Vibram FiveFingers KSO vs. Bikila – Concerns, Nuances, and Quality Control {mailbag}

I get a lot of questions emailed my way about Vibram Five Fingers. Which model to get, this model or that model, sizing nuances, and any number of nuanced queries come my way. So in the interest of answering some of the more common questions, I’ll be p…

I get a lot of questions emailed my way about Vibram Five Fingers. Which model to get, this model or that model, sizing nuances, and any number of other random queries come my way. So in the interest of answering some of the more common questions, I’ll be posting some emails I receive as well as my responses in the hope that others might benefit from the exchange. Finally, if anyone has anything to add to my response, or wants to take me to task for my response, please do so in the comments!

Hi Justin, Awesome site, love all the info. I am researching the Vibram’s as I am new to running but love being bare foot. I am kinda leaning toward the KSO’s to get me started, but have read a lot about seams tears, straps breaking and soles wearing out in about six months. So I thought I would ask the expert straight up! How long has your KSOs lasted, I would want to use them for everyday use as well as running/walking. Have you had any quality issues with them or any other Vibram five finger products. What is your take on the Bikila’s are the they a better shoe all around? Sorry for so many questions, I just want to make the right choice for the money being spent. Again way awesome website! Cheers, Aaron

Aaron, KSO FiveFingers certainly have their quirks. Seam tears typically happen around where the mesh upper on the top of the foot meets the rest of the toe shoes (pic). Though I’ve never had a seam tear on my KSOs, from what I’ve seen around the web, these tears seem to happen early in the life of a pair of KSOs, which tells me that they’re primarily related to one-off quality control issues. Mind, KSOs that are advanced in age can see seam tears anywhere. The strap breaking problem usually happens where the strap bends in the plastic ring on either side of the foot. The solution here can be to preemptively fortify this point of stress on the KSO FiveFingers with tape. But my straps haven’t broken — so this, like seams tearing, isn’t an issue for everyone. How fast Vibram Five Fingers soles wear out is a function of mileage and walking or running form. If you’re light on your feet, meaning that you don’t feel a lot of impact running up your body when landing your foot on the ground, and minimize abrasion, meaning you don’t push off the ground, drag your feet or otherwise scrape your foot against the ground, you’ll find your Vibram soles lasting quite a long time. Note: you’d naturally minimize abrasion if you were actually barefoot, which is another reason to incorporate barefoot walking and running into your training to improve your walking or running technique! Anyway, I’d say 500+ miles on any given pair is standard and some users will get 1000+ or even 2000 miles on a pair*, though these high-mileage pairs will likely have very beat-up uppers. So a pair of KSOs can last a long, long time. I have a handful of pairs of KSOs, and have yet to wear through any of them, but I also don’t wear them exclusively. My original pair of Classic Five Fingers are still looking pretty rock solid after hundreds of miles (the grey-orange ones in this pic — bought in May 2008). There are definitely some quality control concerns with Vibram Five Fingers. It’s hard to say for sure just how high the frequency of problems is generally. For one, when you’re the hub of info on VFFs, you hear a lot more from folks who have problems than from those who do not. Second, every pair has its manufacturing nuances (My anecdotal observation is that more complexity in design leads to a higher chance of QC problems). The bottom line is that the chances you are going to get a well-made pair of any given model are better than the chances you’ll get a lemon. Specific quality control problems for KSOs and Bikilas include the mesh-seam issue of the KSO, some KSOs fitting tighter than others (All black typically being the tightest), and some KSOs (and other standard soled VFFs) having what I call “thin toes,” which means that the rubber at the toes is noticeably thinner than normal (which is a blessing and a curse in my opinion – reduced long-term wear sacrificed for increased toe flexibility!). What looks like the most pervasive QC problem to date is that the FiveFingers Bikila sole can detach from the upper fabric — some kind of glue problem, apparently. This glue problem appears to happen early in the life of a new pair of Bikilas. The TPU toe protection on a pair of Bikilas (aka plastic VFF toenails) can sometimes start peeling back at the edges. Anecdotally, I have three pairs of Bikilas and haven’t lost a sole (yet). One pair has seen a bit of toenail peeling though. It seems quality control issues become apparent early as opposed to late, so the real hassle should you run into any issues is in sending them back to your retailer and getting a replacement pair. I’ve observed that most retailers are pretty good about taking back pairs that have quality control problems. As for picking between KSO Five Fingers and Bikila Five Fingers, I think the KSOs are an excellent choice for everyday wear, walking, and running. The KSO can do just about anything you throw at it and is $15 cheaper than the Bikila — the KSO retails for $85 and the Bikila for $100 (Find an online retailer of Vibram Five Fingers via the store directory!). It also has a more breathable upper than the Bikila, a bit more barefoot feel than the Bikila (though less barefoot than Sprints or Classics), and will “keep stuff out” better than the Bikila, which has a larger opening at the top. Bikilas win hands down as far as feel on the top of the foot. The interior of the Bikila is lined with drilex, which feels very soft on the foot. Bikilas also lack the seams of the KSO, so you’re less likely to get blisters on your feet when running in Bikilas as opposed to KSOs. That said, Five Fingers Bikilas are less barefoot as they have a slightly thicker sole, so ground feel is reduced. It’s still world’s better than any shoe out there — including shoes like the Nike Free that market themselves as being barefoot — Bikilas are just not as good as a pair of Classic Five Fingers. And of course, if you really want the barefoot experience, you’re going to have to lose your shoes and go actually barefoot! Finally, I’ll say I like the Bikilas aesthetically better than the KSOs — especially with shorts. So for casual wear, I’d sooner don Bikilas or Classics than KSOs. KSOs look like ankle socks when worn with shorts (just my opinion!). Really, I don’t think you can go wrong between a pair of KSOs (read more about KSOs including links to reviews here) and a pair of Bikilas (more Bikila info, reviews). Both provide a unique experience that your feet are sure to love. Sorry for the long response, but you did ask a lot of questions! Good luck — Justin * I’m pretty sure I’ve heard of 2000 miles on a pair, but I can’t recall from whom.

