Fall 2012 FiveFingers Lontra, Speed XC, and SeeYa LS are OUT!

The Fall 2013 FiveFingers — Lontra, Speed XC, and SeeYa LS — have started showing up for sale now at retailers! Where, exactly, can you find them? How about here:

• Men’s Lontra | MSRP $149.95 | Note: Women’s will be available here—but they’re not in yet
• Men’s Speed XC | MSRP $139.95 | Note: Women’s will be here
• Men’s SeeYa LS, Women’s SeeYa LS | MSRP $99.95

I know what you’re thinking: why are the Speed XC and Lontra so expensive? It’s because they’ve been made water-resistant using layers of fabric and taped seams. These are the first water-resistant VFFs to date. As for just how resistant to water they are, we’ve yet to review them here (but will within the next week, so stay tuned). Meanwhile, the release of the SeeYa LS means our giveaway (see our first review) has ended (winners of the two pairs of SeeYa LS and those others who won stickers will be notified post haste!).

If these are the toe shoes you’ve been waiting for—FiveFingers for cold and wet weather running, walking, or whatever you’re into and can’t wait any longer, I suggest picking these up now as stock is likely to be very limited for the next few weeks (what I’m hearing anyway). Note that Travel Country, the sponsor of the BirthdayShoes giveaway, offers Free Shipping on orders over $69.

Further note that they still have many older FiveFingers models on clearance (KSOs for $40-45, SeeYas for $75-80, Speeds for $75, Classics for $40). Take a look around their site and you can get some pretty fantastic deals on FiveFingers.

Indeed, only certain colorways are available now in each model and some of the women’s Speed XC and Lontra haven’t shown up anywhere to date.

If you want more info on these new VFFs, you’ll find the official specs on each model after the jump.

FiveFingers Lontra

Vibram FiveFingers that don’t get soaked while running have been on many a runner’s (or toe shoes enthusiast!) wish list for some time. Meanwhile, options outside of the neoprene FiveFingers Flow for cold weather wear haven’t really existed. Therein lies the need for the Lontra.

It’s about time! What exactly is the Lontra? So glad you asked. Here are the official specs:

Cold weather running in minimalist footwear can be challenging. Our new Lontra makes the experience fun and comfortable. A multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance. The micro pile fleece liner is soft against the skin while helping wick perspiration away from the foot. Other features include a neoprene heel cuff to keep out snow and debris, a reinforced hook-and-loop closure for a snug and secure fit; and reflective surfaces for safety at night. The 4mm EVA midsole provides insulation from frozen surfaces, and the TC-1 Dura outsole provides traction, durability and superior plating protection. Machine Washable. Air Dry.

Lontra Vibram TC-1 Dura + EVA Midsole | Micropile Fleece | Laminated Stretch Mesh + Water Resistant Membrane

What’s all the above mean? Basically it’s a Trek-soled pair of FiveFingers with an upper composed of fleece (Against the skin) and additional fabric layers with taped seams to keep out water. It’s the new KWSO (“Keep wet stuff out”) of the FiveFingers line. At $150 a pair, they’re also now the most expensive FiveFingers available.

Regarding weight, the men’s 43 Lontras weigh 6.75 oz (probably slightly more than the KomodoSport LS and right about less than the Spyridon LS).

We will have original, extensive first-foot information and photos (per usual!) on these suckers here on BirthdayShoes post haste (so stay tuned).

For now, if these are the toe shoes you’ve been waiting for, you can find them here.

FiveFingers Speed XC

The Speed XC FiveFingers mash-up the upper styling of the original Speed, the rugged Vibram Trek sole, and a new water-resistant upper. Check the specs:

The Speed XC combines the look and comfort of the Speed with Vibram performance. A multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance. A 4mm EVA midsole offers plating protection from stone bruising, and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram TC-1 Dura outsole delivers increased traction on a variety of surfaces. The Speed XC offers a traditional lacing system for ease of entry, gusset tongue to prevent water penetration, and seamless polyester lining to keep the outdoor enthusiast comfortable and dry. Machine Washable. Air Dry.

While the XC’s upper aesthetic is similar to the original Speed, it’s been refreshed and looks similar to the REI-exclusive Speed LR (leather, not water-resistant — see our Speed LR review).

The big win on the XC is the water-resistance. Whether you want to run in them or just wear them casually, the XC could now be argued as one of the most versatile FiveFingers around. It’s wearable on trails and can keep some water out (I wouldn’t tromp through deep puddles and expect water not to get in), it’s wearable casually for all-day purposes, and it’s likely more insulating than most other Vibrams (save for the Lontra) due to the layered fabrics used in making them water-resistant.

But they MSRP at $140, which is expensive! Note the women’s aren’t yet in stock.

We’ll be doing a first review of these very soon so keep your eyes on the site!

FiveFingers SeeYa LS

If you missed it, we recently did an initial review of the SeeYa LS. They’re not simply laced versions of the SeeYa — sole excepted, they’re a totally revamped SeeYa due to new materials and some additional design features associated with the upper.

Here are the official specs:

Building on the concept of the ultra light SeeYa, the SeeYa LS offers the same performance and barefoot sensation of the original with the added versatility of a traditional sneaker. The updated, technically styled upper features a padded tongue and micro suede overlay ensuring a comfortable and snug fit. Minimal rubber thickness in the outsole and soft TPU midsole maximizes “foot feel” and flexibility, enhancing natural movement. The SeeYa LS provides excellent connection to the ground while protecting the foot. Machine Washable. Air Dry.

Anyway, they are now available — at least in some colorways. The MSRP is about $100 and you can find the men’s (in black/grey) here and the women’s (in peach/grey) here.