Armin over at Voycontigo.de was kind enough to pass on the a few photos that were snapped at the recent (February 6 – 9, 2010) ISPO Outdoor Trade event in Munich. Here are the details:
Smartwool Classic Vibram Five Fingers
There’s been some scuttlebutt recently about a new Smartwool Classic Five Fingers that Vibram will be releasing in 2010 (Not yet sure when in 2010, but let’s just guess Fall at this point!). What is Smartwool? It’s apparently a treated wool that is itch-free, moisture wicking, and anti-microbial (wikipedia). From where I sit, I’m already digging the natural look of the Smartwool Classic (both the dark and light varietals), but you know I already think Classic Five Fingers are the best! I’ve been wanting Vibram to make some Classic VFFs in leather, but I’ll take a pair of these in the meantime!
The Vibram Five Fingers Sport Trek
Moving along, we see an earth-toned color combination of the Vibram Five Fingers Sport Trek, which was recently unveiled at the winter Outdoor Retailer in Salt Lake City. The key features of the Sport Trek that set it apart from the standard KSO are the TPU toe protection (see the glossy covering on the toes); the Achilles notch, which should aid it’s use for running; and the lightly cleated Trek sole that you get on the KSO Trek.
Vibram Five Fingers Performa Jane
And then there’s another shot of the Five Fingers Performa Jane. The Performa Jane has a svelte “Mary Jane” look. I kinda like the punched styling, but what do you all think?
A new Five Fingers Sprint color combination
Here we get another look at some new color combinations for the KSO and Sprint. We’d previously seen the black, grey, and camouflaged KSO color combination, but this is the first I’ve seen of this earthy Sprint VFF color combo. Finally, see Voycontigo’s post on ISPO 2010 and the new VFFs here (German) (translated). Thanks Voycontigo! So that’s the latest. What do you all think?
13 replies on “Smartwool Classic Five Fingers, Vibram Sport Trek, and New Colors on Deck for Fall 2010 [New Products]”
Love the smartwool!!
I really hope they make a KSO with smartwool.
I’m a big believer that wool is pretty much the best clothing material on the planet.
I also really hope we get to see Marino Wool socks with the separate toes. Marino Wool is also itch-free, moisture wicking, and a great isolator even when wet.
Thanks for keeping us updated on what we have to look forward to. I was hoping to make the Winter OUtdoor Retailer, but bad weather kept us from making the drive. Great to see that Vibram is forward thinking and interested in their growing/varying market.
What do I think? I think they should hurry up and get their act together and actually start selling some shoes already!
As much as we want Vibram to get their act together (availability, sizing) they provide a stark contrast to the Brooks CEO’s denial of the need for minimal running shoes. Nike, NB, and others have prototypes but still do not get it. Innov8 gets it. Fell runners have embraced the minimalist running shoe movement and Innov8 gets it. Fives are not always the right solution for ultra running or Fell running. So we are left wanting. In the meantime, can Vibram and Innov8 hurry up!
Michael Carroll
Durnit… jus when I was getting settled with the small collection that I have.
I agree, I’d like to see a Smartwool KSO. Realistically though I’m probably going to keep wearing my two pairs of Treks to the office. Seem to work the best for there.
Regarding wool toe-socks, I’ve been enjoying the NuWool Injinjis all winter. Love em.
Thank you so much for keeping us updated w/VFF upcoming releases. But i need the product on my feet already. It’s like teasing a fat kid with cake…. not fair 🙁
I think that the Smartwool Classics are interesting, but I have a question about durability. Wool isn’t nearly as durable as the synthetics they use, so I wonder how long these would last under regular usage? The anti-stink benefits would sure be great though!
It’s too bad the wool ones will be late for this winter. There are quite a few days I could have used them for some runs outdoors.
Oooh – are the Sport Treks non-leather? I have SOOOOOO been hoping for a vegan-friendly Trek for us chicas.
I like the idea of new textiles for the Classics…I like the LOOK of the wool. Some sort of synthetic felty stuff might be more durable, as well as warm.
I think it would be nice if they would move away from the microfiber soles of the shoes and towards something that didn’t get sticky when wet or with sweaty feet.
I dig the wool classics though!
It also looks like the rubber curing up over the toes is a little shorter than previously. I wonder if this is because that feature was so well received on the Treks?
I can see already how the OCD side of folks is kicking in as Vibram predictably steps up marketing and production. Try not to let this happen too fast. The reason(s) you loved VFF in the first place was minimalistic simplicity, fabulous function, and- yes let’s be clear- the attention you both crave and cringe from “the unconverted”. VFF is no place for the “Imelda Marcos Syndrome”.
What is the best way to keep abreast of deals on the internet (from legit deals) for vibram shoes? Also, specifically I’m looking for some men’s classics (45), but am also interested in new color options or different options from the 4 standard ones listed on your site.
Thank you.