The other day I took a few minutes to do a quick video review of the recently released Vibram FiveFingers Trek LS (See my full review of the Trek LS Vibrams here).
In the video review I cover things like:
- Ground feel of the Trek LS
- Different laces!
- Design
- Are the Trek LS waterproof?
- Aesthetics/making a fashion statement with the Trek LS
- more!
Video after the jump!
Forgive the extreme close-up on yours truly midway through the video and how about the total random Bikila VFF cameo at the end? I seriously have no clue who that neighbor is — we’re still new to our ‘hood. My “professional recording equipment” is a Canon 780IS, which does a pretty remarkable job, but has a poorly located zoom dial!
Did I miss anything? I’m sure I did, so ask any questions below in the comments!
And if you’re looking to pick up a pair, check out the sticker/BirthdayShoes swag offer via this BirthdayShoes sponsor here!
22 replies on “Trek LS FiveFingers Video Review”
According to Vibram Germany these babys won’t be available here until february.
I want them so bad for the winter, damnit. Is there any american or italian store that will ship to germany?
I seriously do not know why Vibram is trying to mark their retail price for the Trek LS at $140. It looks nice and all, but I do not think they are worth that much. At that rate I would rather get a New Balance Minimus Trail shoe or a vivobarefoot shoe.
Do these have the same “roomy-ness” in the toes as the Bormio? I just sent back the Bormio because of how loose they fit and am considering the Trek LS to replace those.
Thoughts?
Also i presume you could make them Waterproof, as almost any leather, by using Nikwax.
GAHH!! I wish my feet were small enough to get these!! So sick. Good job as always, Justin.
MANY thanks for this video review !!!
It’s really awesome to see these in video form in stead of just pictures.
Since it is likely that these babies won’t be available here in the Netherlands untill spring next year I decided to order the black version from Amazon. Shipping cost was a whopping $40 though, but they should arrive sometime in the beginning of October.
I can’t wait 🙂
I don’t know about $140 specifically, as a number pulled out of the air. But $140 as compared to the other VFFs is very reasonable. They are MUCH more “substantial” than my other VFFs, including my leather KSO Treks. When they’re in your hand, you can tell that KSO Treks are a piece of leather sewn to some mesh, while Trek LS is a fully constructed shoe.
Basically, if these aren’t worth $140 then normal VFFs aren’t worth $100. They’re that much more sophisticated, physically.
I meant I wish my feet were BIG enough for the men’s sizes.. haha
Justin,
Trek LS
Why does vibram on there sizing chart start at 39, when there site and all other sites start at 40?
Great review, Justin! These will be my next pair of Five Fingers for the fall/winter. Amazing and resourceful site. Keep up the great work.
Why can’t they be used as trail running shoes?
Duddddeee. you still have to answer the waterproof question, put some nickwax on them bad boys and submerge them!
I’m having a problem with mine cutting of skin off my right heel – I think the leather being a tougher material is not working out too good with my feet – anyone else having similar problems?
Have you heard anything official on care of the distressed, Crazy Horse leather? The U.S. Fivefinger site mentions “Machine washable,” which I’m reluctant to believe. A good all purpose leather conditioner has been recommended (at risk of darkening leather), but whether to use a sealant or stain/water protector, silicon or non-silicon based, that is my question! “Leather should breathe and a sealant wouldn’t permit that. Just wipe stains with a moist cloth immediately and let the conditioner be the water-proofing.” On the other hand, “Of course seal it! You’ll be walking around in them.” Advice?
Those laces you put on are really cool!!!
Could you please tell me what laces they are.
Thanks.
would like 2 see bigger sizes like 14 or 15
Great review! I work at a large account store for Vibram Fivefingers, and your reviews and the reader comments feedback help me so much!
And yeah… that random neighbor in VFFs… so cool!
I’ve had my two pairs of the Trek LS for a few weeks.
To address the questions of waterproofness and color change with immersion or waterproofing:
The tongue is not gusseted, so water will run in around the tongue regardless of any application of waterproofing. I’ve kept mine out of the water, as I know from experience with the KSO Treks that water (and washing) will make the dye run and lighten the color. This result looks bad
on the black Treks, as the lightening is blotchy. The browns seem to be less badly affected.
The lack of a tongue gusset also limits the usefulness of the Trek LS for hiking, as dirt and sand will get in around the tongue. The KSO Treks are much better for hiking because they seal out dirt.
If you want a somewhat waterproof leather five fingers, go for the boot, i.e., the Bormio. Waterproofing will most likely darken the colors. You might want to use a compound that doesn’t keep the leather from breathing. The side zippers on the Bormio will certainly let in water but they should be adequate to keep out snow (rubbing beeswax into the zippers prior to each use will help — this is what is done with dry suit zippers for SCUBA diving). I haven’t yet puchased a pair of them — I’m still deciding if I want to get them for my next ski trip.
You can also try the Trek Flow (available from on-line stores in the U.K. and Europe but not the U.S.). It has the same sole as the KSO Trek and Trek LS but a neoprene rubber upper. You would need to seal the sewing using a seam sealing compound such as is sold for use with tents. I’ve not worn my Trek Flows except on one SCUBA dive as they are too warm for where I live (San Diego) and the big toe pockets are a little tight for me. I intended to use them on snow but haven’t yet done so.
I did use the KSO Treks on snow and ice in the mountains and found them fine going uphill but too slippery on ice going downhill. I’ve thought about using instep crampons with them.
I like the look of the yellow/brown laces. What brand and length did you find works best?
Also, have you sent these through the washing machine yet? With/Without laces?
I ordered mine in the US and had my boss bring them over to Germany on his recent business trip. I just tried them on without toe socks, and it seems they a quite a bit larger than the KSO Treks or the KSOs. I followed the sizing chart though. Bad thing is: I can’t return them easily, as the store I bought them is a few thousand miles away -.-
They look fantastic but and I really wanna wear them but sized like that, I keep slipping out of the toe pockets. Crap!
Gah, I want these with the vibram moc sole. Go thin to win! I am so disappointed that the moc was discontinued.
Don’t use digital stabilization on your camera, it ruins the video quality.