Why Trek Sports?
Being the new kid (geriatric new kid, that is!) on the Birthday Shoes block, I only own two pair of Vibram Five Fingers, the Classics and Bikilas. My Classics don’t get a lot of wear except as an occasional flip flop alternative (Justin’s preferred use of Classic Vibrams) and my Bikilas are my “go to” running shoe. Though I dig the barefoot feel they give me, the Bikilas hurt my sensitive feet on the rocky trails around here—at least that was the excuse to convince my wife I needed another pair!
Since I don’t own any “KSO type” Five Fingers, I only know what I have seen on the internet. I pictured the black KSOs as the alpha male, ninja, gorilla foot model. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I could pull it off. But, when I saw the Vibram marketing photos of the Trek Sports, they looked so cool and sleek. I manned up and ordered a pair (via CitySports). I ordered a size 41, the same as my others. They arrived quickly and in good order from CitySports shipped free using my “BIRTHDAY” shipping code.
I expected the Trek Sports to be somewhat bulky, but in fact, they weigh almost exactly the same as my Bikilas. And they are sleek, though perhaps not as sleek as in the Vibram marketing photo. I think they must stuff them with tissue paper or something. Also, mine arrived with a silver strap, which is different from the black one in Vibram’s pic. Perhaps a little less Ninja, but now I can wear them to church with grey slacks!
My review and a zoomable flash movie after the jump!
The Upper
The Trek Sport uses a new fabric for the upper made out of coconut, but what the heck is “Coconut Active Carbon” material anyway? Given the outside of a coconut is anything but soft, I didn’t really know what to expect. Turns out, the material is very soft and flexible around my foot. Phew! Also, unlike the KSO Trek, no kangaroos were harmed in the making of the Treks. Rejoice PETA! There are a few different materials used in the upper, and it turns out that the grey in between the toes is just the reverse side of the solid black material above the toes. The metatarsal area is cloaked with a mesh material that is stretchy and airy. It might even work well for a Victoria Secret négligé. Beneath the strap, there is another section of the solid black material that is lightly padded making it easy on a high arch like mine.
Update 10.01.10 – After running some medium trails, the fabric on the upper of my Trek Sports ripped/split on the right big toe along the toe protection. While incredibly comfortable, this leads me to believe the Coconut Active Carbon material used for the upper may not be sturdy enough for a trail running shoe, or, perhaps, the method of implementing toe protection needs to be improved. You may want to consider spending the extra $25 to get kangaroo leather KSO Treks for a more rugged trail shoe.
One design improvement we first saw in the Bikila that has been carried over to the Trek Sport is that the seams along the outside of the big and little toes (previous VFFs have had two seams atop each toe) have been eliminated on the Trek Sport. It “seems” the outermost seams on the big toes have a tendency to bust, so eliminating this seam is a design improvement. Also, the TPU (ah, another fancy acronym) toe protection (the same plastic-y “toe nails” that have discolored to a dingy red on my Bikilas), covers more toe now on the Trek Sport. Hey, maybe they will coat a whole shoe in it someday. Call it the TPU Trek maybe? Might not breath too well, but it would be a hit at the disco.
The heel pod / improvised Achilles notch rocks on these things! It is big, tall, lightly padded and very comfortable. It even works like a shoe horn when slipping them on.
The Strap System
Like the KSO, the strap is sewn into place at the heel. As it turns out, I should have given the straps a good tug, they are attached with velcro at the heel and are removable. Thanks to uhjj for sending in the photo to the left (click to enlarge). From what I can tell, the strap support system uses a totally new material. It is felt-like (not pelt-like, no animals harmed here). It is used to cover the velcro portion of the strap (along with two large reflectors) and also surrounds the shoe on both sides and around the heel. The material by itself is pretty flimsy. The loop, used to pull the shoes on, is not reinforced and I worry it could break. Luckily, the eyelets, where the strap is threaded, are reinforced with a plastic backing.
