yeah I hear that, I found as long as I kept moving I was ok for the most part.

I am hoping to try out the Lontras when they become available here they may solve your problem too.

Depends on the temperature, and the run, but I used to run year round with my Bikila and would just use some ininjis for winter.

That being said after the move it is just too cold some days it is just too cold here.(Ottawa)

My favorite was going through airport security and being asked where I had stored the rest of my Aquaman outfit?

I have bikilas (not LS) and the toes are wearing about the same as the ball but have lasted almost 2 years so far.

If it continues to wear that quick I would take them to the store and talk to them about it just incase.

Just as a point of reference I have almost 1000kms on mine and hope to get another 500-1000.

Hi David,

I have had the same problem, I did a half marathon last year and then stopped running for a few weeks due to a hectic personal life, and when I went back I had to run predominantly on concrete and pavement instead of trail running.  Needless to say it hurt and I pushed and pushed and continued to get worse.

I took some time off again it coincided with a hectic personal life and started back on the new surface in January and have worked back up with limited to no pain at a 17km run today on almost all pavement/concrete.

So taking a break from running for a few days and being cautious and listening to your body may be what you need, however I have read this article on heel pain and it has some interesting studies and may apply in your case too.

http://m.theglobeandmail.com/life/health/fitness/exercise/fitness-research/sore-achilles-things-have-to-get-worse-in-order-to-get-better/article2356976/?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_content=2356976&service=mobile

I am not a doctor nor do I profess to being an expert but this looked like it was similar to what happened to me and you seem to be having identical symptoms too so thought I would share.

Happy Hiking!

I feel your pain, my first pair of blue Sprints and my second pair of black KSOs have started to develop holes on the ball of my right foot in the same spot.  Overall they are great and I still wear them but the day is fast approaching after two years of almost constant wear where I will be forced to retire them.

My wife laughs at me as I take off my Sprints and I have one dirty spot on my right foot where the hole is.  I don't know about anyone else but I have an almost emotional attachement to my first pair that helped me remember how much I love being in bare feet (or the closest thing I can get into stores with).

But for the price I pay for them she lets me continue as they are the same price as the traditional shoes I used to wear or cheaper and last four times as long.

My favorite of my 6 pairs is my original Sprints, though I find that my KSOs are more versitile for year round and office wear.  I have found that both of these models have worn well and have great durability with one of the two pairs on my feet whenever I have to wear something for the last almost two years.  That being said if you are looking for something with a thicker sole (Some people don't like mountain hiking with the original sole) I have a Bikila and a Komodo Sport that I use exclusively for running or really cold days.  I prefer the Bikila overall except that they are less breathable and warmer in the summer.

I hope this helps and happy hiking!

Hi All,

I recently moved from Halifax to Ottawa and am looking for some advice on winter use.  In Halifax I used some Bikilas with ininji socks all winter long for running and was fine.  I was looking at some of the new models and was wondering if there was anyone who has tried them in cold and wet weather.

Thanks

Last year I used a pair of Bikilas and a pair of ininji all winter long and I was living in Halifax NS.  I ran in the snow and probably down to almost -30C all winter long(took breaks if the wind was too strong though)

What I can say is at that temperature when I was running my feet didn't sweat so I would come back with toasty dry feet, but I would do my stretching indoors before and after.  At -20 I would take the dog for a 5 to 10 minute walk afterwards but by the end my feet were cold.  I found as long as my core stayed warm and my feet stayed dry I was good.

You know your weather and I found the -5 to -10 and slushy were the hardest to find a way to keep the feet warm, if it below 0 and you get your feet really wet they will get cold, so just pay attention to your body as much as possible...

I have switched to Komodos for summer running and recently did a half marathon in them. The feel very similar to my Bikilas but are much much cooler in the summer.

I still love my sprints though too.  If you really like your Bikilas for running though I would try the Komodos for summer.

Hey all, 

Ran my first timed half today(Bluenose in Halifax)

Ran a 2:09 in my new Komodos, shaving about 5 mins off each time so happy with the progress.

Still based on just feel I like my Bikilas a little better but man can the Komodos ever breath in comparison.

