Featuring a waterproof membrane, Ice Trek rubber, and a lace system, the Biklia EVO WP is Vibram’s first water-proof shoe!
Based on the Bikila EVO platform (review), Vibram made many design changes for the WP to make it waterproof and relatively weather-proof for all your wet and winter-season running needs!
Read on for my thoughts on the Bikila EVO WP and its capabilities!
The Bikila WP uses an 8.5 mm sole that is similar to the Bikila EVO, which is comprised of 2.5mm of floating rubber pods Rubber, 4mm of Vibram EVA/Rubber and 2mm of insole material.
Unlike other Vibram models, the Bikila WP and Bikila EVO both feature rubber pods set on top of an EVA/rubber base. By placing the rubber in strategic areas and leaving the remaining sections with just EVA allows the Bikila EVO to be an ounce lighter than its predecessor, the Bikila LS, despite having a thicker sole overall.
This weight-saving design translates well to the Bikila WP as my pair weighs a mere 5.9 ounces, which in on par with my old Bikila LS running shoes—and that is with all of the extra waterproofing material, zipper, and a higher collar!
Unlike other running shoes, which rare expose their EVA foam, the Bikila EVO and WP feature bare EVA throughout roughly 30% of the sole. Clearly, this is no regular EVA.
Unlike traditional EVA, the EVA foam used by Vibram for their Bikila EVO and its WP variant is actually a hybrid EVA with some Vibram rubber mixed into the compound to enhance its durability, strength, and resilience to what would normally be a very fragile material. In doing so, both the Bikila EVO and WP are lighter and more flexible than their rubber-only counterparts and predecessors.
While this combination works great with the Bikila EVO, the WP does not quite have the same traits as its sister shoe. The WP sole is not nearly as flexible as the Bikila EVO from which its based upon–which is a shade more flexible than the Bikila LS that the EVO replaced.
Thanks in huge part to the horizontal flex grooves that are cut into the EVA/rubber sole, the Bikila EVO is able to perform a downward toe flex like some of its thinner brethren (The EL-X, KSO EVO, and Seeya are all able to flex up and down). Unfortunately, the same cannot quite be said for the WP.
While the WP has virtually the same sole design as the EVO, Vibram used more rubber in the EVA compound this time around and this made the EVA a bit stiffer than the EVO. Even with the same flex groves, you are not going to be able to flex your toes downwards.
Overall, the Bikila WP is about as flexible as the old Bikila LS.
Another difference in sole design from the EVO is the use of Vibram Ice Trek rubber on the floating pods. While the EVO had relatively smooth rubber pods for road running, the Bikila EVO WP has aggressive treads on its pods and a slightly nubby texture for enhanced grip in slippery conditions.
Here’s a comparative photo of the EVO WP and the EVO:
The Bikila EVO WP sole definitely looks like a snow tire vs the Bikila EVO’s summer tire!
In winter testing through Winter Storm Juno in Boston, I found the Bikila WP to have exceptionally good grip compared to other running shoes, dedicated winter boots, and the Feelmax Kuuva 3 waterproof boot. The combination of aggressive treads in the Ice Trek rubber and the dexterity of a Vibram shoe gave me plenty of options of quick-footed movements on unsalted sidewalks, slippery bike paths, and the roads of Boston.
The enhanced feeling of confidence definitely made my winter runs more enjoyable and allowed me to run a great deal farther than I normally would have in the snow.
While I wished that the Bikila WP was as flexible as its EVO road-running counterpart, the combination of Ice Trek and better-than-average flexibility really makes the sole a winner for winter Vibram enthusiasts.
Fit and Materials
Okay, let’s get to the main draw of this shoe, its waterproofing.
The upper of the Bikila WP is a Tri-Layer Stretch Waterproof Membrane made comprised of a soft, velvety interior, a lightly-padded tongue, and a zippered membrane material that encases the lace-system and the rest the shoe.
In all of my testing, the WP was 100% waterproof. Snow, rain, and puddles are all a piece of cake for the waterproof membrane. The membrane works like a thin wetsuit for your foot, complete with a zipper that starts just short of the toe and up the short collar. The WP is waterproof from your toes to about 90% of the collar.
The interior of the Bikila WP is an incredibly soft lining fabric that is more comfortable than any other lining that Vibram has ever offered.
I found that getting my foot in the Bikila WP requires a little more time and care than other Vibrams. Once you get your toes into the Bikila WP, it becomes abundantly clear that the toe pockets are a little different than the Bikila EVO or any other VIbram shoe for that matter.