The Sole
The sole is much more rigid than my Classics or Bikilas and the arch area curves in more (where the sole looks more like an hourglass), leaving the sole fairly narrow at mid foot. The Trek sole looks good to go and the extra 4mm of tire-like tread should help me handle rough terrain.
Hmm, what else? Another reflector on the heel, yellow Vibram logos, same ol’ anti-microbial yellow insole, the typical stuff.
The Fit
The Trek Sports are easier to get on than my Bikilas and are not quite as tight on the top of my foot. I don’t even need the Bikila strap, but I might end up using it with the Trek Sports. The heel pod fits tighter than my Classics, but looser than my Bikilas. Also, they are a bit tighter in the toes (maybe shorter) than my Bikilas, but roomier than my Classics. The overall feel around my foot is great. Like a glove!
Head to Head Test Run: Trek Sports vs. Bikilas
I compared my new Trek Sports to my Bikilas last night at a local nature park. The loop I ran began with a section of heavily wooded dirt trail with lots of tree roots, creek beds, sharp curves and silty dirt. The loop ended with a section of the “groomed” main trail. Paradoxically, the groomed trail was the roughest on my feet because the rain has washed out all the small rocks leaving mostly large ones. Finally, I did a short run on pavement.
There was definitely a noticeable difference in the thickness of the Trek sole and therefore some loss of the “barefoot feel” I get with the Bikila. That said, the Trek Sport way out performed the Bikilas on the trails. They grabbed the curves and didn’t slip in the silty dirt like the Bikilas did. Also, my feet were more protected over roots, rocks and other rough terrain in the Treks. The Bikilas were painful over the rocks on the main trail, but the Treks worked just fine.
The road test I did was equally dramatic. The Treks felt cumbersome and clunky on the road and I think I will stick with my Bikilas there.
The test run results were pretty much what I expected and I am really looking forward to more “barefoot” time on the trails in my new Trek Sports. You can take my Trek Sports on a virtual spin below:
(Hint: After you zoom, the icon on the right lets you toggle between moving and rotating)
-Britt
See our post on “Barefoot Running Shoes” to see where Trek Sports fall on our Barefoot Running Shoes Continuum.
59 replies on “Close Up Review: Vibram Five Fingers Trek Sport”
I just got my pair on Wednesday and I love them! I will be leaving for Maine tomorrow and they, along with my KSOs, will be coming with me. Pictures to follow!
That is great! I think this is very helpful.
Very cool! Thank you. I like.
Mine are on the UPS truck from CitySport.com for delivery today! Sooo excited! Can’t wait for your review oh VFF Master!;)
@Jeff,
Cool! Alas, the review will not be coming from VFF Master, Obi Wan Justin, but instead Grasshopper Britt. I am, however, closer to Obi Wan’s age in the original Star Wars.
Got mine yesterday, wearing them at work! Looking forward to a nice hike this weekend in them.
Hopefully, mine are waiting for me when I get home from work!
Gotta say though-
I’m a little disappointed the straps are grey and not black as shown in the official product shot.
As-is, these will look a little too similar to my grey camo KSOs.
Oh well… I’m sure they’ll still get plenty of wear!
got mine this past tuesday! went running in the rain with the dogs today
they are great!
I’ve worn my Trek Sports night and day for a solid week now. -Even slept in them! AWESOME! Great hybrid of designs!
Now, lets see the fusion of Flows, Treks, and a little more side ankle protection…ie:the Achilles-padding.
I transitioned from kayak to wet rocks today countless times. These puppies are like vellCrow for your feet!=)
-intentionally misspelled (c)
Nice job Britt! Just waiting for my Trek Sports to arrive in Guam. Hopefully they’ll be here by Monday!
Got em! So I would sum them up like this… KSO 2.0. It’s an evolutionary change that is much welcomed (IMO).
Got mine yesterday. Even though it was supposed to be my Rest Day, and the temps outside were still just a hair over 100 degrees, I had to take ’em out for a spin.
I hit the crushed gravel running trail near our house — hilly and curvy — for a 3 mile run.
