--- product_id: 19146479 title: "Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort" brand: "vibram" price: "Β₯6968" currency: JPY in_stock: false reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.jp/products/19146479-vibram-mens-fivefingers-el-x-barefoot-casual-shoes-for-everyday store_origin: JP region: Japan --- # 3mm minimalist sole for natural ground feel Breathable knit upper for all-day airflow XS Trek rubber for superior urban traction Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort **Brand:** vibram **Price:** Β₯6968 **Availability:** ❌ Out of Stock ## Summary > πŸ‘Ÿ Step into freedom with every stride β€” minimalist comfort meets urban edge! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort by vibram - **How much does it cost?** Β₯6968 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Currently out of stock - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.jp](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/19146479-vibram-mens-fivefingers-el-x-barefoot-casual-shoes-for-everyday) ## Best For - vibram enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted vibram brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Feel Every Step:** Ultra-thin 3mm sole delivers a barefoot experience that keeps you grounded and agile. - β€’ **Grip with Confidence:** Durable XS Trek outsole offers slip-resistant traction on city streets and indoor surfaces. - β€’ **Tailored Toe Freedom:** Zero-drop design with individual toe pockets promotes natural foot alignment and flexibility. - β€’ **Effortless Slip-On Style:** Stretchy knit collar provides a secure, glove-like fitβ€”no laces, no hassle. - β€’ **Breathe Easy, Move Freely:** Lightweight knit upper ensures ventilation and comfort from errands to travel. ## Overview The Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X redefines casual footwear with a breathable knit upper and a minimalist 3mm sole that delivers a barefoot feel. Engineered with XS Trek rubber for reliable traction, zero-drop geometry, and individual toe pockets, these slip-on shoes combine ergonomic design with urban-ready durability for all-day comfort and natural movement. ## Description This upgrade to a popular style merges the slip-on comfort of a soft, knitted upper combined with a grippy, minimalist outsole. The 3 mm XS Trek outsole provides an optimal balance of traction and durability on varied terrains. The EL-X provides quality ground feel for those looking for a minimalist experience, and is ideal for casual, everyday use. For all-day ease, this minimalist style slips on easily and stays comfortable whether you're on the move or taking it easy with a barefoot feel. Provides a great overall performance for multisport, outdoor, and active activities. Its principal characteristics are flexibility and wet traction. Made with an 80/20 polyester/spandex blend, the upper offers breathability and a snug fit that moves naturally with your foot for all-day comfort. EVA provides shock absorption and comfort, reducing impact on the feet and joints. With confidence, we see the world differently. It gives us the lens to see life on our own terms. Vibram is the world leader in the development and manufacturing of high-performance rubber soles for indoor or outdoors. A promise to continue our activities respecting people and the environment and to keep learning and improving what we do. Over 80 years has passed since the creation of the first rubber sole for mountaineering β€œthe Carrarmato”. ## Features - BREATHABLE KNIT UPPER: Constructed with a lightweight, ventilated knit material designed for high airflow. This soft, flexible upper provides a comfortable fit intended for daily errands, travel, and casual all-day wear. - MINIMALIST 3MM SOLE: Features a streamlined 3mm rubber outsole designed for a close-to-the-ground profile. This flexible, low-profile construction provides a lightweight feel for a relaxed, minimalist lifestyle. - VIBRAM XS TREK TRACTION: Equipped with the durable XS Trek rubber compound, engineered for reliable grip and slip-resistance. The specialized tread pattern is designed for traction on urban surfaces, sidewalks, and indoor floors. - ZERO-DROP & INDIVIDUAL TOE POCKETS: Built with a flat, zero-height profile from heel to forefoot and signature individual toe pockets. This specific geometry follows the physical shape of the foot, allowing for independent toe separation within the shoe. - SECURE SLIP-ON ENTRY: Features a stretchy knit collar for a quick and secure slip-on fit without the need for laces. This functional closure provides a snug, glove-like feel that stays in place during light daily activities. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Asin | B0108T2TOW | | Best Sellers Rank | #102 in Men's Cross-Training Shoes | | Date First Available | August 8, 2005 | | Department | mens | | Item Model Number | EL-X-M | | Manufacturer | Vibram | | Product Dimensions | 10 x 5 x 4 inches; 4 ounces | ## Images ![Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61ELFrHIo8L.jpg) ![Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71N2KF9wSqL.jpg) ![Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81YrU7XgsOL.jpg) ![Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61E-1gf-yIL.jpg) ![Vibram Men's FiveFingers EL-X | Barefoot Casual Shoes for Everyday Wear & Comfort - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81PyC5E1P-L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Color, Size** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: wpuld anyone suggest running in these for a more "barefoot" running experience?