Categories
Barefoot Shoes

Trek Ascent Insulated Vibram FiveFingers Review

Vibram’s Trek Ascent Insulated is a fantastic variant of the Trek Ascent for a variety of winter activities. Featuring a wool sockliner that does a fantastic job keeping you warmer than you would expect from a toed shoe, the Ascent Insulated is great…

Vibram’s Trek Ascent Insulated is a fantastic variant of the Trek Ascent for a variety of winter activities. Featuring a wool sockliner that does a fantastic job keeping you warmer than you would expect from a toed shoe, the Ascent Insulated is great for snowy runs, and this new model just might be the most comfortable shoe that Vibram has ever created. Read on for the full review!

About the Trek Ascent Insulated

Here’s what Vibram says about the Trek Ascent Insulated:
Ideal for those who don’t slow down as the weather gets cooler, the Trek Ascent Insulated keeps feet warm while battling the elements. Engineered with an ICETREK outsole, this dynamo provides unparalleled grip and balance on icy cold surfaces.
MSRP at time of review — $130 Weight (Also see comparative model weights listed)
  • 7.44 oz – Trek Ascent Insulated (men’s euro 42) (model reviewed in this post!)
  • 6.60 oz – Trek Ascent LR (men’s euro 41) (reviewed here)
  • 4.06 oz – Bikila EVO (men’s euro 42) (reviewed here)
Total Stack Height — 8mm – 4mm outsole + 4mm EVA midsole (same as all Trek Ascent Models). For comparison, the Bikila EVO WP was 8.5mm Barefoot scale, Ideal Uses — Hiking, trail running, winter road running, light snow work Pros
  • This was a trait that is shared with the Trek Ascent LR
  • Perhaps the most comfortable Vibram, ever
  • ICE TREK compound is great on both trails and good on slippery surfaces
  • Nicely-padded collar
  • Slightly more (!?) flexible than the standard Trek Ascent
  • Adequate cold-weather insulation
  • Toe pockets are roomier than the EVO WP
  • Grooves improve flexibility
  • Good groundfeel for the stack height
  • Good protection from ice, rocks, roots, and branches
Cons
  • Traditional laces instead of the superior button and lace system from the Ascent LR
  • NOT waterproof and barely water resistant
  • Fit is slightly different from the standard Ascent LR (42 insulated is LR)
  • Would benefit from a heel pull tab
  • Toes feel “lifted” due to the flex grooves and thick stack height
Sizing — Sizing with the Trek Ascent Insulated is slightly smaller than the Trek Ascent LR. A size 42 in the Ascent Insulated version is somewhere between the Ascent LR 41 and 42. This is most likely due to the added bulk of the wool sockliner and other insulating materials that have been incorporated to the original Trek Ascent platform. Like other Trek Ascent models, the Insulated platform is slightly wider and roomier than the Bikila EVO all around, but the toes feel shorter because of the thicker sole. Unlike the Bikila EVO, which had a bit of a molded interior, the Trek Ascent LR is mostly flat and does not dictate your foot movement as much; your foot is hugged in a fashion similar to the KSO TREK or older Bikila LS.
If you liked the Trek Ascent and Trek Ascent LR, you are going to love the Ascent Insulated with its more comfortable interior and better collar. Here’s a visual walkaround of the Trek Ascent Insulated via photos:

