Until now, the cold, wet, wintry weather has always been a real nightmare for barefoot and minimalist runners. What do we do; opt for a thicker-soled conventional shoe with Gore-Tex protection, or stick to our Vibrams and risk getting our feet wet and cold. I’ve always fallen in to the latter group. I was never a fan of Vibram’s Lontra, and for years have yearned for Vibram FiveFingers to create a waterproof barefoot shoe.
Introducing the FIRST and ONLY waterproof five-toed shoe!
Finally. Minimalist running shoes designed for winter, built to last, and waterproof!
Five Things You Should Know About the Bikila Evo WP
WP stands for waterproof (and the shoe is exactly that – completely waterproof!)
The Bikila Evo WP is the only waterproof shoe from Vibram FiveFingers
Built on the ICETREK sole, the WP is designed for extra grip on ice
Two fastening mechanisms: quick-lace AND zipper!
Available for both men and women
First Impressions. Out of the Box
The Bikila Evo WP is unique in design. The Bikila Evo WP comes up to below the ankle similar to the long-redundant Bormio. The fabric is surprisingly lightweight, given that the shoe is waterproof. I was expecting something tougher. The workmanship on the shoe is top-class. It seems Vibram FiveFingers have really got it right in 2014 – The quality of the shoes this year have been of much better quality than previous years.
Fastening
The shoe has two fastening mechanisms. Inside is a concealed internal quick-lace system that is used to ensure a close fit. There is then the zip with taped seams either side which is used to keep the shoe completely waterproof.
The sole
Built on the same ‘style’ of sole as the original Bikila Evo, except the sole on the WP is made from Vibram’s patented ICETREK technology. Not only has this rubber compound been granted full marks by Vibram for its durability, it is “developed to grant the best grip on very cold, iced, or snowy surfaces, VIBRAM® Icetrek allows you to move, work, and live safely on mountains and in cold areas.”
ICETREK. In Vibram’s own words
Men’s sole (after 30-miles of running)
Everything you expect from a ‘barefoot’ shoe. Flexibility included!
Sizing
A Little Too Snug?
I am commonly between sizes in Vibrams. I am right at the threshold with most Vibram models: Size 44 in KSO Evo, Trek Sport, CVT LS, Lontra – but am a size 45 in the Spyridon. I am a size 45 in the Bikila Evo WP too. I figured sizing-up would be a wise move anyway, given that the Bikila Evo WP is designed for more wintery conditions, and I will likely be wearing toe socks underneath.
So… If your toes touch the end in your normal Vibrams, I would recommend going an extra size up.
How Waterproof Are They?
I can happily confirm that the Bikila Evo WP is completely waterproof. I’ve ran through puddles, through wet grass, sloppy mud, and did the ‘dip test’ in the lake. No water gets through the waterproof membrane. The only way your feet are going to get wet in this shoe is through the hole that your foot gets in. They are as waterproof as possible for a shoe!
How ‘Grippy’ is the ICETREK Sole?
It’s a little early to tell as we haven’t had any snow and ice to test the sole on yet. I’ve tested them on wet tarmac, on slippery paving stones, and on slimy autumn leaves – and truth be told – they seem to offer no more traction than a standard pair of Vibrams. I honestly find that my KSO Evo handle corners (on wet terrain) more capable than the ICETREK. But before I jump the gun – we need snow and ice to test these on. Watch this space.
Bikila Evo WP – Women’s ICETREK Sole
Bikila Evo WP – Men’s ICETREK Sole
How Warm Is The Bikila Evo WP?
I’m been incredibly impressed with the warmth from the Bikila Evo WP. Despite the material being incredible lightweight and relatively thin, they do provide a great deal of insulation.
Additionally, I’ve took these for the occasional spin in warmer weather (15C+) and my feet haven’t overheated.
How Breathable Are They?
The longest run I have done in the Bikila Evo WP so far is 7 miles. Despite the outer fabric getting wet, my feet inside stayed completely dry. No traces of sweat, despite wearing thick toe socks underneath.
