Product Review: Vibram Fivefingers Classic
So I’ve been testing these for three days now and the first thing you need to know if you’re seriously considering getting them is that it will set you back £75.
Overview:
So is it worth the price tag? After 3 days testing it the answer is a firm no. Unless you really need it for a specific reason you are better off getting a comfortable sandal with a back strap and not just because of the price as you’ll see. This much might be enough for most of you to make a call but if you’re still considering buying them do read on for a more detailed review.
Comfort:
It looks like something made for comfort to be worn in the hot climate; in reality even in the British heat it’s less then comfortable. The first day I wore them it was 29° C, which might be hot but nothing compared to what will be faced in Mecca, and my feet were burning. I had an urge to take them off and put on my sandals to give my feet some air.
Barefoot Experience:
I often wear my sandals to the mosque and in this weather there’s nothing more comfortable but with the Vibram you can feel the surface under your feet when stepping on anything uneven. Standing at pedestrian crossings the dotted edge for assisting the visually impaired feels like it’s panetrating your feet from underneath. This is as close as you’ll get to bearfoot without actually being bearfoot.
Walking:
The most walking I’ve done in a day during the test period was 10,000 steps (1 hours walk) and not all those steps were necessarily in the Vibram. After about 30-40 minutes outdoor walk in 25° C I could feel pain under my feet and I was worried about getting blisters. I think that is a real possibility if you walk for longer distance in these, which you will be in hajj.
Use Beyond Hajj:
On the plus side it is super stylish, perfect for the warmer seasons and goes well with summer clothing. You can also wear it to the gym but I wouldn’t advice taking it to anywhere busy like the mosque because it is a bit fiddly putting it on and often two toes end up in the same place.
Conclusion:
Take a sandal, at least as a back up option.
Reviewed by Br Mohammed Abdullah on Hajj Naseeha Telegram group