Sole

The Trek Ascent and (Trek Ascent LR) has proven itself to be an excellent platform for all-terrain running, hiking, and as a more rugged alternative to the road-centric Bikila EVO, and all-arounder KSO EVO. This is thanks to its wide toebox, versatile tread design, and “middle-ground” stack height consisting of 4mm rubber and 4mm EVA. The Trek Ascent Insulated uses the same exact sole as its popular non-winter brethren, but with subtle tweaks. The Trek Ascent LR feature Vibram’s MEGAGRIP compound in its tread, while the Insulated version uses ICE TREK for superior grip on icy surfaces and lower temperatures.
The very aggressive Trek Ascent tread design
The very aggressive Trek Ascent tread design
At first glace, the ICE TREK sole does not look ant different at all from the MEGAGRIP version. This is unlike the Bikila EVO WP’s ICE TREK sole, which had more texture and detail than the standard Bikila EVO’s MEGAGRIP sole. I was actually expecting the Trek Ascent Insulated’s sole to feature more little dimples, divets, or texture, but I will concede that the Ascent sole design was already the most aggressive of the Vibram’s lineup. What is different is how the rubber FEELS. Much like how a snow tire rubber is different from an all-season tire, the ICE TREK is made for better low temperature performance. It is noticeably softer to the touch and less hard and plastic-like than the MEGAGRIP used in the Trek Ascent and Ascent LR.
As the sole is the same design as the other Trek model, the lugs in the sole are still very aggressive with tons of cleats that are larger in size towards the heel and toe and smaller towards the middle. Each individual lug has a spiked texture and the lugs on the forefoot and toes are angled for uphill surfaces, while the heel section is slightly angled for downhill terrain. Overall, these lugs are more plentiful and more aggressively textured than even the Spyridon MR. The sole features “flex grooves” in all of the toes in a manner that is very similar the Bikila EVO for enhanced flexibility with the somewhat thick sole. These cuts are about 2-3mm deep and allow for easy upward toe flex AND a bit of a downward toe flex. In fact, I found that the Insulated version of the Trek Ascent to be more flexible than the Trek Ascent LR that I tested last year. This was completely unexpected and a pleasant surprise considering how Vibram’s last winter mode, the Bikila EVO WP, was much more inflexible and cramped than the non WP platform that it was made from. While in the Trek Ascent LR, I was not able to flex my toes downward, I was able to a small degree with the softer ICE rubber in the Ascent Insulated. The aggressive sole, ICE TREK compound, and flex grooves make the Trek Ascent Insulated an excellent winter trail hiking and trail running shoe. Having individual toes gave my more dexterity and control over closed-toe trail shoes and huaraches. This added sensitivity can spell the difference between a slip or a clumsy recovery during snowy runs.
The Trek Ascent sole with ICE TREK rubber: Flexible and grippy for winter running
The Trek Ascent sole with ICE TREK rubber: Flexible and grippy for winter running
Overall, it’s a great sole; grippy due to its rubber compound, lugs/cleats, and tread pattern and provides plenty of protection, while still giving you the benefits and flexibility you come to expect from a Vibram shoe. The deep lugs can handle a bit of snow before slipping and the ICE TREK compound performs marginally better than the standard MEGAGRIP for cold weather activities. Unlike the Trek Ascent and Ascent LR, I would recommend these for road running when there is a bit of snow as the lugs make a huge difference in the winter, while those same lugs were a hindrance for road running in the summer.
A primal footprint. There must be a fast yeti somewhere in beantown
A primal footprint. There must be a fast yeti somewhere in beantown

