Comments on Running and Rambling: Things Fall Apart

I finally got my vff classics. the first run I did...

2011-02-13T20:11:12.562-08:00

I finally got my vff classics. the first run I did in them today Sunday (I got them on fri) I barely stubbed my big toe on the crack in the concrete and got a little rip on the top on the big toe in the middle of the fabric on the big toe is that normal that they are that delicate ?? Should I send them in or just Patch it up

When I checked out an early Trek at REI I noticed ...

2010-10-17T22:42:17.296-07:00

When I checked out an early Trek at REI I noticed the strap wasn't sewn on the back at the heel. A square of velcro on the strap secured it to the corresponding bit of velcro under the heel loop. Wouldn't it be possible to cut the strap off, sew a square of velcro under the heel loop and order a Trek strap from Vibram? Cheap enough to repeat the strap-order process as often as necessary...

Interesting post ... my KSO only have 200 miles an...

2010-09-22T22:41:53.115-07:00

Interesting post ... my KSO only have 200 miles and a hole on top of the first toe (I told about it on my website www.wanarun.net French speaking). The French retailer told me it's not a design flaw but certainly my fault ... I'm a bit surprised. These shoes are priced higher than all the other shoes I own (adizero adios, Zoot, Saucony ...) but are clearly more fragile.

Donald, Thanks for the update. I just purchased a...

2010-07-10T10:44:27.878-07:00

Donald,

Thanks for the update. I just purchased a pair of EVOs. I hope they are the newer generation. So far so good.

cheers
Doug

Gerry: you're right about the importance form,...

2010-07-09T20:13:12.830-07:00

Gerry: you're right about the importance form, and I would say foot placement is equally important. I also tend to slow my downhill speed quite a bit - more than I like, honestly - to make sure I pay attention to footing and keep the rubber side down on those tricky hills.

(Aside from my previous post, that is ...)

I actually just ran through my first pairs Vibram ...

2010-07-09T19:30:12.731-07:00

I actually just ran through my first pairs Vibram KSOs and Treks, so this is a pretty timely post for me. The big-toe tear that you mention is something I experienced on both. Something you didn't mention that I did experience (and was surprised about, although considering that I put well over 500 miles on both pairs I'm not sure why) was breaking through the sole. At first I was disappointed - because I think I had convinced myself that they were "super-shoes" - but considering how much more use I got out of these shoes than any others I've ever had (including training for and running Boston in the KSOs) I had no compunctions about replacing them both. Thanks, by the way, for your thoughts about the RunAmocs, I'm strongly considering trying them out.

My KSO straps are starting to show wear in the sam...

2010-07-09T18:55:41.962-07:00

My KSO straps are starting to show wear in the same spot - the plastic eyelit that it threads through seems to cause some abrasion. Thanks for the mod links Reaper!
Pete

Thanks for another great review Donald. While I h...

2010-07-09T15:48:23.047-07:00

Thanks for another great review Donald.

While I have considered these shoes, I can't imagine surviving with smooth soles on the technical Rocky Mountain trails I run. I've used the KSO Treks for 900 km now and they have performed brilliantly with their aggressive treads.

I understand that my running form is number one as far as me staying upright goes but how do you manage with smooth soles on long, steep, loose, wet, technical descents?

Great post! I have VFF KSOs but run barefoot, so I...

2010-07-09T09:00:11.525-07:00

Great post! I have VFF KSOs but run barefoot, so I think they should hold up for a while.

Have you experienced Feelmax shoes? Barefoot Ted likes 'em.
http://barefootted.com/2009/01/running-in-seattle-with-feelmax-shoes.html

The softstar look really comfy. I am kind of tempted...

Reaper: great links - thanks! The duct tape idea ...

2010-07-09T08:52:18.323-07:00

Reaper: great links - thanks! The duct tape idea crossed my mind; I'll give it a try to see how it goes.

An ounce or less of prevention, from B-Day Shoes: ...

2010-07-09T08:11:25.607-07:00

An ounce or less of prevention, from B-Day Shoes:

http://birthdayshoes.com/forum/mods-and-repairs/straps-breaking-on-the-ksos/15/

http://birthdayshoes.com/using-tape-to-add-strength-durability-and-even-style-to-the-5-finger-kso-straps-vff-mod

Donald, Good post...I've had the same structu...

2010-07-09T08:09:15.397-07:00

Donald,

Good post...I've had the same structural issue with my Evo's (and my mileage was probably around 350 miles!). One shoe (my right) started splitting in the same part. I thought it was my wide feet! I tried all sorts of remedies to stop the tear (Shoe Goo, Super Glue, Gorilla Tape). Nothing worked. So, I just let it be and kept on running. I have a second pair and hopefully it's the 2.0 version. They are still my favorite MR shoes, though!