Long big toe & Five fingers shoes

[Dennis G]

Hi,

I'm considering buying my first pair of Vibram FiveFingers shoes.

My big toe is longer than the rest of my toes (this applies to both feet). The distance between the big toe and index toe is 15/32 inch (0,47 inch) or 12 millimeters .

I attach an image of my foot at the end.

Could this be a problem considering the fitting of the shoes to my feet? Or will I still be able to wear, function and benefit from a five fingers shoe?

PS. I've done some research and found this site: http://www.myfivefingers.com/fivefingers-so-many-choices-whats-best-for-me/

in the comments section: "...Also, some people can’t wear them, because one toes is significantly more prominent the big toe..."

I also found this guy with long second toe and hammerhead toe wearing FFs:

 

But it's hard to draw any conclusion from this video because the guy hadn't at the time used them for so long. Also in my case it is the big toe that is prominent.

I have emailed Vibram about this, when I recieve an answer I will post it here.

In any case, I appreciate any help from the forum on this.

Cheers,
Dennis

[Nathan]

Hi Dennis,

Trying a pair on for yourself is going to be the best thing you can do, really. I'd imagine you'll just have to select a size that caters to your big toe, and then you'll have a bit of extra room at the end of the other toes, which shouldn't really be a problem. It will also depend on the model. Some tend to be long and narrow, while others are a bit wider. I have a feeling that the long and narrow models (I think Classic felt like this to me) have longer toes, but maybe that's just my imagination. Are there no physical shops near you that stock VFF? If not, the next best thing to do would be to find an online shop that allows returns for sizing issues, but all of the potential shipping back and forth to find a good model/size could end up being a real pain.

[Dennis G]

3 hours ago, Dennis G said:

Hi Nathan,

Thanks for your reply! Yes you got a good point there, the best approach is trying out some pairs to really know if will work for my type of foot structure.

I don't have any retailer nearby. But I will go to Stockholm (living in Sweden) to try out some models.

Even if I got some clue/hint about my size from the size chart, I don't really know if I should choose a men or women model (according to vibram the same model for women can fit some men better, if their feet are smaller than the men's standard size). So again, thanks Nathan for your input, now I know what to do next 

 

[Nathan]

Hey Dennis,

No problem! And yes, you'll definitely want to try a few on. Once you know your size, ordering online is no problem. I've bought a women's model before when the men's were all sold out, and there's not a big difference with comparable sizes, but it also depends on the model. I think the women's are generally a bit narrower, but your feet don't look particularly wide. But yes, go try some on and then once you know your size you can always order online later 

[Kit_L]

@Dennis G: check out the site "birthdayshoes.com". Wonderful site.

Relevant article: https://birthdayshoes.com/got-morton-s-toe-lengthen-your-vibram-five-fingers-second-toe-with-this-mod

They have an article there on using a heat gun and a pair of pliers to carefully lengthen any individual toes that need this. You must go carefully, and not overdo this, but you an get 10mm easily.

[Dennis G]

13 hours ago, Nathan said:

Hey Dennis,

No problem! And yes, you'll definitely want to try a few on. Once you know your size, ordering online is no problem. I've bought a women's model before when the men's were all sold out, and there's not a big difference with comparable sizes, but it also depends on the model. I think the women's are generally a bit narrower, but your feet don't look particularly wide. But yes, go try some on and then once you know your size you can always order online later 

Will do Nathan, and also return with some results to be shared on the forum.

7 hours ago, Kit_L said:

@Dennis G: check out the site "birthdayshoes.com". Wonderful site.

Relevant article: https://birthdayshoes.com/got-morton-s-toe-lengthen-your-vibram-five-fingers-second-toe-with-this-mod

They have an article there on using a heat gun and a pair of pliers to carefully lengthen any individual toes that need this. You must go carefully, and not overdo this, but you an get 10mm easily.

Great site Kit (also lots of interesting info about FFs)! Good to know that it's possible to lengthen desired toes. When I have done my try out of sizes and models, this method can really come in handy if it turns out to be necessary.

Thanks for sharing!