By Justin

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.

35 replies on “Vibram FiveFingers KSO vs. Bikila – Concerns, Nuances, and Quality Control {mailbag}”

Anyone know what kind of glue to use ot fix the Bikilas where the sole separates from the upper? I have a slight separation on the left shoe. THey have about 60 miles on them. No interest really in returning them as at a minimum, I’d be out again for 4-6 weeks waiting on a replacement pair. I’d like to just stick a dab of glue in there, just not sure what kind.

Concur on the Bikilas QC issue, as some fit tighter than others. I have black KSOs in a size 42, and had heard that the Bikilas fit similar to the KSOs. When I got my first pair of Bikilas (in Green) in the same size, they fit VERY tight, too tight to run in. I returned then for a pair of Red ones, also size 42, and they fit great.

Nice post.

I love my bikilas. I havent had any quality issues yet. I figure they should last a season of good use. They’re going to be less durable than shoes I tell myself.

I haven’t gotten a pair of Bikilas yet; gotta wear out my two pair of KSOs, one pair of Treks, and one pair of Classics first. Ed, in regards to the type of glue for adhering the sole to the upper, I used Super Glue for my Treks, which showed some separation soon after I got them. That was a year ago and they’re doing fine now, even after several washings.

I am on my second pair of Bikila; returned first pair after approx. 40 miles because of QC issues. Vibram Customer Service was extraordinarily pleasant. I am about 50 miles in on the second pair, and started seeing the same QC issue [rubber sole separating from mesh upper] – but I realized that overall the shoe is fantastic for running, and the slight separation QC issue does not impact the quality of running. So I will be keeping this pair until they are completely worn out.

I also have KSOs and Sprints, and have not seen any QC issues with those models. I use all of mine for running/fitness only, and run in all weather and on all terrain.

I highly recommend Bikilas for running.

Thank you all who gave info on the glue. Bought a pair of Bikilas and they also have a few separation spots..but I love them and would rather just repair. I wore out my 1st classics and then off of the website bought another pair, same size. They were too small, had to return them at my cost for another size. So I would only recommend buying them in a store. Overall, these are wonderful shoes and I wear them most exclusively.