I’ve been running this trail in my KSOs, but noticed immediately the difference in comfort on the sole vs. the crushed granite, plus that added padding in the Achilles heel is an amazing difference.
These are some remarkably well put together shoes…they almost feel like an actual running shoe, more than being barefoot. But they still promoted a good mid-foot strike running technique.
Oh, and the comfort level compared to my KSOs isn’t even close — these are much, much more comfortable.
Well done, Vibram.
thanks for the review, but if this shoe even has less barefoot feel than the Bikila, I think I’ll pass…
Great Review! I get my TS next week and i can’t wait to take them out on the trails. Has anyone used them for CrossFit?
Mine just arrived, but where the size I got (men’s 40) worked great on the Classics, and was 1/8″ down from my slightly-too-large women’s 42 KSOs, my Trek Sports are just enough too tight to not work. 🙁
So, I guess they go back to CitySport and I return to stalking the page and waiting for a 41 to come back in stock. From what I see, though, they look awesome. I will need to do something to make the strap black, however…
I thought the new Trek Sport’s Achilles strap was supposed to be secured to the heel strap via Hook-and-loop, making it removable and optional. Did they eliminate this design element in the final end-user product?
Nestor,
As it turns out, they are attached with Velcro. Thanks to uhjj for pointing it out below and sending me some pics to update my post.
Sounds like the perfect vibram trail shoe as opposed to my classics which is great for the even pavement but tough on rock and stuff.
My Trek Sports have a removable strap centered in the back with velcro.
uhjj,
Interesting. Could you send me a pic of the velcro part to [email protected], so I can include it in the post? Thanks.
I immediately sent mine back. The elimination of the stretch panel on the outside of the big toe and the substitution of a non-stretchy material over the outside and entire top of the big toe makes them fit me poorly. The big toe twists around. By contrast, the KSO Trek, which I’ve worn daily since the fall, fit excellently. The stretch panel on the outside of the big toe enables them to better accommodate my wide forefoot and large bunion.
By further comparison, the Bikila and the Speed fit me fine. They, like the KSO Trek, have a stretch panel on the outside of the big toe.
The Flow Trek, (and probably the Flow, which I have never seen), have the same non-stretchy material over the outside of the big toe as do the Trek Sport, and likewise are a poor fit for me.
I have had no issue with any toe seam. I have over 1000 miles of rough mountain and desert hiking and running on the KSO Treks. They’ve been punctured through the sole by cactus spines, and abraded by countless rocks, but no seam has either started to let go or caused any irritation.
I always wear wool Injinji socks with the KSO Trek, which probably helps avoid seam irritation.
So I got my Trek Sports in yesterday, and they aren’t exactly what I was thinking that they were going to be. I was expecting the all black shoe in the picture that Summit Hut and most of the other websites are using to show off the shoe, and what I got is a black and light grey shoe just like the one in the above review.
I’m kind of “son I am disappoint” actually and not digging the looks of them as much as I was the seemingly all black ones that they marketed them as.
I called Summit Hut asking them if they are selling two different color variations, and not only did the guy I spoke with say that there’s only one color option, but he took it a step further and implied that I can’t tell the difference between black and the grey color of the straps and soles on the shoes that they sent me, which made me laugh since it reminded me of the whole Zoolander/Mugato/crazy pills thing.
As far as the shoe itself goes… it is pretty much a KSO upper with the KSO Trek soles. The upper does have a couple of upgrades to the regular KSOs though. It’s got the same clear plastic coat on the top side of each toe slot, the reflective material on the velcro portion of the strap/heel area, and padding at the Achilles all similarly to the Bikilas, but different in that the Achilles padding in the Trek Sport looks like it was added in at the tail end of the shoe’s design, where as the Achilles padding in the Bikilas seems like it was planned from the very beginning and incorporated into the upper as one solid piece.
Walking around in one of the Bikilas and one of the Trek Sports has a noticeably different feel between them, and not just in the difference of the soles. The Bikila feels like I have a perfectly designed Italian sportscar molded to my foot, whereas the Trek Sport feels like a slightly lower quality version of the same sportscar. Both feel good, but the Bikila feels like it was made by a master craftsman, and the Trek Sport by the master’s apprentice.
