Kimbo Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 Hey all, I just picked up a pair of vibram five finger shoes . I wanted to know if anyone here used them to fly, and if so, how they feel on the pedals. Vibram Five Finger Shoes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arotrhd Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 Huh. Hmmm. Personally, I kinda like Flint Lockwoods spray-on shoes from Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs. With the five finger shoes, what happens if you're missing a toe or couple? Just a thought. -WATCH FOR THE PATTENS, WATCH FOR THE WIRES- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
screename6785 Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 do you have to wear toe socks, too?!? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rick McWilliams Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 I fly a little red R22 wearing Vibram 5 fingers shoes. They provide a better feel on the pedals. I am quicker and smoother. The shoes have very thin soles and give me another inch of leg room. Some skill is required to put them on. I find them excellent for walking. It takes a bit to time to learn how to walk using your muscles to do the shock absorbtion. I bought them for use in a seaplane. I have only done a few amphibious operations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodoz Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 I love the Vibrams for running (just as long as I take it slow), and I see where you're going with them for flying...nice, smooth soles to slide on the pedals. Try it, but they can be pretty uncomfortable for driving or just walking around in. Personally I like the Nike Free. I started with trail running shoes (thick knobby sole), and my pedal work didn't really improve until I switched to a smooth sole. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodrop Posted March 29, 2011 Report Share Posted March 29, 2011 I got a pair for christmas. I think I am one of a very small percentage of people where the shoe just did not fit right. My little toe was just too small for the 'toe spot'. My feet are small for my build (I wear a ladies 6 - 6 1/2) and my toes are almost non existent I can barely keep my foot on the R22 pedal in the first place..I need that extra shoe from regular shoes to keep my feet on the pedal I returned them and got a regular pair of shoes. Seriously considering buying booster pedals too. is there such a thing?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lelebebbel Posted March 30, 2011 Report Share Posted March 30, 2011 No booster pedals as far as I am aware of, but Robinson does sell a "booster" seat cushion that sits behind your back and moves you closer to the controls. Highly recommended for shorter people, you'll always have trouble with the pedals if your legs aren't quite long enough. You could use regular cushion as well, as long as you secure it somehow so it doesn't fly out the side when flying doors off. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodrop Posted March 31, 2011 Report Share Posted March 31, 2011 I do use the cushion...it definitely helps. Funny thing is I am not short by any means...but can't reach the pedals..shorter legs smaller feet.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LifeApresMil Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 I've read on here before about the proper footwear to use would be a good boot to hike out of an unforgiving place in case you had to setdown somewhere out of the ordinary. Just saying... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 I've read on here before about the proper footwear to use would be a good boot to hike out of an unforgiving place in case you had to setdown somewhere out of the ordinary. Just saying... At some point in your flying career, you will have to land short of destination. That might be at an unimproved site with a walk to your ride. If you fly enough, this too will happen. Dress for the weather, with appropriate footwear. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DCWulf Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 Why not wear flip flops? Just as much protection and "feel." In case you couldn't tell, I am being facetious. If you are training to be a professional pilot, which I expect most students are, I would recommend you start dressing/acting like a professional pilot as well. Which usually means some form of sturdy boot/shoe. I could not imagine any serious company allowing their pilots to wear anything less. I canceled a flight because my student was not in proper gear. I know I sound harsh, but just something to think about in your journey of flight. Fly safe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gomer Pylot Posted April 8, 2011 Report Share Posted April 8, 2011 The appropriate shoe will vary depending on whether you're flying in Alaska, the Oz outback, or somewhere between New York and Philadelphia. My preferred flying footwear is leather boat shoes. They're comfortable, and provide some traction on top of a dew-covered helicopter just before dawn. They work well enough on the pedals, and I can walk for a long time in them. I know of several helicopter pilots who had their careers ended by falls from the top of helicopters while preflighting, and a greasy helicopter becomes very slick when it's covered in dew. Athletic shoes are worthless up there, as are most shoes. Boat shoes are the best I've found. Maybe not ideal for walking in the boonies, but good enough. I tend to defend against the most likely peril, and I preflight every day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helonorth Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 (edited) Five finger shoes? Aren't they already called "gloves"? Oh, for your feet! Since your toes serve no other function (at least that I can think of) other than balance, I can't see why you'd want them for flying, or anything else. I wear Topsiders when flying and always have. I never had a particular reason, other than comfort. But a Alaska pilot told me several times "wear what you have to walk out in". I guess I should buy some flippers. Edited April 10, 2011 by helonorth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heligirl03 Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 Ditto that, I generally stick with, "Never fly in anything you wouldn't want to hike in." Then again I was helicopter- weaned on a glacier and now fly in the ruthlessly hot desert. Opposing extremes but it holds true nonetheless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whistlerpilot Posted April 9, 2011 Report Share Posted April 9, 2011 (edited) Generally agree with LifeApresMil, though recently was flying in my minus 40 boots and had to take them off and fly in my socks cause they were so big I was hitting both pedals at the same time. Last summer in Alaska I actually spent a night out on a glacier with 8 clients after getting weathered in and was wearing running shoes but thank goodness for thick wool socks. It's all about the socks. A good sock day makes everything OK. I prefer merino wool for both hot and cold. Edited April 9, 2011 by Whistlerpilot Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlyNHighNFast Posted April 15, 2011 Report Share Posted April 15, 2011 Get yourself a nice pair of Piloti driving shoes, great pedal feel and you can wear them for hours on end. I have 4 pairs for both flying and driving. The rounded heel is perfect for relieving stress on your ankles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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