Back in September, I first got my feet in a pair of the kangaroo leather-clad, aggressively-lugged Five Fingers KSO Trek (See me unbox the Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek here and also my first impressions after a trail run in Trek FiveFingers [initial review] here). Since then, I’ve mostly been testing them as my everyday VFFs, but I’ve also had the chance to hike and run in them.
Though I’ll go into more detail on the KSO Treks below, in short, the Treks are a compelling, ground-breaking product that take the minimalist Five Fingers foot glove model, add super-comfy, water-resistant leather (though in total the Treks aren’t waterproof), and adapt it for the type of terrain you get out in nature. Compared to standard VFFs, the Treks provide a smidge of added comfort on the trails through an ever-so-slightly thicker sole and a bit of EVA. Meanwhile, they are the most aesthetically acceptable, least freaky of the Vibram Five Fingers family. In black or brown suede-up kangaroo leather, the Treks marry form and function — they’re the most likely VFFs to go unnoticed in public while allowing you to outrun a bear in the woods — in theory and if you’re really fast, anyway*. If you want to pick up a pair, check out the Birthday Shoes Store for reputatble Online Retailers of Vibram Five Fingers!
Design and Aesthetic
Two factors stand out as distinguishing characteristics of the KSO Trek as compared to the standard KSO: the lugged sole, which includes 4mm EVA to protect against “stone-bruising,” and the use of kangaroo leather as the main material.
The sole of the KSO Trek (Image: KSO Trek sole) has an aggressive tread that utilizes plus-shaped Vibram rubber “cleats,” is beefiest and most rugged at the midfoot, and culminates at the toes with angled, ridged toes. In my testing, this tread definitely provided improved grip on loose or muddy terrain as compared to the standard VFF sole. Razor siping simply doesn’t do much for your feet on ground that gives underneath your weight. I found the KSO Treks inspired confidence while bounding up steep grades at a local natural wooded park here in Atlanta.
That said, as ultra-runner Leif Rustvold put it, “[T]he Treks sacrifice a certain amount of the dynamic grip I’ve come to enjoy for the static grip of their increased tread.” On the flipside, Leif remarked that in the KSO Treks he was able to “bomb down a trail” similar to how he would in traditional shoes.
As with all treaded shoes, mud can gunk up the works. That said, my KSO Treks cleared mud fairly quickly as soon as they had the chance to tread on hard packed or just less muddy ground or rockbeds.
Despite the added thickness of the KSO Trek sole, there is still a remarkable amount of information transferred from the ground to the foot. It’s less than you get with KSOs, which is less than you get with Classics, but it still beats the pants off a regular shoe.
I took a few measurements at the heel, arch, and forefoot of the KSO trek and the KSO using skinfold calipers. Though I found it difficult to get consistent measurements, the chart below should give you some idea of not only the difference in thickness between KSO Trek and KSO, but also in the compressibility of the 4mm EVA midsole in the KSO Trek.
Note: I measured the heel thickness at one of the plus-sized lugs on the Treks. The forefoot thickness was measured at the row of tread behind the toes of the Treks. Similar points were measured on the standard KSOs
The lugged sole compresses comfortably on smooth surfaces (You won’t feel the cleats poking you) making the KSO Treks comfortable for use on the trail, running on asphalt, or just bounding about around town or at work. By the way, if you’re wondering, the EVA is easily discernible on the brown KSO Treks — it is that greyish material between the black Vibram sole and the leather (Seen in profile here).
One word of caution: the ridged toes are designed not only to snag the earth, but also to allow for upward flex of the toes. Perhaps unavoidably, this combination of grip-ability and flexibility is accomplished by way of a thin line of Vibram rubber at the base of each ridged toe that separates the toe ridges from the rest of the sole. This may be a weak point on the soles as one forum member has seen the rubber tear here (See this image from Kevin | forum discussion here).
