Vibram Fivefingers El-X, Men's Fitness Shoes

These were my first pair of Vibrams so I wasn't sure what to expect. I had tried some on in a shop a few years ago and struggled to get my toes into them. My toes bend over and are not as straight as these shoes would assume everyone's toes are.However, after a bit of fiddling and practice I can now get these on in about 20-30 seconds each one, which isn't that bad. It's not a worry at all for me, even when I'm in a rush.These are extremely lightweight and are perfect for not bulking out your bag. You can scrunch them up and they're not really much different to having a pair of chunky socks in your bag.In terms of performance, they are very comfortable, and you forget you have them on. They let you move more naturally than conventional trainers would and I notice myself using my toes a lot more with balance, running, walking and even walking up and down stairs, gripping the edge of each step as I go.The only slight problem I have with them is that I probably ordered a size too big for me. In some shoes I'm a size 11, in others a 10. I ordered a 10.5 in these but didn't realise you need to buy a smaller size in these as they should be a tight fit. Therefore, the heel on mine is slightly loose on each one of my feet. Not enough to affect the performance of them that much but they're not perfect. I should have ordered a 9.5.Other than that I'm very happy with these. I do get some odd looks sometimes as I have the bright red pair, but it doesn't really bother me. I'd rather have shoes that let me move more naturally and healthily than worry about some people looking at me funny :)

Loves these but haven't been brave enough to go for a run outdoors in them yet. Love wearing them in the gym. Got them when recovering from minor knee surgery last June as I read how they can help correct posture issues and thought I'd try that whilst I'm unable to go out running normally. Not sure if they are delivering better posture but they are so comfortable (without socks) although you do get some suction around the toes. They are also noisy when running on machines or wooden floors. When they get smelly just chuck them in the wash with your clothes, Very quick drying. Meant to try them for windsurfing and at the beach but haven't managed that yet.

I already owned 2 pairs of five fingers including the lightweight Seeya, which I love to run in as they are so comfortable and light, but these are even lighter and more comfortable than the Seeya. Would highly recommend to anyone who's already transitioned to similar shoes but would probably be too minimal for beginners. I transitioned slowly from traditional running shoes in 2011 and haven't been injured since despite doing 90 percent of my runs on pavement. Beginners may be better suited to Vivobarefoot shoes which have a bit more variety and removable cushioned insoles.

I saw a guy at the gym with these & got chatting about how they are great for training in etc, so thought I'd take a chance & buy myself a pair got to say they are very strange once you get them on which does take a bit of time !! But once on they are very comfortable & great to train in but you do get a few strange looks !! So over all a great buy & not to pricy which is a bonus.

Absolutely love my Fivefinger shoes from Vibram. I wear them at every opportunity they are extremely comfortable and pretty hardwearing too. I did experience a toe injury though whilst playing "zorb" football in them but that was my fault. Do follow Vibram's guidelines for getting used to them before putting your feet through their paces though.

Like putting on velour gloves for your feet, it feels great and I absolutely love working out in them.The sole gives you excellent grip no matter the terrain.I was worried they would slip off easily, but those fears disappeared in the first seconds on my first run.Especially delightful if you practice martial arts and need full and precise mobility from your feet (it feels like you're barefoot)The warning I completely disregarded may be cautious, but you should really read a bit into it (it is a bit conservative, but I'm told the experience of getting used to them is gradual for most people).

I'm absolutely gutted with these. Loved the product when I first received them, however they have very rapidly deteriorated! Within the first 2 weeks of wearing them, the sole on both trainers has started to peel away from the 'sock-like' part of the trainer. Having spoke to Vibram directly this should not happen however as I purchased through a third party there is nothing they can do about it.Hugely disappointed

Because there is so much stretch in the matterials the fit is good - except for the ends of the toes which are solid. My big toes push up against this solid end which is a bit uncomfortable, If there was just a bit more give in the toe ends the fit would be perfect.