Vibram Fivefingers Sprint Water Shoes Womens

The Freedom to go Barefoot

If you could, you'd walk around barefoot all the time and never worry about germs, dirt or any of the many other concerns that inevitably stop you from actually doing it. Though you can pad around the house with nary a thought for any of these problems, stepping outside is a different story unless you're hitting the beach.

Now it's just a little bit easier to make like you're barefoot – without actually being barefooted. It's all thanks to Vibram FiveFingers, a brand that bursts with uniqueness from every angle: Not only is its name a little off the beaten path, so too are their products. Designed for men and women, Vibram FiveFingers are dubbed the "barefooting alternative" by the company that touts its products as protective, versatile and natural all at once.

Features of Vibram FiveFingers Shoes

A workout shoe this unique will easily make heads turn and questions arise in a flash. If you aren't being asked where you bought it, you'll almost definitely be telling people why you chose Vibram FiveFingers over the standard workout shoe. This unusual looking shoe does more than just raise brows – it's a veritable miracle shoe for the athlete who seeks to keep his or her feet protected and remain comfortable at the same time. It can be quite a task (just ask anyone who's suffered from sore arches or a stress fracture!), but Vibram FiveFingers boast several features that stand up to the challenge.

Ideal for everything from traveling, light trekking and yoga to sailing, Pilates and boating, Vibram FiveFingers offer:

• Rubber Soles: These protect the feet and provide a strong grip over the terrain.
• Scratch-Resistant Fabric: Preventing abrasions, the stretchy polyamide fabric is comfortable and dries quickly.
• Barefoot Design: The FiveFingers design improves balance and agility, allows the wearer to enjoy the comforts of going barefoot and eliminates the risks associated with actually being barefooted.

Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Water Shoes, Women's Style

There are three varieties of Vibram FiveFingers Sprint Water Shoes, Women's style. They include:

• Classic
• Sprint
• Surge

The Sprint is touted as the company's most versatile and securely fitting shoe of all. It features hook and loop closures for extra protection and is available in four color combinations. Vibram recommends this product for:

• Light trekking
• Boulder climbing
• Pose Method running
• ChiRunning
• Fitness training
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Boating
• Canoeing
• Surfing
• Windsurfing
• Flats fishing
• Travel

Its greatest benefit may well be that it lacks bulk, making it exceptionally comfortable and lightweight for aquatic wear. The combination of rubber soles and a scratch-resistant upper allow the shoe to protect the feet from any hazards they may face in the water.

Serious aquatic athletes may want to consider the Surge, though. Surge is designed especially for use in the water. It's lined with 2mm neoprene, which is considered the highest standard in thermal insulation for aquatic activities. It features three straps for a secure fit and a flexible, slip-resistant rubber sole. The shoe is highly recommended for:

• Sailing
• Kayaking
• Surfing
• Windsurfing
• Flats fishing

Its boot-like style makes it ideal for protecting the entire foot (and even the area above the ankle).

Finding the Right Size

It can be admittedly tricky choosing the right size. In order to obtain a precise measurement, Vibram recommends standing with your heels against a flat wall and placing a ruler under each foot to measure the longest toe. Use the longer of the two measurements to determine your size. Note: If your second toe is more than .4cm longer than your big toe or your foot length varies by more than .4cm, a precise fit may be impossible to determine.

Where to Purchase

Vibram FiveFingers footwear is available at select boutiques across the country. Visit the official store locator for details. The shoes can also be purchased at the following online retailers:

• Beyond Outside
• Nantahala Outdoor Center
• REI
• Vibram FiveFingers