One big thing to note between the Bikila and the KSO is stretchiness of the material that goes across the top of your foot. I cannot wear Bikilas because they don’t stretch and cut off circulation partially. If I go a size up and get proper fit across the top of my foot, they are too long and don’t fit the length. Please, please, PLEASE try them on if you have the chance before blindly buying them. Just because the KSO works for you doesn’t mean the Bikila (or Trek, Treksport) will.

I have a pair of KSOs with “thin toes”. I thought it was a product enhancement as it saves weight and I like the increased ground feel over my first pair. The stitching quality is excellent. I expect to continue using them for a very long time.

I had tears in the KSO with less than 100 miles. My Bikilas have 450 miles and other than the treading at the bottom being a little worn have stood up well. No question in my mind that the Bikilas are a vastly superior product. Two of my friends own the KSO’s and have had similar tearing with minimal mileage (all in the big toe)

Ive been running in the KSO, and recently switched to the Bilkila. There is no question in my mind for me the Bilkila are better for running.

Things to keep in mind:

1) They seem to be sized about one size bigger than the KSO – I found that true for me, as well as others at the running store they were purchased at.

2) They have less seams, and the material is far softer inside the shoe. They are easier to get on, and feel more open around the top and ankel. This could be good or bad for your foot depending on how you liked the strat location on the KSO – its for sure different on the Bilkila.

3) The bottoms are noticably thicker, and give less feedback. It doesn’t bother me at all since I don’t do pure bare foot running, nor intend to. I also mix in with some heal strikes when walking and running to give my calves a break. The shoe is more padded. This may be good or bad to you.

4) Because the way they are built, I have less rubbing, less issues with blisters, and sliding around inside the shoe, and thats with a size increase and an easier time putting them on. They just form fit my feet better. That won’t be true for everyone.

I ordered a set of Speeds too so I’ll see how those do as well.

@Paul,

I find your 1) a bit surprising — the same size Bikilas fit slightly smaller on my feet compared to KSOs — this is across three pairs and I’m thinking it’s specifically related to the length of the Bikila (so it feels) on the inside.

If I had to peg the Bikila sizing, I’d say it’s somewhere in between KSO and Classic.

It may be helpful a specific section in this web site to include suggestions to Vibram to improve their products. Any user could write their idea and then the Administrator of this site (Justin) could periodically check them to write a review on the most common ones and best ideas. Readers could then vote for them to determine which would be best received among customers.

I’d like to modestly contribute by suggesting a possible solution to the strap bending problem mentioned in Aaron’s letter.
Vibram have been opting for different adjustment designs along their model line. In most models one or two straps secure the heels to your ankles (the exception: Bikilas, Speeds and some future models). In most models a strap will adjust the shoe to your foot arches (exceptions: Classics, Mocs, Performas.)

There’s no issues with the straps in the exception groups, they use a single strap or elastic to secure the shoes to either your arches or your heels.
The problem arises in those models with straps to adjust both heels and arches: Some users find to complex Sprint triple strap system. In my opinion, the solution of a single dual-function strap around your ankle is even worse.

To allow its dual function the section of the strap on the arches has to be placed in a higher position, in a suboptimal location to secure the front half of sole and upper around your foot. As a result, and depending of the shape of your foot, you will need to adjust the strap tighter. Since the same strap also secures your heels, a tighter adjustment to your arches means a tighter strap around your your heels, what could be uncomfortable.

A single, all-purpose strap implies the length of the strap more likely too long or too short for a larger fraction of users (the sum of 2 normal distribution functions leads to an increased dispersion in the resulting function).

The other major problem is the strap bending in the plastic ring. It seems very common among KSOs, almost ubiquitous. I’ve easily found 2 good examples:
1. go to Wikipedia and see the only pic there of a shoed foot in FiveFingers.
2. See the pic in the unrelated ‘900-mile on KSOs’ cited and linked in this article.

