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VFF Bikila Unboxing and First Run

5/19/2010

11 Comments

 
Vibram Five Finger Bikilas
So I've been running either barefoot or in my Vibram Five Finger KSO's for over a year now and I was pretty excited when I heard about the new VFF Bikilas that were specifically made for running. Unfortunately, I heard about them many months ago from BirthdayShoes.com and learned I had a long time to wait before I could get my hands on a pair. My KSO's were holding up fine until about two weeks ago, when the worn down, paper-thin forefoot of the right shoe developed a small hole. I knew that if I kept running, the hole would exponentially get bigger and the shoe would tear to shreds in another couple of weeks. I'm doing the Brooklyn Half Marathon through the New York Road Runners this Saturday morning, and there could've been problems had the soles disintegrated mid-race.

LUCKILY, the new VFF Bikilas just hit the stores, and I was able to order a pair of the red and white ones online two days ago through CitySports.com (great store, by the way). Somehow, they arrived arrived today, even though I used the free shipping method (it's good to live in NYC - it's a major shipping hub.) I unboxed them and they felt a bit stiffer than my well-worn in KSO's. I was very skeptical about this since my goal is to find a shoes that will do the bare minimum of protecting my feet from the elements - the thinner the better. I did really like the color scheme, and thought the podded soles looked pretty cool.

I had to order a size larger than my KSO's since they fit a bit snug, but they actually felt a bit loose from when I tried them in the store two weeks ago. Uh oh. There's ample room in the toes, and the heel isn't as snug as I'm used to, which is my fault in ordering the M46's instead of the M45's. There was only one way to see if I had made a mistake in my sizing, and if all the hype surrounding them was warranted: I had to go for a run!

From being unboxed to the ten minute walk to Central Park, the Bikilas were only breathing NYC air for maybe 15 minutes before I took my first strides in them. The verdict:




...Wait for it...




WOW! While they may have felt a bit loose while walking around, they fit perfectly once I began running. The extra padding on the forefoot limited the feeling I had with the ground, which may upset some more hardcore barefoot runners, but it allowed me more freedom to "fall" froward as I ran (read up more about the Pose-->Fall-->Pull here.) I also felt I was using the ground reaction force and the natural spring in my foot to run more efficiently and faster, which felt awesome. I was a bit worried that the extra padding vs. my paper-thin KSO's would negatively affect my Pose form, so I made conscious efforts throughout the run to check in with myself to see if I was still "pulling" my foot off the ground and that my GCM (general center of mass) was landing over my forefoot.

My plan was to only run four miles at a moderate pace to train for the upcoming half marathon, but I just felt so friggin' amazing that I kept going for an extra mile, opting to include the southern tip of the Central Park loop instead of cutting across at 72nd St. My form felt great, my breathing was steady, and all I wanted to do was go faster and faster. It was an amazing feeling, very different than what I thought would happen (I'm pretty skeptical about new, hyped-up products.) I actually sprinted, straight-up sprinted, uphill for the last minute just to see how my feet would react, and let me tell you: it felt awesome! My form was perfect, and the Bikilas pulled up effortlessly from the ground. The five plus miles over the forty minute run (probably 7:45 or so pace) flew by, and I had an extremely fun time running them in my new shoes (when was the last time you had that much FUN running?)

I even stopped for a minute to talk to another runner who was wearing the green and white Bikilas. He only had good things to say about them too. I think Vibram may have a best seller on their hands.

By no means do I get paid to endorse VFF's (I wish I did), but take this review as you will. The more rigid forefoot might not be an improvement in the eyes of some people, but after just one run in them, I'm a believer. Good job Vibram Five Fingers!

If you live in the NYC area and are new to barefoot or minimalist running or just want to improve your running form, check out the running clinics over at Barefoot Benny Personal Fitness. Just because you're running barefoot or in VFF's, you may not necessarily be running in the most efficient way possible - your joints may still be taking a beating.

Please enjoy the pictures below of the unboxing and first time putting them on (I think my cat Brady likes them as much as I do!)
Vibram Five Finger Bikilas soles
Vibram Five Finger Bikilas without socks
Picture
Vibram Five Finger Bikilas with Injinji socks
11 Comments
Robert Ingersoll
5/19/2010 01:13:20 pm

Thanks for the quick review and pics! I'm torn between the red or green model myself.

Reply
Austin
5/23/2010 02:46:36 am

have you had problems with the tpu toe protection on top peeling off? i ordered a green pair probably the same day you did, and ive only had them for about 3 days and its already half gone on the right pinky toe...im probably just going to get some waterproof glue and glue it back down.

Reply
dani
5/23/2010 04:13:23 pm

lol cool, but sorry they sound like pieces of junk, i have read a bunch reviews and many people report that their shoes are falling apart. i dont think i'll waste my hard earned money on them. i dont have money to throw around on shoes that i need super glue for after a few days of use rofl...no thanks vff!

Reply
Nathan link
5/23/2010 08:08:12 pm

Waiting for my Bikilas in a W42 to show up so I can use them in a half on the weekend. Great to hear your review.

Reply
Barefoot Benny link
5/23/2010 11:13:40 pm

Dani and Austin, that's unfortunate that you've heard that the Bikilas aren't made well. Luckily mine have held up just fine so far, though I'd exchange them in a heartbeat for a new pair if they started falling apart so soon. I'll be sure to give you an update on the condition of them after a few more weeks.

Nathan, good luck on your half next weekend!

Reply
dani
5/24/2010 06:21:32 am

yes updates would be great.

Reply
Mike
6/21/2010 05:40:04 pm

So would you recommend getting a size larger in the Bikila than the KSO? I absolutely love my KSOs and my girlfriend loves her Bikilas, but I'm not sure if I should order them a size larger as their is no local VFF vendor deep in South Texas. Thanks in advance.

Reply
Barefoot Benny link
6/21/2010 11:12:50 pm

Mike, sizing is tricky with VFF's, but for me going up a size seems to have worked well. If possible, order a pair in your KSO size and another in one size up, and just return whichever doesn't fit as well. It may cost you extra in shipping, but it's important to find the right fit. God luck, and enjoy them!

Reply
val
7/17/2010 04:46:10 pm

Mike, curious where you're at because I too am in what I refer to as "deep south texas". I'm in the Rio Grande Valley (cant' get much deeper south than that!). You? I have only met two other VFF wearers where I live and I constantly get stopped when I wear the classics (that I am borrowing) out for a run. Pondering if I'm ready to take the leap and order myself a pair of Bikilas or not....

Reply
Steven
1/4/2011 09:24:30 am

The KSO's have been great to run in but I have had some problems on the treadmill as I am a heavy stepper and the padding on the KSO is not really padding. The Bikila's sound like an obvious (and necessary) evolution. My girlfriend got me a pair, like sized to my KSO's, and while I got into them, I had a cramp in my foot after less then 30 minutes walking around. I was checking this blog to see if I am not alone. I second B Benny on the KSO size and one up. For me it is one up.

Reply
Barefoot Benny link
1/4/2011 11:45:44 pm

Steve, if you are stepping heavily, you are doing something wrong. I don't care how big you are or how much you weigh - if running in proper form, your footsteps will be light and fast. Check out my links to Pose running on the "Running" page, and feel free to ask me any questions. Cheers!

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