Wearing Vibram FiveFingers while travelling in Europe
I wear "barefoot" shoes such as Vibram FiveFingers when I need to wear shoes. I'm no longer accustomed to walking in regular shoes, which require the heel-to-toe motion. My transition to this was because of a bad knee (walking heel to toe causes pain in my knee). Because of this, I'm almost certain I can't backpack in regular shoes.
I was wondering how Vibram FiveFingers were viewed in European countries. Would I stand out and would it be odd for me to wear there?
Best Answer
I am one of Mark Mayos friends he mentioned above who wears them. Yes I get stopped by (often odd) strangers who 'want to get some' surprisingly often, but no more so in mainland Europe compared to anywhere else in the world (UK, New Zealand, US).
One plus, airport security is easy with them on as they never ask for me to take them off.
One thing is my wife often says I look more like a tourist in them which can sometimes be a pain... but TBH that isn't really helped by the fact I carry a big camera everywhere (I'm doing the daily photo thing via blipfoto.com) and like most kiwis I almost always have sunglasses on the top of my head.
Pictures about "Wearing Vibram FiveFingers while travelling in Europe"
Can you wear Vibrams hiking?
Hiking in Vibram Five Fingers is enjoyable, as long as you keep a few things in mind. As a hiking shoe, vibram five fingers are lightweight, well made and will give your feet adequate protection from the environment.Are you supposed to wear socks with Vibrams?
Vibram FiveFingers are usually designed to be worn free of socks, but there are some models that are carefully designed to work well with toe-socks. There's no way you can wear normal socks with Vibrams because they simply won't work.How long do Vibram FiveFingers last?
How long do Vibram FiveFingers last? Based on our combined 20 years of experience wearing at least a dozen pairs of FiveFinger shoes, they last longer than the typical shoe. They last between one and five years depending on use.Can you run a marathon in Vibram FiveFingers?
Absolutely! I don't think I'll ever run a full marathon again (I'm happy with completing two), but I continue to run in Vibram FiveFingers and can't wait for my next race. NOTE: If you do try Vibram FiveFingers, be sure to try them out very slowly. Don't attempt a 5-miler right away.Do Vibram Fivefingers Shoes Improve Your Health? | 2021 Review, Performance, Barefoot Running, Gait
More answers regarding wearing Vibram FiveFingers while travelling in Europe
Answer 2
It is as unusual there as it is in the USA, just like Mark Mayo mentioned. However in Germany there are many public barefoot parks. I'm sure you would not be out of place there.
Answer 3
They are certainly far from being mainstream in Europe, but I definitely saw quite a few people wearing them in London. As long as you are not planning to attend any business or black tie type of events, I think you shouldn't worry about it and just wear whatever is comfortable.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Anna Shvets, Anna Shvets, MART PRODUCTION, Anna Shvets