Vibram Fivefingers KSO - Oxfam 100km walk

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sxz

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#75602 20-Jan-2011 15:34

http://www.fivefingers.co.nz/KSO.html

I have seen these 'shoes' several times in the wild and been very intrigued. I used to only run barefoot along the beach at low tide, alas now I live in the city so must wear shoes.

Does anyone have any experience with Fivefingers?

Anyone have any experience/thoughts about fivefingers and the Oxfam 100km walk (which I am doing in 12 weeks...)

Cheers

freitasm

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#429232 20-Jan-2011 15:36

Interested to know more about those... Saw some in a shop, almost tempted to try, but decided not at the time.

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vectran

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#429252 20-Jan-2011 16:34

I have three pairs now; KSO, Bikila and a pair of Classics. They are absolutely amazing, they've fixed my shin split problems and improved my posture. I probably can't run in anything else now.

They take quite some time to get used to, your feet harden a little and build up strength. If you were doing the 100km walk in 12 weeks, I'd probably consider getting a pair in the next few weeks.

NB: They are substantially cheaper overseas compared with the stores in New Zealand. Once I'd got my sizing right I bought them from a store in the US online.

Ragnor

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#429269 20-Jan-2011 17:35

Who sells these in-store in NZ atm?

Edit: Found a few physical stores selling them

http://www.fivefingers.co.nz/Map.html
http://www.thefrontrunner.co.nz/prodirect/contacts/

nate

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#429328 20-Jan-2011 20:23

sxz: Anyone have any experience/thoughts about fivefingers and the Oxfam 100km walk (which I am doing in 12 weeks...)

I've supported three different groups over the last three years for the 100km walk, so have learnt a lot through trial and error

Preparation is really the key. As your group of four, do lots of long walks, and practice walking as the sun comes up and as it goes down. During these practice runs you'll find out if your shoes are comfy, if your backpack is going to go the distance etc. If your support team hasn't done this before, get them to do a couple practice stops for you.

Regarding your support team, make sure they have plenty of fresh fruit, and hot food (we had a campervan and a generator, makes life much easier). You'll find you won't eat much at each checkpoint, but at least having the food there is a good option. Two of the overnight checkpoints (one at the air club, one behind the mountain) are in the wee hours as it gets pretty cold - make sure everyone supporting takes winter gear. I would also buy all the food in Auckland before you head to Taupo, as the local supermarkets run pretty low on food, as all the other support crews buy food there.

When we did it, it was great fun being support crew, and our lot all made it through. It's a bloody long way to walk, good luck!