Throw away the traditional shoe and say hello to the Vibram Five Fingers Golf Shoe!!
You all know that I am a diehard traditionalist when it comes to golf, but I have been waiting for this shoe for a long time. I actually have one of the original Five Fingers Shoe from long ago and was hoping they would make a Five Fingers Golf Shoe.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fNk1LZ0b3M
Now that I have your attention, let's talk about what really is behind the Vibram golf shoe.
Vibram Five Fingers History and Evolution (From Vibram FiveFingers)
‘The latest innovation from the world leader in high-performance rubber soles.
‘When Vibram founder, Vitale Bramani, invented the first rubber soles for mountaineering boots in 1935, it was the beginning of a revolution. Now 75 years later, Vibram is still known around the world as the undisputed leader in soling technology for a wide range of quality performance footwear products. Vibram manufactures more than 34 million soles annually for more than 1,000 premium footwear brands worldwide.
FiveFingers is the latest example of the relentless commitment to research and product innovation at Vibram. Industrial Designer, Robert Fliri, first proposed the idea of FiveFingers footwear to Marco Bramani, grandson of Vibram founder Vitale Bramani, who immediately embraced the concept.
What started as a concept turned into a barefooting revolution.
Bramani and Fliri developed the first barefoot shoes then showed the concept to Vibram USA president & CEO, Tony Post. As a former collegiate runner, Post quickly became a firm believer in the benefits of natural running* and fitness training. He discovered that Vibram FiveFingers were the unique solution to the knee pain and soreness he was experiencing when running.
Soon, they collaborated with the full Vibram team to position Vibram FiveFingers® as a performance product for running, fitness and outdoor sports. FiveFingers not only encouraged a more natural forefoot strike during running, but also allowed the foot to move and work in a completely natural way, while providing grip and protection over a variety of surfaces.
Like all things in life, there is a balance, and Vibram FiveFingers® provides a healthy alternative to traditional footwear. Wearing FiveFingers for fitness training, running, water sports or just for fun will make your feet stronger and healthier—naturally.’
Might I add that this is an incredible journey of passion and commitment to improve the overall health and experience of the outdoor person—and great and awesome way to show the world what you are made of and the impact you can bring to each individual. Well Done!!
What is the Vibram Five Fingers Golf Shoe?
It is a minimalist type shoe where the golfer can experience the sensation and freedom of playing golf barefoot and with the protection of sure-footed grip on the course. You will find yourself feeling almost one with the course as you stride with your clubs to each shot.
Vibram FiveFingers is designed to promote better foot mechanics through a natural and comfortable way with the support you long for and all the while you will increase your lower leg and foot strength.
What is really cool here is that I used to practice barefoot. Yes…barefoot. Why you might ask? So that I can really feel my feet under me and work on the true balance needed when I swing the club. It really helped me to focus exactly where my weight was in my feet from address to follow through (and of course holding the pose at the end of a fabulous swing).
In comes Vibram FiveFingers, allowing me to continue that kind of practice with the ultimate protection from the elements. Yes, as you get older, one doesn’t like to get icky dirty feet with coot poop on them and whatever they use to fertilize 
LOOK
Throw conventional golf shoes out the window (or donate them to a good cause) and you now have a shoe that is functional and ‘cool looking’. Yes, it is unusual and you may get a few looks and comments, but really based upon your choice of color and style—you will stand out and look awesome!!
You literally look like you are barefoot. The Vibram FiveFingers golf shoe is like putting on a golf glove—there is a ‘slot’ for each toe and all your toes are separated just like in a golf glove. They have shoe strings that you tie up to secure the shoe, but in reality it truly fits like a glove (no pun).
So imagine you are slipping on a shoe that each toe—pinky to Big toe—has a place to call home. It is very different looking, but trust me, it will look just like you are playing barefoot.
FEEL
Of course, a golfer needs to feel good in something in order to play well. Let’s face it, we have time to think between shots and if something is bothering you, it may come out in the golf game.
The Vibram FiveFingers Golf shoe is amazing is the way if feels. I have issues with wearing flat sandals with no support. FiveFingers gives you the support you need no matter what ‘issue’ your feet may have. They actually have a precise way that you can measure your foot to find the shoe that fits perfectly. If you have questions and need help, they are just a phone call away to assist you in finding the correct shoe for your foot—hey, we all are different so we all can’t wear the exact same shoe.
I waited to do this review to play several rounds of golf in them (and wear them around town) to make sure they fit and felt perfect. I am not one to do a quick review without really giving the product the ‘Kate Hughes’ challenge. I have to say after more rounds than I can count at the minute, my feet have adjusted perfectly (like any shoe, your feet must make their own imprint) and it really feels like I am playing barefoot and I LOVE THAT!!!! I have the support under my arch I need and the cushion/energy for my feet to want to keep playing more holes when the rest of me says ‘I’m done’.
PERFORMANCE
The first time you try your Vibram FiveFingers Golf shoe, it will take you a bit to get your toes in each slot—not long…just a couple extra minutes. I have a baby toe that has a mind of her own—she did not want to be separated from her siblings. J After a couple minutes, the ‘kids’ were in their homes for the round and ready to rock and roll.
While warming up the first time, I felt like I didn’t have any shoes on…I am used to that stiffer shoe that has your foot sit in a ‘tub-like’ bed. But from the first swing and onto the course the shoe made its home on my foot and my toes felt cushioned and secure.
What I was most amazed about—but not surprised—was the ability for me to feel the balance during the swing…I mean I could really get in touch with my posture, balance and weight transfer. This is something I help teach all my players and have had them even hit barefoot. Now they can utilize the Vibram FiveFingers Golf Shoe to optimize their overall connection with their balance.
You may ask, what about a bunker shot, or even a side hill lie—will the Vibram FiveFinger Shoe keep me ‘grounded’ without slipping? The answer is simply and definitively—YES. I gave the shoes the ultimate Kate Hughes Challenge playing in rain, wet side hill lies (up-down-side) and of course long and short bunker shots. I didn’t have one slip and never felt I was not grounded and totally one with the surface below me.
Overall the performance was perfect in every way. Love love love the feeling I get walking on the course feeling like I am barefoot but with the comfort and secure feeling of a glove-fitted like shoe.
Way to go!!
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Vibram FiveFingers Golf Shoe is perfectly unique with an amazing feel. I am so excited that Vibram FiveFingers made the leap to golf as it will only enhance the ability of the golfer to reach their potential by maximizing their overall feel of the swing from address to follow-through.
This may be a shoe that stands out from conventional or traditional looking golf shoes, but why not be slightly different to gain the edge on your playing partners while enjoying a ‘barefoot’ 18 hole walk on a beautiful golf course and enjoy the fun of playing like you are wearing nothing…I mean no shoes!! J
Thumbs up for this golf shoe—its time you give it a try and tell your story. We’d love to hear what you think at Bunkers Paradise!!!
The Vibram FiveFingers Golf Shoe gets a Bunkers Paradise Eagle Rating!!!