winter however since the toes are so tight, my circulation is reduced and my toes get cold and numb. (As a comparison my Vibram Treks plus Injinji socks keep my feet toasty with temp the low 30's - as long as they are dry.)

Another problem with these shoes is the drying time. Portland is wet and neoprene is sponge like so the shoes stay wet a long time.

If you find the toes fit you I certainly recommend these.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I was so excited about getting these [...] I loved them. I've had them for about to months and have ran in them twice and worn them just around 6 times tops, so they are brand new. And they are already wearing badly, and falling apart, I have in no way shape or form been hard on them... Such a bummer...

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

These are the ideal FiveFingers for swimming. I own pairs for all uses in everyday and outdoor life. Unlike the marketing that targets these toward cold and wet weather, I have found that these are horrible for rainy/wet/wintery days. The water sinks right in to the neoprene and you end up with a soggy, wet foot. However, these are perfect as a complement to a wet suit or for better traction & protection in any underwater situation. I have worn these both to the ocean and in pools. They're great in pools for gaining traction against the hard, rough pool floors. They're fantastic for ocean wear, since they'll keep your feet protected from underwater dangers (especially the soles).

I am a size 40 in classics and ordered the same for these. I found that they were too tight in the toes for everyday wear, as others have mentioned. However, when the neoprene is soaked in water, I find that the toes are far less constricting. These really are meant to be used underwater! Buy a pair for swimming and rate it for swimming--it's the best for that!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I was pleased and relieved to find that my fellow reviewers found the same issues I am experiencing. First off, I found the big toe socket was way too narrow. It borders on painful just getting it worked in. Second, the remaining toe sockets seem entirely too short. I can feel my toes jammed to the point that they stay curled up. I strongly feel that I did the fit measurement the right way as I even added an extra 1/4" to be sure. Its like they used the model foot of someone with the smallest toes they could find when these were designed. Vibram has a good concept here, they just need to go back to the drawing board on these.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

First off they fit great...true to size using their sizing chart. The toes are all good. Bought these for kiting over coral reefs and now I will not go without them. They have saved me from cuts so many times. Bought a second pair and rotate them and very happy. If you ever have needed to walk on sharp rocks then these things are great. Takes a few days to get used to them but quickly fell in love. Highly recommended

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

The other reviewer covered this and I thought it might not cause me trouble. I own 3 other pairs of different models of Vibram 5 Fingers so I am used to wearing this style of shoe. I wear size 43 in other 5 Finger models. I had just taken off a perfectly fitting pair of KSO Treks to try these on.

This model is VERY tight for me. I would recommend trying them on before purchase if possible. If you go with a larger size they will be too long.

If these had larger toe pockets, I would buy again. I am exchanging this pair for another model of 5 Fingers.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

More-or-less writing this in response to the issues other reviewers have mentioned. The toe fit is, of course, completely subjective. With my pair (size 41) and my feet I've found that while the toes were initially constricting, this lessened over a scant one week break-in and is now barely noticeable. The neoprene is still snug and the seams leave marks on my feet, but I'm still quite comfortable.

As for the achilles tendon issue, this is easily solved by tightening the heel strap such that the finger-pull loop is slightly offset, thus the problematic stitching never makes contact with the achilles tendon.

Granted these are both issues that vibram should address, but there is no such thing as a perfect shoe and IMO these minor defects do not detract much from the overall quality of the product.

One legitimate issue I did have (and have had on a pair of treks as well) is the toe fabric separating from the sole over a relatively short period of time. Having experienced this before, I watched for it and, at the first sign of separation, reinforced the factory seal with a thin layer shoe goo. That seems to have resolved that issue as well.

As for performance, I've only used these as everyday shoes thus far, although I plan to take them snow running in the winter for testing purposes (when it gets too cold for my KSO treks). I bought them due to the neoprene being the more suitable fabric for colder weather, and thus far have been quite comfortable in them in temperatures down to 40 degrees F with a light wind and no socks. The tread has held up fine, despite being ground against many miles of pavement/sidewalk per day. Traction is solid, the KSO-style sole gives you much more traction on smoother/wet surfaces than some other VFF models.

So 4/5 for me. Not perfect, but I was looking for a VFF that could hold up to lots of walking in colder weather, and that's exactly what I got. Given the performance I've experienced over the last few months, I have no doubt that they'll hold up to snow-running as well. If you can afford to break the toes in (assuming a decent if not ideal initial fit) and expend a little effort in maintenance/problem solving, I think you'll be satisfied.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I already own a pair of the leather KSO Trek's and I love them. However I needed something different my water adventures so I thought I'd try the Flow. Everyone else hit the nail on the head. This model has extremely constricting toes; going up in size only makes the toes too long. Other than that I would definitely buy them, but it's so uncomfortable. I would not recommended this model to anyone.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers Flow Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I bought these to help develop ankle stabilizers and trim down my shirt distance times. It did both very well. Without heavy motion control running shoes, I trimmed my mile time down by almost a minute within the first month, cut my average 5k time down by several minutes. Noticeable increase in effectiveness of my ankle and knee stabilizers, as well as an increase in calf engagement while running. Excellent choice to incorporate into a cross training regimen.

The farthest I have run in these is 5.4 miles. On pavement. Feet were a little sore the next day, but I routinely run between 1-4 miles in them and feel nothing.

These shoes are not for everyone. If you are not a runner and looking for something fashionable go buy something else. I agree that the toes and shoes themselves are snug, but I like that, and they do wear in after a few miles. I wear the toe socks with these and have never had a problem with blisters, or heel slippage, etc. Only criticism is that the straps rub against the grommets that they loop through, and eventually wear them out to the point that they snap. This happened at about week 50 of owning them, and REI replaced them for free. Yaaaaay REI!