vibram fivefingers for kite booties?

[Thor29]

I use the KSOs and I think they are a great, although pricey solution. You do need to loosen up your bindings if you were going barefoot prior to wearing them. I tried the Flows, but the extra thickness of the neoprene caused them to not fit as well and I didn't think it was strictly a sizing issue so I got rid of them. Based on my experience, I can highly recommend the KSOs. I bought mine online and used the fit chart on Vibram's website and they fit perfectly. (This was when there was a shortage. If I were to buy them now I'd take advantage of REI's awesome return policy and buy them there instead).

I also use them for SUP surfing. They don't keep your feet as warm as booties, but they feel so close to barefoot that it's worth it. Not as big of an issue on a SUP since you don't spend as much time with your feet under water as prone surfers do.

[kitecrazy]

I tried the Vibrams on once (dont remember which model/version)and found that they are great for lifting your toes off the board. When you want to curl your toes down into the footpad to get grip, they SUCK! There is too much (too thick) sole material under the area where your toes connect to the rest of your foot and the thickness restricts bending your toes down.
That was a deal breaker for me. No grip = worthless.
Its all about foot dexterity.

[etxxz]

totally opposite experience. foot dexterity and grip were the pro's. i definitively don't crunch up to get more grip, seems counter intuitive IMO.

Havent tried the Vibrams, but im a fan of the Xcel 1mm split toe reef booties.

http://www.amazon.com/Xcel-Reef-Split-T ... B0055AUJCY

yeah i've been considering surfing specific booties with split toes. and they are much cheaper. How are these for getting in and out of straps? i rock my 151 twin tip even at waddell most times

I use the KSOs and I think they are a great, although pricey solution. You do need to loosen up your bindings if you were going barefoot prior to wearing them. I tried the Flows, but the extra thickness of the neoprene caused them to not fit as well and I didn't think it was strictly a sizing issue so I got rid of them. Based on my experience, I can highly recommend the KSOs. I bought mine online and used the fit chart on Vibram's website and they fit perfectly. (This was when there was a shortage. If I were to buy them now I'd take advantage of REI's awesome return policy and buy them there instead).

I also use them for SUP surfing. They don't keep your feet as warm as booties, but they feel so close to barefoot that it's worth it. Not as big of an issue on a SUP since you don't spend as much time with your feet under water as prone surfers do.

how were the Flow's with the bindings? I would think they be harder to get in and out due to the neoprene being present on the top. they must be great for surfing though.

[behindThePeak]

great for land, suck in water.

i've been running in VFF for a year now. it's become my favorite way to run. by far. i'm a fan of the Vibrams for trails or working out in a gym where they require shoes. i totally recommend them for land use.

i've used them surfing and kiting and i wouldn't recommend them for either. the KSOs tend to become sand traps if you spend too much time standing in the shorebreak. Which is minor but a factor. They're not particularly wax friendly, again minor. The biggest issue is that they aren't durable enough. I used mine a handful of times at 3rd and now have rips in both feet. Whatever scraped up your foot will tear up your VFF too. and once you get a tear, the water pressure will open it up in no time. not a lasting solution.... and not cheep. i'm bummed that i have to buy new ones now.

i used the KSO, maybe the flows are better, don't know...

[josha]

I had a pair of the Surges, and while I didn't mind their grip, the back kept rubbing right on my achilles tendon, rubbing it raw during a session.

[etxxz]

interesting review. voice of experience is hella helpful.

i can relate to the sand traps even on the KSO which has the net. Probably not an issue with the Flows though the sole is pretty much the same. Why do you say they are not wax friendly?

my alternative are the diving boots i own, and they are unacceptable for surfing (foot sloshing around, water gets inside, i actually took them off and manned up through the 55*F water) and impossible to get in and out of bindings. So i'm gonna stop by a surf shop with my twin and see which surf (ninja) booty works best. I'm from fL, i used my wetsuit 90% of the time just for camouflage when spearfishing, not cause i got cold :mrgreen:

thank man,

[Thor29]

how were the Flow's with the bindings? I would think they be harder to get in and out due to the neoprene being present on the top. they must be great for surfing though.

I didn't get a chance to try the Flows kiteboarding. I wore them for one SUP surf session and then sold them on Ebay. My experience with their fit was very similar to Vik's from http://www.thelazyrandonneur.com. He also liked the KSOs better. Vik has lots of hobbies and kiteboarding is one of them:

"I found I couldn’t get a good fit since my toes didn’t have enough room in the toe boxes and if I bought a bigger size they’d be too loose on the rest of my feet to stay on well."

"Using them in water for 2-3hrs I actually injured the skin of my toes as it became soft and was squeezed by the tight Flow toe boxes".

[behindThePeak]

interesting review. voice of experience is hella helpful.

i can relate to the sand traps even on the KSO which has the net. Probably not an issue with the Flows though the sole is pretty much the same. Why do you say they are not wax friendly?

my alternative are the diving boots i own, and they are unacceptable for surfing (foot sloshing around, water gets inside, i actually took them off and manned up through the 55*F water) and impossible to get in and out of bindings. So i'm gonna stop by a surf shop with my twin and see which surf (ninja) booty works best. I'm from fL, i used my wetsuit 90% of the time just for camouflage when spearfishing, not cause i got cold :mrgreen:

thank man,

the bottoms are razor-siped which is great for grip but the wax gets all stuck in those little cracks. did for me anyway. not a big deal but still a nuisance. if they were more durable i'd happily deal with it because i did like how low profile they were in the water.

+1 for Xcel split-toe booties. get 'em just a little too small and they'll fit perfect when wet.

[mrnofear]

So I have been thinking of getting a pair also and came across this http://www.redwoodtradingpost.com/sale.html
not sure were you are located but this is in Redwood City Ca. and the 25% off all Vibram KSO's would be a good deal, check it out. I plan on picking mine up this week.

[SFPete]

Redwood Trading Post! Love that place. You have to go there in person, all kinds of cool stuff.