Bikilas or Sprints?

[Hello0610]

Hello birthdayshoes world, I'm just looking for a little guidance on my decision. This will be my first pair of Vibrams (or minimalist shoes altogether), so I'm very excited.

I'm a high school runner, so my mileage is neither very low or high (maybe 35 miles on a high mileage week, for me). I've done a lot of research on minimalist shoes and decided that this summer would be a great time to start easing into running barefoot or with Vibrams. Most of the running i do all year is on roads, however i do some trail running during the summer and fall (for cross country). I will be using my Vibrams for training and not racing (hopefully I'll get some racing flats for cross country meets).

With that said, do you think I should purchase the Bikilas or Sprints? I understand that the Bikilas are specifically made for running, but if the point of Vibrams is to run with as little on our feet as possible, why not get the Sprints? On the other hand, I love the design of the Bikilas. But i do like the fact that I can by Sprints for much less.

What do you think? Any opinions would help a lot. Thanks!

[Horse Rider]

It really is personal preference: whether you want the top to be open or not, the look, the price, the ground feel. For what you want to do, they both work, except the Bikila will have more traction on trails. Personally I have both, but I am not interested in running in my Sprints, I feel the Bikilas are really meant for it, but others who prefer better ground feel will tell you the opposite.

[vffjeeper04]

I like running in my speeds (same sole as the bikila) more than my classics or Flows.

[vfftriathlete]

Ive ran in my flow treks, komodos, sprints and kso's and always seem to go back to the sprints and kso's only really use the flow treks for winter running or adventure sports where im ina dn out of the water. So as the others say its really going to be down to personal choice but id probably say sprints.

[dirkverelst]

They are quit different shoes, so choosing for the one or the other should be easy. The Bikila's are much more padded, and thus offer more 'protection'.  Coming from regular running shoes it is still a big  'step' in the barefoot direction. Sprints are much more barefoot, and can be worn also when not running. I almost never wear my Bikila's for casual occasions, though some color options/ls might be possible.
I'ld pick Sprints for my first pair personally.

[equiraptor]

Sprints are much more barefoot, and can be worn also when not running. I almost never wear my Bikila's for casual occasions, though some color options/ls might be possible.

I commonly see people wearing Bikila LS as casual footwear, while I almost never see people wearing Sprints as casual footwear. I see (non-lace) Bikila about as often as Sprints for casual wear.

The closed top shoes, like the Bikila and the Bikila LS, seem to hold onto water longer than the open top ones, like the Sprints. If you just have one pair and may need to wash and then use them again soon, this may be a concern.

[Mr. Leigh]

As others have indicated, it is going to come down to personal preference more than anything.  If you are going to do a lot of trail running, the Bikila might be a better option.  I do not have the Bikila, but I do have the Speeds which are on the same sole.  I think they would be a good all around option.  If you are really looking for minimal and ground feel, then the Sprints are the clear choice. 

[Hello0610]

Alright, thanks for the input guys. This will definitely help. And luckily with Vibrams, you really can't go wrong.

[The Yeti]

I'd reccomend the sprints as well. I just recently gave up on my unlaced Bikilas for two reasons. For one, the material and sock liner was way too hot. Even after a short walk, my feet would be drenched. I could barely use them in the summer for that reason. Secondly, I found my left Achilles would always get blisters from the way the heel cup fit. They were the right size, my toes went to the end of the toe pockets without being scrunched. My right foot was fine, but I couldn't deal with the heel rubbing on the left. Even body glide wouldn't help. It was weird.

If you go with the Bikila, get the LS version, as the material is a lot thinner and breathable. I'd still reccomend the sprints. I love running in sandals, and those are pretty close with the open top. I also love the classic sole, great ground feel!

[AngieBee]

I say go barefoot for the summer and only add in either SeeYas or Sprints when you have to!

[qcassidy352]

Why not KSO? They'll "keep stuff out" when you're running on trails. Also see that this is N older thread, so maybe you've already decided.

[jackbnimble]

The KSO's are the sprints with a meshy cover on top, and cost 50$ more.

i thought the bikilas were too much protection for a natural feel, so i got the sprints because they were on sale and they also were the most close to the ground feel of other VFFs.