Fit and Materials

High Tenacity Nylon + Polyester + Wool sock liner The Trek Ascent Insulated feels like a plushy and premium product in the Vibram lineup and sets a very high bar for materials and an overall comfort. It feels substantially more comfortable than the LR and is arguably the most comfortable shoe that Vibram has ever made. Your foot is cushioned all around with a nice wool sockliner and the uppers are made of a soft water resistant nylon to keep the wet stuff out…for a little while at least.
I absolutely love the padded heel collar and tongue of the Trek Ascent Insulated. If you were a fan of the padded collar of the original Bikila and Bikila LS, you will absolutely love the extra comfort and security that the Trek Ascent Insulated provides. This is a nice contrast to the Trek Ascent LR, which had some people complaining about its scratchy, high-set collar. The Trek Ascent Insulated feels like your favorite winter blanket is hugging your foot.
The ankle collar in the Trek Ascent and Trek Ascent LR was a bit irritating for some folks as it rode slightly higher than other Vibram models. The issue was mainly isolated to talus–the bone that sticks out to the sides near the hinge of the foot. With the Trek Ascent Insulated, you will have a talus.
The padded collar keeps stuff out, maintains warmth, and is very comfortable
The padded collar keeps stuff out, maintains warmth, and is very comfortable
The Trek Ascent Insulated eschews the awesome lace system of the Trek Ascent LR for a traditional lace system. These laces are super thick and plushy for really strong tying, but I prefer the bungee and velcro lace system of the Trek Ascent or the reinforced bungee and button variation in the LR.
 Cold-weather-ready Trek Ascent Insulated with the fairweather Trek Ascent LR
Cold-weather-ready Trek Ascent Insulated with the fairweather Trek Ascent LR
The footbed in the Trek Ascent Insulated is the same as the non-insulated variations and can be characterized as…squishy. This 4mm footbed is not removable and while other Vibram soles may have similarly thick EVA, the Trek Ascent’s EVA is more plush and forgiving than other shoes in the lineup. This soft footbed is well-advertised by the aforementioned “soft” button on the bottom of the sole. The overall ground feel is more diminished as a result of this soft footbed and thick sole; a degree less than the thicker-stacked Bikila EVO (8.5mm vs 8mm).
Trek Ascent LR and Trek Ascent Insulated. Note the difference in collar padding and lace system vs traditional laces
Trek Ascent LR and Trek Ascent Insulated. Note the difference in collar padding and lace system vs traditional laces
In my testing of the Trek Ascent Insulated, the wool sockliner does an admirable job at keeping my feet warm. During a snow day in Boston, I went for an 8-mile run through snowy roads and trails and my toes did feel a little cool, but never froze (completely different from my experience in the non-insulated, yet waterproof Bikila EVO WP). Because barefooters typically run sockless and this is a toed shoe, Vibram had a difficult problem to overcome with keeping all of our toes cozy in freezing temperatures. The wool sockliner, “high-tenacity” nylon, and polyester uppers do a very good job of keeping everything relatively warm for my runs in the snow—definitely warmer than any other Vibram shoe to date.
Trek Ascent Insulated vs Bikila EVO WP: The Trek is warmer and more capable, while the WP is truly waterproof, but less flexible and colder
Trek Ascent Insulated vs Bikila EVO WP: The Trek is warmer and more capable, while the WP is truly waterproof, but less flexible and colder
The wool sockliner is also very sweat-friendly! Unlike many fibers, wool readily absorbs moisture better than most fabrics. I was very surprised to find my feet NOT feeling like a swamp after my runs during snow days despite being pretty warm in temperatures ranging from 20-30 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wool all around
Wool all around
The water-resistant nylon and wool combination was pretty good for keeping out the cold and keeps the wet stuff at bay, but it does not last forever. Eventually, water can get through the layers of nylon and wool to reach the poor piggies underneath. Provided you avoid puddles or very deep snow, you should be just fine. Unfortunately, this is an insulated shoe, NOT a waterproof shoe. In terms of stack height, it does not take very deep snow to sink the uppers past the protective rubber and as snow contact increases over a long run, you can get water inside the toe area. The rest of the foot remains pretty dry throughout and it is always the toes that get wet first. As a test, I stood in a puddle of icy water and the shoe gave me about five seconds of protection before I felt the water begin to soak in. The low collar suggests that this is not a deep snow shoe and it really is not meant to be used as such. I would say that this is great for trails and road running that is around an inch of snow or less. Provided you are running in places that are routinely plowed or shoveled, you will have a good time; venture too deep into icy territories and you will find yourself with a case of cold feet.
The rubber lugs will provide roughly 4mm of lift before you start soaking the water-resistant, but not water-proof, uppers
The rubber lugs will provide roughly 4mm of lift before you start soaking the water-resistant, but not water-proof, uppers
Together, the 4mm tread and soft 4mm footbed provide a good amount of protection with tough terrain and helps keep things a bit less jarring upon landing. The groundfeel should be plenty for most new runners, while giving enough protection to learn proper form. You will still feel rocks and awkward ice patches, but there is enough plush and protection to keep your foot safe, yet enough transmission of textures and impact to keep your eyes looking forward for obstacles and good trail-running technique. Strangely enough, Vibram removed the pull tab from the Trek Ascent and Trek Ascent LR when they designed the Insulated version. A pull tab would have been very help to aid in taking the shoe on and off as it is a slightly more substantial shoe than the other Treks, which takes a bit more time to fit. I believe that a pull tab should be mandatory for all shoes from Vibram as they really do make wearing them so much easier. I also think that every shoe should padding of some sort around the collar and tongue, just like with the Bikila LS and Trek Ascent Insulated. It really makes the shoe feel more locked in and comfortable as you move around.

Summary

In the Vibram lineup, this is one of my favorite shoes because the Trek Ascent Insulated is so comfortable and does a great job for winter running. Vibram has attempted to create a premier winter shoe for a while with the Lontra and Bikila EVO WP, but I think that the Trek Ascent Insulated is the closest to hitting the mark. I am hoping for a truly insulated, capable, and waterproof shoe, but the Ascent Insulated strikes a balance between comfort, grip, and polish that few minimalist shoes can provide for winter fun. If you want a minimalist shoe for the winter and are not expecting to encounter deep snow, this is the running toe shoe for you. Check them out for yourself and enjoy the nice wool hug! NOTE: Looks like the Trek Ascent Insulated is a little hard to find right now. One place that has at least a few sizes available is EMS.

