As an avid barefooter, I’ve tried countless barefooting shoes over the years, but none compare to Vibram FiveFingers. I’ve been a fan of FiveFingers for some time — they have allowed me to develop a foot dexterity, nimbleness and strength that I didn’t know was possible! It was so exciting to get a chance to talk to Vibram’s Director of Sales and Distribution, Chris Melton.

Chris shares the story of Vibram's early beginnings, how FiveFingers came to be, the evolution of some of their most loved models and what we can look forward to from them in the future. Most importantly, he answers every Vibram fan’s burning question: Is it pronounced Vee-bram or Vy-brum?? Whether you’re a loyal Vibram FiveFingers aficionado or a fan of barefooting in general, this show is for you!

Episode Breakdown:

Daniel answers your questions on:
- His top fabric choices for clothing
- Squirrel hunting
- Rationing animal protein from hunts
Daniel discusses a question on the topic of suicide
Is it Vee-bram or Vy-brum?
A bit about Chris’s background
Why are Vibram soles everywhere?
Vibram’s recent growth
The beginnings of Vibram’s Five Fingers
Barefooting shoes and stylishness
Women and Vibrams
The new Furokshiki shoe and boot
Should you wear socks with Vibrams?
Wearing barefoot shoes in obstacles courses like Tough Mudder
Review of favorite Vibram models
The evolution of Vibram models
The story of the Vibram class action lawsuit
The future of Vibram
Where to find Vibram online

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Meet Chris

Chris Melton is a footwear industry veteran. After four years at Converse, he led the INOV-8 brand from 2011-2014 as North American General Manager. Chris is now Director of Sales and Distribution for the Vibram brand’s finished goods business unit in North and South America. He’s a former Division 1 baseball player, practices an 85% paleo lifestyle, and is married with two children and resides in Hopkinton, MA (home of the Boston Marathon starting line).