Ugh, I just broke down and bought a pair of VFF Bikila LS

NickW

Guest
#1
So, I've been on a hunt for a good running shoe to use when my feet are sore or blistered and need a break. I have gone through almost all of the minimalist shoes out there, much like SayPay, and haven't found any that are money yet. Today I went to look at the NB Minimus MT20 and they actually fit horrible on my feet and it felt like my heel was way loose. So I decided to look at the VFF's that I had long since abandoned because of my abnormal toes. I tried on quite a few different pairs and found that my toes fit much better in the Bikila LS model and the Komodo Sport LS model. I have sworn off the VFF's because of toe issues in the past, but I decided to give the Bikila LS a shot as they really felt great on my feet. They are thicker than my Altra Adams but they seem to fit better, so my hopes are up???? Not sure if they should be or not because of past experiences though. Hopefully these will treat me better than other models. Anyone else have experience with this model?
 
#2
It seems the original models

It seems the original models (Sprints and Classics) are the closest thing to feeling like there's nothing there than the last two years' models. The Bikilas have more padding around the heel, and the arch seems more defined. They caused blisters at both the heel and the arch of one of my feet. I haven't worn them in a year or year and a half though, and I only wore them like three or four times. So, if anyone wants to buy a pair of Men's (yes, I said Men's), gray and red size 41, I'll sell them to you mega cheap!
 
#3
I have never had a problem

I have never had a problem with blisters or anything else in the bikilas. I found out running a marathon they hold water pretty bad... the padded heel allows you to heel strike if you are not carful about form.
 
#4
See TJ the normal Bikilas I

See TJ the normal Bikilas I couldn't wear. They hurt my feet something fierce. Not sure exactly what they did different with the LS (laces) model but they feel so much better on my feet. I think I could like the originals but they felt like my heel kept popping out of them. The KSO's and nearly every other model my toes don't fit in properly which ends up causing TOFP for me. I also didn't know we could try to sell used shoes on here TJ. If that's the case I have a pair of Mens Vivobarefoot Neo's, Black and White, that I am willing to part with for super cheap. They only have under 10 running miles and maybe 20 walking miles on them. They are size EU 43.
 
#6
I like my Bikilas, but I've

I like my Bikilas, but I've never had any other VFFs. I do prefer going totally bf, but they are a far cry from a regular running shoe. I like them on a lot of my trail runs & I've never had a problem with them holding water.
 
#7
They have more amount of

They have more amount of padding than I think one needs to improve their form through feedback, but I would hardly call 6mm a regular running shoe.
 
#8
According to a review I just

According to a review I just read they are 7 mm counting outsole and midsole. I also just found out while reading reviews that these are made specifically for people with wider feet. Keep in mind these are the LS model with the laces. I think this is why I can fit in these better than other models of VFF's. Are these perfect? Hell no, but they are adequate for giving my soles a break, at least as of right now with not running in them yet. I like that they feel more secure than my huaraches or any other shoe I have and fit better than any other shoe I have.
 
#9
I've had a pair for a few

I've had a pair for a few months now and I really like them. More than my kso's. They are about the same width as the kso. The only issue I've had is when they get wet your feet slides around as the material inside is slick when wet. Not so much while running but it bothers me when I lift.

I like them so much I rarely run barefoot anymore. Shhhhhhh
 
#10
I just don't understand why a

I just don't understand why a minimalist shoe company would create a bulkier shoe when they got it perfect with the classics! Oh well, it's good for me. My classics finally wore out after 3 years, and right now they are easily found on the internet for 1/2 price because more people are opting for the less minimal minimal shoe. To each his own, but I like the simplicity of the classics.
 
#11
I wish the classics fit well

I wish the classics fit well for me. I can agree with what you are saying Liz. The classic could kind of fit when I got it a size larger, but then my heel kept falling out... Stinking abnormal toes. I really wanted to love the KSO's but my toes hurt so bad in them. The sprints the strap bothered the top of my foot. The komodo sports almost worked but were still too small in the toes. The bikilas the material bothered me and the toes were too small. The komodo spot LS were just a touch small in my normal size, but then too big and floppy in the next size up. The treksports the toes were too small. I'm not sure about the treks as they are leather on top which is not what I want on my feet.

Did I miss any models? These are the only ones that fit me, which is surprising and exciting/sad for me. Mixed emotions on these shoes but as a shoe being used as a tool they should be fine I think. I did a couple of short little runs in them and I noticed I will have to really work to not run up on my toes as it seems very easy to do in these. Maybe once i get used to them.

I may also order a pair of the Original Lunas tonight with the elasticized laces and suede leather top. I've been wanting some lunas badly for a long time but have not had the money for them till now, thanks to Christmas money.
 
#12
noooo, it rains too much here

noooo, it rains too much here for lunas with a leather top. remember? i told you how mine slide around when it was raining and that was just walking.
 
#13
I thought you were saying no

I thought you were saying no to the VFF's at first. I don't have a problem with my leather top huaraches that I made. Why would it be different with the Lunas Mike? Is it because of the type of laces that you have? I'm just curious so I can avoid that mistake. Thanks and when are we running next Mike? I don't have the boy this morning so I was planning on doing a longer run this morning, care to join?
 
#14
hells ya we can go today.

hells ya we can go today. time to break your cherry and hit wildwood.



i've heard from more than one person the suede top is horrible when wet. i told you i was sliding around in my equus the other day and that's the good leather. what works best is the naked top with hemp laces. unless you try the new ATS. supposed to work through mud.
 
#15
I can't afford any of the

I can't afford any of the other models of sandals at Luna. Way to rich for my blood ya know? I can't justify over a hundred on them, I just can't. I know I've got Christmas money and all but.... kind a want to get some other things too.
 
#16
Yes, Nick, please feel free

Yes, Nick, please feel free to sell your items. Here's the description found on the front of this forum:
Five fingers, huaraches, ankle straps for timing chips, foot jewelery, hydration systems, micro-fiber clothing ... just because we're barefooters doesn't mean we don't have gear! Buy, sell, and trade your VFFs (and the like) here. No professional sales or spamming allowed!
 
#17
TJ... I would have taken you

TJ... I would have taken you up on those Bikilas thats my size, but I just bought the Bikila LS a few weeks ago. Wearing them now actually, sitting here at work. So far they seem to be fine, but I'm only now breaking 2 miles per run bf/minimalist so time will tell when I get up to longer distances.
 
#18
Well, Pooh!  I've advertised

Well, Pooh! I've advertised them before. I guess we just missed each other. And so that rot in my closet. Anyone else? ;-)
 
#19
Ok, so today was first run in

Ok, so today was first run in these. They were awfully padded and within 2.5 miles I had to take them off due to severe toe pain and a slight knee pain I had developed. I ran 4.53 miles barefoot and the pain went away and I felt great. I decided to put them back on and finish my run and see if it really was the shoes but it didn't take long and my toes were killing me again. After this pain I've decided these are going back and thankfully REI has such a great return policy. Just gonna order some Lunas instead.
 
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