By Jarvis

Minimalist ultra-marathon runner with flat dinosaur feet.

50K Ultra-Marathon Runner

I hold a PhD in Political Science.
You can follow my photography adventures at jarvischen.zenfolio.com and Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chenjarvis

37 replies on “Trek Ascent Insulated Vibram FiveFingers Review”

Thanks for detailed description. Would love to see these Trek Ascent Insulated in smaller sizes. Do you know if they are being made for women with 7, 8 or 9 size shoe? ..

Reemi,

They do offer the Trek Ascent Insulated for women in euro sizes 36 – 41

38 -41 roughly translate to 7-9 US sizes, but there are measurements and conversions for inches, US sizes, and Euro!

I just tested these out last week from Amazon and loved the wool liners. The shoe felt great and I really wanted to keep them. Unfortunately the non-waterproof was the deal breaker for me. If they can keep the fit and add waterproof I’ll be all over these.

Alex,

I am wondering if Vibram thought that the waterproofing would make things too sweaty inside the shoe? I recall the Bikila EVO WP was quite restrictive in terms of foot volume and toe space, so comfort might have been a part of the decision as well.

However, they could have just aded more space to the toes. They were able to add them for the woolsockliner, so they surely could have added a waterproof layer as well.

I any case, the Ascent Inslulated is still an excellent shoe for a wide variety of activities, but it just does not have the total package for an all-terrain, all-winter, all-conditions, shoe.

-Jarvis

I’ve been wearing my pair for the past several months through a Tokyo winter (hardly any snow) and they’ve been great! I haven’t had a chance to ride my bike in the freezing cold yet…back when I would do that in older vibrams my toes felt so cold they might fall off! In my walking to/from work in this model my toes have never been uncomfortable.

I was able to put the shoes through some real nasty snow/slush when we had to drive up to Yokohama to register our car and it decided to dump snow that morning. When we arrived at the parking lot it was covered slushy snow, and our trip entailed crisscrossing the parking lot multiple times as we ran between different government offices. At first I was dismayed as I felt the water start to seep in, but once I got used to it I realized my feet weren’t freezing, even though they were wet. Afterwards I was able to keep wearing the wet shoes for several hours before getting home and I wasn’t uncomfortable then either. So even if they aren’t waterproof, the extra insulation helps keep wet feet warm and that’s a plus.
I still wish Vibram would make a truly winter proof model…

Jesse (and Porco!)

Thanks for sharing your experience!

Indeed, even if water and slush gets in, the wool does an excellent job of keeping tabs on the temperature.

It’s a bit of a challenge to maintain warmth in toed shoes as there is simply much more surface area that is making contact with snow, cold air, and water (much like how mittens are warmer than gloves), but Vibram did a fantastic job with its sockliner. I would say that these are warmer than the Feelmax Kuuva 3 waterproof boot that I reviewed last year, though that model is completely waterproof (and still is to this day).

-Jarvis

I have been very happy with my Lontras for winter trail running especially on sloppy ,snowy, slushy days ,when regular shoes just aren’t fun. They are warm and keep my feet reasonably dry.I don’t look for my Insulated Trail Ascents to serve the same purpose – they are just super comfortable knock around shoes for the rest of the day , and Jarvis is right – they are the most comfortable shoes they make. Great review .

Thanks for the review. It was good timing, as I have been back and forth about buying a pair. Vibram told me directly it could be a couple of months before they can even restock them. So I may go through EMS. It’s more reassuring to see EMS get a recommendation on here as well.

One question though: I normally wear socks because if I don’t, that sweat feeling can bother me. Based on the review: You are saying I could wear these without socks comfortably for the 1st time in a FF shoe? Because that excites me, and I can’t get enough of the comfort that wool socks provide.

Rob,

I would say that the benefits of the wool sockliner are MANY, including heat AND sweat regulation.

I would say that I enjoyed the Bikila LS the most because of its soft uppers and padded heel collar. These traits have translated to the Trek Ascent Insulated in a huge way, making this the most comfortable shoe Vibram has ever made. Perfect for exploring a hiking trail or a run through the start of a blizzard.

I would highly recommend you try one out. Go one euro size up for right sizing.

-Jarvis

Used it this autumn for hunting. Terrific. Extreme grip on grass, could climb on 45° or steeper and felt how the blades of grass teared below my sole. Of course, I lost my wind after a 5-minute climb, but I was as impressed as my hiking-boot-equipped colleagues. Extreme grip on snow and ice, and also normal ground found in forests. I had no experience with rain and mud so far, but until now, I like the shoe a lot. Good complement for the waterproof Lontra (that I cannot find in my size anymore).