This problem is mainly caused by the strap passing through that ring in an angle to allow its dual function.
I’ve been lucky with my KSO Treks, it seems the angle of the ring drives the strap tangent to my arches. In contrast the strap in my new KSO TrekSports have already started to bend.

In my opinion, the best way to fix these 3 issues is going back two multiple one-purpose straps. A simpler alternative to the complicated Sprint’s 3-strap system is the Flow 2-strap adjustment, which also seems more robust, with fewer friction hot spots and esthetically sharper. There is no strap bending any more since both straps turn through the rings in a right angle, and a design with two independent straps avoids the trade-off of the location of the anchoring points and a shared tightening of a dual-purpose single strap.

@Justin,

I think Paul meant the same as you. He said Bikilas to have been sized about 1 size bigger because a given KSO ‘n’ size is equivalent to an ‘n+1’ in Bikilas, thus 1 size “NUMBER” bigger. It seems to me a confusion between the meanings of size and size number.

BTW, I totally agree that Bikilas are almost sized like Classics/Sprints. Unfortunately, the information given by Vibram on their size charts was (and still is) inaccurate in relation to Bikilas (and other models in some charts, because they don’t match).
It made me send a too snug pair of Bikilas back to Vibram Italy. It also cost me $25 in shipping fees. Otherwise, I would probably keep them even though I wasn’t very pleasantly surprised with the actual Bikila design, too close to regular running shoes.

@zephyr,

Good point — misread that I guess!

Interesting you found bikilas too close to regular running shoes — I think they’re still a world apart from them, though they are reduced ground feel compared to Classics (and KSOs for that matter) — which are of course still a lot different from true barefootedness 🙂

@Justin,

Well, Bikilas are still rather different from regular running shoes but they still look very much like them:

The toe sections have been redesigned (they seem shorter than in other models) to make these toe sections less noticeable.

The rear vamps and high collar around the ankle look very similar to those in running shoes, including the controvertible protection for the Achilles tendon. I’d rather the low rear profile of other models (even KSO Treks and TrekSport in some extent), I can’t see anything in that shape that could compromise your running gait.

Vibram has sacrificed the rear strap to make Bikilas look like more like sneakers. As a result the shoe is not so firmly secured. In case you feel your toes compressed, if you try to go one size up the shoe will probably fit looser but you won’t have the option to secure the shoe at the back since Bikilas don’t have any rear straps.

I have no doubt that the inner lining is very soft, and the flat seams can be an improvement, the down side is (according to the complaints of many users) that fabric has poor breathability and can be uncomfortably warm, making the shoes unsuitable to wear for several hours.

Outer fabric texture and color options, too bright fabric and looks very synthetic, like very ‘modern’ stuff, it will age fast. And the addition of retroreflectors seems a further concession to the general regular running shoe style.

Why are all colors available are two-tone combinations of either 2 light colors or a light color with a loud color? Clear colors make these shoes look even more bulky (compared to many other more minimalist FiveFingers.) I became very disappointed with the blue/yellow/grey combination, the blue looks more like baby blue than a deeper sky blue, and what seems green/loud yellow n pics actually is but pale yellow.

Why can’t people choose discreet colors in their running shoes? No options available in dark grey, khaki, brown, black. I would include the color of the soles to such discreet option.

Finally, a single inconspicuous brand label per shoe is more than enough, I don’t like to feel like a brand fanboy. I’m particularly sensitized with regard to the display of shoe brand labels, I grew up hating the “implied status” awareness associated to these brands (to Hell with them all). Hopefully, Vibram will never end up in that same black list. Paraphrasing a much wiser person than me,

“brand consciousness made me sick”
[ reference: http://www.barefootrunners.org/build2/forum-topic/feeling-bit-hypocrite ]

I own KSOs, KSO Treks, 2 pairs of Bikilas and KSO SportTreks. I have trained for and run marathons in both KSOs and Bikilas. I have had zero issues with any of them. In fact I haven’t taken the second pair of Bikilas out of the box because the first pair are wearing so well. I have logged literally hundreds of kilometers on Bikilas and KSOs and not a tear of any sort. I am now working on KSO SportTreks and they are following the trend.

