KSO Sizing differences between colors? (Black maybe tight)

[Hawkeye]

When did the black or blue camo KSO first debut? If they are an "older" color choice than the grey/green maybe the new models have that extra material built in?  It doesn't seem right to be a QC issue if it's consistent among colors although there is variation. I just looked at my grey/fuschia shoes and noted while they both have a little extra material, the right shoe have more than the left.. 

[justin]

When did the black or blue camo KSO first debut? If they are an "older" color choice than the grey/green maybe the new models have that extra material built in?  It doesn't seem right to be a QC issue if it's consistent among colors although there is variation. I just looked at my grey/fuschia shoes and noted while they both have a little extra material, the right shoe have more than the left.. 

I think the grey/palm were one of the original color combos -- I think the black ones were, too.  But honestly, I have no idea.

I think the big takeaway here is that for KSOs (and probably Flows, too), there is a chance of variation from pair to pair, which means that trying on the pair you want to buy, particularly if you have high arches or wide feet, is pretty important.

OTOH, I must be lucky b/c both my black and grey KSOs which were both *not* tried on fit me well.

I don't think this is much of an issue for Classics or Sprints b/c there is no coverage fabric involved and the sole is going to be very consistent within the same size.

Your mileage may vary.

[Hawkeye]

The world may never know... lol But, I agree Justin that it only matters for KSOs or Flows, and possibly the upcoming Treks.

[AlanT]

if you have a pair of KSOs, take a side photo and measure this distance.

Here's a photo of my size 40 KSOs.

http://yfrog.com/5kimg1226bj

The space you're talking about seems to be a little bigger than on your black KSOs and a little smaller than on your gray KSOs.

Alan

[justin]

if you have a pair of KSOs, take a side photo and measure this distance.

Here's a photo of my size 40 KSOs.

http://yfrog.com/5kimg1226bj

The space you're talking about seems to be a little bigger than on your black KSOs and a little smaller than on your gray KSOs.

Alan

Indeed - is it consistent across your two pairs?

[AlanT]

I have one pair of KSOs, Justin (thinnk of me as KSO-deprived), but the spacing is consistent on both shoes.

Alan

[jeffdano]

Definitely agree with the argument that the same size is not actually the same size across all colors...

I own a pair of blue KSO's and now a pair of taupe/grey's (both M40) and the velcro strap length is off by a good inch and a half on the taupe (short and grabs stuff, which means they are now just KO's) vs my blue pair (go just beyong the edge of the bottom strip). Plus, my Sprints, taupe/putty are worthless as the velcro is even SHORTER and covers only HALF of the bottom strip's length and come undone with any significant walking. Unfortunately I can't return those pieces of @#$% as I bought them locally and Vibram doesn't want to help with a return on those either (locally policy states no returns when worn, but Vibram won't take responsibility after the sale for workmanship flaws either, CEO, you listening?). I have a pair of KSO Treks on order and hope to Jeebus that they fit otherwise I will burn down the nearest shoe store in despair!

Love my KSO's even with their little strap flaws... Sprints.... Steer clear if you own Classics or KSO's already as I'm sure you'll encounter significant issues with the straps as well. Again, hope when the KSO Treks ship those crazy Chinese assembly people get it right and put a size M40 strap on a size 40 shoe (not a W36)! Also, buy from a local shop that HAS a return policy and isn't going to give you crap when you attempt to return them with some blanket 'no returns' policy. Bought my Taupe/grey KSO's at a place 90 miles away just to get a great return policy (which is better than Vibram's!). Shop around!

[justin]

jeff,

Measuring the total length of the strap, as in, if you open up the velcro and take a ruler and measure from beginning to end of the strap itself (not the nylon band), what are the two lengths?

[Hawkeye]

Beware black KSOs.

There are several people who have had problems with tightness, getting them on, etc. If your feet are wide, high arched, or fat, black KSOs may not be for you. If you must have black KSOs try them on in person if possible or through a business with a good return policy. Grey/palm(green) has less problems with fit and maybe the only KSO for you.

You have been warned.

P.S. I'm not trying to scare people off of VFFs, KSOs, or black Ksos. I'm just trying to inform them of what could happen with fit.

'cause knowledge is power! 

[ZeitHeld]

Reading all this now, I'm super appreciative that i ordered my black KSO's and they came in with a perfect fit.

[Hawkeye]

Reading all this now, I'm super appreciative that i ordered my black KSO's and they came in with a perfect fit.

There are penty of people whose black KSOs fit just fine. It's just the majority of people having problems with fit with their KSOs have black ones. There are definately some variation of sizing of the material uppers of the KSOs in general, especially black.

[ZeitHeld]

Is it just me, or does it seem that there are (relatively) no brown KSO's out there?

[Hawkeye]

They had brown, but they discontinued that color earlier this year(?).

[ZeitHeld]

I know they had them when I ordered mine in early September.

[Hawkeye]

They had brown, but they discontinued that color earlier this year(?).

I was wrong. I forgot that the brown was still offered for men. The women's brown was discontinued, well they were for travelcountry.