Vibram FiveFinger sizing question

Garrett Smith · 10-11-2008, 01:24 PM

OK, so my VFFs came in the mail. They are a size 41, definitely too short for my foot, as my toes were definitely pressing into the end of the toe boxes.

For those of you who have purchased these and can compare the fit to their other shoes, please help me with this size theorizing before I send these back.

FYI, I do plan on wearing them with the Injinji socks--I tried them on WITHOUT the socks and found that they were too short.

I ordered a size 41. The sizing chart here (see the "click here for size conversion" link to a pop-up window, if you forgot) said that was what my 10.5" long foot measurement corresponded to. I thought this was strange, as the same foot length in two other versions of the VFFs corresponds to a 42.

I wear a 10.5 in nearly all of my other shoes, Adidas or Nike. My Adidas OL shoes are a 10.

My initial thought is that a 42 will be just pushing the edge of fitting--then again, like OL shoes, these are tighter-fitting by design. I'm simply trying to avoid having to send back the 42s if/when the socks don't fit in combination.

Any input/experience is appreciated.

George Mounce · 10-11-2008, 02:07 PM

I tried them on at a store after measuring my feet 3 times during the day and coming up with a measurement. At first I thought they were way too small, even after trying them on in the store.

Your toes should press into the end of the toe box, I don't have any experience with the Injinji socks. Wear them walking only for 2-3 weeks before running. Wear them for walking as much as possible. This will stretch them out. Use the velcro on the side. Wash them after this period and they should be good to go. These require breaking in just as much as any other shoe (plus your calves need to be broken in for them as well, you'll feel them for sure once you start running in them).

I wear 11.5s and I got a 44, 45s and 46s were too long (my foot is probably an 11.25 using USA measuring). Ultimately it comes down to your particular feet.

Gittit Shwartz · 10-11-2008, 02:22 PM

So they tend to the smaller side? That's good news, I really wanted VFFs but was afraid their smallest size would be too big for my child size feet...

Patrick Donnelly · 10-11-2008, 03:19 PM

Not sure if this helps, but here's what I wear:

- old Brooks running shoes, size 10.5: these fit snugly, and my foot fills the entire thing.
- cheap K-Mart black leather shoes, size 11: these fit well.
- Nike Zoom Waffles, size 11.5: these are very narrow and long, and fit nicely excluding the extra length in the toes.
- Asics Tai-Chi's, size 11: similar to the Zoom Waffles, but less extra toe-space.
- Rogue Do-Wins, size 10: bit loose in the heel, otherwise awesome
- Adidas Ironwork II's, size 10: far too tight in the toes, pretty loose in the heel, these are brand new and I intend to either resell or return them
- Vibram FiveFinger Sprints, size 44EU: I measured between a 43 and a 44 when I bought these, decided to go a bit larger in case I grew at all; they're a bit long in the toes and have some extra heel sticking out, though once I had worn them for a few weeks, and learned to put them on, this became a nonissue
- Vibram FiveFinger Flows, size 42EU: this time, I measured an exact 42 (equivalent to a 43 Sprint) this time; I think my foot arches may have risen from wearing the Sprints so much, making my feet a bit shorter; the shoes fit snugly and my toes near entirely fit the boxes, with no excess heel - a real great fit

Garrett Smith · 10-12-2008, 07:02 PM

Thanks, George and Patrick.

I just don't think that a 41 plus the socks will work, mainly due to my toes already pressing into the toe box without any socks on. I also really didn't like the toe pressure at all--that was a dealbreaker, even if they stretched out a little bit.

That being said, I think another 1/4 inch in the length will take the pressure off (it simply seemed that they were too short for my comfort and I don't want to break them in only to find they still don't fit and are then un-returnable), in addition to possibly still leaving my toes against the ends of the toe boxes or only a little room to spare.

Patrick, your feedback (I had read it on your site before) is very helpful, considering we are close in foot size.

George, thanks for letting me know that they will stretch out and to take it easy for the first couple of weeks in them. That makes me much more comfortable only going up to the 42.

Now I need to go try on the socks before I send the package back...

Patrick Donnelly · 10-13-2008, 11:22 AM

If you're going to get more Injini socks, go through REI.

They've got more options, give you a 10% discount when you buy 3 or more pairs, and have the option of doing free shipping to a local REI for pick-up.

Joe Hart · 10-13-2008, 11:41 AM

Not to be a smart ass...Make sure your toenails are trimmed. When my nails get long it makes my toes feel like they are scrunched. I have 41s (my feet are 10-10.5) and they fit good. In the beginning they felt snug on my toes, but now they are great. I would wear them all the time, but I have to wear steel toed boots for work. Now that they have the Flows out I think I might be set for winter with some toe socks of course. I would see if you can test ride 42s before sending the 41s back. Is it all your toes hitting or just one?

Garrett Smith · 10-13-2008, 12:27 PM

All of my toes are hitting the ends, even when I'm not standing in them.

Standing created an uncomfortable tension in my feet--now that I know they stretch out a bit, I still feel like they'd be too short.

Once they fit, I'm sure I'd love to wear them all day, I simply don't think my patients would understand...that's what my future Vivo Barefoots ($150...geez!) or Sanuks will be for...

Joe Hart · 10-13-2008, 03:55 PM

I get alot of funny looks from the Scadanavians here in MN. But I also get alot of people asking me about them. Mine are grey so they don't stand out as much. I like them alot better than shoes.

George Mounce · 10-13-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Hart

I get alot of funny looks from the Scadanavians here in MN. But I also get alot of people asking me about them. Mine are grey so they don't stand out as much. I like them alot better than shoes.

I have the red ones, mainly I get this in the south...

"What the hell..."