A look at the new Black KSO Trek fivefingers (And comparison to black KSOs) [Video]

By Justin Owings on Sep 18, 2009 | In barefoot shoes | 4 comments »

BirthdayShoes forum member Jake "desaulniers" has taken a first look at the new black Vibram five fingers KSO Trek. In his video, Jake makes a number of keen observations as he compares his Treks to his black KSO fivefingers. Check it out:

Topics covered in the video include:

  • Differences in the Vibram sole between KSO and KSO Trek, specifically the KSO Trek sole using leather to cover the arch in lieu of the rubber coverage of the standard KSO.
  • The kangaroo leather upper of the fivefingers Trek being less "stretchy" as compared with the mesh upper of standard KSOs. As Jake has "wide/tall" feet, this is a point of consideration (Also note the strap length is a bit shorter on the Treks!).
  • And more!

Check the video out. Check out the forum discussion desaulniers started, too! All in all, very helpful information for anyone interested in getting the new VFF KSO Treks!

I gotta say, the black KSO Treks look pretty nice!

Thanks for sharing, Jake!

About the Author — I founded BirthdayShoes.com in April 2009 on realizing just how much I enjoyed having "free feet" - I mostly wanted to use them for weights, sprints, and plyometrics (I'm not much of a runner!). I'm a Googler by day and minimalist footwear aficionado by night; you can find me 'round Atlanta. If you want to catch up with what I'm doing outside of the site here, follow me on twitter @bdayshoes or @justinno or check out my personal site JustinOwings.com.
has written 712 articles and 260 comments.
Tags: kso, kso trek, review

wait! before you go —

« Latest Vibram Five Fingers Reviews 9/20/09Hiking Mount Marcy in black KSO Five Fingers »
Comment from: Andrew [Visitor] Email
AndrewI have been lusting after the five fingers for some time now and the Treks have sent me over the edge. I really appreciate your observations on the changes and definitely would like to hear more about leather arch. Can you feel the line between the sole and the leather? Is there any irritation or chaffing? Do you see any wear on the leather in the arch, as I assume there will inevitably be contact with the ground? I would also like to hear more along the lines of a breath-ability comparison.
09/18/09 @ 14:20
Comment from: Kevin [Visitor]
KevinHi Jake. Very good first attempt at reviewing. Informative and useful information. The only thing missing is a cat.
09/18/09 @ 15:32
Comment from: Justin Owings [Member] Email
@Andrew,

I can't feel the line between the sole and the leather. Though I could see this part coming into contact with some protrusions from the ground, as you walk/hike/run more midfoot in VFFs, I don't foresee the leather arch covering as a lingering liability. We'll see.

@Kevin,

Not everyone can have a movie star cat on call. Incidentally, "Zeke" absolutely loves his new bed - a.k.a. the Trek box.

Here's a photo:

09/18/09 @ 15:44
Comment from: Grok [Visitor]
GrokThis is a great review. It looks like Vibram took care of everything I would have wanted changed. Strap, rubber lip, narrower bottom, tougher materials, etc..

I haven't' had a pair rip yet, but a bit more rubber around the big toe would be a request from me. My toe bulges out that toe pocket enough that I can feel that the fabric is touching the ground.
09/18/09 @ 15:55