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Formal FiveFingers?

by Christine Skelly » on Jun 09, 2011 19

Shoes in Formal Occasions and the Transformation of the Brand We Love

It is my observation that shoes of different types have different connotations, which makes sense. Patent leather shoes, you’re going to a meeting. Flip flops, you’re either going to the beach, or it’s hot out. So what do VFFs denote? I have several people I know who believe the ‘clothes make the man’ when it comes to shoes and it makes me wonder what VFFs are portraying to others.

When I got mine, they were the solution to my everlasting shoe query as a female trying to keep up with having a different pair of shoes for every look. With the exception of winter, I was primarily correct with VFFs solving my need for so many shoe purposes at once that I was elated. I had 1) everyday wearing shoes (replacing converses or tennis shoes), 2) running shoes (tennis shoes and cross trainers eliminated), 3) water shoes (no more flimsy $15 water shoes I had to annually replace), and 4) flip flops (I was never a fan of the thong between my toes to begin with).

But I still feel uncomfortable, being the matchy matcher I try to be, wearing VFFs with a dress, or even better, with formal attire. I considered this social barrier when I almost wore my VFFs to Easter Sunday service for lack of more appropriate shoes since I was home only for two days from college. I was at the point of function triumphing over form finally, as I am a big convert to this since embracing VFFs but I eventually found other shoes. And while I would not have had a problem with defying the shoe precedent (Heaven strike me down for my choice of shoes?), I am sure I would have gotten more than one reproachful stare.

Which got me to thinking about what FiveFingers are considered. Work out shoes? Everyday wear? Certainly not the standard for dress shoes that I know of. I know that Toms are rebranding themselves, branching out and have certain styles of their regular canvas shoes that they advertise as being wedding worthy. Though they are now also selling heels and shoes that look like boat and skateboarding shoes, I was surprised that Tom’s shoes could rise above the casual shoe stigma I had placed upon them.

So are FiveFingers the same way? They are now coming out with FiveFingers for children, which tells me my question may be coming to fruition, that FiveFingers are trying to become a lifestyle choice, instead of a frivolous accessory for the running savvy. There is also the image that has circulated around of FiveFinger boots, which many deem ridiculous, but is this where the brand may be going or end up? We’ll have to see. Hopefully Vibram will keep the barefoot agenda in mind in future endeavors along with all of its loyal Fingers Fans.

So with the new styles of FiveFingers that keep coming out, do you think FiveFingers will remain loyal to the path that they have started out upon, or will they deviate and branch out like TOMs has begun to do? Post your thoughts below.

Submitted Comments

  1. I think they should branch out!!! Me being a lady like you i know there is a limit to where and with what i can wear my VFFs. I draw the line with dresses and sunday wear. I would love something that was more transitional.

  2. I got my first VFFs (Bikilas) in March and decided after 2 weeks that I was a complete convert.

    I then went to the VFF store and asked if they had something more suitable for work/general/Tuxedo (jooooooke on the last one).

    I ended up getting black KSOs and wear them as often as possible without too many stares from people.

    If they removed the front logo and the shiny toe-tops, I think I’d try them in a business meeting situation!

  3. Yes, I know several people who don the black KSOs for discretion or at least fewer stares.

    I feel like the gold Jaya LRs feel so futuristic they are barely fitness shoes in look, but I like that, though I do not know anyone who has reported having a pair.

    http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-JayaLR-Womens.htm

  4. Stefanie says:

    I have a pair of the Jaya Lr’s copper.
    See pics here http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/birthdayshoes-com-general-discussion/post-a-picture-of-your-feet-in-five-fingers-!/msg47665/#msg47665

    They aren’t as shiny/fancy as they look on the images online and on the vibram website. That is what attracted me to them in the first place. I actually look like I am physically barefoot in them most of the time. That being said, I think they are definitely cute and I would definitely wear them if I were dressed up a bit. Thinking about a pair of plain black jaya’s to replace black ‘flats’

  5. Tyler Hurst says:

    I had this argument with my family about my sister’s wedding. NO VFFs allowed.

    Thinking of going barefoot if I wasn’t fairly sure my family would be mortified.

  6. Collin Moore says:

    I had the same argument with my employer about two months ago. After carefully presenting my position my employer relented and now allows all employees who aren’t required by OSHA to wear safety shoes to wear them. They even went so far as to modify the “Professional Appearance Standards” policy to allow them at all 110 locations across my company! I love my VFFs and have 6 pairs and can’t wait to buy my next pair, the new VFF Speeds!

  7. Collin, that’s awesome that you got to have your employer accept VFFs in the workplace! I am going to try wearing mine to my design job, though it shouldn’t be a problem since many people wear flip flops.

  8. Emily says:

    i have a pair of sequin VFFs that are gorgeous and silver(very blingy!). i also like in england – so i don’t know if they’re available in the US yet. look on the european version of the VFF website. tons more styles!
    :D

  9. Christy says:

    I do NOT draw the line at dresses. I’ve never been one to take my fashion cues from another. To me that says you aren’t able to decide that for yourself. I have the new black leather bormios and wear them with dresses to church every week. They look plenty good enough, especially nice with a long black skirt, but good with anything. And whoever doesn’t think so really doesn’t have to look.

  10. Tom Elder says:

    My employer has no problems with VFF’s. I am in a non public contact office setting so it was never an issue. After getting over the “monkey feet” comments, I have now converted 12 people to VFF’s and they now thank me rather than chide me.

  11. Marc says:

    I bought Stem Survival Origins for work and they are excellent. http://www.stemfootwear.com/Survival-Origins-Men_p_30.html

    Not as good as five fingers but they look like normal shoes but allow nearly the same freedom.

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