The Bikila WP’s toe pockets are very snug and may not fit everyone’s toes. In previous shoes, if the fit was not quite right, you can always size up or size down, but the toe pockets in the WP are going to be snug regardless of the fit, which may prevent some people from being able to enjoy the WP.
The wet-suit like membrane is somewhat stiff, so getting the shoe on takes a little while to edge your foot in and the higher collar may require some folding for some to get it in. Provided your toes fit in the pockets, once you get your foot into the WP, you can tighten the lace system, zip up the membrane, and Velcro everything together at the top.
With the Velcro strap in place, you can easily choose how watertight you want the Bikila WP to be. You can never quite form a waterproof seal around your ankle, but you can easily keep out most of the rain easily and comfortably.
The biggest issue that I have with the WP is that my toes would get cold pretty quickly during my runs. The uppers of the shoe and the waterproof membrane are quite thin, especially around the toes, and temperatures transfer very easily from the outside to the interior of the shoe. This can be remedied with wearing toe socks, but the toe pockets are so tight that you may not be able to!
Without socks, once you completely submerge your foot in snow, the toes do not stay warm for very long. The cold feeling is somewhat interesting because at first blush you may feel that the waterproof material is not doing its job. The immediate impression of connecting cold to wetness takes a little while to get over, but you do get used to it. Toe socks definitely make a huge difference, if everything fits.
Summary
The Bikila EVO WP is a great shoe for Vibram-lovers who want to bring their runs to all seasons and conditions.
With its introduction, Vibram enthusiasts can now have a full lineup for trails, roads, fitness, water, and winter sports.
The Bikila WP is completely waterproof from toes to collar and gives you a fair bit of flexibility for good amount of ground feel. While it is not quite a flexible as the Bikila EVO that it shares its platform with, it is still very good for a waterproof winter shoe.
If your toes can fit into the WP with socks, you have a truly fantastic waterproof shoe for all your winter adventures. Without socks, you may find your toes getting cold, so assess your fit before you decide to finalize your purchase or find an online retailer that will allow for returns. And on that front, the Bikila EVO WP will set you back about $150.
Overall, the Bikila EVO WP is a great addition to the Vibram lineup and is a wonderful shoe for wintery conditions.
A huge thanks to Vibram for sending my the Bikila WP for review!
Justin Owings is a deadlifting dad of three, working from Atlanta. When he's not chasing his three kids around, you'll find him trying to understand systems, risk, and human behavior.
I just bought a pair. I thought the toes were a little tight in the store, but on the treadmill everything seemed fine. But then running in the road, both middle toes were getting slammed on the tips.
Have you found any improvement as you’ve added miles and broken them in? Or should I give up?
I just returned my Bikila Evo WP’s after 3 weeks/76 miles as both of them have a hole/tear along an apparent seam that runs along the arch, dead center of the graphic. I posted this on a barefoot FB group and got several replies of people with the same problem.
I wore them with Injinji Snow socks and they were warm-ish, but when submerged in snow, still cold. I miss my Lontras. The Evo’s definitely seem more flexible, but I don’t know that I could really tell a difference in grip compared to the Lontras.
My feet/toes just barely fit(had to keep toe nails as short as possible to avoid pain) even going up a size.
Given the price, I’m highly disappointed in these.
i have been running in Lontras the last couple winters and have been very pleased with them – they make running in snow and mud actually enjoyable. Is this a replacement or improvement for them – hopefully not!
I own a pair of these and run in the primarily wet winters in Japan. I wear medium weight Injini socks.Temps range between 23-40F in the mornings. It is a delight to be able to step though a slushy puddle and not be effected. I have not had trouble with cold feet or toes, although there are few snowy days here. At the same time, my feet never overheat. I sometimes experience overheating with VFF Lontras, which are warm but not waterproof.
Looks interesting enough. How does it compare to the Lontra and Lontra LS in terms of waterproofing and insulation I wonder? 🙂
I have the same question as others as to how it compares to Lontras in terms of keeping your feet warm. The Lontra can barely do the job with temperature drops below -20 celsius (which seem to happen quite a lot lately). So if the Bikila WP are not quite as warm, then I guess it’s a no go.
Even with my extra wide feet, these fit great and are comfortable. I dont have the problem of cold toes others seem to. My only real gripe is the zipper. It’s problamatic at best: I’ve followed the instructions on the box and the zipper still won’t close properly. I resist tugging too much for fear of tearing it. I think the zipper was a bad idea. A lace up closure with a velcro flap (or something) would have been better.
