How to Style Vibram Toe Shoes in 4 Ways

I’ve always loved unexpected footwear. When I was in high school, I wore sandals made from rope after seeing a cool counselor at summer camp with a similar pair. I have (and love) the Tabi-style shoe; there’s something about giving my big toe room to breathe that just feels right. So when I started seeing Vibrams out and about among fashion girls, I didn’t blink twice. I knew they were for me.

Turns out the mesh flats and velcro V-Soul style of Vibrams in demand are quite hard to get your hands on, so I gave up my endeavor until I was invited to a customization lab to decorate my own pair. I figured it would be the perfect entry into trying these out, and I started with a beige V-Soul. They’re tricky to get on, and that doesn’t change with wear: You have to separate each toe and make sure each goes in the proper spot every time you put them on, but once they’re in, they’re endlessly comfy.

Within the first 48 hours of getting my Vibrams, I hadn’t taken them off, except for a birthday-party outing where I was forced to change (those friends have since come around on the shoes). Paired with a maxi skirt or baggy jeans, I found that it was quite easy to incorporate these into most of my outfits. And once I figured out that I liked the way the shoes felt, I set out to find a black mesh pair like the ones I saw on every Pinterest board. New Vibram styles are being sold for around $150, but the mesh pair has been resold for up to $300 on sites like Depop and eBay. When I saw a pair in my size in stock at Walmart for $70, I was quick to purchase. I wore them for multiple days in Paris while I walked 30,000 steps; my feet didn’t ache one bit. I haven’t been able to shut up about them since and begged some Cut members to try them out for Fashion Week. Turns out I’m not alone in my love for these. Here’s what they thought.

Bianca Nieves, senior shopping editor

I wore the Roadaround 2 Vibrams on the fifth day of New York Fashion Week. I opted for an all-black look because I honestly didn’t know how to style them in a way that felt authentic to me. I love when I see Vibrams out in the street, but my odd-shoe game stops at wearing Nike Air Rifts. Would I wear them again? Yes, but to go to the river or for a hike, not on a daily basis. I found them a bit hard to put on. My pinky toe is just too short, and it was a hassle to really get that piggy in its place. However, once secured, they are extremely comfortable. After leaving Tory Burch’s backstage in downtown Brooklyn, I decided to walk back to Williamsburg, and it was a breeze.

Carol Lee, beauty writer

​I don’t care what anybody says — I love Vibrams. It feels wonderful to have my toes separated and free from one another’s sweaty embrace. Plus, I think that with the right outfit and vibe, these divisive toe shoes look so darn cool. I wore them to the Wiederhoeft backstage, and I didn’t feel out of place at all. Not to brag, but I even got a compliment on them. My one unfortunate mistake was that mine were a size too small, so my toes were sore after a few hours. But if I one day get the right size, I can foresee them becoming a semi-daily staple.

Emma Oleck, fashion market editor

I have been wanting to get my hands on a pair of Vibrams for so long, and safe to say it was for good reason. Truly, I am obsessed with them. Beyond the plethora of health benefits they are said to provide (improved strength, balance, posture, natural foot movement, etc.), I simply love a freaky shoe. Every time I have seen a pair of Vibrams in the wild, I have thought the wearer must be so cool, whether it’s a dad who hikes or a frequenter of Dover Street Market. They are a bit tough to get on quickly, but once they’re on, they are so comfortable. As someone consistently running all over town for appointments (or on my feet all day on set), they are my new go-to long-day shoes. They also just make me feel cool. I have found myself styling them with oversize pants and leaning into the look. Safe to say, my toes are also happy. I will be getting more styles and colors of Vibrams.