A five-toed minimalist shoe by someone other than Vibram? Meet Inov-8's upcoming Evoskin [New Product]
By Justin on Jun 11, 2010 | In barefoot shoes | 43 feedbacks »
Nope, these aren't Vibram Five Fingers. They're Inov-8's new evoskin prototype silicon toe shoes.
Damien over at Adventure in Progress had his "barefeet to the ground" and happened to notice a tweet by @inov8uk — it has since been de-tweeted (deleted) — that included a link to a photo on yfrog of a new minimalist / barefoot shoe, the Inov-8 Evoskin* (Inov-8 website). The Evoskin appears to be the first five-toed alternative to the original "barefoot alternative" — Vibram Five Fingers (Note: I don't consider the fake five fingers to be true alternatives to Vibrams as they are just counterfeits produced out of China).
Here is the yfrog photo (it's still online despite the deleted tweet) of the Evoskin:
Inov-8 is rumored to be coming out with several minimalist shoes in 2011; per a runner over at Barefoot Ted's huaraches Google group, Inov-8 is working on the the Evoskin, Bare-Grip 200, and Road-X:
EVOSKIN
A "foot glove" made of silicon. A sort of second skin that fits like a glove with individual toes.BARE-GRIP 200
This looks awesome! Zero differential, zero cushioning and no midsole. Has an aggressive grip, so I think it's made for the wet, muddy, boggy and harshest of trail conditions.ROAD-X
They're bringing out a range of road shoes! All shoes are neutral with a new anatomical last and no support etc.Looks like the range has been designed to allow a gradual transition from cushioning with a
little differential, to very little cushioning and differential, eventually working towards the Evoskin.
Needless to say, seeing another five-toed shoe (if you can call the Evoskin that) conjures up some weird feelings. Yet I figure something like this was bound to happen eventually. So what do you guys think about this photo? Not a lot to work with, but off the cuff I wonder how the Evoskins will breathe.
What say you?
Thanks again to Damien of Adventure in Progress for finding this!
* If the Evoskin conjures up thoughts of a "foot condom," you're not alone.
possibly related posts
- More on the FiveFingers Trek, Glove plus the Cortina, Moc, and Performa
- Photos of Bikila and Speed sales models (Pre-production versions)
- The Vibram Five Fingers Bikila has Landed!
- The Women's Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek is out!
- New Model Update on the Five Fingers Performa
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43 comments
Comment from: Evaristo Rivera [Visitor]
It's seems cool but still doesn't compare to the original birthday shoe I don't see it bringing anything new/of value to the table
06/11/10 @ 15:40
Comment from: JC [Visitor]
Looking at the Evoskin, I'm thinking: super sweaty and therefore gross and possible slippage issues inside the "shoe;" also not as pleasing to the eye as VFFs; lastly, how long til the silicon wears a hole?
06/11/10 @ 15:42
Umm... eww. Wearing that much silicon on & around parts of my foot while living in Texas? Not good. I can hear the squishing as my feet heat up & start perspiring.
06/11/10 @ 15:42
Comment from: Rana [Visitor]
The Evoskin link doesn't go to footwear, but a site offering blog themes "skins".
06/11/10 @ 15:48
Comment from: jimbo [Visitor]
silicon! LOL. That would be very uncomfortable (and dangerous). I think they mean "silicone."
Yeah, silicone is murky and, to my knowledge, cannot be made very durable.
Yeah, silicone is murky and, to my knowledge, cannot be made very durable.
06/11/10 @ 16:52
Comment from: zarzu [Visitor]
it doesn't look comfortable at all and my feet start sweating by just looking at it. also those straps make me think of bondage (nothing against it), together with the condom look this is a big no-no.
06/11/10 @ 17:26
this is not attractive at all. one of the cool things about five fingers is they look neat and have something to them that makes people curious. all i can see people asking about these are "what are those ugly things on your feet?" not to mention that i cannot see silicon being comfortable at all.