Vibram FiveFingers releasing limited no. of Bikila Evo WP early
We released a Sneak-Peak of the Bikila Evo WP earlier this year, heaping praise on Vibram for FINALLY creating something waterproof. We were critical about it all too. Vibram had planned to release the shoe AFTER winter, and had also slapped a whopping £180 price tag on the shoe. Outrageous.
Influencing for the Better
Shortly after that article, we learned that Vibram decided to put more gusto in to the production of the Bikila Evo WP in a bid to release them BEFORE winter. Coincidentally, the RRP was also reduced to £150.
Now for the Good Bit
We’ve secured a limited number of Bikila Evo WP and they’re expected to land in the UK mid-November.
Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post every-so-often to our favourite customer questions, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’. So, without further ado, here is our latest CQOTW:
I recently can a Tough Mudder in my KMD Sport. They had enough grip, but let in a lot of debris. Which Vibram FiveFingers would you recommend for tackling mud obstacle races?
Its been very busy for us this week, we’ve recently taken delivery of new stock, including New Balance and Ultimate Direction, as quite coincidentally, we are ‘re-strategising’ to target trail runners and obstacle runners!
New Balance Minimus: Zero Drop. Perfect for trail running
The KMD Sport is best in the gym, indoor training, and tarmac running. I am really surprised you found them to have adequate grip on your Tough Mudder.
The KMD Sport LS. Typically designed for the gym
For mud/obstacle use, the stand-out style is the Spyridon MR. The MR stands for Mud Runner and was designed for muddy events. I can’t comment from personal experience, as the Spyridon has always been one of those shoes that has never quite agreed with me, but our customers love that shoe.
The Spyridon MR. Vibram’s offering for muddy events
The other option (and a personal favourite of mine) is the Trek Sport. The tread is actually deeper than the Spyridon MR, so it provides better traction on the trails. It is built on the KSO platform (which stands for Keep Stuff Out) so if you’re looking to keep the dirt out, this could be the one for you.
The Trek Sport. Deep lugs provide grip and stability on the trail.
Further, keeping grit and debris out is never easy, especially when you’re swamping around in mud. However, from personal experience, a pair of toe socks combined with fastening your shoes up extra tight has always been the best solution for me.
Injinji Original Weight, No Show toe socks.
Both the Spyridon MR and the Trek Sport are currently on offer. The Trek Sport is currently £40 off, but this price will be increased over the weekend. We also have an offer on a pair of Injinji toe socks (offer only applies to that particular pair), where you can pick up a pair for better than half price when you place an order with us.
Ultimate Direction’s ‘Jurek Endure’. Another piece of kit that will simplify your life on the trails
With summer just around the corner, this year’s Vibrams have arrived at the perfect time. Whether you’re a road runner, a gym-addict, a mud-loving obstacle runner, or just an all-round leisure-lover, there is something for you!
The KSO Evo has been hugely popular since March (and also now available in blueand red for men, and pink/grey for women), but we reckon the all-new Bikila Evo will be the cool new kid on the block.
The super-reflective Seeya LS Night will literally light up your life, while the new KMD Sport LS is the ultimate gym shoe.
And if you’re one of these mud-loving, obstacle-jumping maniacs, the Spyridon MR is now available, for both men and women.
Back in September, Feetus.co.uk gave you an exclusive look at two other ‘Sneak Peaks’ of what you should expect to see from Vibram FiveFingers in 2014:
The Spyridon was first released by Vibram FiveFingers back in early 2012, first as a lace-only (LS) style, before releasing the Spyridon (Velcro option) later in 2012. Designed with trail runners in mind, the Spyridon found itself as the go-to ‘barefoot’ shoe for participants in mud races and obstacle events such as Tough Mudder.
It is therefore no surprise to learn that the ‘MR’ stands for ‘Mud Runner’.
Here’s the official blurb from Vibram FiveFingers:
Designed for the minimalist trail runner, the re-styled Spyridon MR, short for Mud Runner, offers a Vibram 3D Cocoon technology molded into the sole for lightweight protection. Speed laces and canvas fabric finish this sole off for a rugged and secure fit, while a 360 degree lug pattern offers grip in all directions, perfect for your next mud obstacle course or trail race.
