Get you some Five-Fingers son!

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I do some running which is how I came across Vibram Five Fingers and I saw their "Flow" shoes. They are five fingers with a neoprene upper. Five fingers are "barefoot" running shoes. They fit like really good socks and have a flexible rubber sole to protect your feet. The Flow in particular are made for trudging through streams and whatnot.

I finally got to test mine out while kiteboarding at the ocean on Saturday and it worked fantastic. No worrying about twigs, glass, hot sand, whatever. And I just wore them right in the ocean to kiteboard. I wouldn't have wanted to go barefoot because my feet get cold and I'm a wuss but the five fingers kept them warm enough that I didn't need to switch to booties and I didn't once have to worry about where I was stepping on the beach. Even if you don't want to wear them while boarding or you want to switch to thicker booties they are a great shoe for wearing while setting up/tearing down.

I realize his probably sounds like it belongs in the industry section but I don't work for them. This is just a kiters experience with some gear that made his life easier.

Here is a link: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Flow-Mens.htm

Edit: Oh and I had to get mine at the REI downtown. Not many places in the area have the Flow model.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

the footstraps will wear out the neoprene uppers in quick time.
I've heard reports that they won't last more than a few sessions before you'll see holes in the uppers.
get back to us and report the long-term wear after you've used them for 10, 20, 50 sessions.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Oh interesting. Never thought of that. Will do.

ldhr · Since 21 Jul 2009 1489 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

if they do prematurely wear out - REI (return every item) will probably give you a new pair for free.

Cece · Since 16 Nov 2008 9 Posts Kook

I used them all winter in La Ventana and in 2008 and they don't even look used barely mainly cause im not running with them. There is a giant gash on the bottom and that would have been my foot. Came away with 0 injury and treated at least 10 people with food injury due to reef cuts. Five fingers are awesome! Lost a pinky toenail tho. Oh well it grew back right away. LOL!

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

I'm on 3 sessions with them so far and I love them for kiting. So far no visible signs of wear. I haven't done any launches that are sketchy for your feet yet but I bet they are killer for that. Also they are much more comfortable to wear than booties.

tstansbury · Since 06 Jun 2006 649 Posts Rowena and P.C Addicted

I have the mesh ones I have wore them all last year and they still look great. I wanted some foot protection but no warmth during the summer. I ride them on strapless surfboards they have great feel on the board.

C Johnson · Since 17 Apr 2009 854 Posts Seattle Opinionated

are you guys able to keep sand out of them?

I figured sand would give you blisters between your toes.

I have a pair of the mesh ones and I hate wearing booties but kite at a lot of beaches that have sharp shells and barnacles. would like to get the perks of riding barefoot so I can keep my feet in the straps without cutting up my feet

Interested to hear what you think.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Sand will get in them, it happens. I just take them off some after I come in and rinse them out then put them back on. As long as I keep too much from getting in there before I go out it seems to not be a bother while I'm on the water.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Jun 13, 11 1:22 pm

I generally steer clear of those that brag about being able to take five fingers.

just saying

Pepi · Mon Jun 13, 11 6:06 pm

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Macboy · Since 28 May 2011 32 Posts Edmonton, AB, Canada

Does that strap on the Flows interfere or give any pressure from kiteboard footstraps?

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

There's two straps one behind the heel and one over the top of the foot. The top of the foot one doesn't interfere. I can't say for certain because I didn't bother to notice but I think it might say above the board foot strap. Even if it doesn't its wide and flat enough that the pressure isn't an issue. I haven't noticed it at all.

toddjb · Since 16 Oct 2007 271 Posts MD Obsessed

Has anyone tried the "KSO"

Looks like the non-insulated model that would work in warmer climates. Was curious about the heel strap on the KSO, though, which has no velcro. Instead, it looks like a piece of ribbing from the heel is connected to the over-top velcro closure. Think it'd hold on in a wreck?

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

Not sure. If you are worried about the insulated ones getting too hot or something I wouldn't. I wear them to the gym when they aren't wet and play racket ball in them and they work just fine. They are definitely better than nothing on your feet but they are not anything close to regular booties.

Macboy · Since 28 May 2011 32 Posts Edmonton, AB, Canada

Tried on both the KSO and the Flows Saturday and found the KSOs way easier to get in and out of (it's a weird sensation trying to focus your mind enough to spread your "ring" toe from the rest LOL). That said, the Flows seem like the better choice for me since I'll only be using them in the water and we're COLD up here all the time. Felt great, nice and supportive (surprised me) and look quite well made. Felt foreign for the first few minutes but then I got used to it. Took a LONG time to get my toes in all their little pockets.

Didn't buy them but only because the lineups were stupid long and I'm self-employed so I can go in on a weekday.

Even in the store where people have seen them on the rack you get funny looks walking around in them ; )