06/11/10 @ 18:12
Comment from: Jesse [Visitor] · http://www.jesselindsey.com
In general I'd have to say that I support the idea of competition in the minimal footwear market, and I'd extend that to the five-toed market as well, but I just can't picture this design giving any model of VFF a run for its money. It does seem genuinely minimal which is good, but I agree with those of you who said it is gross looking and appears to be uncomfortable. Zarzu compared it to a condom and I agree. Also the straps look like they would stick uncomfortably to the foot and ankle like rubber bands. This seems pretty misguided. Let me know when somebody comes up with a five toed design with some "innov8ions" that would actually be considered improvements on Vibram's fine products. Brand loyalty rocks!
06/11/10 @ 18:42
Comment from: Chad R. [Visitor] · http://davidsonarearunningteam.blogspot.com
I was expecting smarmier comments based upon the ugliness, so hopefully there will be some forthwith. As for my thoughts, I'm wondering if they will offer a ribbed version, or perhaps a glow-in-the-dark series. Magnums, anyone?
06/11/10 @ 20:24
Comment from: Ryan Crane [Visitor] 
Looking at these I'm already thinking of ways to mod them like maybe removing the tips or the toe pockets and having free toes. Anyone else just looking at ways to mod these?
06/11/10 @ 21:25
Comment from: Bob [Visitor]
There's another 5 toed shoe company out there, I just can't think of the name at the moment.
06/11/10 @ 21:30
Comment from: Nathan [Visitor] · http://inbetweenmytoes.com
Before taking on the year-long experiment of wearing VFF exclusively, I wore inov8s. I loved them. They've been working on shoe designs that 'allow your foot to more fully do waht it was meant to do.' They definitely helped make the transition to FiveFingers easier. I have to admit, though, these may be a slippery step in the wrong direction for inov8 :-(
06/11/10 @ 22:09
Comment from: Abbie [Visitor] · http://barefoot-running.us
I think they look kind of creepy...
06/11/10 @ 22:33
Comment from: Boris Terzic [Visitor] · http://boristerzic.blogspot.com
I'd like to see more info before I come to a conclusion. A detailed review would be great!
06/11/10 @ 22:54
Comment from: Andy [Visitor]
I'm guessing Innov8 has some R&D working on "breathable silicone" -- google'ing comes up with various unrelated products (e.g., nursing pads and bras; brewing equipment) and a patent or 2...
06/12/10 @ 07:25
Comment from: NC Chris Johnson [Visitor]
The shoes look questionable as far as breathability. But Inov-8 has a respectable line of products so I assume they have done their homework. I have their wrap around waist bladder and it is a great design.
06/12/10 @ 07:58
Comment from: Patrick [Visitor] · http://www.awesomebymystandards.com
Maybe with different colors other than the orthopedic-old-person-shoe color the silicon frog shoes could sell.
These might just be prototypes with many color and style possibilities.
These might just be prototypes with many color and style possibilities.
06/12/10 @ 14:19
Comment from: aaron [Visitor]
My initial reaction to these was "meh." Upon further consideration, I think the silicone foot condom idea is not a good one. I can foresee lots of sweating and chafing. Unless the things are perforated, they can't possibly breathe (unless Inov-8 really has found out a way to make silicone breathe). The great thing about the VFFs is the material allows for stretch and movement of the toes inside the toe pockets. I can almost guarantee wearing a silicon sleeve over each toe would drive me nuts, whereas the smooth toe pockets of the Bikila are a dream. That said, it is good to see another company trying something new. Competition is good. With this one product (if it even gets to market), Inov-8 has taken greater strides than shoe giants and their crass, half-hearted, and disappointing attempts to cash in on the minimilast/barefoot running movement. I'm talking to you, Saucony Kinvara.
It will be interesting to see where Inov-8 goes with this.
It will be interesting to see where Inov-8 goes with this.
