Comments on Running and Rambling: Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Review

Anon - I think they'd be great for hiking, assumin...

2010-06-14T08:53:36.204-07:00

Anon - I think they'd be great for hiking, assuming you allow for the same adaptation period that's necessary for running. If you go out and try something strenuous in these right away, your legs and feet will let you know about it. Once you're accustomed to them, no problem.

You might also be interested in this Yosemite hike post if you haven't already seen it.

I want to start hiking, not running, but hate the ...

2010-06-13T09:28:20.515-07:00

I want to start hiking, not running, but hate the heavy walking boots, wondering what your thoughts are on Treks as an alternative? Thanks

Garrett - I'd definitely recommend the Treks for t...

2010-02-12T22:27:38.085-08:00

Garrett - I'd definitely recommend the Treks for that kind of serious hiking. The leather upper is super comfortable, and the traction is noticeably better. Whichever model you get, be sure to build up your time in them gradually.

Makes me miss Monterey! My friends got me interes...

2010-02-12T21:24:07.967-08:00

Makes me miss Monterey! My friends got me interested and now I am looking at buying a pair this weekend...my question is whether or not the treks will stand up to heavier backpacking (or rather, would it be recommended to take a heavy load on the John Muir this summer after I get used to them?). If so, treks it is, if not, KSOs so I can save a few $$!

As a veteran of some 1200 miles of rough terrain o...

2010-02-10T23:17:24.107-08:00

As a veteran of some 1200 miles of rough terrain on my KSOs, I am not at all personally attracted to the Treks! The new features just don't add anything that I want. For a full discussion of why, see my recent update on my own experience with my KSOs.

Yes, it appears your original review was prescient...

2010-02-10T06:44:52.702-08:00

Yes, it appears your original review was prescient. I gotta admit, I'm starting to like the way these things look on people's feet, and these appear perfect for trail running.

,,,and the Vibrams start to look more and more lik...

2010-02-09T16:01:21.384-08:00

,,,and the Vibrams start to look more and more like 'normal' trail running shoes. Now, if only they could be innovative and create a toe box instead of individual toes...

I was going to ask about the socks I see in the ph...

2010-02-09T13:58:40.474-08:00

I was going to ask about the socks I see in the photos, since I thought most people wore VFFs sockless. So that part's answered.

And I was also wondering if people used any lubricant on their feet with VFFs (I usually use Body Glide and socks with regular trail running shoes).

I just got my Treks Sunday and I haven't run in them yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

Moire - I've gotten mine pretty wet and muddy, and...

2010-02-09T09:15:11.009-08:00

Moire - I've gotten mine pretty wet and muddy, and the leather dries very quickly. If you have a moisture-wicking sock and the temperatures aren't too freezing, I'd certainly recommend them for your bogs.

Jim - I wear Injinji performance socks when I'm running for 2+ hours in VFFs (I'm praying for Drymax to invent a toe sock!). Under 2 hrs, I usually go sockless, but I start to have some abrasion issues when I'm out there longer.

As to the sizing, it's a whole different ballgame - Vibram measurements are based on actual foot length as opposed to shoe size, so you really should get measured in a store, or use the size chart on the website. I wear a US11/Euro 44, and I'm right in between sizes 42/43 for VFFs.

Barefoot Ted did the Leadville 100 in Treks this p...

2010-02-09T09:02:12.275-08:00

Barefoot Ted did the Leadville 100 in Treks this past summer. So an ultra is definitely within their reach.

And for the Vegan crowd, Vibram is rolling out the Kangaroo-free Trek Sport next fall.

http://www.irunfar.com/2010/01/trail-running-shoes-highlights-from-orwm-10.html

Nice to see they continue to listen...

What socks do you wear under these? How do the si...

2010-02-09T08:03:10.854-08:00

What socks do you wear under these? How do the sizes run compared to say an Asics running shoe?

I own a pair of treks. I currently have about 200 ...

2010-02-09T04:51:12.263-08:00

I own a pair of treks. I currently have about 200 miles of mostly trail running in them. A couple of weeks ago I did a 13 mile run in them -14F below zero. Feet toasty the whole time. They are the solution to keeping barefoot shape during the winter. Injinji wool socks help as well. My only complaint is my toes freezing in slushy conditions. I was thinking of coating the toes in silicone to fix this.

Well Don...this review and all your prior talk of ...

2010-02-08T20:03:05.141-08:00

Well Don...this review and all your prior talk of barefooting is actually tempting me to give it a try! I'm always up for a new challenge...hmmm...

Great review and I love the photos!

2010-02-08T19:47:52.899-08:00

Great review and I love the photos!

Thanks for the excellent review. I've been wonderi...

2010-02-08T18:28:02.363-08:00

Thanks for the excellent review. I've been wondering about getting a pair of VFF trek for mountain running (at the moment just have sprints for the road). Sounds like the treks are definitely worth a go... only question is, will they be able to survive the wet and cold of Irish mountain bogs?