“I want a pair of Vibram FiveFingers that can handle gravel and asphalt. What do you recommend?”
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’.
Vibrams for Road/Gravel
The Spyridon MR is the stand-out shoe for this kind of terrain. Although designed to tackle mud (the MR stands for Mud Runner), I find the Spyridon MR are at their best when put through their paces on asphalt, gravel, and dry trails. They’re still minimal (outsole 4mm / insole 3mm), but the tread is aggressive enough to provide traction and stability. The Spyridon sole (known as the MEGAGRIP compound) is probably the best in terms of providing grip in all directions.
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
Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post each week to our favourite customer question, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’. So, without further ado, here is our inaugural CQOTW:
CQOTW1 – Vibram FiveFingers: Which is best, Velcro or Laces?
Vibram’s range of Velcro-fastening shoes are definitely the fastest and most versatile.
The KSO and Komodo Sport shoes have a Velcro that wraps around the heel and then fastens into place over the top of your foot. The Bikila and SeeYa range are more of a slipper-style (no rear strap), with the Velcro fastening over the top of your foot. Shoes that have just one Velcro strap such as the Bikila and SeeYa are less secure, albeit very slightly.
Laces are regarded by most as giving the most secure fit. Despite Vibram’s speed-lacing system, they still take longer to put on than a Velcro counterpart. Laced versions also offer slightly less ventilation, and have less of a barefoot feel.
Bikila: Velcro
Bikila LS: Laces
Komodo Sport: Velcro
Komodo Sport LS: Laces
A Personal Opinion
Personally, I prefer the Velcro versions of all Vibrams. This is because I have narrow feet and when I tie the laces, I feel that there is too much excessive lace (due to having to pull them tighter than normal).
If you have a normal width foot, or have wide feet, go with whichever – they will both serve you just as well.
Looks DO Matter
Taking in to consideration the above, consider looks. Which do you think look the best, lace or Velcro? That may just determine your final choice…
One final note
I have found that runners prefer laces, and gym-goers prefer Velcros. I have no scientific evidence for this, however, I think this is probably due to laces being a more conventional ‘look’ in running shoes, whereas gym-goers often like to look like they are wearing the latest trend – and Velcro, you could argue, looks a little more quirky and unconventional.
Here’s a handy table to help you find your perfect training partner:
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