First Look: The Spyridon MR (Grey / Orange)
So, What’s New?
Good question. And the answer is ‘not much’.
The Spyridon MR is being released (initially, at least) as a lace-only style and will feature Vibrams fantastic Speed lace system. The Velcro Spyridon is being completely retired.
The Sole/Tread
There are no changes to the sole. The Spyridon MR has the same brilliant Vibram XS Trek Compound sole as the original Spyridon, with the ‘rock block’ nylon mesh. This is just a maximum sole thickness of just 4mm. Very minimalist. The rubber sole has a multi-directional quadrilateral pattern, thus providing a good degree of grip and range of motion.
The Upper
The upper fabric is arguably the only difference. Whereas the Spyridon LS was made from Coconut Active Carbon, the new Spyridon MR is constructed from a polyester fabric. The new look is arguably more ‘socially acceptable’. By this, I mean the design has been toned-down and is less garish.
Closure / Fastening
As stated above, the Spyridon MR is (for the time being at least) going to be available as a lace-only style. The speed lacing system is a fantastic and very convenient way of lacing up in a flash. The short laces are made from memory wire, which helps them to remain in place as you fastened them. They then hold in place by securing the lace with a plastic toggle, and secured further with a small Velcro patch. Very neat indeed.
In the US, Vibram-wearers prefer to wear laces over Velcro by a ratio of 3:1. In the UK, we are the opposite, preferring Velcro over LS by the same ratio.
Foodbed
The MR has a polyurethane stitch-in footbed. Like the original Spyridon, this is not removable.
The Essentials:
Weight: M43 = 7.83 oz (222g) / W38 = 5.64 oz (188g)
Max Sole Thickness: 4mm
Colour Preview (From L to R): Women’s Blue/Black, Men’s Grey/Orange, Men/Women’s: Black/Grey
While the release of the Spyridon MR is not as exciting as the release of the KSO Evo, the Bikila EVO and the all-new Vyrid, it is still an important development. It shows Vibram FiveFingers have recognised the massive growth in popularity of obstacle mud races over the last couple of years, and are looking to capitalise on this by providing a shoe that not only copes well in the wet and muddy conditions, but also stays on your foot! (If you’ve never been to a mud obstacle event, you always see people leaving with just one shoe, as the other got lost in the mud!)
It is a shame to see the Velcro option removed, but the worst decision for me is that the UK won’t be getting the military green ‘khaki’ colour. Nevertheless, I am confident the Spyridon ‘Mud Runner’ will prove to be a big hit in 2014.
We’re seeing a massive shift in the barefoot shoes that people are buying. The days are getting shorter, it’s colder, it’s wetter, and its windier. People are seeking out the best Vibram FiveFingers for winter – and we’re here to help you find the perfect choice.
An Overview
In case you don’t want to read the whole article, we’ve made it easy for you to pick out the best shoe depending on what activity you’re likely to use the shoes for most:
Water-resistance: Lontra(please be aware, the Lontra is being discontinued)
Hardcore winter running: The Trek Sport or Spyridon with some decent toe socks!
…But if you want to know more, read on!
A Quick Look at the Soles
Vibram Fivefingers have some excellent styles that are designed for use in colder weather and challenging terrain, but there are two sole types that stand out as the most winter-proof; the Trek sole, and the Spyridon sole (aka the Vibram XS Trek compound).
The ICETREK Sole
The ICETREK sole is unique to the Bikila Evo WP. Built on the same style / shape of sole as the original Bikila Evo, except the sole on the WP is made from Vibram’s patented ICETREK technology. Not only has this rubber compound been granted full marks by Vibram for its durability, it is “developed to grant the best grip on very cold, iced, or snowy surfaces, VIBRAM® Icetrek allows you to move, work, and live safely on mountains and in cold areas.”
Bikila Evo WP – Men’s ICETREK Sole
The ‘Trek’ Sole
The Trek sole: A closer look
The Trek sole can be found on the following styles:
With a maximum sole thickness of just 7.5mm the Trek sole is very minimal – but in comparison to some of its peers (EL-X 3.5mm, Seeya 3.5mm) it is more ‘built up’, thus giving less ‘barefoot feel’ (aka proprioception / feedback).