As far as the kangaroo leather is concerned most will find it a welcome addition to the KSO Trek line. Not only is the leather buttery smooth, feeling great on your feet (The footbed is also leather), it is water-resistant (Not waterproof but the kangaroo leather does not hold water), breathes better than the synthetic material found in other VFFs. It’s also intended to be durable enough to prevent snags and tears. I’ve not experienced any snags or tears nor have I seen any from users to date, so the stronger leather material does seem to make the Treks more durable for hard conditions.
It’s also been my experience with natural materials like leather that they are less likely to acquire odors. To date, my KSO Treks have not acquired the feared VFF stank.
There have been some sole-to-leather adherence issues where the soles are detaching at the edges from the leather upper. To the extent that this has happened, wearers have re-glued using Shoe Goo or some other adhesive. If I had to guess, this is probably due to the innate problems of binding unlike materials — particularly leather. I’ve seen it a bit on the heels of my Treks, but it hasn’t caused any problems. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed
From an aesthetic point of view, the KSO Treks are the most incognito FiveFingers to date. They look the most shoe-like and leather says “expensive” more than it says “weird.” Wearing the Treks around town, my VFFs tend to go unnoticed—not sure if I like that or not, but this could be welcome to many who tire of having their feet constantly stared at by strangers!
For casual style, I like the look of the KSO Treks with cargo pants (and stroller) as seen here or perched on a rock in the VFF Treks amidst a hike here. If you’re workspace is a bit more casually inclined, there are some who are sporting their Treks on the job (See Alan at work in Treks and Luis at work in Treks).
Performance of the KSO Trek
The whole point of the KSO Trek, in addition to some stone-bruising protection, is “improved traction on trails and over more rugged terrain.” I’ve used my Treks for hiking, trail running, and everyday wear.
On the trail, the Treks deliver as far as providing added traction on mud, steep inclines, and varied terrain. I found myself bounding up steep embankments with considerably more confidence than in the laser-siped standard KSO FiveFingers. I also noticed a bit less poking and prodding from random ground protrusions thanks to the compression and cushioning, as minor as it may be, from the EVA.
Again, the KSO Trek is not waterproof and water will seep into the toe pockets at the seams and through the synthetic material on the sidewalls of each toe. Even still, the additional ground clearance you get with the Treks combined with the overall use of the amazingly water-resistant leather combines for a less soaked VFF when crossing the odd creekbed.
A few VFFers have already put their Treks to somewhat extreme tests on the trail and/or road and their experiences have been overwhelmingly positive:
- Barefoot Ted ran the Leadville 100 ultramarathon in KSO Treks
- Leif Rustvold ran a 100 mile ultramarathon in his FiveFinger Treks
- Juergs ran a 50K in his KSO Treks — Also, see Juergs’ training notes
- Chad ran a marathon in KSO Treks — see Chad’s initial thoughts
All in all, I’ve yet to find someone who wasn’t satisfied with the performance of their KSO Treks.
Overall thoughts on the KSO Trek
I think the FiveFingers KSO Trek will have a permanent place in the Vibram line-up due to its impressive combination of design, performance, materials, and aesthetic — all while maintaining a minimalist form-factor (The KSO Treks weigh in at under 6 oz/each “shoe” and under 12 oz total). I find myself wearing my Treks frequently nowadays for just bumming around.
At $125 MSRP in the U.S., the KSO Trek is not cheap, unfortunately, but if you’re savvy, you should be able to find a pair on sale from a local retailer or on the internet (So keep your eyes open and shop around!).
Sizing and other considerations, including KSO Treks for Women and Small-footed men
The KSO Trek sizes the same as the standard KSO with one caveat. I’m a size 43 in KSOs and I find my size 43 KSO Treks to fit exactly the same—except they are a bit more snug on the top. Unlike the KSO’s stretchy synthetic fabric and mesh-upper, the KSO Trek upper is less-stretchy leather. In order for the KSO Treks to accommodate different insteps, the Trek stretches by way of slits in the leather which are bound together with stretchy synthetic material (Described as the “sock liner,” see this photo and note the lines going away from the ankle — those are the slits).
