I have been curious about the five fingers for a few years now since I was with a buddy when he ought his. I am a heavy guy so has broken bones in both feet and have real trouble with barfoot walking much less running. So I was worried that The FF's might not be enough shoe for me.
Plus the price was a bit much. Then FILA came out with SKELETOES and at the price of less than half what five fingers run, it was too good to pass up. They are super good, I wear them as much as I can. They are a little more substantial than the FFs and I have even used them for practicing martial arts in with very little to no foot pain. The Skeletoes have four to pockets so your fourth and fifth toes use the same pocket. Most people who notice that I am wearing them, don't notice that, but some people will be look at me like I'm a weirdo and ask why I only have four toes. Its pretty funny. I'm torn between using the graduation from ninja school answer or trying to convince them I am from another planet.
The skeletoes may be a more affordable or physically better alternative for some people. They can be had for between 25 and 50$ so the price is right. They provide enough cushioning for me but give me more ground and total foot engagement than traditional shoes. They are great for summer too as they are made with a mesh and something like neoprene upper that is brreathavle, cool, and fast to dry. Just though I would throw this out there. I realize that people who like FFs tend to get their nose in the air about skeletoes and the vibram is suing Fila for some stupid infringement case, vibram didn't invent toe pockets, how bout you compete on the merits of your product instead of going to court? But I digress, there were some people who couldn't find FFs in their size and I think skeletoes come in a wider range of sizes. I really like them and they have lasted well so far, I've had one pair for a year and a second one for half that long. I usually kill a pair of shoes in about three to four month due to my weight and occupation and lack of car. They have held up pretty well to daily and weekly wear.
