Treksport vs Bikila LS

[paulr]

Hi All,

Just looking for a bit of advice.  Im based in the UK and the cost of VFFs are ridiculously high.  Im on vacation in the USA next month and have already ordered a pair of Bikila LS for collection when Im there.  However I thought I may pick up more than one pair while Im over and I am mulling over whether to get another pair of Bikila LS or a pair of Treksports.

I will use them for a combination of running - road and off road - general kicking about (but never work) and maybe some walking/hiking - probably canal tow paths (quite stony but level) and the like.  I will wear my normal walking boots for the majority of walks/hikes as my favourite area to walk (the Peak District) requires waterproof footwear most of the time (remember that summer over here can have very varied weather, and the peaty areas rarely dry up).... it is said that Britain has weather while everywhere else has a climate...

So will Treksports give me anymore flexibility wrt to wearing that Bikila LS's wont ?  Maybe some feet temperature considerations between them ?  Im assuming they are similar in their inability to resist water ?
Thanks in advance,
Paul


Edit : I found this article -  http://www.freshairjunkie.com/index.php/2011/11/vibrams-treksport-and-bikila-shoe-review/ any one agree with the sentiments ?

[mavch15738]

 I HAVE THE REGULAR BIKILA AND THE LEATHER TREK LS VERSION. THE BIKILA ARE DEFINITELY GEARED FOR ROAD RUNNING IV'E TAKEN THEM ON TRAILS AND YOU REALLY HAVE TO WATCH AS SMALL STONES CAN BE QUITE PAINFUL WHEN STEPPED ON WITH THEM.  I GOT THE LS EVEN THOUGH VIBRAM MARKETS THEM AS MORE FOR CASUAL WEAR BECAUSE I RUN MAINLY ON BRIDLE TRAILS AND I LIVE IN NORTHERN OHIO WHICH GETS QUITE COLD IN WINTER.  THE TREK LS HAS LESS OF A BAREFOOT FEEL BUT OFFERS GREAT PROTECTION AGAINST STONES AND THE LIKE.  THE STANDARD FABRIC TREK HAS THE SAME LUGGED SOLE AS THE LS VERSION BTW. I'VE RUN IN COLD WEATHER IN THE BIKLA AND  THEY ARE NOT WATERPROOF AND IT CAN BE UNBEARABLE ON LONG RUNS IN BAD WEATHER.  LIKE I SAID I BOUGHT THE TREK LS SORT OF WATERPROOFED IT FOR WINTER AND USED ININJI SOCKS THIS WINTER AND LOVED THEM.  THE WATERPROOFING JOB WAS'NT PERFECT BUT IT WAS WAY MORE COMFORTABLE IN COLD WET WEATHER.  THESE ARE 2 VERY DIFFERENT SHOES IN TERMS OF PURPOSE AND IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU HAVE YOUR ROAD SHOE IN THE BIKILA LS.  HOPE THIS HELPS       

[nowster]

No need to shout. 

[PB Junkie]

Paul, my opinion is that the Spyridon LS is far superior to the Treksport.  Much better traction, groundfeel and overall comfort. The rockblock on the Spyridon is great, especially on gravel and areas with sharp rocks.  You won't find the deals on the Spyridon that you will on the Treksport, but to me, the price difference is well worth it (they run about $120 US).  As far as how hot the Spyridon are and water resistance, I think they're equivalent to the Bikila LS, so the Treksport may have a slight advantage in being a little cooler.

I agree that the Bikila (regular or LS) are the best for the road if you want a little more protection than the KSO.  I use my Bikilas for my road running.

[toh-shu]

I HAVE THE REGULAR BIKILA AND THE LEATHER TREK LS VERSION. THE BIKILA ARE DEFINITELY GEARED FOR ROAD RUNNING IV'E TAKEN THEM ON TRAILS AND YOU REALLY HAVE TO WATCH AS SMALL STONES CAN BE QUITE PAINFUL WHEN STEPPED ON WITH THEM.  I GOT THE LS EVEN THOUGH VIBRAM MARKETS THEM AS MORE FOR CASUAL WEAR BECAUSE I RUN MAINLY ON BRIDLE TRAILS AND I LIVE IN NORTHERN OHIO WHICH GETS QUITE COLD IN WINTER.  THE TREK LS HAS LESS OF A BAREFOOT FEEL BUT OFFERS GREAT PROTECTION AGAINST STONES AND THE LIKE.  THE STANDARD FABRIC TREK HAS THE SAME LUGGED SOLE AS THE LS VERSION BTW. I'VE RUN IN COLD WEATHER IN THE BIKLA AND  THEY ARE NOT WATERPROOF AND IT CAN BE UNBEARABLE ON LONG RUNS IN BAD WEATHER.  LIKE I SAID I BOUGHT THE TREK LS SORT OF WATERPROOFED IT FOR WINTER AND USED ININJI SOCKS THIS WINTER AND LOVED THEM.  THE WATERPROOFING JOB WAS'NT PERFECT BUT IT WAS WAY MORE COMFORTABLE IN COLD WET WEATHER.  THESE ARE 2 VERY DIFFERENT SHOES IN TERMS OF PURPOSE AND IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE YOU HAVE YOUR ROAD SHOE IN THE BIKILA LS.  HOPE THIS HELPS       

lets turn caps lock off, shall we?

Paul, my opinion is that the Spyridon LS is far superior to the Treksport.  Much better traction, groundfeel and overall comfort. The rockblock on the Spyridon is great, especially on gravel and areas with sharp rocks.  You won't find the deals on the Spyridon that you will on the Treksport, but to me, the price difference is well worth it (they run about $120 US).  As far as how hot the Spyridon are and water resistance, I think they're equivalent to the Bikila LS, so the Treksport may have a slight advantage in being a little cooler.

I agree that the Bikila (regular or LS) are the best for the road if you want a little more protection than the KSO.  I use my Bikilas for my road running.

i have the treksports and like em, but apparently i really need to go try these spyridons because it seems like everyone LOVES them.

[rookhoe]

I WOULD GIVE THE SPYRIDONS A GO. I THINK THEY MIGHT BE MY NEXT PAIR AS I ALREADY HAVE THE BIKILA LS (LOVE THEM) AND THE KSO. THEY SPYRIDONS SEEM MORE TRAIL FRIENDLY.

[cincodeos]

Got them both, and I love them both! The next is the spiridion, but I wojld preffer the laceless version...

[paulr]

Paul, my opinion is that the Spyridon LS is far superior to the Treksport.  Much better traction, groundfeel and overall comfort. The rockblock on the Spyridon is great, especially on gravel and areas with sharp rocks.  You won't find the deals on the Spyridon that you will on the Treksport, but to me, the price difference is well worth it (they run about $120 US).  As far as how hot the Spyridon are and water resistance, I think they're equivalent to the Bikila LS, so the Treksport may have a slight advantage in being a little cooler.

I agree that the Bikila (regular or LS) are the best for the road if you want a little more protection than the KSO.  I use my Bikilas for my road running.

Thanks PBJ - Ive never really had the Spyridons on my radar and the additional cost of them is a factor that muddies the water. 
In your opinion how much better is the Spyridons over the Treksports in terms of protection from stones, sharp objects etc ?.... I always thought (and read) that the Treksports sole was fairly good at stopping most stuff ?? - but would be very interested to hear your views.

[Lyonel]

As for the upper. I tripped once with my Treksports and immediately tore the pocket of my big toe. There where the plastic nail meets the material of the upper. Also the logo's and the reflective material came off after numerous times of washing (no they are not fakes).