A what would you do in this situtation query...

[runNJ]

Hi all,

Here is a pseudo noob question for the group...

I bought my first pair of VFF KSO (M43 Grey/Palm) at a local retailer about a week ago. The shop staffer help me get sized up by asking my regular shoe size (11) and brought me out the above pair in size 43. They felt pretty good and my big toe, the longest one, was pretty close to the end of the toe cup.

After running a few dozen miles in them and wearing them around, I'm noticing that there is a sizeable gap in the other toe pockets (not the big toe).

I went to the Vibram website and measured up my foot - looks like I'm at 10 3/4" which puts me at a 42....

Here's the question...What would you do? I can't really return them since I ran a bunch in them, but now I'm thinking I should be wearing a smaller pair?

The big toe seems right, with slight play...the others have a good amount of play.

Thank you tons in advance.

[jasonsong]

try to sell them on this site.
or wear socks.

[BigR]

yeah you will sometimes shrink in size when you start going minimal because your tendons and ligiments tighten up more try socks as mentioned above or sizing down if you have the funds

[Hawkeye]

You can sell them, m43 is a common size, or keep them and wear them with thick toe socks for winter. Sizing down is probably best though.

[zarzu]

i am confused. how about you go to your retailer and try on those 42s first? who cares what you're going to do with the 43s, the first question is whether the 42s even fit you.

[dirkverelst]

I would try a black pair of M43, if you're in between sizes, black color comes in handy, fits smaller than the other colors.

[Atomicunderware]

Maybe it's just your foot shape? My big toe is snug in all my pairs, the second is close to the end, but my third fourth and fifth toes leave quite a bit of room.

[Jeepman]

If you only bought them a week ago, then take them back and get the size 42 if you want. There is a 90 day return on VFFs.

Rgs, Jeepman

[kurtmal]

The same thing happened with me, but when I tried on the 42s they were too tight in the big toe.  I've ended up being quite comfortable with the 43s, but YMMV.  I would give the 42s a try before deciding what to do with the 43s.

[dredone]

Just FYI,
I also wear the VFF KSO (M43 Grey/Palm) and my foot measures 10.5.  Big Toe is tight but there is progressively more space on each toe to my pinkie which has a huge gap.

I am used to it and I just started wearing socks for running to prevent blisters and it feel great.  My size 3 classics fit more snug.

(however, next time I might try on size 42 for the heck of it).

[runNJ]

Hi all,

In retrospect...I should have tried on the 42s for the hell of it...

Im going to keep these guys since I ran quite aq bit in them already and just wear them with Injinjis..

As for my next pair I am looking at getting both a pair of the Smartwool Classics and Bikila - will definitely try a few pairs out at my local retailer before I walk out...

Here's a follow up question..

So I think my retailer only has the classic proper, not the smartwool...is there any discrepancy in sizing between the two models?

Side note - you all have been the most helpful group of any forum I have ever been a part of...thank you!

[barefoot_explorer]

It is a tough situation with these shoes.  They are so size specific.  Without wasting money you have little room for error.  To decide in a store if they are the right size.  Your foot may settle in it differently just within a few days.  So it sucks if after a few days you realize they may not be the right size.  The only full proof way doing this in the store is to find the what you think is right size.  Then go one size up, and down if you can.  I thought I had this very same problem one time, but decided the size was OK.  Still not totally happy with the way the inside of one big toe feels, but not sizing.  Just how it feels compared to other.  I tried to exchange them, but numerous days had past.  Once worn out your out of luck.  You just have to sell, and move on.  In regards to this type of situation REI is probably a good place to buy.  Not sure if it is for members, or everyone.  Though they have some sort of guarantee policy where you can return worn outside products like this, and it is a decent size return window.  Not sure on specifics, but they have something generous.  It's just hard with the VFF known stock/sizing issues next to the demand.  You'll just buy from places you would not normally to get what you want.  Always know the specifics of how the product should fit before you try them for the first time.  Don't rely on sales people not all of them know.  My guess is this is a common problem with this type of product.