I get a similar feel as well when comparing a KSO Trek on one foot, and a Trek Sport on the other. It isn’t quite as drastic of a difference, but the Trek Sport still feels like a lesser version.
Between the KSO Treks and the Trek Sports the KSO Treks are definitely the better of the two, and well worth the $25 dollar difference.
As such I’ll be sending my Trek Sports back on Monday since they aren’t as good as the KSO Treks that I already have, and aren’t the same shoe that’s in the pictures they are using to sell the shoe with, which is a shame because I would definitely keep them as an everyday casual shoe if they actually were teh same shoe.
Hope this helps anyone looking into the Bikilas, KSO Treks, and the Trek Sports.
Cheers.
Great review! Like most here I am disappointed that the strap is gray and not black as advertised.
Does anyone know if I should be ordering the same size as I did with the regular KSO or shall I order a different size?
Also, when will these shoes be up on Vibram’s main website?
Does anyone know of any genuine sellers in Toronto, Canada? City sports will not ship internationally! 🙁
At least with the strap being removable, we will be able to get whatever colors they offer and mix and match. I really like the sportier feeling of the Trek Sports over the Treks. They are also not near as hot as the Treks in Houston summer.
My age old question. Are they going to (eventually) make this in the full range of sizes? I wear a men’s 39 in the Classic (38 KSO) and the Trek Sport (like a lot of other models) don’t come in my size yet, or if they do it’s only in Black 🙁 Any word on when/if Vibram will be putting out full range of sizes in all styles?
Great photos! I can’t wait to take my new Trek Sports out on the trail. Alas, living in NYC doesn’t provide many opportunities for this.
great review. Mine just arrived today and I can’t wait to hit the trail this weekend.
Just what I need!! Another variable to interrupt my focus on my next VFF purchase! 🙂
Currently, I have Classics (1st pair and I love them!) and was considering KSOs or Bikilas (leaning towards these…), but these Trek Sports seem to be very interesting and your review makes for a compelling argument. Hmmm…..
Thanks for the detail and pics.
I just got my pair. Was a lil dissapointed there were all not black, but they still look awsome and they will do the job, when iam running on trails. Love them along with my Bikilas.
Question, what is the material between the toes on the trek sports? Is it an improvement as compared to the KSO’s? Hiking rocky trails my KSO’s seemed to be doing fine, but a single hike off trail above timberline and a hole developed between both big toes within an hour. So I need to find an alternative for more durable use and debating between the trek sports or the KSO treks. Thanks!
Erin,
It is the same material used all around the foot area. The coconut carbon stuff. It is just reversed in between the toes. If you really need durability, the KSO Treks may work better. I am thinking kangaroo would be more durable.
I have major concerns about this shoe. I love the tread and technical trail performance. They are about 1/2 the weight of the Treks, and probably extend that advantage when wet. I would also think they’d be less hot and sweaty than the treks, but I’ve read the kang leather breathes well. Kangaroos are kinda mean, but I guesss it is less intelligent and sustainable to have animal products used if you can avoiod it.
They perform great on technical runs. But I’ve had one minor and one major issue:
1)sizing- my flow size was 41 which should be the same here, but was too small. I had to order one size larger.
2) DURABILITY – I ordered two pair from EMS. One came with a tiny gap between the hard gray plastic and the black coconut layer, separating already from the factory without having been used! I went ahead and took the second pair for a 14 mile run on rugged trails. Was very happpy with the performance. (I was a little achey, but I’ve been off of VFF for a few months after experimenting with Terra Plan Evos, which had the durability of tissue paper on rugged trails) However, just below the right big toe on the inside of the shoe, where the gray plastic meets the black coconut, a small gap was present! This is an obvious point where foot flexion will put pressure. First run and they are crumbling. I liked them so much and beat them up so much I went ahead and tried to hot glue gun this gap; this fell apart on a 28 mile trail run a few days later. I put some Shoe Goo in there and it has held through an 11 mile trail run, but this is obviously not good. I want to love them, but I may get some regular treks or go with a minimalist non-VFF since my left small toe is not always happy with the VFF in general. The other 9 toes do fine, bad luck I guess.