** A: You can run in these, but they are more intended for casual wear. I would highly recommend finding a pair of Bikilas, Lontras or the new V-Run (apparently the updated version of Bikilas) for running; they have softer and more absorbent insoles and thicker outsoles. The softer insole is also less prone to blisters, although this can be mitigated if you my socks for them, like Injinjis.Transitioning from a standard running shoe to Vibrams is a huge shift and needs to be approached with care. It's recommended that you cut back to about 30% for your normal distance in the beginning, and slowly and gradually build up. That's because you will be developing an entirely new muscle set in your legs. In my experience it shifts more load to below the knee, where most distance running favors the thighs. Without the crutch of thick foam rubber and gel soles to cushion your feet, you will need to train your legs to become your shock absorbers; you either develop a more "bouncing" gait where your calves and knees act like springs or you beat your feet, knees and hips to death on any run over 6 miles. I like running in them better, I feel lighter on my feet and have a better feel for the terrain. I would just caution anybody to ease into the transition. Runners have a tendency to dismiss the "start with 30% and work up slowly over time" rule and think "that only applies to ordinary people, not me." I did, and it applied to me after all. It applies to you, too. Once you make the transition though, I think you'll prefer the experience in Vibrams to standard, traditional running shoes. **Q: How would these fit on an extra wide foot?** A: Yes I wear 4EE and am a woman!!~~ they stretch to fit perfectly. I have been running since 2008 and wearing Fives since 2009 as well as just plain barefoot running mostly. Used to LOVE sprint style and have worn many others over the years. Found El-X in 2016 and am never changing to another style if I can help it. They are so light and like a sock with a rubber sole. So FLEXY!!~ I roll them up and tuck in pockets to run .. love them . **Q: Is it okay to use it without socks and be cool about the condition of its sole in the long term?** A: I've been wearing the El-X as my only shoe for 3 years now, that being said; I ALLWAYS wear socks with these now, they start to stink after only 1 or 2 days without them. I walk at least 10 miles EVERY single day in these, and they consistently last me about 3 months. If you walk less (most people average 1 mile or less a day) they will probably last longer **Q: I have webbed middle toes. Would they still work?** A: I've seen vibram make a pair that's a hybrid of closed toe and finger toe, it looks a lil weird but it just goes off the curvature of the outlinefrom your toes instead of full fingers, it may be a more ideal solution ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A Wonderful Running Experience *by on Reviewed in the United States November 3, 2013* First, a bit about me: I am a barefoot runner, and by barefoot, that's what I mean: no shoes. I've been running this way for about a year and a half, after experiencing my fill of running-related injuries that, as it turns out, appear to have been directly related to those thick, cushioned boat anchors that the salespeople insisted I needed because of my particular foot structure. To be fair, I have a mild case of Morton's toe, but the traditional running shoes were recommended to "correct my pronation" (becoming a barefoot runner tends to make you recognize the silliness of that sort of diagnosis). In any event, I say this only to demonstrate that I have a background with traditional running shoes, then ditched them completely. I didn't do the "minimalist transition to barefoot;" I am doing the barefoot transition to minimalist, because sometimes I just want a little bit more protection under my soles. A wise barefoot guru once told me that if you can run barefoot, you can run in everything, and he's absolutely right.Now, as to the VFF EL-X: I have a pair of size 43 (too large VFF Bikila, sized for me by a running shoe store - my shoe size is a US 10). Then I bought another pair of VFFs whose name I can't recall, sized at an REI salesperson at size 41, and they fit nice and snug, comfortable even with my Morton's toe. I like most everything about them except the lacing system, which tends to bind the top of my foot if I don't get it just so. When I saw the EL-X, with their super-thin soles and no laces, I thought what the heck. I am training for a half-marathon in a few weeks and don't want to run this particular one bare. So, I bought ordered these and they arrived yesterday. Put them on straight away and spent the day in them, just walking around, and they felt great. A bit