FAQs

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)

Store Locator