Stevebikes,
The overall landing should be similar to a standard Bikila EVO. Do you have that same issue with other Vibrams?
My guess is that you are catching on the sections of the toes that curl up. This should improve over time, but “slamming” sounds like a major issue.
Franco, Steve, Jims, and Levi:
Compared to the Lontra (we never got the Lontra LS in the states), the Bikila WP is more flexible, lighter, more waterproof, has better traction, and a higher ankle collar–but the toes are still a bit tight and it’s not as well-insulated.
I am not a fan of the velcro-fitted Vibrams, like the Lontra or the original KSO (and KSOTrek, but I love the Kangaroo leather!), so the lace system is a definite plus for the Bikila WPs, but its main issues are the toe pockets (which fit me snugly and may not fit others at all) and its poor winter insulation, but a pair of toe socks definitely helps.
I’d like to offer a tip that I discovered for keeping your toes warmer: Treat the upper with a water repellant.
Why? Evaporation.
I was noticing my toes getting colder in my Lontras and Speed XCs. After checking and finding no water infiltration, it became apparent that the outer material was absorbing water/snow melt and then evaporating this moisture, taking away the heat from my toes along with it. Although I don’t know enough yet about the outer layer on the WP, I’m guessing that it may have a similar problem.
I treated my shoes with a silicone water repellant designed for use with shoes, the difference in perceived warmth is quite noticeable when your toes no longer have to try and cook off the moisture in outer shell material. Its like the difference between wearing wet, outside-soaked (but waterproof) gloves and dry ones.
Given the Lontra, how is this the first wateproof shoe?
@Joel,
The Lontra was “water resistant” and not “waterproof.” Vibram made this a pretty distinct point when they launched the Lontra (that it wasn’t waterproof but merely water-resistant).
I really like some aspects of this shoe, especially the waterproof zipper. I have and love my Lontras, but getting my feet past the cuff takes a lot more time and effort than with the Evo WP.
I thinner shoelace, such as on the original Evo, would have fit more comfortably in the space between the top of my foot and zippered cuff.
I ordered and returned one pair of these for my wife and two for myself. The toe pockets are much too narrow and produce pain after a short time of wearing around the house. I can get my toes in, even with a mid-weight toe sock, but I imagine the potential insulation offered by the sock is badly compromised by being compressed.
My problem was primarily with the fit of the big toe. The narrowness is exacerbated by the stiffness of the sole that wraps the outside and front of the toe pocket. It has no give. Unlike any other VFF, it does not conform to the shape of the tip of the toe.
In several attempts at wearing the Evo WP,I found it was okay for about two hours. Then it became intensely painful.
I probably would have kept the Evo WP for running in wet weather except that here in Southern California we no longer have wet weather. I wanted these to use in the mountains and around ski resorts in the winter. The Trek sole on the Lontra has virtually no grip on ice, so I was hoping that the Evo WP with its Ice Grip sole might be a good substitute.
I just received a pair a few days ago. *BTW-SIZE UP!I’ve got chubby toes… The WPs seem to work well but there’s a huge reality check needed in expectations of warmth. The toes are separated in (any) fivefingers & they remain in close contact w/ground. Conduction alone robs a lot of heat & quickly turns toes frigid. There’s really no practical way around this w/minimalist shoes unless a very special material is created that provides better insulation in a super-thin fabric/membrane. With that said though, these WPs do about the best job I can reasonably expect given the current state of the market/tech available. Well done Vibram!
I ran into the cold-foot issue often over the past winters; I’ve conceded to (gasp!) wearing Salomon shoes until temps get warmer. Does anyone have any suggestions on keeping “the little piggies” warm when its really cold in fivefingers?
Ted,
Agreed. In my testing of the EVO WP, the flexibility was sorely lacking, especially compared to the standard Bikila EVO, which is relatively bendy.
I wish that Vibram kept the original rubber/eva sole from the Bikila EVO, instead of reinforcing it with extra rubber, which makes it less flexible.
They also need to provide a larger toe box.
Having had these as Christmas presents, I was initially disappointed at the tightness in the toes, but I persevered.
They do loosen up with use, especially if you use thick hiking-type toesocks with them. I can now wear them without socks. Also, it’s doubly important to properly locate the heel correctly in the shoe in order for them to fit comfortably.
They’re not particularly breathable, which is another reason to use socks.
Even the insert in the shoebox lid says to use socks with these shoes in cold conditions as the upper material is thin.
Indeed, the toeboxes will stretch out over time, all Vibrams do, but the amount that they will/may stretch is limited by the material and the initial pocket size. They will not be as airy as, say, a Bikila EVO or a KSO EVO.