On socks: many have asked if you need to size up for socks. Like most VFFs, sizing up to accommodate socks is unnecessary — exceptions being if your VFFs are already very snug (toes right up close to the end of the pocket), socks may be the “last straw” that make your feet too big. If this is you, it’s highly recommended you try on a pair in person first to figure out sizing!
Overall, the KSO Treks are more snug on top of the foot compared to the standard KSO. This may be a concern for you if you have KSOs or Sprints and already know you have a high instep, typically denoted by how far the strap crosses back over the top of your foot. Forum member desaulniers covered this in a helpful video comparison of the KSO Trek with the KSO.
As of the date of this review, the Five Fingers KSO Trek is only available in men’s sizes from 40 – 47. Thankfully, Vibram will be releasing the KSO Trek in late spring 2010 in women’s sizes and additionally in size 38 and 39 for men (see the KSO Trek for women announcement discussion here).
Expanded sizes for men and women’s KSO Treks are now available!
Note on the cargo pants pictured in this review: Those cargo pants I’m wearing have a drawstring at the hem, so you can tie them up so they don’t drag with your VFFs. They’re great for hiking and pretty stylish, too! You can pick them up via Amazon (that’s where I got mine). Sizing is a bit tricky — I’m a 32×32 and wear a medium (I’ve gotten a lot of requests about where I got these pants, so that’s why I’m mentioning it!).
Additional reading:
- Unboxing the KSO Trek (Video), initial thoughts, and photos
- First trail run in the Five Fingers KSO Treks
- BirthdayShoes Forum discussion of the KSO Trek
- Find a KSO Trek Online Retailer at the Store
If you have any questions about the Five Fingers KSO Trek, or would like me to go into further depth on a particular part of this review, please leave feedback below.
* Do not take my advice as far as what to do when approached by a bear.
Disclaimer: CitySports is an online retailer that supports BirthdayShoes by way of affiliate links. Any purchases you make through CitySports links will go to supporting this VFF fan community!
See our post on “Barefoot Running Shoes” to see where KSO Treks fall on our Barefoot Running Shoes Continuum.
51 replies on “Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Review”
I have gotten the comment that my black treks look like gorilla feet, which is funny and kind of true. Although i agree that they are the most dressy and least flashy VFFs. I LOVE THEM
Great update/review as always Justin! My 2 cents on the Treks. Last weekend i finally used to hike the Manitou Incline in Colorado (typically wear Flows), It was 40 at the base and below freezing at the top. Snow pack in places, mostly at the top. These VFFs surprised me. I knew they would have great traction, but thought i would have a slip here and there. i never slipped on the packed snow or on the icy spots. After about 45min i could feel the toes getting cold, at the top my toes were cold but not bad. On the decent my feet and toes warmed up. BTW I love leaving VFF footprints on the trails.
Great review, Justin. I would like to add that the Treks are considerably warmer than the KSOs and make for good winter wear, either running or just kicking around. I’ve noticed that they don’t pick up the funky smell as readily as the other VFFs, due in part to the leather upper and the increased wearing of Injinji socks during winter. I’ve washed mine a half dozen times (air dry only) without problems.
Thanks for the review. I still don’t know if I would pay more for the Treks to give up any of the sensitivity that I get with the KSOs. It may not be a huge difference though, as you say, and would definitely like to feel more secure when jumping on a wet rock compared to my KSOs, which become much more slippery on wet objects. BTW, not to nitpick, but I think the term is “razor siping” (as opposed to “laser siping”) as described by Vibram here: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_KSO_m.cfm
Great point Chad — they definitely feel warmer than standard KSOs. May update the review to include that!
@Mark,
You are correct and I appreciate the nitpick. Not sure how I got lasers on the brain. Corrected thanks to you.
Awesome! Finally got mine off backorder today!
http://twitpic.com/y4kh3
I literally fell upon these while looking for a calculator for big fingers on line last week, after many hours of reaading and watching youtube videos i have decided to purchase a pair of VFF KSO Trek’s. I purchased them from the Kayak Shed in Oregon and they are being shipped to New Brunswick Canada, on the East Coast!!