I had about 350 miles on my KSO’s before I started to see a hole wear through the rubber on the big toe. I’ve tried tire tube patches and several things to repair the hole, nothing lasts more than 5-10 miles. (tried multiple types of materials and glue). So far my impression is that once, its gone, its gone, baby gone.

My new Bikilas started showing sole separation after abour 30-50 miles. I did not contact Vibram, as I personally have found Vibram to be completely unresponsive, despite the fact I love the damned shoes and evangelize them everywhere. I’ve never been able to get Vibram USA to respond to a call or email, so I’ve kind of written that option off. I’ll buy their products, and continue to recommend them as long as nothing better comes along, but given the response issues, I’m treating them in a buyer beware type of scenario. (note my experience seems to be atypical, no idea why that is, everyone else seems to be able to contact them and get replacements for this issue.)

All that said, I’ve tried shoe goo to repair my bikilas. I first washed and dried them to insure there was no dust, grit or other foreign substances between the sole and the material.

Then I applied the glue (shoe goo from wal-mart about $4).

On my Bikilas, I had separation occurring in multiple places, inside of big toe, top of little toe, outside of feet on sides, in general if you bend the shoe, like a foot preparing to bend up on the ball/toe, wherever the rubber tends to crease seems to be where the separation starts.

After applying shoe goo (very well I might add) separation did start again and after wearing them for about a week and a half.

It has not recurred in all areas yet, but near the balls of my feet (most stress area) its starting again.

I would not recommend shoe goo, haven’t heard of other types of glue, but will likely have to try again.

On a different note, I found the comment about Bikilas being the most comfortable for the upper part of the foot above, to be completely opposite of my experience.

I experience top of the foot pain with Bikilas in my left foot, primarily because of the stupid strap design on Bikilas.

I’ve had mine for about 3 months now and hoped I might be able to run through it, but no luck. I have been very tempted to cut the stupid strap off all together, and when they get a little older, I probably will, but its hard to slice up a $100 shoe when its still almost new.

I never had top of the foot pain with KSO’s, liked that strap a whole lot more.

Wow, I’m surprised about some of the comments on Bikilas. I ordered classics and KSOs and sent them both back – the classics scrunched my toes, the KSOs actually had different length soles!!! One fit, the other was too small. WOW, talk about QC problems. I ordered my Bikilas based on Vibram’s chart and they fit perfectly. They are the most comfortable pair of shoes I own. They are very secure and pleasantly hug my foot. I couldn’t ask for a better fit. I did have to send my first pair back to CitySport due to the glue issue, but they were not surprised and sent me a replacement.

Now, re: the sizing, that is not to say that the men’s may not be off compared to the chart on Vibram’s site. I think Vibram needs to do some product sampling and verify that their chart is correct for the different shoe models. They also need to have a rating system on their site so people can easily find out if other consumers are finding models to run small or large.

I also wish they would have more sizes available in certain models. Apparently some of the men’s models have longer toe lengths and would probably work better for me than the too-short toes of the women’s classics, performa jane, etc. that I’ve tried and had to return. Of course most of the men’s models that I would like to try don’t come in a small enough size for me.

I have high hopes for some of the new models, thanks to the previews on birthdayshoes.com.

Hey everyone!

I have 3 pairs KSOs, 2 pairs of Treks, 1 pair Sprints, 1 pair Surge (for winter running!), and 2 pairs Bikilas.
First, I must say I love all my VFFs, except the Bikilas. They are too small, so I don’t wear them. I have been in touch with Vibram and they will be rectifying hopefully. I have found that the EU sizing is better than the US chart. Same foot length equals 2 different sizes according to these charts. Don’t know why, but I will rely on the EU from now on.

I would like to contribute a favourable comment for the record! I have been running in my first KSOs for over 1 1/2 years. I don’t know how many miles, but I would say easily 1200km, and they are still great! No tears, and minimal wear! I would NEVER have gotten this in a pair of shoes! I have logged quite a bit of mileage on my Treks as well, and they still feel great!

