Yet Another VFF Sizing Question (tight toe; have searched and read)

[Victor Putz]

Sorry to pester again, but since returning/replacing is an overseas shipping hassle, I wanted a second opinion or two.

I measured according to the VFF site which had me as 42, minus one size for the KSO, so a 41. My wife, on a trip back to the states, picked up a pair which I almost completely love... except that my left big toe hurts; this is after two days of wearing them several hours each day (I wear Nike frees and Vivo barefoot shoes, so this is a fit issue rather than just being new to barefoot-style shoes). This is a "pressure pain" (not a "muscle ache") and can be felt afterwards for several minutes by lightly pressing on the tip of my toenail. The toe does contact the end of the toe pocket when standing, but when sitting it does not feel bad, and pulling the toe pocket gives me a bit of room. So the fit is aaaalmost ideal, but if it does not stretch, I think I can't wear them for running (which is half the point).

Most sizing sites (and threads here) have said that a little tightness in the toes is normal. There is no wasted space and the shoes feel great except for the toe--but I would not want to run in these with the toe pressing like that; I'd worry about black toenail at the least. Is there any chance these will stretch, or should I just give up and ask for the next size up?

(fitting in person for the KSOs in the UK is not really so much an option)

Thanks, sorry for the extra thread--I just wanted to see if peoples recommendation to "let them break in" was actually strong enough that this pressure pain might abate (vs just minor discomfort).

[Ryan Webernick]

I think the reality is that due to the shape of some people's feet, it may not be possible to get a perfect fit. I know that my "pinky" toe is oddly shorter than the rest, and it barely goes into its pocket at all.

How long have you had them? I know my pair of KSOs(42) fit pretty well initially, but have stretched out a bit. They still work, but if I were to buy another pair I'd go a size lower.

[Victor Putz]

I've had them exactly two days. It's more a question of "hang in there and hope they stretch a fair amount more" vs "need to make a decision before too long or I won't be able to return them"; I'm just not sure how much they stretch during a break-in period (which I guess is what I'm trying to learn).

[Zack Dunn]

Huh. I actually had the same problem when I got my VFFs about 3 months ago. Same issue for me...my left big toe felt too large. And I even noticed where pressure was being put on my toe, towards the top.

Anyway, 3 months and lots of use later, my toe doesn't bother me anymore.

I think it's something you just get used to, unless it becomes so serious that you know for sure you need to stop.

[Ryan Webernick]

Is the several hours each day all at once? Maybe start with lower doses.

[Tim Reding]

I have had similar issues, my suggestion would be to get the next size up. They don't really stretch out in the toes. The body of them might stretch a tad, but not in the toes. I have 4 pair that I have been rotating for close to two years. I ran into that problem with my first pair. Believe me, you'll be happy you did. Especially if you plan on wearing injinji's with them.

[Zack Dunn]

^^^ Do you not have problems with your little toes being too small? My pinkie toes only fit halfway as-is.

[Tim Reding]

I would much rather have them a bit looser and wear toe socks with them than have them too snug. Also, if you wear the socks with them all the time no VFF stink! That is a major plus in m.o.o.

[Victor Putz]

I'm leaning that direction myself.

Do you not have problems with your little toes being too small? My pinkie toes only fit halfway as-is.

Actually the fit is almost perfect on all toes except that darned left big toe. But I can't have barefoot running shoes that I can't run in; that's no good. I'll give them two more days but if nothing's changed I have to size up or these are just house slippers that hurt. If I'm going to invest in VFFs, I expect the "feels like a glove/hardly notice they're there" that was the draw in the first place.

[Andrew Durham]

I used to have this problem with the toe next to my big toe. I paid visit to the local Dr. who sanded off a couple of centimeters of useless flesh and bone. They now fit like a silky glove.