Korean Job Discussion Forums

[pianowill]

I just got some Vibram Five Finger KSO shoes because I want to try the "barefoot" running experience, but I got a blister after my first run. Is there a place around Seoul where I could pick up some moleskin - you know, those little brownish bandage-tape things that you stick on your blisters?

[travelnguy]

I've gotten some at local pharmacies. Where did you get these shoes? I looked them up on google. I would love to get my feet in a pair of these.

[NYC_Gal]

Where did you find them? I want a pair, but I want to try them on first to ensure a perfect fit.

You should try walking in them, adding a little more distance and speed each time, as you need to get used to them. My friend got a pair last year when I showed him a link, and I'm jealous, but haven't seen them here.

[pianowill]

Yeah I knew I was supposed to break them in slowly, but I thought a 30 minute run would be harmless - considering the info inside the box says I should only wear them 1-2 hours the first time.

I ordered them online, had them shipped to my parents' house in the U.S., and they mailed them to me.

[Digsy]

Anyone know what Moleskin is called in Korean?

[pianowill]

My guess is 몰르스긴 because that sounds like "moleskin," but I don't know.

[bde2]

I loved my FF KSOs so much, I bought a pair of the Treks to go with them when I was on vacation in Seattle a few months ago. Now, they're the only shoes I own, apart from my dress shoes for work.

I don't think there is any place to get them in Korea, you'd have to mail order them and get them sent, as the OP has.

Get ready for a lot of strange looks from Koreans, and the occasional comment: "Shoes... good...", or "Shoes... strangee...".

I've never had any issues with blistering from my FFs, but I did with my pair of running shoes before them. I found that "Nexcare Waterproof" bandages were very helpful, and mostly stayed in place during my runs. They can be had at most yaks, I believe.

And for those who want them but are worried about trying them on first: No need to worry, in my experience. Simply measure your feet and use Vibram's sizing chart. I was worried about the same thing, especially because I have fairly odd-shaped feet: long and narrow, with abnormally large toes. Nevertheless, the size indicated by the sizing chart was perfect for me. It's just like a glove for the feet.

Enjoy.

[prideofidaho]

I saw them at the Dongdaemun OK Outdoor location in Seoul. Here's their website stating tha they do carry them:

http://www.okoutdoor.com/product/product.html?p_category_id=B

Also, that same location seemed to carry some running / foot related accessories like antibacterial foot spray, etc.

[bde2]

[Eglayzer]

Can anyone tell me how to get to the OkOutdoor in Dongdaemun? I can't find it!

[Xylox]

You can score cheap knock offs on dealextreme.

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.39592

[El Macho]

I had to get used to wearing the KSOs over a long period of time. You're not going to be able to run long distances on pavement for quite a while without screwing up your feet, ankles, knees, and hips. That slip in the box says to wear them, not run in them.

After the blisters heal up, just wear the things around your apartment for a week, then start going around the neighbourhood in them. When you do start running, do it on dirt or grass and do it slow. You'll find that your mechanics change over a month. My running action is completely different than it was in trainers.

I absolutely love running in my KSOs but they took several months to get used to. Now that I have them broken in, they're just fantastic. They're probably they only thing I've ever purchased that lived up to the hype. I never have sore feet or joints from running, only the occasional sore muscles.

The shoes are so difficult to fit, it could be that yours are a bit too big. When I purchased mine (Seattle REI) they had a special foot measuring setup just for people who wanted vibrams.

[djsmnc]

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[ddeubel]

My own bet about the blisters isn't that the shoes don't "fit". It is moisture. This time of year, you are bound to sweat and the number 1 reason people get blisters on their feet is moisture. Just a little wetness will cause a blister very quickly.

So it might be good to wear socks ....... it still would be the same experience.

About blisters - here's a good tip that many ultra runners know - use crazy glue. Works like a charm. For extra protection , put some duct tape over the crazy glue.

DD
http://eflclassroom.com

[laguna]