Latest news from Vibram brings a surprising twist to the line-up for the coming season. Vibram has decided to cut its entire lineup of lifestyle products. This decision means these ranges are no longer going to be in production: VI-B, CVT, KSO ECO, V-NEOP, KSO Vintage and the Alitza Loop.
A Sudden Change
The announcement has caught many by surprise and will likely disappoint brand enthusiasts and long-time customers. These shoes weren’t just about comfort and versatility; they represented a more relaxed version of the shoes for those just wanting something casual, or wanting to compliment their Vibram line-up with an everyday shoe. Whether you wore them for casual outings, walks around town, or just lounging, these lifestyle models were the go-to choice for those who appreciated the unique feel and benefits of FiveFingers.
Market Impact
With the lifestyle range gone, there’s now a noticeable gap in the market. These shoes were a popular choice for people who wanted the benefits of minimalist footwear without needing all the specialised features for intense physical activities. Now, consumers are left wondering where they’ll find a similar product. I feel like this could push people to brands such as Vivobarefoot, Xero and other similar brands in the minimalist/barefoot space with a more casual shoe offering.
This void is likely to be felt not just by customers, but also by retailers like ourselves who had built a loyal customer base around these popular models. While the demand for minimalist, lifestyle-oriented footwear isn’t disappearing, Vibram’s exit from this segment might push customers toward other brands.
Where Is Vibram Headed?
Although it is disappointing to see the lifestyle range go, it does raise questions about Vibram’s future. The company has always been at the forefront of innovation in the minimalist footwear industry, and this change might signal a focus on their core strengths: performance and sport-specific models. In particular, there is one shoe in the upcoming range that made us raise our eyebrows and we are still undecided whether it will be something we will stock (that’s all I can say for now, more to follow soon!).
In recent years, Vibram has introduced more FiveFingers models tailored to specific activities like running, hiking, and water sports. These shoes use the latest technology and materials to boost performance, suggesting that Vibram might be concentrating on serving a smaller but highly dedicated group of athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. This is something we are certainly a fan of, and focusing on sport specific models is great, but it just feels so drastic to remove the full lifestyle range.
What’s Next for Fans of the Lifestyle Range?
For those who loved the lifestyle range, the future might involve exploring other brands or checking out different Vibram models that, while not marketed as lifestyle shoes, could still work for casual, everyday wear. The KSO EVO has always worked great for me as an everyday shoe. It might be tough, as no other shoe feels quite like a pair of FiveFingers, but the minimalist footwear market is big, and there are other brands offering alternatives that might fill the gap.
There’s also the possibility that Vibram could launch a new line in the future that reinvents the concept of lifestyle minimalist footwear, using what they’ve learned from the popularity of the previous range. Until then, fans will have to make the most of their current pairs or start searching for the next best thing.
Conclusion
Vibram’s decision to retire the FiveFingers lifestyle range is a bold move that will leave many long-time customers frustrated. These shoes were more than just footwear; they were part of a movement toward a more mindful, natural way of living. As the minimalist footwear community processes this news, all eyes will be on the market to see how competitors respond and whether Vibram has any surprises up its sleeve for the future. One thing is certain: the demand for minimalist, comfortable, and versatile footwear is here to stay, even if the FiveFingers lifestyle range isn’t.
