Five fingers!

Phew, what a concept! The company that makes this is called Vibram five fingers. If not for the cost, I would have loved to try one of those.

Strange that not many people know about this company or know such a product even exists. Wonder what the total advertising spend of the company looks like. These guys have a market segment for sure, the segment that believes in bare foot running.

Although Nike, Reebok and Vibram are in the same industry, are they competing in the same market? Yes I suppose. The likes of Nike always existed, Vibram wants a part of the market that Nike is already in. They have made a good start and for all you know Vibram could topple Nike if people like the style. Would brands like Nike and Reebok quickly adapt and start making the five fingers shoes? Unlikely, because there could be potential patent issues (Well, so did Apple and Samsung!). Also it's in direct conflict with their cash cow... the heel running shoes.

Anyway, I hope Vibram grows big, Vibram sells more shoes, Vibram makes more money, Vibram uses profits to optimize operations and manufactures more shoes, Vibram drastically cuts costs of shoes... and I finally get to buy one for myself :)