LOL I have 4 and counting.

Sprints
KSOs
Bikilas
and just got some Komodo sport.

Still wanting some classic smart wool...

up to 5 now got a second pair of sprints....

I just bought a pair of Komodos and they are the same size as my sprints, KSOs and one size down from my Bikila.  I would echo trying them on is the best way as they all fit a bit differently, and even in batches I have noticed some minor size and shape differences.  This is normal for all shoes but it more noticeable for the tight fitting VFF.

PS my KSOs have two toes that are too long for my feet when the other 8 are good.  I have found for me this makes running a little difficult as I sometimes trip over the extra space in those two toes(one on each foot).  Just be aware of what you are looking for and how differences in fit will affect them.  For me the KSOs are great for walking and wearing to work but I don't care for running in them.

I have 3 pairs, (Sprint, KSO and Bikilas) and will be picking up some Komodo Sport tonight.(YAY)   My favorite for all round use are the Sprint, but the Bikila are great for low light and running as they have a little more protection(read little)  But they are a lot warmer due to the material.  If you are going to be in cold weather they are great but high 20-30s(celcius) I think they would be too hot.  I will try to let you know how the Komodos compare after a few days of wear but if you are going hot weather I would say sprints or KSOs.

The BIkilas do have slightly better traction in cold and wet weather but once it is above 20 I don't think there is a significant difference in the traction.

Ok I have gotten my Komodos and they are really comfy.  Much cooler then the Bikilas and based on tread patter will assume the traction is as good or better.  I tried on a pair of Trek Sport and didn't care for the thickness of the sole, these are thicker then my other ones(about the same as the start of the Bikila) and are smooth and very easy to get on compared to the Bikilas at first.

I haven't had a chance to go for a run yet, and may not have a chance until Monday or Tuesday, but I will update when I have.  Based on my first impressions I would say unless you need extra warmth go for the Komodos....

Update.... 

I have done a few long runs now in my Komodos(8+ and as long as 16km) and I have to say there are some definiate plus and minuses over the Bikilas.  The biggest plus is the breathability.  I find the Komodos are way more breathable then the Bikilas, this significantly reduces the temperature of my feet so is a big plus in warm weather running(will probably go back to the Bikilas for winter though).  As for the ground feel I have noticed a significant improvement in ground feel for the Komodos, but that may be in part because I have to wear socks in the bikilas to prevent blisters.

That being said I found that the ground strike in the bikilas was more natural, I have read some articles that said the shape and contours are more aimed at running in the bikilas, so that may in part be the reason, but it is also possible that I have just worn them in "just right".  Also I am assuming that washing them is going to be easier as the liner is integrated an no chance of it coming out.

All said which would I buy?  I can actually see myself buying a pair of each in the future.  I am doing enough running that I will probably have to replace one pair a year so again it will depend on what I am doing and what the need is as we have extremes here that each excel in.  Which one is right for you?  I would try them on, for example I tried on the trek sport and did not like the shape or feel at all, but I know others who loved them.  Because of the nature of VFF I think that they become very personal and people generally either really like a model or would rather not wear a model so ultimately you can read plus and minus but in order to truly decide which ones are for you you need to get them on your feet.

People claim the shoes were hurting them for months but continued to wear them until they read the article....
If you notice the shoe hurting you stop wearing it that moment,

That's mean, my shoes hurt me for like 20 years but I put up with it because I thought that was normal.

MrPlod, I was not trying to be mean and I am sorry for your 20 years of pain, but if something hurts me, I kick it the curb immediately.  I always assume pain is not normal...

I would tend to agree, but sometimes people think it is normal.  For example I was always experiencing back pain, knee pain and hip pain and had been told by Drs that "you are just getting old and paying the price for not taking care of yourself when you were young"(I was 33 at the time BTW)  But then I found VFF and 99% of that pain is gone.  It was the shoes that were causing the pain but because I thought the shoes were "normal"  I didn't put 2 and 2 together.

I agree that if you try something new and it hurts you have to re-evaluate it but sometimes there are reasons that people don't.