06/12/10 @ 16:23
Comment from: Phocion Timon [Visitor]
Holy moly. Silicon? My feet are sweating just thinking about it.
06/12/10 @ 18:01
Comment from: Maleka [Visitor] · http://novusrp.org/
If they make them in blue, I'll order a pair.
06/12/10 @ 23:42
Comment from: Claude [Visitor] · http://claudediamondrunning.blogspot.com/
Wonder if Vibram has any type of patent protection on the five finger idea ?
06/13/10 @ 07:58
Comment from: Patrick [Visitor] · http://www.awesomebymystandards.com
@Claude I'm not sure you could patent the idea of a shoe that has toes - like trying to patent a glove. Especially considering toe socks have been around. However, they obviously have several patents related to design. Interesting tho.
These shoes would be very cheap to make once the tooling and molding costs are done as it is simply poured silicon and no fabric sewing involved.
These shoes would be very cheap to make once the tooling and molding costs are done as it is simply poured silicon and no fabric sewing involved.
06/13/10 @ 17:18
Comment from: nicholas swan [Visitor]
they don't seem very protective
go vibrams!!!
go vibrams!!!
06/13/10 @ 23:22
Comment from: Al [Visitor]
If they are very cheap I'd think about it for a water shoe maybe or something like that but if theres no protection then why not just go barefoot? I support competition and growth and we can only win but I'm not seeing anything my five fingers dont do.
06/14/10 @ 12:23
Comment from: J [Visitor]
Just because the fakes are made in china doesn't mean they don't count, my vibrams (which i ordered off the main site) say made in china on the insole.
They don't count because they're made like shit and are a knock-off
They don't count because they're made like shit and are a knock-off
06/14/10 @ 13:14
Comment from: BRT [Visitor]
I can just imagine the hairs on my feet being pulled out as I try to put these on or take them off. Not fun.
06/14/10 @ 14:42
Comment from: Ryan [Visitor]
@Claude- I do believe Vibram has a patent on the five-toed sole used in VFFs.
I'm not sure how different a competing "shoe" would have to be to avoid violating that patent,
but since these have no sole (har har),
thay are probably legally in the clear.
I do agree with the majority that thinks these will get hot and sweaty (and slippery) in a heartbeat. I could also see them being an *utter pain* to put on...
I'm not sure how different a competing "shoe" would have to be to avoid violating that patent,
but since these have no sole (har har),
thay are probably legally in the clear.
I do agree with the majority that thinks these will get hot and sweaty (and slippery) in a heartbeat. I could also see them being an *utter pain* to put on...
06/14/10 @ 15:21
Comment from: PV [Visitor]
Kinda like all the touchscreen phones that came after the iPhone (hell, one is even called the "Evo"). Good to see competition, but it'll be a while before I contemplate trusting my toes to something other than a Vibram.
06/14/10 @ 19:38
Comment from: krazygoat [Visitor]
To me what would be good competition would be a Nike Air-Rift type shoe with just a thin rubber sole and no padding.
It was one of the most comfortable shoes I owned. It was like a lycra ninja shoe. When it came out it was considered very minimal. It could be worn with socks or barefoot and the sole was durable enough for me to put on hundreds of miles training for my first marathon.
It was also super easy to put on and very breathable. Although it had the same stank problem from sockless usage as my VFFs.
It was one of the most comfortable shoes I owned. It was like a lycra ninja shoe. When it came out it was considered very minimal. It could be worn with socks or barefoot and the sole was durable enough for me to put on hundreds of miles training for my first marathon.
It was also super easy to put on and very breathable. Although it had the same stank problem from sockless usage as my VFFs.
06/14/10 @ 19:49
Comment from: Maleka [Visitor] · http://novusrp.org/
Perhaps the idea is more to sidestep the "shoes required" BS you see around. These would qualify as shoes, and look a lot more minimal than VFFs.
I just love how society at large determines you need "protection" from yourself. Maybe these ARE "foot condoms".
