Minimalist footwear has become popular in many sports, including kayak angling. Vibram’s Five Fingers "KMD Sport" offer a rubber sole and stretch mesh upper that protect your feet while offering almost as much flexibility and natural comfort as bare feet. Other models are available with neoprene uppers and different sole designs.
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I've seen more and more folks sporting the Vibram Five Fingers and eventually broke down and bought a pair. I wanted to see how they hold up to the rigors of fishing and walking through slippery streams and rivers. They have been out with me kayak fishing for a few trips now, this is how they fared.
I went to my local outdoor retailer The Trail Store to first check out the Five Fingers shoe. I tried on several models, everything from a neoprene version to more airy mesh model. I like the idea of the Neoprene model for colder water but quickly realized after walking around the store a bit just how hot the material was. Not to mention I already have a great pair of NRS neoprene boots, no need for both.
So, after a second visit and trying on multiple pairs again I decided on a pair that I could get the most use out of, the Komodo Sport. These breathe well enough that my feet are not sweating in the summer and I can still use them kayak fishing.
I was told to build up to wearing these shoes for longer outing. The lady who sold them to me informed me that the muscles in my feet and legs were not built up enough to go out all day in these shoes…she was right.
The first time that I decided to wear these shoes for a full day was at Derby. I have to work at Derby every year and do a lot of walking, usually somewhere around 5-6 miles. I felt fine walking around all day but couldn’t get off the couch the following day. My calves and muscles in my feet were so sore that I was limping around the whole day.
I now wear these shoes a ton, and while I don’t really notice any additional strength I certainly don’t feel the soreness that I did when I first wore them.
I love these shoes, and now wear them on the water on a regular basis along with wearing them around on long walking days such as ICAST.
My Rating of the Vibram Five Fingers: (scale of 1-10, 10 being the best)
Comfort: 8
Durability: 9 - The soles are awesome and are as durable as regular sneakers
Performance: 9 - They handle great in the water and on land.
Best comment: This one came from Jim Sammons: “Really dude! I hope you’re getting paid to wear those”. Good ole Jim always busting my balls!
I really loved the look of these shoes and the concept. They were more comfortable than I expected once I got used to how my toes felt in them. They provide better protection than I expected and I was able to wear them all day.
They seemed like a perfect fit (pardon the pun) for kayaking. They do drain fast but are very slow drying. It takes a day in the sun to dry them out. The second issue with slow drying is they develop a moldy odor that is hard to get rid of and easy to return. After looking on the internet I found many others had the same issue.
I still wear the shoes some but have not enjoyed them as much as I feel I should have because of the odor issues. Just in case you are wondering I do not have the odor issues with my other shoes like Teva and Columbia sandals, deck shoes, hiking shoes, waders, etc.
I would not recommend these shoes if you plan on getting them wet.