The extra sole depth comes in the form of tread. The lugs on the Trek sole are strategically placed to provide extra grip where it is needed, giving you confidence when running on the trails. The extra sole thickness means the Trek sole is less flexible than other Vibram styles.
The Vibram XS Trek Compound Sole
Sypiridon sole: A closer look
The Vibram XS Trek Compound Sole is found on the Spyridon MR.
The Spyridon MR sole is more minimal than the Trek sole with a maximum sole thickness of just 4mm. The sole features multi-directional tread designed to provide traction and stability when you need it most. The Spyridon MR sole is also much more flexible than the Trek sole, and you can easily roll and flex the sole.
A Look At The Shoes
Bikila Evo WP: The ONLY Waterproof ‘barefoot’ shoe
The Bikila Evo WP was released in November 2014 and has created quite a stir. For year, barefoot runners have been calling out for a shoe that is genuinely waterproof, and now we have it.
This shoe features a triple fastening mechanism: A concealed quick-lace system, a full zipper, and a Velcro across the top. The upper fabric is 100% waterproof, the zipper has taped seams, and the ICETREK sole is super-grippy in snow and ice. Despite the wealth of features, the Bikila Evo WP is also extremely lightweight. Its baffling how a shoe so good, so comprehensive, can remain so low on weight.
The Trek Sport is one of Vibram FiveFingers’ most popular styles. The black/charcoal colourway is arguably more ‘socially acceptable’ and less conspicuous than some of Vibram’s more brighter, vibrant styles. The upper is exactly the same as the KSO (Keep Stuff Out) style, and the Trek Sport style and colour is exactly the same for both men and women.
The Trek Sport: Black / Charcoal, for both men and women
Because the upper fabric completely covers the foot to just below the ankle, it provides warmth and does a great job of preventing any objects (gravel, sand, mud) from getting inside the five-toe shoe. The mesh ensures the feet can breathe and the Velcro fastening is a God-send when your fingers are cold; simply pull and stick – no fumbling with numb fingers to lace-up your shoes!
What is the Trek Sport best for?
These are all reasons that make the classic Trek Sport an ideal choice if you are looking for a shoe that will perform in:
Trek Sport Sandal: Great for trails in milder weather
Vibram released the Trek Sport Sandal in 2013 to very favourable reviews. While the original Trek Sport is great for hitting the trails when the weather is cooler, muddier, and the terrain looser – The Trek Sport Sandal will serve you better when it is warmer, and when the terrain is more hard-packed.
That said – You can provide extra warmth and protection by adding a pair of Injinji toe socks.
More a shoe than a sandal, The Trek Sport Sandal features vents on each side of the shoe providing incredible breathability. The upper fabric is extremely durable and comfortable.
While the Trek Sport is a Velcro-only style, the Sandal is lace-only (LS) and comes fitted with Vibram’s brilliant Quick-Lace system as standard plus a spare pair of conventional laces, giving you the choice of how you lace your Sandal.
Ladies’ Trek Sport Sandal
Men’s Trek Sport Sandal
What is the Trek Sport Sandal best for?
The Trek Sport Sandal is certainly less of a winter shoe than the Trek Sport, but is equally as versatile, making it a popular choice for the following activities when the weather is fairer:
The Lontra was the original winter barefoot running shoe – before the Bikila Evo WP was released.. The upper is water-resistant (but not waterproof), and is more padded than any other style, providing thermal qualities to keep your feet warm when it gets cold.
The Lontra features a multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams, providing insulation and water resistance. The micro pile fleece liner is soft against the skin while helping wick perspiration away from the foot. Other features include: a neoprene heel cuff to keep out snow and debris, a reinforced hook and loop closure for a snug and secure fit; and reflective surfaces for safety at night. The 4mm EVA midsole provides insulation from frozen surfaces, and the TC-1 Dura outsole provides traction, durability and superior plating protection.
