Vibram Five Fingers EL-X Knit Review: My Barefoot Journey
What’s poppin’ people? It’s Dante. Today, I wanted to do a quick review of the Vibram Five Fingers EL-X Knit version. Honestly, I just want to sing the praises of these shoes!
I’ve been using the original version for about a year, and when the knit version came out, I had to try them. They’re way more comfortable, feel better on the foot, and aesthetically, they look even better.
These are barefoot shoes that fit on your feet like a glove, with the thinnest sole possible—about 3mm. However, if you’re like me and walk a lot (30,000 steps a day, no big deal), you can wear them out quickly. I usually have to buy a new pair every couple of months because of holes developing, but is it worth it? Absolutely!
The Benefits of Barefoot Walking
Wearing these shoes has strengthened my feet, calves, legs, back, and posture. It’s been an amazing journey combining barefoot shoes with my daily walks while wearing a weighted plate carrier from Rogue. I don’t even run—I’m just a walker, and that’s all I need to build strength and maintain good posture.
I walk 30,000+ steps per day, averaging 15+ miles daily. I probably walk more than 99% of people alive—maybe someone walks more, but I doubt it!
My Favorite Aspect
The coolest part about these shoes? They’re a natural training tool. I wear them for everyday purposes like walking and hiking, allowing me to return to a primal way of being. In fact, Spartans trained barefoot to fortify their bodies, and I try to follow that example—embracing simplicity, walking endlessly, and strengthening my body along the way.
When I stand and walk all day, I feel like I’ve joined the disciplined lifestyle of monks. These shoes fit like a glove and feel great on my feet. I ordered them in size EU 44 (US 10.5 to 11) in black from Amazon for around $100, and they’re the best shoes I’ve ever worn.
A Tool for Strength and Creativity
As a street photographer, these shoes help me stay on my feet all day, photographing the streets and working on creative pursuits while improving my health and fitness. It’s a lifestyle—strengthening my body while capturing the world around me.
Sure, they develop holes over time, but that’s because I walk endlessly. These shoes are not the most durable, but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. They allow me to move my toes freely and feel the ground beneath me like no other shoe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re considering trying barefoot shoes, give the Vibram Five Fingers EL-X Knit a shot. I’ve never felt this strong in my life since going barefoot, and I can’t stop walking or marching forward.
Combine it with a weighted vest, and you’ve got the ultimate way to train. You don’t need to run—just walk, stand tall, stand firm, and stand strong. These shoes will have you marching along, no doubt!
Highly recommended. You don’t need shoes—just barefoot shoes.