snug, but new shoes always do. The real test would be on my morning run.Took them out this morning on a hilly 8-miler on mixed pavement, from concrete to chipseal asphalt to graveled roadside, and I have to say, I absolutely loved the run. Was able to maintain the same high cadence that barefoot running encourages, the same leg spring, the same full foot flex, all important components of good barefoot form. I was able to focus less on the conditions and more on the run itself, but still had quite good feel for the road beneath my feet. I finished the run feeling exactly the way you want to feel after a run, refreshed and stronger. I knew I'd finally found the right shoe for those times when I want a bit more foot protection.I highly recommend these for experienced barefoot or minimalist runners. Do NOT buy these shoes if you aren't willing to undergo a lengthy and patient transition period, hopefully guided by an experienced barefooter. These shoes are so unlike a standard running shoe that it's almost a certainty that you'll hurt yourself if you don't do it right. True barefoot running utilizes dormant muscles and connective tissues you never knew you had, and these shoes are an extremely close approximation to that experience. But if you have some barefoot or minimalist miles under your belt, and you want an ultra-thin sole, slip-on ease, and a highly responsive experience, the EL-X is the VFF for you. I'll be ordering a second pair. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ EL-X is the pinnacle of barefoot technology *by on Reviewed in the United States May 15, 2016* I have owned and ran thru 5 pairs of KSO in the past. I was going to get a new pair for the weight room and saw they recently re-launched the original KSO in blackout color scheme for $75. At the end of the day even though I loved the KSO shoes, they were not exactly perfect.I have to say that I am really glad I read the review here stating these as being superior to the KSO in every way. I listened to this advice and you should too.I wear a 44 in KSO and based on the other reviews saying to get these a size up, ordered them in a 46. They were wayyyy too big, basically loose across the bridge with about an extra inch in the heel cup, no way. I returned them for a 44 which is my original KSO size and they fit perfectly. Took about one session of an hour to break them in entirely and now they feel the same every time I put them on.These feel a lot more like what I originally expected from the KSO. The ground feel on these is amazing. They are so light and flexible and strong it is really quite amazing. They breathe so much easier than the KSO and do not absorb nearly as much sweat and funk. The lack of hanging tabs at the heel, tightening strap across the bridge and doubled over fabrics at various points reduces the weight and overall drag on your foot significantly versus the KSO. That being said I would not wear these outside hiking on a trail or playing disc golf or anything of that nature. A stray twig or branch would surely and immediately puncture right thru the very thin material that makes up the body of the shoe. I only wear them inside.I find them perfect for lifting weights, particularly for squats and deadlifts. I work out in them 3 times a week and I clean them in the sink with cold water and a little laundry detergent and set them outside to dry on Saturday.I bought these for $59 and at this price even if they fail and delaminate after a year I would still buy them again. I love everything about the way they feel and function, absolutely perfect. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The ultimate sock shoes! *by on Reviewed in the United States September 25, 2025* These are the ultimate sock shoes. Very flexible like socks but more protection from the ground! I usually get a size 12 men's shoe and the size 12 of these five finger EL=X shoes were too big. I exchanged them for size 11.5 and those fit like a glove!I never wore five finger shoes before this pair of EL-X and wasn't sure how to put them on at first. I watched videos and they gave me hope, but the five finger shoes with laces seem easier to put on than these pull on shoes. At first it took 10 minutes to put on each shoe. I realized why after a couple days-these pull on shoes should not be pulled on. Get your big toe lined up and started but push your foot slowly into the shoe while manipulating your toes into each slot. I can now put each one on in about a minute.I found that my one pair of toe spacers that are more hard plastic than the flexible ones I have do fit over these shoes to stretch out your toes more than these shoes. So, I included a picture so u can see that see how far these toe shoes spread to. ## Frequently Bought Together - Vibram Men's Five Fingers, EL-X Shoe - Vibram Men's Ghost Socks (Pack of 1) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.jp/products/19146479-vibram-mens-fivefingers-el-x-barefoot-casual-shoes-for-everyday](https://www.desertcart.jp/products/19146479-vibram-mens-fivefingers-el-x-barefoot-casual-shoes-for-everyday) --- *Product available on Desertcart Japan* *Store origin: JP* *Last updated: 2026-10-30*