All I can say is I cant wait!!!!
Cheers!!
Wow, I had no idea there was a trek version (which I would have gotten) better suited to my life. KSO’s are a bit slick for my haunts (Alaska and Big Island Hawaii) which have a LOT of mud. Many, just when I think I have the right shoes! When I went to VFF site in August to read and find a place to purchase, there was no mention of the “trek”. Thanks for posting. Now I have to spend another $100!!
Great review. was just wondering how they would with water? Im right on the beach so if i was in the water how would they hold up and dry afterwards?
They’d probably do fine but I would be marginally concerned that salt water might degrade the leather over time. I wonder if regular KSOs wouldn’t be a better choice for that application:
https://birthdayshoes.com/review-of-vibram-five-fingers-kso-keep-stuff-out
Greg and Justin, I can tell you they smell like dead fish the next day. I soaked them in 60%vinegar for a day and washed them. They were good as new (smell that is).
I have already owned a pair of trek. I am running the Marathon des Sables in early April this year.
The question is: for those who have run in desert conditions before, can KSO trek handle the rocky terrain on this kind of course?
I just picked up a pair of Black KSO’s and love them! I tried on two other styles but came to the KSO and there was no turning back. The only thing I want now is another pair.
i already own a pair of the kso and there is a place that is thinner on the right foot close to the toes.. is there patches or replacement warranty but the trek looks to be thicker on the bottom so maybe they might last longer.
How do you think the KSO Treks would fare in a mud run?
i have a pair of kso’s but i am considering the treks, i just want some feed back on wich ones you like better
I like the KSO Treks better for trail running and for nicer wear (they just look NICE). The KSOs are great for more ground feel/everyday casual wear. I’d probably go with KSOs for asphalt running over Treks, too, as they afford more ground feel. Even better, go with Sprints.
Also check the definitive guide to KSO Five Fingers.
Hey Justin,
I’ve been looking into getting a pair of VFFs and seeing as how your detailed reviews and videos have helped quite a bit I figured I’d come to you to help in final decision making. Ok, so I, as a college student, don’t have much to spend, so multiple models of VFFs are out of the question. If I had to purchase ONE pair of VFFs, would you recommend the Treks? I want the VFF model that is the most versatile as far as activities go (outdoorsy as well as casual out and about), the most durable, but still has that “barefoot” feel. I am worried that due to the thicker sole I would be compromising in this last area. Anywho I want to make a decision soon because I have the opportunity of getting the Treks for $100 instead of $125. What is your opinion?
Alejandro,
It’s a really tough call. Trek hands down wins out for:
– style
– durability
– traction on rough terrain
You definitely lose some of that barefoot feel though and for barefoot-feel comfort, I’d go with Classics (or even Sprints worn loosely). If your decision is between KSO and KSO Trek, I’d probably go Trek.
Sorry it’s not more clearcut — you ultimately can’t go wrong though!
Has anyone successfully bought these shoes off the vibramfivefingers.com website after April 5th?
I tried buying a pair on April 5th and saw their sign talking about “[increasing] our online transaction security”. My card got declined – I checked with the card issuer and made sure all the details were okay. Then I tried a bunch more times and my card got declined each time. And then I found from the card issuer that they were posting charges on my card anyway! 13 charges, to be exact…!
I emailed them at [email protected] on April 5th and still haven’t gotten a reply or even an acknowledgment of my email. I tried buying them again today (April 20th), but I have the exact same problem, so nothing has been fixed.
I’m using a US dollar VISA card from Canada, but I’ve made those kinds of purchases before, i.e. at Amazon.
Anyone else experiencing something similar?
Normally, I would have already decided not to give VFF a single cent of my money, but yea.. I need to find some other company that makes “barefoot running” shoes and support them instead.
I have to say though – this is the worst experience I have ever had with an online retailer, by far.