Thanks so much for this detailed review. You and others answered all my questions. I want the trek sport to do everything. I’m thrilled about these shoes because I’ve never found a comfortable running shoe or trail shoe that didn’t force my heel to slip around. I’m going to order these and will give feedback. Also – thank you to five fingers for not using the skin of a kangaroo in this style. I just couldn’t buy the other ones. Somebody is listening. 🙂 Happy Trails!
Just got a pair of these Birthday Shoes for my birthday and I LOVE them. I plan on using them for biking and trail running.
These are my first VFFs, and I think I’ll get Bikilas next.
Warning- I ran on these once for about 3 miles, the next time I went to put them on I noticed they had torn at the point that that fabic meets that weird anti-fray stuff on the top of the toes. The tear is on the big toe and is about half an inch long. I will be trying to get CitySports to take these back. Has anyone else had the same problem?
Jake,
I had the exact same thing happen. I will edit this review to let people know it is a concern.
I just bought a pair of KSO treks. I have never owned a pair of fivefingers before and these shoes are my first. I am not a marathon runner at all , but I run about 3 to 5 miles every other day and I’ll take a hike every weekend or so. What I’m really interested to know is does anyone use the KSO treks on asphalt or pavement frequently, and if so what kind of feedback or suggestions do you have?
Hmmm, why havent anyone commenting on the picture of his KSO Treks. The toes are very shiny,which is not the case with this model, I have them..
Kristopher, in my opinion the KSO Treks are not the right pair for asphalt running. I have a pair and *love* them, but I only use them either for trail running or casual ware. The thicker sole protects my feet against rocks, roots, acorn parts and other trail hazards. They are good for the hiking you mentioned.
You don’t really need that though for asphalt running. Honestly, for 3-5 mile runs, Classics or Sprints might be more beneficial. Or really, within 90 days you could probably do it barefoot. I run about 25-30 mi per week in a 5-6mi run, an 8mi run and then a longer 13+ run on the weekend. The short run is barefoot over mostly concrete with some asphalt. It helps keep your form right. I found out the hard way that VFF’s, even Classics, protect your feet a bit too much and allow you to develop a bad form.
For the longer runs, I use Bikilas. My favorites VFFs are a tie between the Bikilas and KSO Treks. Both fit so well and that is necessary on longer runs, or you can develop nasty calloused blisters. I used to run in Sprints which were great up to about 6-8 miles. Longer than that though and blisters would form for me. I’ve used Bikilas on 16mi runs without a hit of a blister.
You might be trying to get one pair of VFFs for both purposes, asphalt running and hiking, but think about it, would you buy a nice pair of running shoes to go hiking in, or a nice pair of trail running shoes for some pavement pounding? Plus, the asphalt will wear out the KSO treads faster, which over time will reduce their trail hugging capabilities.
Long and short of it, try the Classics or Sprints for those shorter distances, or regular KSO’s if you like the full foot coverage feel, and keep the KSO Treks for the trails. And again, I seriously suggest you consider running *some* distances regularly totally barefoot. Take it slow, maybe just 100 yards the first time and slowly build up from there.
Whatever you decide, enjoy!
been into the barefoot running concept for abt a year now.
I got my first VFF(Trek Sport) in a retail store in Singapore. fit and looks no problem. Mine’s the red one. the looks, fit and comfort is great! not sure abt durability as I’ve only had mine for 2 weeks. training has been great (ached for 2 days after an interval training in it)
hope it lasts and dun turn out to be like the reviews before that mentioned durabilty issues.
The Treksport is my first VFF pair and I was really happy with it. Used it for running and mixed training (crossfit/bootcamp style). Farthest run so far around 9km only mostly asphalt.
