Never seen before VFF

[JustinB]

While those of us diehard males who love the Classic for it's open-top, ease of entry styling want that style carried into other models/future lines, everything I've seen and heard tells me that most guys shy away from both the Classic and the Sprint styles for being too feminine.  It's silly in my opinion, but it is what it is.

So when you look at the El-X vs Entrada, the Sorrento vs the Grado, the Moc vs the Performa ... well there's a pattern there right?

I think you hit the nail on the head Justin.  I think that's why the first cut was to get rid of colors and move to just black.  It was probably the best selling of the classics among men.  The American Male just isn't comfortable wearing something that looks like a ballet slipper.  It took me 6 months to decide I like it.  I wear them now and they are fantastic but it's still a very feminine shoe.  And the sprint just plain looked like a MaryJane... i think it was doomed from the start.

I think we are going to see a couple core models that stick with the unisex styling but then the specialized and newer models are going to be his/hers type releases.

[justin]

If they had put a strap on it, it would be an updated Seeya, the upper is almost the same.
I guess they didn't want it to compete with the Seeya and that's why they advertise it as casual/fitness and not running.

but... if the ground feel on the El-X is so much better then its bye bye Seeya.

I think the El-X may be lighter than the SeeYa, so it's got that going for it.  It does seem like the SeeYa may have less sole though (no EVA).

Hunch: the lack of EVA in the SeeYa may actually have contributed to the slop in the heel/lack of structure in the sole (causing the sole to move at odds with the foot from time to time).  There's a weird balance between sole flexibility and functionality/slop/floppiness.

[JustinB]

If they had put a strap on it, it would be an updated Seeya, the upper is almost the same.
I guess they didn't want it to compete with the Seeya and that's why they advertise it as casual/fitness and not running.

but... if the ground feel on the El-X is so much better then its bye bye Seeya.

I think the El-X may be lighter than the SeeYa, so it's got that going for it.  It does seem like the SeeYa may have less sole though (no EVA).

Hunch: the lack of EVA in the SeeYa may actually have contributed to the slop in the heel/lack of structure in the sole (causing the sole to move at odds with the foot from time to time).  There's a weird balance between sole flexibility and functionality/slop/floppiness.

Very apparent in the moc.  It moves on it's own from time to time and you can feel it slipping and sliding around.  This was the same issue zem gear had.  WHile the concept was fantastic, it was basically a sock that twisted and moved on it's own.

[justin]

If they had put a strap on it, it would be an updated Seeya, the upper is almost the same.
I guess they didn't want it to compete with the Seeya and that's why they advertise it as casual/fitness and not running.

but... if the ground feel on the El-X is so much better then its bye bye Seeya.

I think the El-X may be lighter than the SeeYa, so it's got that going for it.  It does seem like the SeeYa may have less sole though (no EVA).

Hunch: the lack of EVA in the SeeYa may actually have contributed to the slop in the heel/lack of structure in the sole (causing the sole to move at odds with the foot from time to time).  There's a weird balance between sole flexibility and functionality/slop/floppiness.

Very apparent in the moc.  It moves on it's own from time to time and you can feel it slipping and sliding around.  This was the same issue zem gear had.  WHile the concept was fantastic, it was basically a sock that twisted and moved on it's own.

Yep -- exactly my thoughts re: the Moc!  That said, SeeYa is better than the Moc. 

All told, this is why I tend to default back to the opinion that the Sprint/Classic was the best balance yet achieved with the KSO next.  I'm optimistic about the El-X (and I do like the SeeYa -- but I think the LS will be better).

[Mr. Leigh]

I'm optimistic about the El-X (and I do like the SeeYa -- but I think the LS will be better).

I am on the fence about the EL-X.  I think I am just more agitated that they are toting it as a replacement to my beloved Classics, but I will probably give a pair a try.  I too am eagerly awaiting the See-Ya LS.  If they are as good as I  hope they are, they might make my Speeds obsolete.

[Horse Rider]

Visually and functionally I could go for the purple Alitza, although I am not sure about those ribbony thingies on top of the foot... It's the first new model since the Bikila that even remotely caught my attention unfortunately.. or fortunately for my wallet.. except the Lontra of course but it's only for the waterproofing, the color is not great...

[BlackFoxSees]

I'm excited for the EL-X, but that includes a dose of skepticism that the upper provides any non-cosmetic benefits. If the upper is flexible enough to be easier to put on than a KSO, how much can it do to keep the shoe on your foot?
Basically, I'm tempted to pick up a pair of classics before the supply dries up, but this potential rival has me thinking twice.

[monkeyshoes]

guess what I found

http://www.garyplantesales.com/catalogues/Vibram%20Catalogue%20-%20SS13.pdf

[BlackFoxSees]

I nominate monkeyshoes for Thread Hero.
because    !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3mm outsole on the EL-X!? Count me in. It would be nice if there were more than one non-black colorway, but whatever, I like what I see. I would probably be willing to try on the Entrada, but it probably won't be available anywhere near my size.
The 2 new watersports models have me really excited. If the Maiori can correct some flaws of the Flow then it might be an interesting alternative to the Lontra for rainy days.

It's really the Signa that I want to try on right this minute, though. It looks like a freaking space ship! It's cool that it's made for aquatic activities, but considering how awesome most VFF's are at that drainage/swimming/etc it's not like they've opened new frontiers or anything there. I just want to test out that crazy new sole and find out how the perforation performs in dry environments (until I take up kayaking just to use the shoe as intended anyway  ). Will it do anything to keep your feet cool and dry when you're just walking around? I'm intrigued, to say the least.

[dirkverelst]

3mm outsole, yes, but also 2mm EVA... I`m not saying `count me out`, because I also wear KSO`s, but glad I have a good collection of Classics/Sprints!
I never understood why they added those 2 extra mm`s in the KSO

[Steve]

which model the left side  guy  wearing (look like Sprint but with open back)?
My deception is not in new  Vibram catalogue.

[Mr. Leigh]

@ monkeyshoes

Guys just a reminder that publishing copyrighted images without permission on birthdayshoes *could* get us into trouble, so please be wary of what you post. 

We will have to see how the EL-X and other models pan out.  Only time will tell.  As soon as Justin gets his hands or feet on a pair, he will keep us in the loop, as always.

[Mr. Leigh]

which model the left side  guy  wearing (look like Sprint but with open back)?
My deception is not in new  Vibram catalogue.

This picture, and others were floating around Facebook a while back.  It looks like a Sprint with a trek sole.

[Lyonel]

Wow... has Vibram lost it
Look at the thicknes of these soles?





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[monkeyshoes]

are these boots for real?