Josef,

Thanks for sharing!
Your experience should be very helpful for those who are looking for hiking and technical stuff during colder months, rather than full out snow attacking.

I always found the Lontra a bit too tight and inflexible and I was never a fan of the Maiori’s odd connected pinky toe.

I have been looking at theses shoes to wear for everyday use so I do not have to continually transition from VFF to regular shoes for the winter. How would waterproofing the shoes with a silicon waterproof work? Would it keep out water etc.?

I think you can add waterproofing spray much like you would a canvas bag. A few coats to cure over a few days would enhance the water resistance a lot, but they will never be 100% waterproof.

Enough for longer times in snow and slush for sure, but beading is not going to prevent a puddle.

I got my pair and are breaking them in. So far so good, but Jarvis I have another question:

I noticed on my right shoe, on the big toe, the stitching is a bit more over the toe rather then more towards the inside of the toe like my left shoe.

I checked your top down photo of your shoes and noticed the same stitch placement on your right shoe too. Do you think it’s because of the shape of our toes or is this a design choice? Or maybe even an error [I thought this for my pair, but then saw it’s exactly the same on your pair per the photo..]

Rob,

Oh whoa! I did not notice that!

I gotta say, the same thing is going on with my pair. It doesn’t affect anything. I can’t see this being a deliberate design choice, but perhaps a discrepancy with the ma ifs tiring process.

I haven’t noticed this with any other pair of Vibrams. It’s very odd!

Ok thanks. I like things symmetrical so this jumped out at me. Still enjoy them though. Had a good break in period yesterday. I love the puff cuff and that it is higher on my foot. Makes it feel more like a hiking boot.

I’d love to try these out. I have the original Lontras for winter running and Bikila EVO WP, which have split apart and are a poor design. With the Trek Ascent Insulated, it seems a little bit of shoe waterproofer spray may help out a lot. I spray many of my VFF’s with silicone waterproofer to give them a little water protection and make them easier to clean the outside. I wonder if it would help the Insulated ones on snowy runs.

Rob,

It’s a cuff that keeps things connected, but does not restrict!

All vibram cuffs should be like this.

Regan,

I think that waterproofing spray would go a long way, but I will continue some testing and will report back. I’m glad that you’ve had a good experience!

Been wearing the Ascent all winter in the UK. When not raining it is the perfect winter shoe – the wool is fab. This is the ONLY five fingers i’ve ever had to break in, though – the lining in the left foot nearly killed me on the 3rd and 4th toes. Not what i’d ever expect to go through in a vff – otherwise, lovely.
@mcphoo

Love to get a pair but need at least a 49 /50 to fit. Since vibrum doesn’t make them could you suggest a minimalist winter boot for daily street wear

Andy,

I love the Kuuva 3 from Feelmax and the Boulder from Lems (but that is not waterproof).

Jude,
I felt a little cold as the TA-I became more and more wet at around 10 degrees, but if you have tough feet and are keeping yourself dry, you should be okay for most situations!

-Jarvis

I am wondering if you would recommend these for backpacking in Iceland? I am going on a 50km hike there and will be carrying a 15-18 pound pack. In the past I have backpacked in New Balance Minmus but that has been discontinued. I will be hiking in rain and snow… Thanks for any help

Hi Mary!

I think these would be great for backpacking!

However, I would say that I prefer completely open sandals for long hikes, but it depends on what you will be hiking through.

If you are encountering light snow, these should be pretty good.

You can compare them to smart wool socks that you would wear with winter boots, minus the boots.

Eventually, water does get in, but that depends on how much snow you are encountering.

If you backpacked in the minimus shoes, these will do just as well.

-Jarvis

Hey Tomylee!

I tried two means of waterproofing:
Dry Guy WaterproofingTent Fabrics & Outdoor Gear Waterproofing Spray
and Atsko Sno-Seal Original Beeswax Waterproofing Leather Protector

Both work really well.

The spray is easier to apply because you can soak it into areas, while the bees wax seems a bit more capable, but requires a lot of rubbing and hair-dryer work.

Overall, I would say you cannot go wrong either way. The wax does change the way the fabric feels and stiffens it a bit, while sprays do not. Wax is pretty much 100% waterproof, and some sprays are pretty darn close.