Men’s Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
Women’s Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
The Lontra feels slightly over-sized, and I suspect it was designed this way to provide extra space inside the shoe to give the wearer the option of wearing toe socks for extra warmth and comfort.
You may also find the Lontra to be less breathable than other styles. This is arguably a fair trade-off given the water resistance element.
The Spyridon: A viable winter option: Copes well in mud obstacle races.
The Spyridon MR is available for both men and women:
Ladies’ Spyridon MR
Spyridon MR (Grey/Orange) for men
Men’s and Women’s Spyridon MR
The upper fabric is only slightly water resistant (not as much as the Lontra). Like the Trek Sport and the Lontra, your foot is fully covered giving excellent protection against loose objects when running and preventing things such as stones, gravel and mud from entering the shoe.
The ‘MR’ in the name actually stands for Mud Runner and the shoe was designed for off-road, muddy pursuits; the grippy sole akin to that of a mountain bike tyre.
What is the Spyridon best for?
As such, the Spyridon MR will serve you well if you want a winter shoe that still has maximum barefoot feel, whilst still performs well in:
It has to be said that the most important aspect of keeping warm in a ‘barefoot’ shoe is not so much in the shoe itself, but in the socks you wear underneath. Without socks, your feet are really going to feel the cold. If you want to continue running and training outside in the colder months, don’t forget your socks!
If you’re looking for a pair of Vibram Fivefingers for general use, for road running and for a bit of everything, there is no better product than the Bikila Evo WP. Unparalleled grip, waterproof, and the look amazing!
I personally find the Lontra to be a little too ‘clumpy’, heavy, and rigid. When I run in the Lontra, I lose all-important ‘barefoot feel’ (also known as proprioception, ground-feel, or feedback) and I notice that my running form suffers.
The Trek Sport and Trek Sport Sandal are two of my favourite shoes. Excellent handling, great for long distance, top breathability: I personally cannot find any faults with these shoes, though some may argue that the Trek sole is too thick at 7.5mm). I would argue that the tread depth is essential for all trail running / trekking enthusiasts.
The Spyridon MR, while being a very attractive shoe with what looks to be a very ‘grippy’ sole, I find it to lack the appropriate grip when the conditions get very wet. I also find that the Spyridon MR does not provide the level of breathability that is essential in a running shoe.
It goes without saying that in winter, a pair of socks can make a difference between a great run, and a downright hideous one. It’s so important to keep the blood flowing in your feet, so make sure you keep your feet warm and comfortable. As soon as you lose feeling in your feet, how do you know if your technique is correct? …You don’t!
Keep Warm: Add a pair of Injinji toe socks to your set-up
A pair of socks will go a long way to keep you dry, warm, and most importantly, running naturally. Specialist running shoes with individual toe pockets require specialist socks with toe pockets. Luckily, we have the best toe socks on the market… Injinji toe socks.
1. Brian Holden asked: “How will they [Vibram FiveFingers] fit with toe socks?”
By adding a pair of Lightweight Injinji toe socks, the added ‘bulk’ is so minimal that this will make no difference to how your FiveFingers fit.
Wearing Original Weight Injinji socks under your Vibrams will have a greater impact. If you Vibrams are currently quite close-fitting (i.e, your toes graze the end of your shoe), then the added material from the Original Weight socks will probably be too much, and could cause ill-fitting inside the shoe. This of course, will have a knock-on effect to your running performance and comfort.
Most people will find that, if you are usually a size 43 in a KSO, a size 43 Lontra will feel a little oversized, meaning you could easily accommodate a pair of Original Weight socks inside.
Our blog post a few weeks back we introduced you to the Bikila EVO, but we’re now able to shed a little more light on the specifics of the shoe, having seen these in the flesh.
The reaction to Vibram’s choice to introduce a shoe with cushioning surprised many of us. Hadn’t Vibram FiveFingers – the company regarded by many as ‘barefoot shoe makers’ – once told us that ‘You are the technology’, claiming that cushioning was not needed?