Happy Trails!

ML

I’m all about the KSOs. I do not have a pair of the Bikilas (they came out shortly after I purchased the KSOs), but here’s a bit on my experience in the KSOs.

I have a pair of the green/grey KSOs, and the black/black KSO Treks. So far, I have 600+ miles on the KSOs and I haven’t had any problems with seam tearings, etc. After reading other comments, perhaps I am just lucky.

I have about 200+ miles on the KSO Treks, and but they are more trail running specific, so I’ll comment more on the KSOs.

I agree with Justin and others that the KSOs are more of a minimalist feel, so if you’re looking to experience what it feels like to run on different surfaces: (grass, gravel, concrete, mud, sand, etc.) go with the KSOs. Since you’re new to running in Vibrams, the Bikilas, or even the Treks (only because the sole is more rigid, like a typical running shoe) may be a good introductory shoe.

As for the blisters from the seams, I say it’s part of the experience. My feet are used to running in the KSOs, and after the first month of rubbing, my feet are used to it, and my feet don’t look too terrible.

Ultimately the choice is up to you. And even if you don’t choose the KSOs, I think it’s great that you’re considering a minimalist shoe that is an “out of the box” design compared to all the other running shoes.

Good luck!

@Brett,

Re: top of foot comfort — it sounds to me like your Bikilas don’t fit your feet. The upper on the Bikila is (in my opinion) much less accommodating to people with “high feet” or thick feet at the instep and above — the KSO is more stretchy in this regard.

I don’t have high feet but I found my Bikilas pretty snug out the gate. They do seem to break in a bit and stretch over time though.

I guess my comment about top of foot comfort should have an asterisk next to it that says something about them not being too tight. I’m really referring to Bikilas that aren’t overly tight being super comfortable on the top of the foot due to the softness and seamlessness of the sock liner.

I have 2 prs of sprints, 1 pr bikilas, 1 pr KSO flow and have sold a pr of KSOs.
My sprints are the ones I really run in and there have been some seam separations in my blue ones, but I just use superglue. My pink sprints seem slightly larger in the heel, but I tighten them and that’s fine… my feet change size all the time… 🙂 I pretty much use my Bikilas for a day shoe – I find them too heavy to run in – and I have had some separation at the big toe (superglue will be coming out). The KSO Flows are what I use in the fall/winter if I go outside, but they are not my favorite. I had blister issues with my other KSOs (I have pictures of sliced and bleeding toes) right below the the big toe, on the outside. I actually have scars! So I sold that pair – I think they were too tight. My KSO Flows are fine in that respect.
So what have I learned – buy the size that fits – for me, a 38 – and ignore up and down suggestions for the different styles. And… keep superglue handy.
Honestly, I didn’t think my shoes COULD wear out…:-)

I’ve had both and here’s what’s happened:

KSO’s- purchased X-mas ’09, first run at end of Dec. Did about 40 miles of running and maybe another 40 in walking and got a nice hole burned through the sole. Thankfully TravelCountry took ’em back even though they were about 45 days beyond the 90 day warranty period.

Bikilas- couldn’t wait to get ’em and City Sports had ’em first so I used my refund from TravelCountry to get ’em there. Within 2 weeks the big toe area b/w the big and 2nd toe started to tear and sent ’em back. Have had the 2nd pair for about 50 miles of running and equal amount of walking and noticing a little too much wear on the sole(I am a Clydesdale- 6’4″ 270lbs) and the “peeling toe nails” on both big toes.

Is there any way to embed pics in posts, I can show in better detail what I’m talking about.

All in all I love the Vibrams much more than the Asics and Nikes I used to run in, however, I still feel they should do something about their QC!

These are my two cents about VVFs Bikila design,

Vibram reduced in the Bikila model the relative length of the toe compartments in relation to the total foot length in comparison to previous models. The most likely reason: esthetics (marketing).That way Bikilas will look less weird to new undecided customers. Vibram tried to make Bikila look like regular running shoes than any of their previous models and accomplish that purpose they have to give way to some trade-offs and more than questionable solutions.

