FAQs
FiveFingers generally should have a glove-like fit on your foot, but the best judge of size is your own comfort level. If the shoe feels too big or too small, it probably is! We offer a sizing tool online accessible on the product pages which presents recommended size conversions in a range, but please understand that this is just a general guideline and not a guarantee of size. Each model will fit and feel differently, and each person’s feet are shaped and structured differently. As such, you may fit better in a size different from what the guideline recommends, and that’s ok!
Please click here for our return/exchange policy.
Our website shows real-time inventory, so if it’s not online we don’t have it currently. Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to place items on backorder or put in requests for items, so please check our website periodically for updates.
Sure! Keep in mind that the men’s sizing is slightly longer and wider than women’s; generally about a size and half’s difference. Therefore a Men’s size 40 will fit and feel larger than a Women’s size 40.
Orders from the U.S. website can only ship to the U.S. and Canada. If you are located internationally you would need to provide a shipping address within the U.S. or Canada to receive the order. Conversely, if you are located in the U.S. and looking to purchase from an international website, you would need to operate in accordance with the respective site policies.
All orders must be placed through our website. If you are unable to access the internet you may call our Customer Service center at +1 877 922-5462 and we can place the order on the website for you.
This will vary depending on the person, the model, and the use. Being a minimalist shoe, FiveFingers are made with much thinner materials than a traditional shoe, and may need to be replaced more frequently.
Our 90 day warranty applies to manufacturing defects only. Wear and tear on the shoes is not considered a defect, and your shoes may last you longer or shorter than a traditional pair of shoes.
Unfortunately we cannot make custom shoes/colors/sizes etc at this time.
Nope. FiveFingers is who we are and what we do! However, we do partner with hundreds of other brands of footwear to provide the rubber soles for a variety of styles of shoes, including traditional shoes with a minimalist feel! Please check out some of our partner brands for “one-toed” shoes.
At this time our store locator (and our Customer Service Agents) can tell you the stores in your area that are authorized to sell Vibram FiveFingers. Unfortunately we cannot access their inventories to let you know what they have in stock. Additionally, many retailers will cycle through brands/models/etc so they may not currently have items in stock at the time. Please be sure to call your retailer ahead of time to see if they are carrying the item you’re looking for before you make the trip. At this time, there is no Cobbler locator service for Canada. Please visit us.vibram.com to see a list of Cobblers located in the USA.
Vibram Canada currently sells and distributes Vibram Finished Goods Only (Fivefingers, Furoshiki, etc.). We aren’t involved in rubber manufacturing, distribution or partner relationships. In the USA, there is a great new program called Sole Factor, where you can re-sole any pair of shoes (which qualify) with an assortment of custom soles we offer in a variety of colours and usage types. For more information on this program, please visit the following link: https://us.vibram.com/shop/sole-factor/. Or can call 978 831 1942 for more details.
Additional Cobbler Information can be found using our US Site Cobbler Locator (or you can call the above number): https://us.vibram.com/cobblers.html
*Please be aware that each re-sole is handled by a third party provider and added restrictions or charges may apply dependent on your location and needs. Thank you!
Yes. Currently, we have many styles and colors made from vegan-friendly materials. Please refer to the "specifications" section on the product pages for a description of the materials used in each model.
Vibram FiveFingers are designed to promote better foot mechanics, naturally. As such, they're meant to be worn directly against the sole of your foot, allowing your foot to move as if barefoot. An orthotic is an assistive device to support your foot's function and help you compensate for any biological aberrations. Attempting to utilize an orthotic with Vibram FiveFingers would defeat their purpose. If you have an extremely flat foot, you will need to work into wearing your Vibram FiveFingers gradually, as your muscles will need time to adapt and strengthen.
Our footwear is designed to be worn directly against the sole of your foot. Putting something between the two would defeat their purpose.
Unfortunately, the design of Vibram FiveFingers does not accommodate webbed toes or Syndactyly. We are unable to make custom Vibram FiveFingers® to fit specific foot needs.
An adjustment period is normal at first as your feet and lower legs increase strength and mobility. This should decrease after a week or two of use. Remember to transition slowly to build the strength in your lower legs and feet and to minimize discomfort.
For some over-pronators (people whose feet tend to flatten during full weight-bearing exercise), Vibram FiveFingers footwear will be too much of an abrupt change in biomechanics. We always recommend what we call a micro progression into Vibram FiveFingers. The too-much-too-soon phenomenon can be a problem for anyone's foot. In the case of severe over-pronators, Vibram FiveFingers might not be a wise choice for weight-bearing activities. Over-pronators will definitely benefit from some focused rehabilitation and foot-specific exercises before wearing any minimalist footwear.
For some, it is a matter of weeks, for others months, and for a few it could be a year or more. Much is dependent on your foot type, the activities you're using Vibram FiveFingers for, and the amount of pronation you experience. The progression will ultimately be worth the wait, and your foot and body will be stronger and better off for it. The answer lies in your inherent foot and body biomechanics and the condition of your muscles. Just remember, improving the skill of those muscles then practicing and using those muscles in Vibram FiveFingers® will increase both endurance and strength. This will have profound beneficial effects on your body and wellbeing. Listen to your body.
Minor initial discomfort is not unusual for some individuals, depending on your foot type and running style, but you should not continue if pain persists. Transitioning slowly to build proper strength is imperative when beginning to run in Vibram FiveFingers.