Breathability is, as expected, very limited with the waterproof layer, but I have found that in cold-weather running, the temperature keeps my toes pretty dry.
I prefer to not wear socks with my running shoes, but I reviewed the Bikila WP over the course of several weeks with and without socks.
-Jarvis
Bought Bikila EVO WP in march 2015, but just wore them once or twice before spring, and started wearing them again last december, and after less than 100K (96K to be specific …), the right one got a tear as described by Levi – above.
Don’t know what to do with this situation, the Web reseller’s policy for return is way past (30 days or something). Trying to reach customer service, but no Vibram Office in Canada.
My first disapointment with 5F products …
My review was not overly positive for reasons of fit, flexibility and warmth, but I have not experienced manufacturing problems and I have used them for about a year.
I agree that everyone should have gone a size larger…
However, I would recommend the WP and Vibram agrees. The WP was discontinued and, more-or-less, replaced the WP with the Trek Ascent Insulated, which is better in every single way, minus true waterproofing.
Thank you for your review! I’m going to be checking out your site in the future!
19 replies on “Vibram Bikila EVO WP Review”
I just bought a pair. I thought the toes were a little tight in the store, but on the treadmill everything seemed fine. But then running in the road, both middle toes were getting slammed on the tips.
Have you found any improvement as you’ve added miles and broken them in? Or should I give up?
I just returned my Bikila Evo WP’s after 3 weeks/76 miles as both of them have a hole/tear along an apparent seam that runs along the arch, dead center of the graphic. I posted this on a barefoot FB group and got several replies of people with the same problem.
I wore them with Injinji Snow socks and they were warm-ish, but when submerged in snow, still cold. I miss my Lontras. The Evo’s definitely seem more flexible, but I don’t know that I could really tell a difference in grip compared to the Lontras.
My feet/toes just barely fit(had to keep toe nails as short as possible to avoid pain) even going up a size.
Given the price, I’m highly disappointed in these.
i have been running in Lontras the last couple winters and have been very pleased with them – they make running in snow and mud actually enjoyable. Is this a replacement or improvement for them – hopefully not!
I own a pair of these and run in the primarily wet winters in Japan. I wear medium weight Injini socks.Temps range between 23-40F in the mornings. It is a delight to be able to step though a slushy puddle and not be effected. I have not had trouble with cold feet or toes, although there are few snowy days here. At the same time, my feet never overheat. I sometimes experience overheating with VFF Lontras, which are warm but not waterproof.
Looks interesting enough. How does it compare to the Lontra and Lontra LS in terms of waterproofing and insulation I wonder? 🙂
I have the same question as others as to how it compares to Lontras in terms of keeping your feet warm. The Lontra can barely do the job with temperature drops below -20 celsius (which seem to happen quite a lot lately). So if the Bikila WP are not quite as warm, then I guess it’s a no go.
Even with my extra wide feet, these fit great and are comfortable. I dont have the problem of cold toes others seem to. My only real gripe is the zipper. It’s problamatic at best: I’ve followed the instructions on the box and the zipper still won’t close properly. I resist tugging too much for fear of tearing it. I think the zipper was a bad idea. A lace up closure with a velcro flap (or something) would have been better.
Stevebikes,
The overall landing should be similar to a standard Bikila EVO. Do you have that same issue with other Vibrams?
My guess is that you are catching on the sections of the toes that curl up. This should improve over time, but “slamming” sounds like a major issue.
Franco, Steve, Jims, and Levi:
Compared to the Lontra (we never got the Lontra LS in the states), the Bikila WP is more flexible, lighter, more waterproof, has better traction, and a higher ankle collar–but the toes are still a bit tight and it’s not as well-insulated.
I am not a fan of the velcro-fitted Vibrams, like the Lontra or the original KSO (and KSOTrek, but I love the Kangaroo leather!), so the lace system is a definite plus for the Bikila WPs, but its main issues are the toe pockets (which fit me snugly and may not fit others at all) and its poor winter insulation, but a pair of toe socks definitely helps.
I’d like to offer a tip that I discovered for keeping your toes warmer: Treat the upper with a water repellant.
Why? Evaporation.
I was noticing my toes getting colder in my Lontras and Speed XCs. After checking and finding no water infiltration, it became apparent that the outer material was absorbing water/snow melt and then evaporating this moisture, taking away the heat from my toes along with it. Although I don’t know enough yet about the outer layer on the WP, I’m guessing that it may have a similar problem.
