Let me start out by saying, I have in no way been compensated to give this review. It may feel like it by the time you get to the end, but it is my own 100% candid opinion.
I've been wearing my Vibram V-Alpha Hiking Shoes for a week now. I feel qualified to talk fit and function.
First, let me give you a short back story:
I have had an increasingly difficult time finding shoes that, at least, don't torture my feet. I've been angry at the sadists that design shoes for many decades. No matter how soft the shoes are to walk in, they all squeeze the big toe and the 2 smallest toes into a rounded point. The 2 longest toes were always standing on the 2 smallest which had turned sideways to try to accomodate the shoes. Turning sideways also meant they tried to contribute to my balance by pushing on the ground sideways, rather than down as they are designed to do. It eventually got to the point that my feet ached and burned even when I was barefoot.
I broke my smallest toe on the left foot about 3 months ago. In trying to find a comfortable way to deal with it, I found that putting cotton between the broken toe and the one next to it when taped together gave me a measure of comfort. I looked for toe socks because the cotton balls kept moving away, causing the broken toe to rub on its neighbor. I've been wearing toe socks ever since.
While searching for more pairs of toe socks, the Vibram V-Alphas turned up. I was intrigued, thinking if the socks were comfortable, the shoes should be at least as comfortable. I ordered a pair. I wear a size 10 in normal shoes so I ordered in size 10.5 to 11 because the page says they run a bit small. The pair was too small pressing my 5 of my toes against the inner end of the toe in the shoe. I could see the quality of the construction so I ordered another pair (from AreaTrends) the next size up (11-11.5). The fit of this pair was ideal. I sent the smaller pair back. The seller was very good about it.
I realize now that I hadn't measured my feet in a long time. Following the size chart in the detailed section (the section written by Vibram), I find that had I measured the length of my left foot (heel to the longest toe), I'd have chosed the correct fit the first time.
These shoes are incredible! For the first time in so long that I can't remember my feet don't hurt in shoes! My poor abused smaller toes have there own space to protect them from their mean older brothers. In fact, they are more comfortable inside these shoes than barefoot!
The info section of the page suggests that some people could have a hard time adjusting. I was fortunate, since I was spending as much time as possible barefoot already, no adjustment period was necessary.
Now that I've been wearing them for a week, I'm finding my smaller toes are getting stronger and turning back upright. They are starting to press down to set my balance, instead of sideways. I never thought my feet would be pain free again, yet they are now.
I really wish I'd have found these a long time ago. It is a shame that they aren't available in shoe stores. It sure would make getting the correct sizing easier. ;)
I will never again wear stylish shoes. I will be buying more of these shoes in different styles since they are the only shoe I'll ever put my feet in again. When winter gets here, Vibram also make an insulated shoe.
Thank you AreaTrends and Vibram for making my feet very, very happy!
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Product Description
V-Alpha Men's
The V-Alpha is the essential outdoor minimal training tool, and is 100% true our original philosophy: a protective tool for the foot which allows ground sensory perception, performance and dexterity. The flexible rubber outsole features our most versatile compound, Vibram Megagrip. This compound provides both grip and durability over time in both wet and dry conditions.
Technology and Compound
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V-Alpha SoleVibram Megagrip offers excellent grip properties on both dry and wet terrain while maintaining a high level of durability. Developed for the user who frequently encounters slippery surfaces, Megagrip offers an incomparable combination of grip and durability. |
Details
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MEGAGRIP Compound
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Our Vision & Mission
VIBRAM creates innovative performance products that inspire people to experience the world. VIBRAM has a great vision: maintaining and strengthening its market leadership by offering reliable, high quality and high performance products for people who lead active lives. This mission has stayed the same over the years – Innovation, performance and quality – so that the company always lives up to its brand tradition. VIBRAM creates the best soles in the world.
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A Closer Look At Vibram's V-Alpha Minimalist Shoes
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Reviews with images
👌 for Training but 👎 Falling Apart 2 Months In
Yes, they look funny. Once you’re past that, you can really feel the benefit of these shoes if moving weights or cross-training in a gym especially if you have flat feet. I’m a US11 shoe and the US11-11.5 fits perfectly.Yet despite taking great care of these, the black material lining the sides has begun to come apart. I haven’t taken these shoes trail running or into a body of water, only in my gym and on the patio in my backyard. So why are they already beginning to fall apart? Hence knocking off one star.This is my first pair of Vibrams and eventually I’ll likely be trying their trail running model. It would be disappointing to have to buy another pair of these so soon but honestly I haven’t yet found a better shoe to train with weights. Maybe Vibram will read this and address the issue, but given the state of the world right now, I’m betting there are more dire issues to address.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2019
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
While this may be true, these shoes are straight up low quality for a premium price. I had another pair before that lasted about 3 months, but I'd figure these (made SPECIFICALLY for hiking) would be able to last years. My daily use ended up being about 1-2 hours max, as I use these primarily for my lunch time walk (I got these in early May, for reference). I maybe did 1 or 2 light hikes in these but nothing crazy (all on dirt paths with minimal rocks).
This week I noticed a hole forming in one of the toes and ended up getting a nasty cut/blister, even while using socks with these. I ended up taking the shoes off and just walking barefoot the remaining 30 minutes.
As these are my second pair of FFS, I'm noticing a trend that these are low quality and I expected WAY more for the price. I envy the people with good things to say, because I truly love the shoes and they have made walking more enjoyable... but if they really expect me to cough up $120 every 4 months then the folks at Vibram are crazy.
Quite frankly, I don't know of a higher quality alternative, but I would definitely recommend trying to find a better brand... it's clear they focus more on marketing than product quality in my opinion which is understandable and disappointing.
Size: 10.5-11Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Poorly made, only lasted 4 months (light use) before developing a big hole in one of the toes
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
I really wanted to enjoy these shoes, and for the first few months I did. I've always had foot issues so I figured barefoot walking would be a great way to strengthen them.Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2021
While this may be true, these shoes are straight up low quality for a premium price. I had another pair before that lasted about 3 months, but I'd figure these (made SPECIFICALLY for hiking) would be able to last years. My daily use ended up being about 1-2 hours max, as I use these primarily for my lunch time walk (I got these in early May, for reference). I maybe did 1 or 2 light hikes in these but nothing crazy (all on dirt paths with minimal rocks).
This week I noticed a hole forming in one of the toes and ended up getting a nasty cut/blister, even while using socks with these. I ended up taking the shoes off and just walking barefoot the remaining 30 minutes.
As these are my second pair of FFS, I'm noticing a trend that these are low quality and I expected WAY more for the price. I envy the people with good things to say, because I truly love the shoes and they have made walking more enjoyable... but if they really expect me to cough up $120 every 4 months then the folks at Vibram are crazy.
Quite frankly, I don't know of a higher quality alternative, but I would definitely recommend trying to find a better brand... it's clear they focus more on marketing than product quality in my opinion which is understandable and disappointing.
Images in this review
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