Anyway, I don’t think I’ve used them much more than 10 times and already the sole is tearing from the big toe 🙁
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/47823/IMAG0134.jpg
The Treksports are my second pair of VFF’s. My first is a pair of KSO’s. I like the Treksports however, they do not fit as well as the KSO’s. The way they are made there is a funny fit in the arch that will lead to chafing and blisters behind the large toe joint, if not worn with socks. Just my opinion, my wifes, and a few others I have talked to.
My review is not about running but trekking on wet rocky terrain..
I have just got the trek sport few days ago and took it for river/ stream hiking/ camping.. we walk through streams and walked over rocks/ boulders/ stones of all shapes and sizes at different degrees of slipperyness, algae, smoothness, wetness etc..
i must conclude that the treksport is NOT advisable for river/ stream hiking.. the soles are insufficient to grip rocks even fairly.. where it is wet, it is very slippery. when there is algae, it is utterly no grip whatsoever.. i had one too many slips with this pair.
contrary to Adidas Jaw Paw which is 4 times cheaper, it had better sole design that grips much much better.. This was the pair that eventually all my hiking mates wore for the trek. I thot i would upgrade by getting the trek sport but am sorely disappointed.
To be fair, i like the fit better and normal walking on them is better… but i will advise against going on wet terrain with these pair.
Since i cant use them for trekking, i will attempt to run in these, otherwise there is no further use for them.. wish me luck!
The original version of Treksports do not last, the crosses on the bottom peel off so traction is compromised. I have had them for 5 months and hiked approximately 50 miles in them and the crosses have come off: see my post.
http://nkvball.posterous.com/?page=3
I’ve been trying to get a replacement under warranty but since it’s passed 90 days, so far no luck.
The original version has a sole made of 2 layers, the crosses are made of 2 layers and that is why they peel off. The newer version is made of one layer.
Locally in Hawaii the Vibram representative told the shoe store I bought them from that they have not heard of this, but I have seen some posts on it.
I also have KSOs that just wore through today after 6-7 months, so it seems like fivefingers are just not meant to last even though they are relatively expensive $100 to $115 etc. Very disappointing! I like the fivefingers but if they don’t last, I can’t afford new shoes every 3-4 months!
i have worn 5fingers for 3 years now starting with the sprints, then flos for winter, and then alternating ksos and my winter flos. love them so far, except last spring i tried the trecksport. i always wear throught the ball of the foot in every Sprint or Kso in about 6 months. i was hoping the reinforced ball on the trek sport would improve the longevity. never had a chance to find out! Bouldering, the soul on the toes ripped of the bottom of the shoe. the salesman i dealt with said that was a commen problem and the treksports were being recalled. admittedly that was a year ago. has anyone had a similiar problem? is the problem fixed?
sincerely,
tricksterbird
As this review and many comments (not only here) can show, longevity is an obvious let down with (almost?) every model of VFFs.
Sole ripping, early wear, fabric ripping, seams not holding…
I really wanted to buy a pair of these or bikilas, but I just can’t see how they’re worth $100+ and risk having them rendered useless after 3 months (or less!).
Also, many people seem to find this kind of OK since they continue buying other pairs or just reporting these cases and then shrugging it off.
Can someone please explain this to me?
So do you think the tire treads on the sole will keep the sole from wearing out so quickly? I had some KSOs for 3 months, almost never ran in them (not a runner) instead used them more for just walking about town and lifting weights and I got wholes in the soles literally 2 days after the 90 day warranty expired. color me a little annoyed. but i loved being almost barefoot! long walks around the city and my feet didn’t ache the way they normally do in sneakers. so yeah, wondering how much the extra sole impedes the “barefoot” feeling versus how much it will keep the sole from wearing out in 92 days.
There seems to be a lot of seam problems with the treksports-has Vibram done anything to improve the durability?
I had the same problem on the big toe “reinforcement”. It seems they glued a non-flexible material to a flexible material, just begging to tear at the seam.
