Taking out the (Vibram) rub

Two years in and I still love running in Vibram Five Fingers.   I started with the KSOs, moved to the Bikila and just decided to try the Bikila LS.  I have positive proof I run better, faster, and stronger with less shoe.  As Vibram has improved the models over time, though, they can't seem to get rid of extreme hot spots, at least for my feet..  The KSOs burned the side of my foot.  The Bikilas cut holes above my heels.  At least for a day.  I then quickly learned in every case how to hack the shoe with a combination of tongue pads and/or liberal, permanent application of body glide throughout the shoe.  It always felt like a custom slipper afterwards.

The Bikila LS proved no exception this time.  The first short, slow runs I did posed no problem.  But the minute I cranked up the pace, the outer left sole managed to rub a big blister again on the side of my foot.  The body glide treatment failed to work this time.

I instead had to branch out this time in the garage and go straight for the duct tape.  (See the pictures.)  I cut out a big piece of duct tape and ran it along the inside outer side.  It worked.  I ran a slow 6 miles but on tough terrain with no pain.  If you have the same issue, give it a try.

Extra body glide just dissolved through and stained the fabric

Before application of duct tape...

 ...with duct tape inside