Five Finger Bootie by Vibram
November 12th, 2008 by evan 
I changed in my Xcel booties a while back for these 5 finger ones by Vibram. I did it because the sole is thicker and gives more protection against sea urchins and sharp rocks. The razor cuts in the sole also give excellent grip. Now that I’m used to the 5 toe feeling, other booties feels uncomfortable. They feel like putting a sock on your hand versus a glove. I also seem to get better feel with these on as they are probably the closest I can get to bare feet. An added benefit is that I notice that my feet cramp a lot less. I like them so much that I bought some to wear on land instead of my crocs.
How much do these booties cost? What do you use it for? Surfing? SUP? Curious?
I think I paid $70 or $80. They are not cheap. I use these ones to SUP in. I get way better grip, protection from cuts and less cramping in my feet. I actually have the ones that cover the top of my feet now bc the ones in the pic had a small tear and I exchanged them. I got them from a little store behind the Bankoh on the corner of Waialae Ave and Center St. It’s across on the the Koko Head side of the old Queen Theater. The store is Wheatgrass Pacifica and they sell wheatgrass and these shoes…interesting product mix.
Thanks, Evan! Just wanted to say also that I enjoy your site!
Thanks a lot!
I recently purchased these booties at the same place Evan got his. Wayne, the owner of the store is such a nice guy and very helpful in finding the right fit. The day I went to see Wayne it was drizzling rain outside. He really wanted me to get a good feel for the booties, so he told me to go and walk on the rocks outside. I said, “It’s raining, the booties are gonna get dirty and wet!”. It didn’t matter to him, he wanted to give me the best “experience”. What store would let you walk outside in the rain, in their shoe or as Wayne calls it “the anti-shoe”? I love these booties. Pricy, but worth every penny. My feet don’t cramp and I can SUP longer. It also makes walking on rocks a breeze and I don’t have to worry if I’ll step on an unfriendly creature! These booties are awesome for my long walks on the beach as well. Thanks for the tip, Evan. Looking forward for more.
Jim at Tropical Blends Surf on Queen Street just got in a shipment of these 5 finger shoes. Check him out. http://www.TropicalBlendSurf.com