Alitza Loop

2015 Vibram FiveFingers. Sneak Preview No.2: Alitza Breathe & Alitza Loop

Since its release in 2013, the Alitza has been a popular choice with ladies. But in 2015, the Alitza is undergoing a radical makeover.

Introducing the Alitza Breathe and Alitza Loop

NOW IN STOCK – CLICK HERE TO VIEW / BUY NOW

If you love indoor training, enjoy yoga, or are looking for a ‘barefoot’ shoe for everyday use, the Alitza is the perfect choice. Available for ladies only, the new-look Alitzas are very feminine and elegant. You’re going to love them!

The Sole: XS Trek

The XS Trek sole has been incredibly popular since its first release in 2013 on the men’s EL-X and the ladies’ Alitza, and has continued to be used on other styles in 2014 such as the ladies’ VI-B and the bestselling KSO Evo. Very versatile with unbeatable ground feel, the XS Trek sole is a masterstroke from Vibram FiveFingers.

XS Trek

Alitza Loop - Great for Yoga
Alitza Loop – Great for Yoga

 Alitza Breathe

The key difference with the Alitza Breathe is most obviously the extended warp around laces, which add extra security over and under your foot. The upper fabric is a polyester mesh which was first introduced in early 2014 on the women’s VI-B.

Alitza Breathe
The Vibram FiveFingers Alitza Breathe

“The elegant Alitza Breathe provides the perfect foundation for sports like barre, yoga and training sessions where a mind/body connection are key. Flexible FiveFingers construction offers extraordinary ground feel to fully engage the toes and foot while providing confident traction on and off the mat. Lacing allows for a custom fit.”

Available for women only

  • WEIGHT: 3.46oz
  • MAX SOLE THICKNESS: 3.5mm Rubber
  • INSOLE: Anti-Microbial Drilex
  • UPPER MATERIAL: Polyester Mesh + Recycle PET
  • VEGAN
  • Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

 

Alitza Loop

NOW IN STOCK – CLICK HERE TO VIEW / BUY NOW

Available (potentially) in black, red, and magenta; the Alitza Loop has a stretch polyamide upper, providing flexibility and breathability. The ribbons that featured on the original Alitza have been replaced by a more durable stretch gore, which will undoubtedly provide a more secure fit.

Alitza Loop
The Vibram FiveFingers Alitza Loop

 

“The simple beauty of Alitza Loop offers the perfect solution for those seeking a barefoot experience with optimal traction. An ideal minimalist shoe for fitness classes, barre and studio sessions, the Alitza Loop is light, breathable and follows your every move. Easy on/off makes for an effortless transition from home, to studio, to running around town.”

Available for women only

  • WEIGHT: 2.99oz
  • MAX SOLE THICKNESS: 3.5mm Rubber
  • INSOLE: Anti-Microbial Drilex + 2mm EVA
  • UPPER MATERIAL: Stretch Polyamide
  • VEGAN
  • Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry
Vibram FiveFingers Alitza Breathe and Alitza Loop
Vibram FiveFingers Alitza Breathe and Alitza Loop

Catalogue cutting for the Alitza Breathe and Loop

 

NOW IN STOCK – CLICK HERE TO VIEW / BUY NOW

The Feetus Verdict

The Alitza has been hugely popular and the main issue (in the UK) is that it has only ever been available in black, despite other colours such as purple, pink, and white being available in Asia and the US.

I believe the Alitza Loop is, despite not changing all that much, an improved design on the original Alitza. The switch from the ribbon across the foot to the stretch gore fabric will make it so much easier to get the shoes on. I think the Alitza Loop will be a BIG hit!

The Alitza Breathe is a strange beast. It is like a combination of the VI-B and the Alitza, with huge ribbons that fasten up the leg. Will this wrap-around lacing stay in place? We’ll have to wait until Spring 2015 to find out!

NOW IN STOCK – CLICK HERE TO VIEW / BUY NOW

Where are you ladies?

Women Don’t Run In Winter

It’s a Man’s World…

…So we’re giving the ladies 10% off this week! Use code: LADIESONLY at the checkout

The last two weeks have seen us ship out LOADS of orders around the country. Much more than normal, in fact. And we’re so grateful to all of our amazing customers who are helping us to continue to grow. We’re certainly becoming the go-to online store for Vibram FiveFingers.

The bestsellers of the last fortnight have been the Lontra, the Trek Sport, and the EL-X

However, during this time, 9 out of 10 orders have been for men!! 

This has had us scratching our heads. Do women decide not to run in winter? Do ladies hibernate? Do they choose to visit the gym only during the months March to October? Surely not! 

Ladies Only

That’s why, for the rest of this week only, we’ve decided to a LADIES ONLY discount (sorry gentlemen). Prove to us you still need your Vibram FiveFingers during the cold weather by ordering a pair today AND GET AN EXTRA 10% OFF by entering code: LADIESONLY at the checkout.

So, what’s it gonna be?

If you’re looking for a winter shoe, we recommend the Lontra, the Trek Sport, or the Spyridon.

 

If you’re after a gym shoe, look no further than the Komodo Sport.

 

 

If you want a new-for-2013 pair that are great for yoga, pilates, and indoor training, how about the Entrada or the Alitza?

 

And finally, if you’re just looking for a clearance-bargain, we recommend you click on the styles below and keep your fingers crossed we have your size available!

 

Don’t forget the Code: LADIESONLY

This sexist special offer is applicable only to ladies’ footwear and will only last until midnight this Friday (14th November 2013). So be quick.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL RANGE OF WOMEN’S VIBRAMS. 

 

 

Vibram FiveFingers - New for 2014

Vibram FiveFingers 2014 Sneak Peak #2: The Bikila EVO

New for 2014: The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila EVO

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

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.

Vibram FiveGingers BIKILA EVO
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.

The Bikila EVO Sole

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.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

Opinion

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.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

The Bikila EVO range to hit the UK in 2014
The Bikila EVO range to hit the UK in 2014

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.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

One Final Note

Just because the Bikila EVO has more cushioning than its Vibram counterparts – don’t judge this shoe until you have tried it! You may just love it!

About The Author

Barefoot runner, cycling fanatic, outdoor-lover, Lee Firman is the man behind Feetus.co.uk. Click here to read more.

Vibram FiveFingers - New for 2014

Vibram FiveFingers 2014 Sneak Peak #1: The KSO EVO

Goodbye KSO. Hello KSO EVO

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

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.

A few weeks back we broke the news of Vibram’s plans for the Bikila EVO, and also of the controversial Vibram FiveFingers Vybrid, and over the coming week we’re going to feature some of Vibram’s offerings for next year.

NEW FOR 2014: The KSO EVO

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
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.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

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.

    • Weight: M43 = 4.9oz W38 = 3.5oz
    • Max Sole Thickness: 4.7mm
    • Insole: 2mm EVA + Anti Microbial Drilex Sockliner
    • Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

Opinion

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.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER AT FEETUS.CO.UK

Vibram FiveFingers KSO
R.I.P. Old Friend: The KSO

Looking to get a pair before they become obsolete? Click here…

Next up… We’ll be taking a closer look at the also-new-for-2014 Bikila EVO

About The Author

Barefoot runner, cycling fanatic, outdoor-lover, Lee Firman is the man behind Feetus.co.uk. Click here to read more.