Frequently Asked Questions

Q: WHAT MATERIALS ARE IN FIVEFINGERS?

The upper is made with a thin, abrasion-resistant stretch polyamide fabric. Our patented Vibram® sole is made from our TC1 performance rubber compound, it’s non-marking and provides excellent grip and ground feel in both wet and dry conditions.

Q: CARE AND CLEANING

Vibram FiveFingers are machine washable. Use gentle, warm water cycle with liquid or powdered detergent. Hang to air dry.

Q: HOW MUCH DO THEY WEIGH?

Men’s size 42:
Classic 5.3 oz. each, 10.6 oz. a pair
Sprint 5.6 oz. each, 11.2 oz. a pair 
KSO 5.7 oz. each, 11.4 oz. a pair
Flow 6.6 oz. each, 13.2 oz. a pair

Women’s size 37:
Classic 4.25 oz. each, 8.5 oz.a pair
Sprint 4.4 oz. each, 8.8 oz.a pair
KSO 4.7 oz. each, 9.4 oz. a pair
Flow 5.6 oz. each, 11.2 oz.a pair

Q: DO YOU MAKE WIDTHS?

FiveFingers use a stretch fabric upper that accommodates most medium and wide widths (up to EEE) comfortably, as our business grows we hope to offer more sizing options.

Q: DO FIVEFINGERS FLOAT?

Only momentarily when dry, once thoroughly wet they lose their buoyancy and will sink.

Q: CAN I USE FIVEFINGERS IN FAST MOVING WATER?

The Sprint, KSO and Flow offer secure hook and loop closures and can be used for a variety of water sports and activities. However, the original FiveFingers Classic should not be used in fast moving water. Because the Classic fits low on the foot, the water current or pressure can pull the product off of your heel.

Q: WILL YOU MAKE ADDITIONAL SIZES?

All products are currently offered in sizes 40-47 for men and 36-42 for women. Smaller or larger sizes are occasionally offered in selected colors/styles.

Q: I WEAR ORTHOTICS. CAN I STILL WEAR VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS?

FiveFingers footwear is designed to promote better foot mechanics— naturally. An orthotic is an assistive device to support your foot’s function and help you compensate for any biological aberrations. If you have an extremely flat foot, you will need to work into wearing your FiveFingers® gradually, as your muscles will need time to adapt and strengthen.

Q: CAN I USE MY ORTHOTICS IN MY FIVEFINGERS

FiveFingers are designed to be worn directly against the sole of your foot. Putting something between the two would defeat their purpose.

Q: MY FEET HURT AFTER WEARING VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS. IS THIS NORMAL?

A minor adjustment period is normal while you are breaking in your feet. This should disappear after a week or two of use. Remember to break your feet in gradually to minimize discomfort.

Q: I WAS TOLD I WAS A PRONATOR. I WAS ALSO TOLD BY SOME EXPERTS TO BUY CERTAIN TYPES OF SHOES FOR MOTION CONTROL. CAN FIVEFINGERS HELP ME OR SHOULD I STEER AWAY FROM THEM?

For some pronators (people whose feet tend to flatten during full weight-bearing exercise) Vibram FiveFingers will be too much of an abrupt change in biomechanics. We always recommend what we call a micro progression into FiveFingers. The too-much-toosoon phenomenon can be a problem for anyone’s foot. In the case of heavy pronators, FiveFingers might not be a wise choice for weight-bearing activities. Pronators will definitely benefit from some focused rehabilitation and foot-specific exercises before wearing any minimalist footwear

Q: HOW CAN I TELL IF MY FEET ARE FLAT?

Look at the arch on the inside of your foot. If you don’t have one, or it is minimal, you have flatter feet.

Q: HOW DO I KNOW IF I AM BUYING AUTHENTIC VIBRAM FIVEFINGERS?

Vibram FiveFingers is having an increasing problem with counterfeit FiveFingers being sold online. We currently do not have any authorized online Vibram FiveFinger dealers in South Africa. FiveFingers will also not be sold on ebay or online auction sites. No authorized retailers of Vibram FiveFingers are allowed to sell our products through online auction sites. Only buy from a reputable Vibram FiveFinger retailer, these can be found listed under our store locator. Not sure how to spot a fake? Click here for more information.