"Barefoot" Footwear

Review – Vibram FiveFingers Moc

By Al Gauthier ⋅ October 7, 2009 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Review – Vibram FiveFingers New Moc

By Al Gauthier

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Also see our review of the Vibram FiveFingers Performa

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Vibram FiveFingers has clearly been working hard over the last year designing new product for a hungry audience.  Barefooters, minimalist runners, and every day folk are buying FiveFingers faster than the company has been able to produce them.  The FiveFingers team listen to their customers, the result of which is a selection of five new niche-specific models to be released over the next 6 months.

This fall, Vibram Fivefingers is releasing the Moc, the Performa, and the KSO Trek.  Spring brings with it the Performa Jane and the Bikila.  A possible sixth shoe, the Speed, may find its way to European markets some time next year as well although Vibram is tight-lipped about the details.

Today we review the FiveFingers Moc.  This is the first indoor shoe in the FiveFingers lineup, and is the brother to the women’s-only Performa.

The Moc, Performa, and KSO Trek are made using Kangaroo leather, a first for FiveFingers.   While the choice of material may be appropriate from the design perspective, the choice to use animal hide on a product that has previously been synthetic has some animal experts upset.  The Moc and Performa are indoor-only shoes, putting them in a slightly different category than the rest of the popular lineup.

It seems that Vibram is expanding their grip by tailoring new models to specific uses.  This has the advantage of giving the end-user a better product for the chosen activity, but also will increase sales as now one pair is no longer good enough.  It’s a brilliant move from Vibram.
These changes are not necessarily negative.  To slip on one of these wonderful shoes is like no other experience in shoe land.  Vibram reinvented the shoe, and now they are reinventing the FiveFingers.

Packaging

The packaging is delightfully minimal.  The box, made of what appears to be recycled material, is just as big as it needs to be.  Each shoe is minimally wrapped in tissue paper, but otherwise there is no further packaging.  In a world of excess, I applaud a company that packages minimally.  Unnecessary packaging makes product production and transportation more expensive, doesn’t help the consumer, and is detrimental to the environment.

Comfort

As I put these on for the first time, I am immediately struck by how soft and comfortable the leather is.  Wearing these FiveFingers reminds me of an expensive car or a fine leather jacket.  The experience is in the details.  The leather feels wonderful on the skin. It is soft and warm, yet not hot.  It is perforated throughout by tiny ventilation holes.  The stitching is not perceptible.  The shoe feels luxurious and expensive.

The design makes for a seamless fit.  I am unable to feel any of the joining seams, and although I have never been bothered by these in FiveFingers, the lack of feeling anything but softness is a welcome sensation.
I had expected the Moc to be more difficult to put on than the more rigid designs, but I found them easy to slip into.  I was able to put them on with one hand with my foot in the air in seconds.  They are no more difficult to put on than a nice pair of leather gloves, and really the comparison so often made, has never been more accurate.

Walking in these FiveFingers is really no different from the FiveFinger Classics. The ground transmission is very similar.  The fit of the shoe is adjustable using an elastic cord located at the heel. A Velcro fastener has been cleverly incorporated to keep the tab out of the way.  The loose tab was a frustration with the Classic and I’m pleased to see this thoughtful addition.

Echo-Footprint

A leather product has its own ramifications.  I cannot speak for the manufacturing practices of Vibram as I really do not have sufficient detail.  Those that keep away from leather products will no doubt also keep away from these shoes.  Kangaroo leather is a by-product of the Kangaroo meat industry.  For some this is acceptable, for others it is deplorable.

The leather seems somehow appropriate.  It gives the shoe such a luxurious feeling that there is pleasure in the wearing of it.  Dare I say that although nothing compares to the joy of being barefoot for me, there is something to be said for soft materials.  We wear clothes that feel good on the skin, so why not shoes that feel good on our feet.

Technology

The Kangaroo leather is K-100 leather from a company called Packer Leather.  It is said to be resistant to sweat damage, and has a high color fastness.  It is treated with the Aegis Microbe Shield which protects against odor, staining, and deterioration caused by bacteria, fungus, and other microorganisms.

Weight

The Moc weighs 2.6 oz (76.89 grams), which is considerably lighter than the Classic (5.3 oz or 150 grams).  The Moc feels light on the feet.  It is indeed barely perceptible.

Flex / Sole

The sole has been redesigned for the Moc.  With a fingerprint-like pattern, the sole is made up of seven pieces.  Each toe has its own rubber sole, as does the ball of the foot and the heel. In between lies nothing but soft leather. The rubber pads are tapered at the edges, and are imperceptible under foot. This arrangement allows for better flexibility as the joints of the toes are not impeded by a rubber structure.  I had wondered if this arrangement would make a significant difference, but it seems to be well worth the trouble.  The Moc is as flexible as any shoe could possibly be. It is a clear step up in flexibility from the previous FiveFingers design. I am impressed.

