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They are supposed to mimic barefoot running which is better for you for exactly the reasons stated above. People that switch to them from shoes seem to love them, but the hard core barefoot runners who have tried them all seem to feel like they force your toes into an unnatural spread which throws your mechanics off (however slightly). I got a treadmill and I run barefoot...problem solved.
I got a pair of TrekSports. Best thing Iv'e bought for my feet. I wear them EVERYWHERE. To the gym, the store, the movies, the beach, I dont give fuck what anyone thinks when they see me wearing them around. Probably the biggest issue I have with them is that you wear them without socks (although Vibram DOES sell special socks for them but I think they are like $12) but I just spray my feet with foot powder before i put them on. Dustin pretty much covered what they are supposed do. I think they are great for MMA fighters in the sense that they strenghten your feet, calves and legs overall. Since you get used to running on the balls of your feet, it becomes more natural for you stay on the balls of your feet during a fight. They look awesome and when they get dirty you just throw them in the washing machine.
I got a pair.. bought them 8 ish months ago for around 70 from a local store.. use them to go running etc.. I like them not much else to say.. I do recommend getting socks for them.. or at least wash them.. last thing you want is some foot fungus.
I got 2 pairs coz they're awesome! Seriously though, I always run barefoot on the beach because of the benefits, now I can 'virtually' do it in the woods too. I wear the KSO's when I'm drilling my stand-up too.
Expensive but highly recommended.
Everyone is spot on. These, or the Nike Free shoes are designed to emulate barefoot running/walking. I recommend either of them. Personally, I have the Nike Free. A couple of my students have the five finger shoes. Modern running shoes are bad. I've probably never had issues with shin splints or my kness simply because I always have run on my toes.
I got myself a pair of KSOs in January haven't wore a pair of "regular" shoes since. I love them! I run with them,do sprints, lift, day to day shit, they are just awesome. I used to not be able to run more than 5 minutes before getting crippling shin splints, with the vibrams nothing! I still hate running but now I do it pain free :)
i'v wanted to get a set for a long time, but there's nowhere near me that sells them and i's want to try them on first to get the size before i ordered them online. i try to run on my toes anyway when training and i'ts made a big difference. my feet have grown much stronger and wider since i became aware of this.