Frequently asked questions

Stock and stockists

Q: Am I able to become a stockist of Fivefingers?

A: Yes, please send an email to Mike Wiltshire to receive further details of how you can become a part of the Fivefingers® phenomenon.

Shoe performance and maintenance

Q: For which activities are Fivefingers particularly suitable? 

A: Between them, the Sprints and Classics are suitable for most leisure activities, for example: running, fitness training, yoga, pilates, travel, light trekking, climbing, canyoneering, sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, flats fishing, martial arts, bouldering. The versatility of the design means that the Fivefingers.

Q: How can I keep the shoes clean?

A: The shoes can be machine washed with a normal 40 degree colour wash.

Q: I’ve been wearing my new pair of Classics for a few days now and I’ve noticed that my feet have started to ache, what should I do?

A: If your feet have been used to the support of a conventional shoe for many years then there is a chance that a switch to wearing Fivefingers may result in some small degree of discomfort as the strength of your foot returns. If the pain feels muscular, there is probably no need to do anything other than to take it easy and take your time to allow your feet to become used to the shoe. If the discomfort continues for more than 14 days, or feels more like a joint problem, you may consider consulting a recommended physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor to ensure the pain is not because one of your foot joints has stiffened up after years of not being allowed to move in a normal shoe.

Sizing and returns

Q: My shoe size is between those indicated on the conversion chart, which size should I choose?

A: Fivefingers are designed to be a snug fit so we recommend you choose the smaller size. Our customer feedback has supported this recommendation. Q: Can I exchange the shoes if they are the incorrect size? A: We will exchange shoes, unworn and in their original condition for another size minus the costs of carriage.

Foot health

Q: My Fivefingers seem to dig into my foot a little, what should I do? 

A: It takes approximately 2 weeks of use for the shoes to mould to the owner’s feet. In the meantime, the most practical solution is to put a plaster and/or a corn pad to place over the rubbing site.

Q: Is it safe to start running in my Fivefingers immediately, or should I strengthen my feet first?

A: If you are already athletic and/or have run barefoot on the odd occasion before, you should be fine to give the Fivefingers a “trial run”. We would recommend keeping the distances short, running mainly off-road and stopping to walk if you feel tired or sore at any point. Build up to full distance running based on our guide. Note: there are plenty of athletes who have run multiple marathons and ultra's both on- and off-road in Fivefingers.

Q: Will wearing Fivefingers get rid of my pain problem (back / hip / knee / ankle / foot)? 

A: It may contribute to a decrease in many musculoskeletal symptoms because the Fivefingers help to move the body towards proper biomechanical function, which most footwear does not. It is likely, however, that you will need corrective treatment and exercise approaches to fully facilitate your recovery.

Q: Are Fivefingers okay to wear if I’ve been told I pronate?

A: Absolutely – they’re most probably exactly what your feet are crying out for. However, if you want to get the benefits without any pain, you are likely to need to consult a corrective exercise specialist who can provide you with a customized program to help you work on correcting your pronation pattern. The Fivefingers are just a part of the solution.

Q: Are Fivefingers okay for me to wear if I’ve been told I supinate? 

A: Yes, but a supinated foot is a rigid foot. As such, it is advisable to make sure that your feet are mobile enough to wear Fivefingers without jarring your body. The Fivefingers will assist this increased mobility by activating more joints in the foot than any other footwear.

Q: Are Fivefingers okay for me to wear if I’ve been told I have a neutral foot? 

A: Fivefingers are perfect for anyone with a neutral foot to help them stay that way. This is the type of foot that is likely to adapt most quickly to going “barefoot”.