KSO Treksport lasted 35 minutes on a mild trail-run before falling apart. Returned them, waiting for my KSO Treks =)
I’ve had my kso sports for about 4 months and have put maybe 200 trail running miles along with many walking miles as well. I found that after some major break in time, they were as comfortable as my sneakers when running on pavement whereas before break-in they felt clunky. They also seemed more comfortable on pavement after some of the star tread was worn down and not so prominent in the mid-foot area. I agree, definite trail improvement over classic kso’s. Kudos to VFF!
Just wondering, I was reading more on the Treksports and found out that some people were experiencing some problems of the ‘X’es on the sole falling off only after a short camp trip, etc. Is this true?
Just got my treksports, red with a black strap. Have been running in flowtreks until now but they were just too warm. I dug the soles though since I run a combo af trail and pavement so I went ahead and got the trek sports. I’ve only just completed a 5k run and have learned a valuable lesson: Even vff’s require breaking in. I counted 5 blisters on after the run, youch! the first 2-3k were heaven though.
I just got the treksports at REI yesterday. I have size 42 Bikilas which are a little tight, and I spent 20 minutes trying on 42s and 43s at REI before settling on the larger size. I took them on a 5 mile trail run this morning, and wow, they gripped the trail well. I purposely ran over a few rocks and as I expected, the thicker sole helps absorb the rocks. However, on the downhill, I started getting NASTY blisters right behind the big toe joint on each foot (inside of each foot, curving down, it follows the plastic ridge of the shoe). I have never had a blister on the Bikilas, so this was a surprise. I think I may really need to cinch up the tightening strap on these next time. Other than that, they were very comfortable!
I bought these about 3 months ago, thinking they’d be a beefier option than my utterly destroyed KSOs (which I had less than 2 years). I’ve taken them on a few trips walking muddy swamps, walking a rocky stream, kayaking, and playing frisbee. I’ve already developed 1″ tears on the pinky toe and the big toe of my right foot along the edges of the transparent plastic toe shields. I won’t be buying VFFs again nor recommending them to friends.
hi i’m looking for info on the vff’s that are best for ultra distance rugged trail running. i did buy the treksports women’s size 40 a couple weeks ago but realized as i ran 3 miles on trail that they are too small. there is nearly a half size difference in my feet-left foot longer, right foot wider. i usually purchase men’s shoes as my 4″ width toebox is hard to accomodate in women’s shoes. i think i like the fit of the treksports but am now considering the bikilas… i usually run between 25-50 miles per week altho this will be increased as i will soon be training for a 24 hr run due in oct. what shoe do you think would be the best for this? what exactly is the difference between men’s & women’s shoes? are men’s slightly wider? slightly longer? there are really no stores close by to try on shoes & hate the whole buy try & return & wait bit so i’d like to try to get the correct ones this second time around.. help please?
I am looking for a great VFF that would be great for running, surfing (including having a good grip on rocky sea bottoms) and maybe hiking at the same time? Main use would for surfing and running, with trekking being secondary. What shoe would be best? From what i read, the KSO’s donm’t offer the best grip on the surf board or the traction I would need for rocky sea bottoms…would the Treksport be better for surfing or the Komodo’s?
i just ordered them yesterday off amazon (rather from trusted site than one ive never ordered from before) and should be here on thursday-friday cant wait to try them on!
Thanks for the great review… I bought the KSO as my first pair of VFF and they lasted almost 2 years now…
The quality was great and they survived various terrain running! They even works as protection against underwater rocks and sea orchins while swimming or inside heel-diving flippers.
I am alittle concerned about the toe-tear problem reported but i will try the Treksport as a replacement for my worndown KSOs.
Cheers!
Any chance you’ll be testing the Spyridons soon?
I’m gonna start hitting the trails this summer and I had so much success on my city running with my bikilas (I used to get massive knee and hip pain after 4 klicks, and now am nearly pain free after 8K!) That I’m totally into these freaky shoes. I hear the Spyrdon is a trail version of the Bikila so I would really like to know some opinions on them. (I can only find them online so no way to put them on and see for myself).
anywhoo, thank you for this wonderful blog! has been very useful!