After having a pair of Vibram FiveFingers for a week or so, I’ve worn them around the house and walks with the family after dinner to get used to them. Each time I put them on my toes almost seem to thank me, and slide right into the pockets. My next test was to take them hiking. Now, given the nature of the soles on these things, trails that are rocky are less desirable because you can feel the smallest pebble while wearing FiveFingers. While not a bad thing, it’s definitely something to get used to, namely watching where you set your foot down to avoid feeling that rock very quickly and painfully.
I decided to go where I know the trail pretty well, and that’s Cowles Mountain. While I no longer care for the southern approach up the mountain because of its popularity, I knew it was short and easy. After filling a CamelBak and mentally preparing myself to accomplish this, I set out. I had to park pretty far down the hill in order to get a spot and once at the start of the trail, I set my phone to begin tracking my progress up the hill.
First thing I noticed is that you cannot go charging up a hill like I usually do when I’m wearing sneakers. After you get used to consciously placing your feet on the ground, you learn to move a little faster. I trailed behind a few hikers who likely thought I was stalking them because followed them for about a half mile before passing them. I wasn’t sure I could pass them and reasonably keep up the speed in order to avoid holding them up, so I followed. Checking my phone at the half-way point I noticed I was going about 25min/mile, just slightly slower than my normal pace. Then I made it to the summit to discover that it had only taken me 3 minutes longer than my current best time of 30 minutes from the start to the summit.
I took a few minutes to rest, check into Foursquare and post a pic on Twitter:
Then I headed back down to my car. I heard more than one comment about the FiveFingers after I passed by several people. No one said anything to me directly, I think most people are still getting used to the idea of them. Either way I finally made it to the bottom and to my car. My feet were telling me that I had gone a little too far this time and were in mild revolt. Once I got home and took off the FiveFingers my feet eventually forgave me. I’m sure with a little more trial and error on my part getting used to wearing them it’ll go easier next time. But these shoes have definitely replaced my flip-flops.