Hey everyone, I gotta say I’ve been pumped for quite some time to buy a pair of vibrams. Everytime I go to purchase them I get a little nervous though, as I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The treks are by far my top choice, but I was wondering if anyone could help me with the info/review for their ability in the water. I don’t plan on diving in them, but I don’t want to have to take them off if I cut/swim through a river/lake, if anyone can give some info it would help out extremely. Thanks.
I’m excited to see that the women’s models are now available! YAY!
My only issue is the kangaroo leather. Does anyone else feel guilty wearing it?! Maybe I’m a hippocrite, because cow leather doesn’t bother me – I figure, there are enough cows being eaten that the leather is just a byproduct. But kangaroos? Are they being killed just to make my vibrams?
Maybe I’m just being a tree-hugger, but I really wish they would use a synthetic leather on these shoes!
Kangaroo in Australia is analogous to cattle in the U.S. — they actually kill kangaroos in Australia for the meat! Seriously.
I bought my KSO’s after injuring my back doing SAR jumps in the san diego bay, and I can honestly say that they relieved a lot of the pain that I was feeling from compressing my spine at T-4,T-5, and T-6. I have since then logged a couple of hundred miles of hiking, running, and quite a few hours of crossfit/sealfit on them.
I’ve been wearing them on non-skid on the ship that i’m deployed on right now for the past 3 months, and they still look like brand new. So far they’ve explored california, hawaii, brunei, thailand, indonesia, malaysia, and singapore.
I can’t wait to get back and buy a pair of trek’s for hunting, hiking.
I guess the only “bad” thing that I have to say about my KSO’s is that they make me want to act like a complete hooligan when I wear them. Climbing and jumping on top of everything I can find lol.
Very nice detailed review!
I actually just finished hiking with my regular VFF KSOs and there were areas with a lot of rocks where I wish the rubber soles of the KSOs were a little thicker as I stepped on some that hurt a bit (especially when going downhill, I had to take it slowly).
I saw something about the Trek version before I bought my KSOs and thought about Treks as I was hiking and wondering whether this would give better protection for rocky terrains and your review confirmed it.
It looks I’ll be getting a pair of Treks very soon as I’m planning on hiking almost every weekend! Thanks for sharing!
Chad, I agree, wearing these shoes are so much fun that it makes you want to just jump and climb on things (I was actually doing this earlier today whenever I see big rocks)!
I’ve been seriously considering buying these, but its the water issue that concerns me. I live in the Pacific Northwest and the trails here aren’t exactly dry any time of the year but now. I want to be able to wear my VFF’s year round, and can’t decide whether the KSO or the KSO Trek would be a better decision for me. The trails I tend to be on aren’t too difficult, but during the winter, there are some hills where the extra traction might be nice. At the same time, it would be more damp and muddy, making the KSO’s slightly more desirable due to them being easier to clean and maintain.
Any thoughts/suggestions? I can’t decide!
Too bad I didn’t happen to see this two days ago when I ended up buying my KSO’s from whole earth provisions. I did mention for the most rugged VFF from the clerk, but they didn’t have any bigger sizes in the trek, which I thought was just the same as the KSO, but with leather material instead of the stretchy other).
Bought the KSO’s, and played Disc Golf in a pretty rugged course. Ended up raining early on, everything was fine until a little jog on one of the transition trails and slipped on a log step. That hurt a lot. So I came online today to complain, but now I found out I didn’t pick the right one. Looks like I’m potentially 80 bucks down the whole, with a pair of “shoes” that can’t cut it for it’s original purpose. Trying to think positive. I LOVE my KSO’s…but the thought of treks instead keeps worming it’s way into my head.
Justin,
I’m debating between the KSO Treks and the new Bikilas. I have some KSOs and have used them for trail running and street running. I have hit some rocks/sticks on the trail, and bruised my foot. And my feet just seem to get tired after a mile or so on the streets.
I primarily run on the streets.
Which shoe has a thicker, more padded sole — the Trek or the Bikila?