Goodbye Bikila. Hello Bikila EVO
Anyway… Similar to the KSO, the ever-popular Bikila is disappearing, and instead we have the Bikila EVO: a slightly cushioned, lace-up shoe designed for mid-distance running. The sole is, by shoe manufacturing standards, minimalist, with a maximum sole thickness of 8.5mm, which includes the 6mm of EVA for cushioning, and Vibram Megagrip Rubber Pods for durability and grip.
The ‘redesigned’ shoe features a polyester mesh upper, and comes in a variety of bold colours, from a sure-fire winner black/yellow to the less-appealing-to-most orange/blue.
An excerpt from the Vibram FiveFingers 2014 Catalogue
Here’s what Vibram have to say about the Bikila EVO
Medium distance running in a minimalist shoe can be challenging for new minimalist users. It takes time for your foot to adjust to an increasingly thinner level of sole. The Bikila EVO is a fully redesigned shoe built for those looking for a shoe that gives the benefits of going barefoot and that has slightly more cushion to offer more support on a medium distance road run. It is still thin, and gives you just a bit more so you can be confident making the switch.
One of the most obvious changes to the Bikila is the new sole, which comprises of 6mm EVA cushioning, nine strategically placed rubber sole pieces, and an EVA heel.
EVA is a lightweight material found in most running shoes. Its strength is that it is extremely lightweight and compresses under pressure, giving that cushioned feel. The downside of EVA is that it wears out very easily – and that’s why you see rubber placed over the top of the squidgy stuff on your sole.
For the Bikila EVO, much of the EVA is left exposed, yet the rubber sole pieces are placed over the high-wear zones of the sole: on each toe, three strips over forefoot, and covering the heel.
It appears Vibram have followed the trend set by other major shoe manufacturers by introducing what could be classed as a ‘transition shoe’, meaning, this shoe would be ideal for runners new to ‘barefoot running’ that are not yet ready to have their shoes stripped to the bare minimum.
Many barefoot purists will turn their back on this shoe, but I think it has its place. Although I love to run barefoot and wear Vibram FiveFingers – I still often opt for a minimalist shoe with a 4mm drop and some cushioning.
Many will argue that Vibram are moving away from the barefoot/minimalist roots – and I myself was fearing the worst. But having seen the Spring/Summer 2014 range in the flesh just this week, I would strongly disagree. This year’s EL-X for men, and the ladies’ Entrada and Alitza are as minimal as you’re bound to see. The trend continues with the new-for-2014 KSO EVO.
With an 8.5mm sole and zero-drop from heel to toe, the Bikila EVO is still very minimalist. It is in fact, just one millimetre thicker than the Trek sole, as featured on the super-seller Trek Sport and the new-for-2013 Trek Sport Sandal.
The decision to make the Velcro redundant will aggravate many in the UK. While in the US, the LS (lace) styles outsell Velcro styles 3:1, in the UK it is the opposite.
I won’t get chance to test the Bikila EVO until next year, but I am confident that this shoe will be a massive success. I expect barefoot-newcomers to enjoy the Bikila EVO, as well as mid-distance runners who enjoy just a bit more cushioning. The style will appeal to many too, so I’d expect gym-goers and Crossfit addicts to pounce on this.
We recently got hold of the Spring/Summer 2014 Vibram Catalogue, and thought it would be worth sharing with you some of the new and exciting ‘barefoot’ (or not-so-barefoot) shoes that are going to be available.
I love the KSO (Keep Stuff Out): My first pair of FiveFingers was a KSO and they lasted me around 700 miles. I ran in them everywhere and really put them through their paces. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one whose first pair were a KSO either. Their aesthetics, practicality, foot coverage and ground feel made them the ideal choice. Even today, my current KSOs are my go-to shoe for short/mid-distance road running and indoor fitness. They really are a versatile, ‘do-it-all’ shoe.
Next year will see the KSO retire, and will be replaced by the KSO EVO.
An excerpt from the 2014 Vibram FiveFingers catalogue: The KSO EVO
The KSO EVO will feature the serrated blade lug sole as can be seen in SS13’s men’s EL-X (Entry Level Cross-Trainer), and the ladies’ lovely Entrada and Alitza, with a maximum sole thickness of just 4.7mm.