I treated my shoes with a silicone water repellant designed for use with shoes, the difference in perceived warmth is quite noticeable when your toes no longer have to try and cook off the moisture in outer shell material. Its like the difference between wearing wet, outside-soaked (but waterproof) gloves and dry ones.
Given the Lontra, how is this the first wateproof shoe?
@Joel,
The Lontra was “water resistant” and not “waterproof.” Vibram made this a pretty distinct point when they launched the Lontra (that it wasn’t waterproof but merely water-resistant).
I really like some aspects of this shoe, especially the waterproof zipper. I have and love my Lontras, but getting my feet past the cuff takes a lot more time and effort than with the Evo WP.
I thinner shoelace, such as on the original Evo, would have fit more comfortably in the space between the top of my foot and zippered cuff.
I ordered and returned one pair of these for my wife and two for myself. The toe pockets are much too narrow and produce pain after a short time of wearing around the house. I can get my toes in, even with a mid-weight toe sock, but I imagine the potential insulation offered by the sock is badly compromised by being compressed.
My problem was primarily with the fit of the big toe. The narrowness is exacerbated by the stiffness of the sole that wraps the outside and front of the toe pocket. It has no give. Unlike any other VFF, it does not conform to the shape of the tip of the toe.
In several attempts at wearing the Evo WP,I found it was okay for about two hours. Then it became intensely painful.
I probably would have kept the Evo WP for running in wet weather except that here in Southern California we no longer have wet weather. I wanted these to use in the mountains and around ski resorts in the winter. The Trek sole on the Lontra has virtually no grip on ice, so I was hoping that the Evo WP with its Ice Grip sole might be a good substitute.
I just received a pair a few days ago. *BTW-SIZE UP!I’ve got chubby toes… The WPs seem to work well but there’s a huge reality check needed in expectations of warmth. The toes are separated in (any) fivefingers & they remain in close contact w/ground. Conduction alone robs a lot of heat & quickly turns toes frigid. There’s really no practical way around this w/minimalist shoes unless a very special material is created that provides better insulation in a super-thin fabric/membrane. With that said though, these WPs do about the best job I can reasonably expect given the current state of the market/tech available. Well done Vibram!
I ran into the cold-foot issue often over the past winters; I’ve conceded to (gasp!) wearing Salomon shoes until temps get warmer. Does anyone have any suggestions on keeping “the little piggies” warm when its really cold in fivefingers?
Ted,
Agreed. In my testing of the EVO WP, the flexibility was sorely lacking, especially compared to the standard Bikila EVO, which is relatively bendy.
I wish that Vibram kept the original rubber/eva sole from the Bikila EVO, instead of reinforcing it with extra rubber, which makes it less flexible.
They also need to provide a larger toe box.
Having had these as Christmas presents, I was initially disappointed at the tightness in the toes, but I persevered.
They do loosen up with use, especially if you use thick hiking-type toesocks with them. I can now wear them without socks. Also, it’s doubly important to properly locate the heel correctly in the shoe in order for them to fit comfortably.
They’re not particularly breathable, which is another reason to use socks.
Even the insert in the shoebox lid says to use socks with these shoes in cold conditions as the upper material is thin.
Indeed, the toeboxes will stretch out over time, all Vibrams do, but the amount that they will/may stretch is limited by the material and the initial pocket size. They will not be as airy as, say, a Bikila EVO or a KSO EVO.
Breathability is, as expected, very limited with the waterproof layer, but I have found that in cold-weather running, the temperature keeps my toes pretty dry.
I prefer to not wear socks with my running shoes, but I reviewed the Bikila WP over the course of several weeks with and without socks.
-Jarvis
Bought Bikila EVO WP in march 2015, but just wore them once or twice before spring, and started wearing them again last december, and after less than 100K (96K to be specific …), the right one got a tear as described by Levi – above.
Don’t know what to do with this situation, the Web reseller’s policy for return is way past (30 days or something). Trying to reach customer service, but no Vibram Office in Canada.
My first disapointment with 5F products …
A warning about these WP’s. I so wanted to like them, but they are flawed. http://pastortoeshoes.blogspot.com/2016/02/waterproof-vibrams-not-for-long.html
Regan,
My review was not overly positive for reasons of fit, flexibility and warmth, but I have not experienced manufacturing problems and I have used them for about a year.
I agree that everyone should have gone a size larger…
However, I would recommend the WP and Vibram agrees. The WP was discontinued and, more-or-less, replaced the WP with the Trek Ascent Insulated, which is better in every single way, minus true waterproofing.
Thank you for your review! I’m going to be checking out your site in the future!