Which would you recommend for street running?
Thanks.
— Mark
I’m looking to get my first fivefingers, and just can’t decide between these or the regular KSOs. I like these because of the extra protection and leather exterior, but not sure if they are too thick soled to really give the barefoot experience..I live in a coldish climate and while do don’t do any trekking, I am planning to start. I would mainly be wearing them around a city though (lots of broken glass..). I’m also wondering if injinji socks will fit alright in the treks at my size, or if I need to go a size up…
I had a feeling that kangaroos were Australia’s equivalent to America’s cattle. Somehow I expect the treatment is less cruel towards the kangaroo than our disgusting cow factories. At least more of the animal is being used, the portion turned into leather might otherwise go to waste.
Re. Trail running, be more watchful silly! I’m just teasing, I prefer trails over street to avoid that horrid pounding on the pavement.
Is it ok to run on asphalt or cement with the treks?
Sure you can — might not get as much life out of the tread, but it’s doable (and many people do).
Okay, here is my deal. I have a pair of Sprints and just got a pair of Flows. The Flows were way too small and I have to return them(got them online). Now I am debating on upgrading to the Treks. I got the Flows b/c it’s getting cold and the Sprints are in no way warm, especially when walking on cold ground. Every time I put on regular shoes my knees hurt but, I stand all day at work. The sprints are awesome but a little harsh on hard man made floors. So, I am wondering if I should go ahead and get the Treks since I would like to trail run in harsh conditions and have a little more padding on the hard floors. How do the Treks compare to the Flows as far as warmth? Am I just whining about the hard floor thing? I just feel like we were never meant to stand on these floors all day so, pure barefooting could be compromised a little. hope people are still reading this. I need to return these things soon. Thanks
I just finished an ultramarathon in the rugged hills of Hong Kong on a very cold and blustery day. 100km in Vibram Five Fingers KSOTrek. Check out my website for the race report.
I recently had to toss my kso treks because the leather separated from the soles. Where can I find that shoe goo to glue them back together?
Hi –
I’d like to ask for your advice 🙂
I’m about to buy my 1st pair of VFF and I can’t make out which one is best for the Dutch weather. We get lots of rain here, so I’d like to know which VFF would you recommend, aside the Flow model.
In your opinion, are there any other types of VFFs that can keep my feet dry?(am mostly interested about the fabric in between the toes, is it rain proof or not)
The rain amount is not rainforest insane, but enough to pierce through fabric.
Thanks!
What is WRONG with you people?!?! Do you not know that baby joeys (roo babies) are picked up daily as orphans in Australia due to the practice of shooting mothers in the wild to sell their skins to companies like Vibram?? Even mature Joeys cannot survive on their own and are left to starve or die from the elements alone without their mother!!!! Hunters shoot mothers in the neck (a very slow, painful death) and stomp on the Joeys head. HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR SHOES THAT MUCH SENSELESS PEOPLE!!!! There is an alternative, demand they are caught and killed in a different way and NOT babies or their mothers!!!
I did not know this about kangaroos.
I won’t buy the kangaroo now.
Now please stop yelling and assuming everyone knows about this.
So I was asking some of my friends about the use of kangaroo leather in these shoes, and they were kind of disgusted. So my question is: does anyone know if the animal is used for something else when used for the VFF trek.
Justin,
Do you know if there would be a way to buy some of the top strap material from Vibram? I would like to make a cover for the exposed velcro that my uberwide feet leave (1.5″L, 2″R), and I want it to match as close as possible to the KSO Trek brown leather as possible. Might be a cottage industry there, making some mods with factory materials…
hi there,
Thanks for your site!
I have tried on size 43 as well as size 44 KSO Treks, and don’t know what is better. The 43s have my big toe right up against the tip of the shoe, but don’t hurt–and the rest of the shoe fits like a glove and comfortable. The 44s allow my big toe just the right amount of space before it touches the end of the shoe, but the rest of the shoe is loose around the rest of my foot and requires me to cinch up the velcroe strap quite a bit. The 43s seem better due to the snug fit, but, if I go running will that bother my big toe? Also, will the leather shrink a bit and tighten up even more on my big toe, after it gets wet and dries??