You will also notice that the Velcro is making an exit, and instead we’re being introduced to a new KSO that is lace-only – the KSO EVO comprising of Vibram’s Speed Lace System.
Here’s What Vibram Have To Say About the SS14 KSO EVO
Built on a platform that offers the best ground feedback in our line, the KSO EVO is one of three shoes that round out our new category: max-Feel. A reinforced upper and speed lace allows for easy entry and a snug fit while the zig-zag patterned sole provides grip and flexibility in all directions. Feel more under foot with more versatility.
Making the KSO redundant is an incredibly brave move by Vibram. A hugely popular shoe for both men and women, the KSO has been around since FiveFingers shot to popularity after Christopher McDougall’s bestseller Born to Run.
It’s good to see Vibram have maintained the all-black colour-way that has proved to be a bestseller in the KSO.
Many will miss the original ‘razor-siped’ TC-1 rubber sole of the KSO (that also featured on the Speed, Flow, and Classic styles), but it has been superseded by a superior Vibram XS Trek Compound sole. Feedback from customers who have been wearing the EL-X (which features this same sole) has been really positive, so I am sure this will go down well. The jury is still out on how many miles this new sole can sustain.
Vibram’s decision not to offer a Velcro alternative is also quite a surprise, but with the growing popularity of the lace-up styles, this is probably a wise decision.
All in all – This is a radical change and a very bold decision by Vibram, but upon studying the changes closer, they make a lot of sense – and I am certain the KSO EVO will prove to be equally, if not more popular than its predecessor.
Today, we bring you another new style of Vibram FiveFingers. This one wasn’t showcased at the Outdoor Retailer show, so this one really is a sneak peak!
Before you read on, it’s worth issuing a little health warning to die-hard FiveFingers fans. This ‘barefoot’ shoe contains cushioning, a heel-to-toe drop, and arch support.
Introducing The Vibram FiveFingers Vybrid
Vibram have put their 70-years of rubber-processing expertise to come up with a new generation sneaker. The all-new Vybrid is the result of intensive research and continual testing and development conducted at Vibram’s Technology Centre in Guangzhou, China.
The Vibram FiveFingers Vybrid
Certainly, the Vybrid is another of Vibram’s ‘loud’-looking offerings, with illuminous, reflective lines spanning the upper fabric. The Vybrid is also technologically superior, and serves the wearer very well for active comfort. Versatile: you’ll be happy to wear this ‘barefoot’ shoe for walking, hiking, as urbanwear, leisure time, and when travelling.
The Vybrid – Perfect for pushing your broke-down moped around the streets of Milano
The Five Technological Benefits of the Vybrid
Individual Toe Pockets allowing your toes to flex and splay naturally and the foot to move with limited restriction.
Forefoot: A slight drop from heel to toe, which according o Vibram, provides the toes with more grip and helps toes to flex.
Waist: semi-rigid anatomical shank to help support the arch
Midsole: thin and soft EVA to distribute force on impact
Heel: a pronounced heel which helps ‘protect and support the foot on impact’
A closer look at the EVA midsole
Colourful (and Controversial)
The Vybrid will be available in four different colours, each featuring innovative 3M material for night visibility. The fabric will be breathable and will also feature a neoprene sock to improve the foot’s stability and traction on the heel.
The Sole
Believed to be called the ‘Vibrida’, the sole looks like a more walking-friendly Trek (Trek Sport) sole, with the looks less aggressive and more shallow in depth. Although specific details have not yet been released about the shoe, you will notice that the sole looks a good 1cm in height, with clear (although slight) height difference between heel and toe.
It seems Vibram FiveFingers are moving in a different direction from the one they originally set out upon. From their old slogan ‘YOU ARE THE TECHNOLOGY’ they now advertise ‘Discover the new urban technology from Vibram’.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We’ll be sharing our opinion on the new styles soon, but in the meantime, it would be great to hear what everyone else thinks about the Vybrid and the Bikila EVO, as well as these new styles that we don’t know too much about yet…
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