Vibram 5 fingers shoes

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What do you guys think of these? I think they are neat and the concept is great, but even though it says you can wear them hiking, I would worry about needle sticks. But then how protective are any soft sided shoe?

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

No, I wouldn't recommend them for work. They offer absolutely no protection from spills/body fluids or something dropped on top of cloth/mesh part. It may seem kinda of counterintuitive but they are actually more uncomfortable on regular indoor surfaces vs. outdoors. The company's shoe instructions recommend you start wearing them for an hour or so a day at home, then transition to walking, and then finally running in them.

Here is a link about barefoot running for those that have never considered/tried it. http://www.sportsci.org/jour/0103/mw.htm

if you wear anything but solid leather or leather substituted shoes you probably wont have much protection from spills or needle sticks. I use them for hiking and running and love them, but i defiantly would not use them in a hospital.

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I like the idea of these shoes but they are kinda expensive. Are there any other brands that might be cheaper? I don't want to spend $100 on the shoes and then hate them. :)

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do understand, your feet are connected to the legs, which are connected to the hips, which are connected to the back. NEVER skimp on the good shoes. they will save you from a lot of back pain.

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I have a pair of Vibrams and love them for feeling like I'm barefoot, but I bought them after reading quite a bit about them helping plantar faciitis. I found that my heel spurs hurt worse as I wore these - no cushion at all. I wore them almost 6 months before having to stop. Has anyone else had this problem?

I'm still looking for a good shoe after trying several!

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Specializes in ER, ICU, SICU,(Critical Care).

I worked with a N.P in ER that wore them. No one said anything and he loved it. I bought a pair, but haven't worn them to work.........hmmmmm?

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Specializes in None yet.

So do white ones exist? Has anyone worn them to work? How about for biking?

Cheers

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Specializes in perioperative.

I have KSOs and Bikilas. I wear them walking, running (to include trail running), indoor rock climbing, and kayaking. THey're great. Perfect for the gym. I love them for running- I'm a severe over pronator, have knee & hip issues- and I reduced my aches and pains by about 90%. The alternative is 140$ running shoes which wear out in 6 mos or less.

I don't think I would feel comfortable wearing them at work, esp in the OR.

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Specializes in Adult Acute Psych Inpatient.

Love the idea of these, but don't think I can wear them. I have a Grecian foot (second toe longer than big toe), and they wouldn't accommodate :(

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I have a Grecian foot with a second toe a bit longer and wear Vibram Five Fingers and love em. I have been wearing KSOs for running for about a year, and they have been great I bought a green funky color pair, and actually just bought a pair of Bikilas and intend to try them at work (floor nurse). We'll see how it goes, but I dont think having a second toe longer than the big toe is a limiting factor from my personal experience.

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i asked at the ltc that i work at and they had to find the shoes first before they could give me an answer on whether or not i could wear them at work. i was told no, they don't offer adequate protection from being run over or having things dropped on your foot.

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My husband bought these shoes. I find them ugly and creepy looking but he loves them and said he feels like jumping when he has them on. Claims they are super comfy for standing and walking all day...I doubt they would be accepted in a hospital though unless they can make some alternations to make them "safe".He is insisting on buying me a pair but I wouldn't wear them so it's a waste.

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I own a pair and recently took them on a 10-mile hike (I thought it was going to be 1-2 miles so that I'd have a test session). I really enjoyed wearing them, and I felt secure like I wouldn't fall. They helped my toes and feet feel every little bump and crevice in the trail. I did have sore feet afterward, but only for a little while- I soaked and scrubbed my feet in a hot shower afterward.

They did let mud seep into the spaces between my toes, and I don't think they'd protect you at all from hazardous spills at work. I also think they'd be awful for standing long hours on hard floors. Shoes of today seem to be designed to protect your feet from the hard, solid floors that are so unnatural to humans.

I really think they'd lead you to getting hairline fractures, especially if you walk heel-to-toe at work. They have good traction, but I would opt for a cushiony, thick, highly padded shoe.

I would, however, recommend getting a pair and trying them out for exercising and hiking- maybe even running if you have proper form. They're fun and a funky, unusual addition to any shoe collection.

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