While some customers have transitioned successfully using this method, we've found that it is not the most effective way to make a transition. More minimal sneakers tend to continue enabling a heel-strike running form, whereas running in Vibram FiveFingers means learning to run on the forefoot. We recommend running first completely barefoot on a hard flat surface. This serves a dual purpose. One, it naturally forces you to run with a very light forefoot strike. Two, it allows your skin to function as a failsafe, so that you don't push yourself too hard too soon. As you develop a solid forefoot running form you can begin transitioning to Vibram FiveFingers. Slowly building your mileage is critical as your body needs time to build the necessary lower leg strength for forefoot running.
In your typical running shoe, the heel is higher than the forefoot. In Vibram FiveFingers both the heel and forefoot lie on the same plane, so there is no cushioned heel. If you are a traditional heavy heel-strike runner or walker, you might have a biomechanical change to make, but this change is likely a good one. Humans are not meant to heel strike heavily, particularly when running. Try running without shoes on; you will see what we mean. Running barefoot with a strong heel strike will send you to the sofa to let your bone contusion or fracture heal. One of the goals of Vibram FiveFingers footwear is to encourage forefoot striking, meaning your forefoot will contact the ground first then engage muscles in your feet and lower legs as your heel touches down. This style of running may be safer and lead to fewer injuries, in addition to being biomechanically more sound from an energy and force distribution standpoint. Basically, it is a smarter way to ambulate.
Yes. Training in Vibram FiveFingers will enhance your proprioception and foot strength and help you run better, especially if you utilize the technique adaptations you learned while using Vibram FiveFingers. That said, if you do continue to use running shoes in rotation with your Vibram FiveFingers, we recommend you seek out flat, thin-sole running shoes that allow you to maintain the good technique you will have learned using Vibram FiveFingers. Many have used Vibram FiveFingers as a training tool at first, but often make the full switch as their form improves and feet strengthen.
A change in your running style (to a more natural forefoot strike) should occur almost immediately, with lasting adaptations within a few weeks. As your form and foot strength improve you will become more adept at forefoot running and therefore be able to increase your speed and mileage. Maintaining a patient outlook is critical in transitioning to Vibram FiveFingers. Remember, you are learning to use a new athletic skill. Many runners will feel driven to regain the mileage they were used to doing in sneakers in a short period of time. Doing so can lead to overuse injuries, because muscles and tendons need sufficient time to build the strength required for running with a forefoot strike. Sticking to a slow, but steady transition will build a strength base for longterm success.
- Run no more than 10% of your typical running distance for the first 2–3 weeks
- After 2–3 weeks, gradually increase mileage by 10%–20% every couple of weeks
- If you ever start to feel pain during a run, stop. You can always try again in a couple of days
- Never run 2 days in a row for the first month
- Stretch before and after each run, focusing on calves and feet, because Vibram FiveFingers® running will stimulate these muscles
- If, after several weeks of training, you are consistently very sore, you need to rest and back-off on your mileage
Vibram Components, like all Vibram Concept products, are currently classified as prototypes created in limited edition for the Vibram fans. For this reason, they are unique, well-designed, innovative and creative models. Vibram fans can purchase them at their discretion. Due to the natural softness of the Component leather and the particular system used to fix the Component leather to the sole, for the color Yellow and Blue we suggest to order a size lower Vs what is needed.
Our website shows real-time inventory, so if it’s not online we don’t have it currently. Unfortunately we don’t have the ability to place items on backorder or put in requests for items, so please check our website periodically for updates and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop.
Any items purchased through other, non-affiliated sites may be counterfeit and will not be accepted for return through Vibram. We are aware of fake Vibram websites and accounts. We are also aware this causes confusion to those that seek high quality Vibram products. We have seen a great deal of counterfeit sites selling so-called “FiveFingers” and “Furoshiki”. These counterfeiters sometimes use our imagery and company contact to make their sites appear legitimate.
Some things to watch for:
- A price much lower than what we sell the item for on our site
- A color not offered on our site
- Vibram logo in a different location or the wrong color
- Product sold on eBay or some other auction site
- Shipping from another country
- Long (sometimes months!) shipping times
We are working with law enforcement and international authorities to remove the counterfeit websites, sellers, and products. About counterfeit and warning please read this page
There is a very small window to be able to cancel or modify your order. If you realize that there is an issue with your order, please email e-commerce@vibram.com to make any necessary adjustments. We cannot guarantee that we can change your order, but we will do our best to make any necessary adjustments.
We recommend contacting the courier directly to see if they are holding your package. You may also want to check with neighbors or the front desk of your apartment building or office to see if they accepted delivery.
We are not responsible for missing packages. If you prefer to pick it up at a local courier pick-up station to avoid them leaving your package, you are able to call the courier with your tracking number and ask to pick it up there. We cannot reroute your package once it is out for delivery.
For any others information about the shipment click here
By ordering our products through this website, you expressly acknowledge and accept that Vibram is not required and will not issue an invoice following the payment, but a simple receipt valid for tax purposes. You can find others information in this page
We must receive all pristine, unworn, and unused returns to our warehouse before processing your refund. Please ship your return with a carrier that can provide tracking and insurance. We are not responsible for returns lost in transit. The customer is responsible for the shipping cost for any returns or exchanges. Once the items have been delivered to our warehouse, you will receive a confirmation email. Please allow between 7 and 10 business days from the date of delivery for inspection and processing of your refund.
The order number is the one on your confirmation email from Vibram. It always starts with 02…(Example: 02345821)