Waterproofness doesn’t work. Either you sweat and get wet or wetness gets in over the top of your shoes. What does work is wool and/or synthetic insulation that will retain dry quickly and won’t compress due to water, which is why almost nobody wears cotton for outdoor activities, except in arid climates. I first experienced this on a trail run in 2005 when I had just unknowingly replaced my regular socks with ones made of acrylic (they felt soft and cushy), I was wearing a basic pair of Adidas running shoes (Falcon or Hawk something). I accidentally stepped in a not-quite cold enough to be frozen stream and my feet got wet. By the time I was done though, my feet were still warm due to the physical activity and quick drying nature of the shoes. I should add that I was only wearing my usual 5″ nylon running shorts and a microfleece half-zip.

Most important is to have a shoe which is warm and you do not get wet during rain a a little bit water in the gras or trail during hicking. When you run it’s most of the time not a big deal because of your high body temperature, but it is another story when you are moving slow. On the other hand I never really have wet feet during my runs because of sweat and I do not expect to walk a creek and have dry feet.

How do these compare to the sizing of the KSO EVO?
I’m usually a size 8.5 (39 EU). I have the KSO EVO size 9 (40 EU) and they fit perfectly, but if I wear them with a pair of injinji nuwool socks they are too tight.
I’d like to order the Trek Ascent Insulated to wear with a pair of injinji nuwool – would you recommend I go up even one more size and order the 41?
Thank you for your superb reviews!

Iris,

The KSO EVO runs a bit smaller than the rest of the lineup.

I would say that the Trek Ascent is more true to size, while I size up by 1 (EU) for the KSO EVO.

A 41 EVO is about the same as a 40 Trek Ascent, but the length of the Trek will be the same as a 40 EVO, so keep that in mind for your sock needs!

I’m not sure I understood what you meant by “A 41 EVO is about the same as a 40 Trek Ascent, but the length is the same”.
You mean a 40 EU KSO EVO is somewhat narrower than a 40 EU Trek Ascent Insulated but same length? Or that the length of the 41 EVO and that of the 40 TAI are the same?

Iris,

The Trek Ascent simply has a bit more internal volume than than the KSO EVO. So, if you get a 41 KSO EVO vs 41 Trek Ascent, they are the same length, but the Trek Ascent will have more space inside for wider feet.

Sorry for the confusion!

hi,
i’m going on a long backpacking trip to nepal.
i’m looking for a vegan water resistance show, so either the luntra or the bikila evo wp (found selers that still has then).
Which one is better for a long trail traking?
also, i have the spydiron size 46 with no socks, shuoled i size up for sucks?

will appriciate an advice.

Yonatan,

The Trek Ascent Insulated is a bit more breathable than the Lontro and is more comfortable as well. The Lontra was considered a bit tight for many runners.

I believe the Lontra is a bit more water resistant though.

The Bikila EVO WP is completely waterproof, but also the least breathable and the tightest fit.

There is no need for socks with the Ascent Insulated because of its wool lining, but you probably do not need to size up. Most toe socks are pretty thin these days.

My pick is the ascent Insulated, than the Lontro, Followed by the WP, but your needs may vary.

If waterproofing is the highest priority, the WP for sure.

-Jarvis

I have personally worn VFFs exclusively for probably a decade now. What do you feel is the most rugged current model that would do well in a southern environment? I have worn out my kangaroo leather Trek Ascents and need to replace them. Which shoe can handle rocks, roots, briars, etc without tearing and getting holy the easiest?

Vince,

There are many models that I would consider very durable.

The Trek Ascent Insulated model that you see here is very durable, but perhaps not appropriate your part of the country.

I’m a huge fan of the Trek Ascent and the leather version, which you have obviously loved quite a bit.

That being said, the new V-Trek is the most current version of this type of shoe from Vibram.

I’m wondering if the V-Run might be appropriate for some of your types of activities. It does not quite have the same grip, but is a relatively substantial shoe by Vibram standards. Its foam/rubber hybrid sole is quite a bit less grippy than what you are used to though.

Perhaps the Spyridon would work, but its a little less flexible than I would like.

Check out my review of the V-Alpha for another possibility. It’s the best in the lineup and can do just about anything. It’s quite durable as well, but still breathable.

I would gladly take that to some forests and have a ball.

Would you recommend the TAI for runs of 10 k or more in moderate temperatures as well (about 0-12 degrees Celsius)? It‘s not getting so cold where I live but I thought of this model because the other Vibram models seem to be not quite apt for fall / winter season.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *