Vibram Alitza, Entrada FiveFingers are Here!

It's now clear that the Vibram FiveFingers Entrada and Alitza are out — at least one retailer (TravelCountry.com)is now stocking all five colorways of Entrada (The Classic-like one) and four colorways of Alitza (The Sprint-like, strappy one).

These new women's-centric FiveFingers arrive on the heels of Vibram's men's El-X hitting stores over the last month.  The Alitza and Entrada round out the Spring/Summer 2013 Vibram FiveFingers offerings (the Maiori and Signa have yet to hit stores as of Jan. 31).

What are these new VFFs?  Want to see a few more colorways?  Read on!

Vibram FiveFingers Entrada

The Vibram FiveFingers Entrada is the new women's toe shoes that are effectively the descendants of the discontinued Classic FiveFingers.

Official FiveFingers Entrada write-up:

Weight: W38 = 2.82 oz
Max Sole Thickness: 3.5MM
Compound: TC-1 Performance Rubber
Insole: 2MM EVA + Anti Microbial Drilex Sockliner
Upper Material: Polyester Mesh
Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

[Note: total sole thickness is 3.5MM rubber outsole + 2MM EVA insole, so 5.5MM]

The Entrada looks like a fancy-pants reboot of the Classic.  They retail at $75, which is the same pricepoint as the Classic (Note: the Classic has been discontinued) and feature a sole that made a temporary appearance with the "Classic Fresca," which didn't last long in Vibram's line-up and could be seen as a bridge from the Classic to the Entrada.

I've yet to test the Entrada other than to hold a pair in hand.  The notable design features of the Entrada are the sole, which totals 5.5mm thick counting the 3.5mm Vibram rubber outsole and the 2mm EVA insole.  That actually makes it thicker than the Classic of old but in total, still very thin as far as FiveFingers go.  The shredded-looking sole appears to be grippy and if it's anything like the El-X, will perform a bit better across all surfaces than iconic original Vibram FiveFingers razor-siped sole.

The upper fabric of the Entrada is very airy where it is present.  It's definitely an upgrade to the fabric used in the Classic.

What's your take on the Entrada?  Anyone itching to grab them?  Personally I wish I could fit into the largest size in black or the brown colorway as I'm still at a loss for the loss of the Classic, even if the new El-X is a solid minimalist replacement.

If you pick up a pair, well, please let us know what you think!

Vibram FiveFingers Alitza

The Vibram FiveFingers Alitza is the new women's toe shoes with straps over the top of the exposed foot.  These are effectively the descendants of the discontinued Sprint FiveFingers.

Official FiveFingers Alitza write-up:

Weight: W38 = 3.39 oz
Max Sole Thickness: 3.5MM
Compound: TC-1 Performance Rubber
Insole: 2MM EVA + Anti Microbial Drilex Sockliner
Upper Material: Polyester Mesh
Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

[Note: total sole thickness is 3.5MM rubber outsole + 2MM EVA insole, so 5.5MM]

Analogous to the Entrada, the Alitza is a reboot of the discontinued Sprint FiveFingers.  It features looping thin straps over the top of the exposed foot, lending it a very distinctive, elegant look (to my eye).  The Alitza retails at $80, which is the pricepoint at which the Sprint retailed in days past.

Sole-wise, the Alitza is the same as the Entrada at 5.5mm thick once you count the EVA and the outsole together.  That makes these very flexible and will provide a lot of ground feel.

I've held the Alitza in hand and overall am impressed with the niceness of the upper.  It strikes me as both elegant and robust.  I'm curious how well it will fit across the bevy of women's feet out there.

What do you think about this Sprint-replacement for women?  Planning on ordering a pair?

Sizing the Alitza and Entrada

Sizing is a little "TBD" but Vibram indicates they size similar to KSOs, KMD Sports (The KomodoSport of old), Bikilas, etc., so in theory, you'll be the same size in these as those.

In practice, things aren't often that simple in Vibram-land.

As for a review of the Alitza and Entrada FiveFingers, you'll have to stay tuned.  It's not easy reviewing shoes you can't wear (Put differently: I can't review shoes I can't wear!).  So if you happen to pick up a pair and want to share what you think about them, please let me know!