Unlike all the previous models, there’s no rear strap nor any other adjustment system in Bikilas. The presence of such strap didn’t appear to have caused an obvious discomfort in those owners who usually run in Sprints, KSOs, KSO Treks, TrekSports, Flows and so on. Regular shoes don’t need to snug adjustment at the back because they rely on the structure of the vamps and the sole stiffness to brace the foot and move with it. In contrast, other FiveFingers were intended to fit like a glove, without any kind of structure, the structure was exclusively given by the foot. This meant they have to fit snug all around the foot to minimize shoe movements and going off the foot.

To solve the absence of a specific rear adjustment Vibram resorted to the same solutions applied by regular running shoes manufacturers: they increase the structure of the rear vamps around the heal, made them taller, built a thicker and more rigid sole and a made them fit snug to prevent lateral movements and the heel going out.

The requirement of a snugger fit together with shorter and smaller toe compartments would necessarily make the shoe uncomfortable to wear (specially with socks) for those whose foot shapes weren’t within the narrow limits allowed for that purpose. To bypass such constrain they opted to make a shoe with a inner lining smooth enough to be worn without socks. The down side was that the fiber used is hardly breathable and hot to wear in the hot season and warmer climates.

(My apologies for having copied this text from another post I wrote a few hours ago. I thought it could be included in this thread since the topic was the Bikila design, something that has been tackled in this thread as well)

My first pair of Vibrams were the KSOs. I started off wearing them on a daily basis and running shortly after. A few races later they are still in good shape. I love the KSO for trail running. I do have one complaint…but that’s probably because my second toes are longer than the big toes; they tend to get squished. All my other toes fit nicely. If you have small feet, the color options are very limited. Other than that, no complaints. I have not had a problem with QC.
I purchased a pair of Bikilas a few months later and am running exclusively in these 5x a week (30miles wkly). The soles are wearing fairly quickly, is that normal? They don’t breath as well as the KSOs. I went up a size in the Bikilas. It’s a little roomier in the toes, but still feels good. I’m going to try the Ininji ‘liner’ to see if it will help with the sweat wicking and overall fit of the shoes, since I went up in size. Thoughts?
Funny how we can differ on opinions regarding what model feels more ‘barefoot’. I feel that the Bikilas are more barefoot than KSOs. Maybe, it’s due to the fact I went up in size and do not feel squished in my toes? Hope Vibram fixes their sizing issues for us folks who feel we are in between sizes….

Interesting that anyone has had KSOs that wear out. I’ve put over 1,500 miles on mine in one year (plus lots of walking around), and I don’t see any reason that I’d need to replace anytime soon. Also, in terms of running, hiking, rock climbing, etc I haven’t noticed any deterioration in the grip of the sole.

Have the same separation problem with my Bikilas. Got about 100 miles on them and the sole on the toe popped right off the mesh upper.

Hey,

I’ve been in Vibrams for about 3 years now. I couldn’t run for a decade because of knee problems and my Vibrams solved everything!

However I have been noticing a lot of wear on the outside of each foot (below the base of my pinky toe).

I understand that this is likely just the result of my poor form – am just wondering how I work on that??

On my 7th pair of Bikilas. Love them and been wearing them for years — no more orthotics and I solved a few other foot issues — it helps that they’ve helped me love 50 pounds too ;)! …I truly am an ambassador for Vibram, lol!!! BUT…I can only get a pair to last 5-600 miles at best. I wear a hole in the center of the ball of the foot pad. Every pair. I do 20-30 miles a week (mostly roadway walking) so thats 6 mos at best…the rest of the shoe looks nearly new! Its such a (expensive!!) bummer…anyone have any advice on how to get them to last longer or repair them well I don’t thinkI’ve thrown any of them away, lol!

Ive had my vibrams bikila for about 4 years now, and I’ve constantly used them. I exercise about 6 times a week and also used my bikila for watersports. After so long, the inside fabric is finally starting to tear and the rubber on the soles is starting to crack and thin out. This is after 4 years though! I can’t imagine any other shoe lasting so long and I’m planning on buying another pair.

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