I just love how society at large determines you need "protection" from yourself. Maybe these ARE "foot condoms".
06/14/10 @ 19:51
Comment from: April [Visitor]
Ewww! Those things just look awful. Kind of like a discount retailers knock-off like you get with the crocs. They just look totally uncomfortable and, as others have mentioned, I'm sure your feed would sweat like crazy. Reminds me of the evil spawn of the jelly shoes from the 80s and the spray-on shoes from Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs.
06/14/10 @ 20:26
Comment from: Justus0704 [Visitor]
The great thing about these shoes, is the potential ability to stretch. They do look weird, but if they are durable and can stretch to form easily around the foot, they might be a far superior training/sprinting shoe over a fivefinger. If they are thin enough to stretch and are somewhat durable they will also provide better feed back. Perhaps not as stylish as a fivefinger, but Inov8 is kind of in the adventure racing/Ultra/Awesomeness running sports community. These would more than likely be considered a training tool not a fashion statement.
06/14/10 @ 23:50
Comment from: Kyle [Visitor]
If these "foot-condoms" came in a different color I would buy them!!! In my personal opinion they appeal to me I like them and would buy a pair if they were a bright green silicone! I can't wait til these things hit the streets I want some! HOWEVER, I do prefer the vibrams we all love and adore!
06/15/10 @ 11:07
Comment from: Geoff [Visitor] · http://geoffmallinson.com
Here's a alternative way to make your own pair. Get a dish of silicone step in it and voila you own toe shoes!
It's good to see inov8 working through more minimalist stuff though.
It's good to see inov8 working through more minimalist stuff though.
06/15/10 @ 22:07
Comment from: noidiea [Visitor]
It seems theres a review on the fitness footwear blog page.
At $60 they look good value.
At $60 they look good value.
06/16/10 @ 08:09
Comment from: Rob [Visitor]
Keep in mind this is probably just a prototype. I've tested prototype shoes in the past and quite often the final product may look nothing like the prototype, hopefully that will be the case with these Inov-8 Gorilla Feet!
07/01/10 @ 15:43
Comment from: CDR [Visitor]
over at fitness foot wear there is a review by some one who got to try these out. apperantly they fit better than that vibrams because the silicone molds to you feet.They don't look bad... and the come in grey and blue which is pretty cool.
here is a link to the review:
http://blog.fitnessfootwear.com/inov8-evoskin-review/
and a link to the 2 colors with price:
http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-418-inov-8-evoskin.aspx
here is a link to the review:
http://blog.fitnessfootwear.com/inov8-evoskin-review/
and a link to the 2 colors with price:
http://www.fitnessfootwear.com/c-418-inov-8-evoskin.aspx
07/10/10 @ 03:50
Comment from: quotidianlight [Visitor] · http://www.runningwithghosts.com
I see a very good purpose for these shoes. I love my VFF's but they are actually heavier than my Mizuno Wave Universe racing flats. My flats also have a wide toe so I still get a natural movement.
I would love to run barefoot but am not ready to be exposed to glass and the elements. The VFF's are heavier and because of the bulk on the tips of the toes I tripped all the time. I actually trip walking in them sometimes as well. These have a smooth toe and look a LOT lighter than the VFF's. They also look like you'd feel the ground even better. So I think they may end up being a good edition to the barefoot shoe market.
I would love to run barefoot but am not ready to be exposed to glass and the elements. The VFF's are heavier and because of the bulk on the tips of the toes I tripped all the time. I actually trip walking in them sometimes as well. These have a smooth toe and look a LOT lighter than the VFF's. They also look like you'd feel the ground even better. So I think they may end up being a good edition to the barefoot shoe market.
08/06/10 @ 15:22
Comment from: mcd [Visitor]
Reminds me of Flint Lockwood's spray on shoes from "Cloudy with a chance of Meatballs."
08/09/10 @ 14:03
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