Support / Insole

There is no insole of course, and no arch support.  Unlike other FiveFinger models there is no perceptible insole stitched into this design.  The leather that supports the rubber pads is the same leather that your foot stands on.

Barefoot Feel

The seven-piece design of the sole allows for much greater flexibility.  It is now possible to move your toes in virtually exactly the same way as when barefoot.  Ground transmission is just as good if not slightly better compared to the Classic, Sprint, Flow, and KSO designs.

Breathability

Kangaroo leather is known for being very comfortable.  My feet were warm while wearing the Mocs, but never hot.  The Kangaroo leather combined with the ventilation holes does a very good job of keeping feet comfortable.

Quality of Materials / Manufacturing

The quality of the craftsmanship is excellent.  The stitching is well placed and seamless.  The seven pads appear to be glued to the leather of the bottom, however, there is no sign that this is a weakness. The quality of the product is superb.

Water Resistance

The Moc is not water resistant.  In fact, while testing these shoes, small water droplets fell onto the leather upper and was immediately absorbed.  As these are indoor shoes and are designed to breathe well, there is no need for water resistance.

Sizing

The size of the Moc is consistent with the sizing of the Classic and Sprint.  Due to the supple nature of the Kangaroo leather and the lack of some of the structure, I would expect that the fit of these shoes may be more flexible than that of the Classic and Sprint.  As always it is best to try on a pair in a store whenever possible.

Price

$110 US – This is a pricey indoor shoe, however the quality of the materials and craftsmanship as well as the incredible comfort of these shoes make the price worth it!  If you like or need to wear shoes indoors, there is nothing more comfortable than these.  I expect they will last a long time.

Style

After realizing that men typically bought the full-coverage FiveFingers models (KSO and Flow) and women typically bought the more open designs (Classic amd Sprint), Vibram has adjusted the Moc and Performa to reflect those trends.  The Moc (being marketed as a men’s only shoe) has a higher vamp (area of material that goes from the toes to the top of the foot) than the Classic design.  The Performa has an even lower vamp than that of the Classic.  The difference is not significant, however those men who would otherwise have found the women’s model to be the better fit may decide not to buy the Performa.

It is difficult to compare any FiveFingers shoe to traditional styling, but I would easily say the Moc and Performa are the best looking of the FiveFingers lineup. The leather gives a polished look and a more sophisticated feel, despite the toes.

Break-in Period

As with any properly fitting shoe, there should be no break-in period.  The Moc was perfectly comfortable immediately after putting it on.  When trying on these shoes, never buy a pair that does not feel comfortable.

Shoe Care

As with all of the new Kangaroo products, the leather can be machine washed and air-dried (away from direct sunlight or heat sources).  This has always been an important feature of the FiveFingers lineup as most people do not wear socks with their FiveFingers.

Uses

Vibram has always been careful about the recommended uses for FiveFingers.  I would imagine that there are legal considerations, especially in the USA.  Uses mentioned by Vibram include: yoga, Pilates, fitness training, martial arts, and dance. As always, I’m sure that there are many great uses for these shoes.  I have been wearing them indoors for all my usual activities and find them to be extremely comfortable.  I found the soft leather design to lend itself well to sitting on the ground.  This will work well for those who wish to use them for activities that require crossed legs, like yoga for example. Despite temptation, these are really not an outdoor shoe.  I would not buy these in the hopes that they would be outdoor appropriate.  They would no doubt be able to cope out of doors for some time, but the soft materials would be easily scuffed, and dirt and moisture would imbed into the materials.

Summary

This is another strong product from Vibram’s FiveFinger lineup.  The Mocs are incredibly comfortable, pleasantly warm, and feel luxurious. They are the most pleasant feeling FiveFingers I have tested to date.  They are appropriate for most indoor activities, and offer some protection and warmth in a comfortable package.  More than any other FiveFingers model, these are truly gloves for your feet.

I respect the environment but accept the use of leather in clothing and products when nothing else would do the job as well.  I’m convinced that the use of leather was a good choice here.  In fact, I like the leather so much, I would like to see leather as an option in their other models.

It will be interesting to see what sales are like for these shoes.  I believe there is an appeal that may even be greater than Vibram’s outdoor shoes, but I think the market may be very different.  While those that subscribe to a more barefoot lifestyle will easily find a home for one of the other FiveFingers models, it will be interesting to see if that group would choose these over being barefoot in an indoor environment.  Having said this, there is a potential audience who would embrace this type of shoe for indoor activities and for general warmth and comfort that may not have been exposed and converted to the joys of Vibram FiveFingers.  The polished look of these shoes combined with the extreme comfort may convert even more to this wonderful lineup of products.

These have just been launched and units are shipping as we speak to various locations around the world.  Vibram FiveFingers is currently working on an updated web site that will include information for purchasing in store and online.

Go out and treat your feet to a pair today.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com

Buy Vibram FiveFingers at these quality online retailers:

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Tags: Barefoot Shoes, Barefoot Shoes Series, bikila, Fivefingers, moc, new, performa, performa jane, review, speed, Vibram

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