I would appreciate any advice on your experiences actually using the shoes in wet situations before deciding on these spendy shoes!
thanks,
Jareb
Hi, I wonder Is it necessary to wear sock with VFF???
Hi there! I am wondering if anyone has done “waterproofing” on their KSO Treks. I am getting a pair for hiking which involves crossing a creek every now and then. I just wanna keep my feet dry. Thanks.
While these are undoubtedly my favorite hiking shoes, and are also quite comfortable to wear around town, the author isn’t kidding when he said these aren’t waterproof. The mesh between your toes makes no effort to shed any water what so ever, forget early morning runs through a grass field, the dew alone will soak your toes. That being said, the kangaroo leather used is fantastically water resistant, and has kept my “heels” very dry. I recall a night I spent up in Syracuse, NY with my significant other. We had decided to walk down the street and check out a local Mexican restaurant. On the way I managed to step in a puddle no deeper than the width of my pinky finger, and I spent the rest of the night with cold damp toes. However, once the shoes are off, they do dry within an hour or so.
Wet toes aside, these shoes are fantastic; the black ones (I don’t own the brown ones so I can’t say) look great with cargo pants and a button down shirt, and very few people notice them, though when my supervisor did, she encouraged me to wear them more often 😛 They’re super comfortable on trails and the ability to grip the ground with your toes is simply invaluable. Though if you like to jump across streams rock to rock, watch your heels, I managed to bruise my heel last week doing just this.
I got some KSO Trek’s (black) 2 weeks ago and have worn them every day (with socks, since it’s winter here) and apart from some initial calf muscle soreness they’ve been great!
Lots of questions from people in the lift and around work. (We have a casual dress code, yay)
I’ve used some leather waterproofer and it’s seemed to work OK so far, though I havn’t stepped into any big puddles!
Lovin this barefoot lifestyle after 69 years of being shod. Use Inov8’s at work, Stem’s for dress, and VFF’s for speedwalking. I have been using Bikilas for about six months, and I still bruise really easily. Just finished a half marathon that had a mile of killer stones. I want a thicker sole, and it appears the KSO Trek is the best. Agreed? Dale, in Seattle.
Just wanted to raise a bit of awareness on the durability of these shoes, just got a second pair after 2 months on the first not running too much in them. Here’s the comparison in photo form.
http://imgur.com/a/kFmWE/embed#0
Note the upper tread bar and the crosses
I would almost go as far to say it seems like these shoes are good for one run than toss em.
Other than that they’ve been great to run in :). (Not on concrete, that hurts and I can’t think of a faster way to get stress fractures)
As for wear, I’m still wearing my first pair of KSO Treks purchased 2 yrs ago. I’ve had to repair a big toe that ripped out (my fault) with Shoe Goo. I wear them frequently for walking and hiking on pavement and trails. I have purchased 2 additional pairs and warehousing them until the first pair is retired. Just got back from a 10 day trip in Italy where I probably spent 10 hrs daily on pavement and stone streets. I wore only KSO Treks and KSOs–my all time favorite shoes when dress code allows.
so i’m just trying to figure out how to clean these shoes properly as i’ve had them a while and i hear you can just throw vibrams in the washer or wash them in the shower but the leather makes me worried that i’m going to ruin them…
I was wondering if others have done a Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or similar in KSO’s? After crawling through 1/4 mile of mud (and since I live in Colorado, rocks as well) I found I had a lot of gravel in my KSO’s. I’m sure others had rocks in their shoes as well, but “normal” shoes are easy to take off, clean out, then put back on. Is there any method people have used to keep debris out of their KSO’s? I was thinking of an ankle-heel wrap, but then I’m running with an ACE bandage on the outside of my shoe!
Would the Vibram trek be ok for weight training? I’m a fan of the look or lack there of