Comments on Running and Rambling: Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Review

I like to buy from REI because if and when I have ...

2012-01-08T16:14:10.228-08:00

I like to buy from REI because if and when I have issues, they have no problem replacing the offending item.

After about 4 months, I've developed quite a f...

2011-01-13T12:40:39.551-08:00

After about 4 months, I've developed quite a few holes between the toes, I'm wondering if this is usual. My regular Kso's never had this problem.

Anon: I've worn them in all of those conditio...

2011-01-04T20:56:38.101-08:00

Anon: I've worn them in all of those conditions; I'm sure they'll be fine.

I am going to be running through an obstacle cours...

2011-01-04T11:07:02.136-08:00

I am going to be running through an obstacle course that has mud, water and pretty much everything that will test these shoes. What is your opinion on these shoe standing up to these conditions and making it out alive.

The seam that binds the leather to the fabric piec...

2010-11-16T10:45:26.041-08:00

The seam that binds the leather to the fabric piece that covers the inner side of the 1st toe of the left shoe burst after a few runs. To be more precise, the thread that joins one piece to the other got broken by the tension force pushing both pieces apart. Vibram should have picked a thread made of more resistant material to sew the upper pieces together. My repair is noticeable because I couldn't resew the seam from the inner side.

KSO Trek leather seems rather stretchy. The shoes now fit too loose without socks. Even with socks, the heels can slide on the leather insole when running on more technic trails, probably due to the fact that now I can't get a very tight fit.

If you just want them to run on trail, my advice is you get TrekSports instead, they fit snugger, have more resistant seams and won't stretch that much over time.
On the other hand, if you want to wear them for several hour a day, leather Treks have a more comfortable fit and breath much better.

One thing I noticed when I got my treks is that th...

2010-11-14T11:07:11.497-08:00

One thing I noticed when I got my treks is that they seemed to fit a bit bigger than my regular KSO's. I've been wearing them constantly fr a couple months now and haven't had any major issues from this, but if you have the option it might be worth it to go try a pair on. I just assumed they would be exactly the same as the KSO regulars, but I think the different materials change the fit somewhat. I have a pair of 45's, but when I originally tried on the KSO's in the store, the 44's were just slightly too snug, so it's a close thing. Other than that, they're awesome! I work outside as a window cleaner and tow all my equipment by bicycle, and these are so comfortable, I don't want to take them off.

Anon: those don't sound like any known issues...

2010-09-19T17:12:43.788-07:00

Anon: those don't sound like any known issues I've heard of, and I haven't experienced any of what you're describing on my own pair. I just double-checked all the seams on mine, and I can't find any spots of glue separation.

Assuming you got them from an authorized vendor (i.e. not a knockoff), it sounds like you'd have grounds for a return - especially with the glue issue. Keep me posted, please.

this is anon. who asked about durability of treks....

2010-09-17T12:37:53.704-07:00

this is anon. who asked about durability of treks. Just got my brown treks from city sports. They are very comfortable but I have some initial concerns.

The heel in one seems to not be glued to the sole all the way.

Also the fabric near the big toe doesn't appear to be symmetrical. Basically one has about an inch more of fabric, not in space but in length. A minor issue, but is this normal for Vibram?

Also there is glue visible on the toes. Normal?

Are these known issues of the trek? I'm a little concerned that at the price point of $125 I'm not confident in the build quality of these.

They seem to have less issue with fabric. I don't notice any of these issues with my KSO's

Anon: I haven't tried the sport treks yet to c...

2010-09-12T19:22:40.673-07:00

Anon: I haven't tried the sport treks yet to compare (perhaps later this fall?), but the leather uppers on this version are super-durable; I haven't had any issues with split seams or punctures whatsoever.

I was just wondering if you think the Treks have a...

2010-09-12T18:33:44.964-07:00

I was just wondering if you think the Treks have a more durable upper construction compared to the sport treks.

Awesome review. I have sprints and love them but ...

2010-08-20T22:02:54.810-07:00

Awesome review. I have sprints and love them but wanted to get more into trail running, thanks.

Chris: Yes, I do find myself tightening the strap ...

2010-08-16T06:57:55.940-07:00

Chris: Yes, I do find myself tightening the strap occasionally once I've been on the trail for an hour or two. We don't have crazy heat or humidity here, so I'm guessing it's more related to the leather. I haven't had to augment the fastener in any way, however.

Excellent review. I am loving my Treks. But I have...

2010-08-16T05:06:13.570-07:00

Excellent review. I am loving my Treks. But I have found that after an hour or so in the heat and humidity they require frequent adjustment with the strap and other leather stretching over time. When they dry the shoe materials return to the original dimensions.
Have you noted this?
I have added an extra piece of velcron toward the heal and will try some stretch laces over the top of the shoe.

Anon: the Treks are pretty much built for the dirt...

2010-08-01T21:30:55.610-07:00

Anon: the Treks are pretty much built for the dirt. You could wear them on the roads, but the grippy outsole would wear down relatively quickly. For asphalt, I'd stick with the KSO, or the new Bikila, which I plan to review soon.

How are the Treks for road running? As much as I ...

2010-07-31T11:18:47.543-07:00

How are the Treks for road running? As much as I love trail running, the reality is that most of my running is on the road so I'm a little nervous about the Treks vs. the regular KSO.

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

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 f...

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,...

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...