CategoriesBarefoot Running, Bikila, CQOTW, CrossFit, Gym, Vibram FiveFingers by

CQOTW4: Which Vibrams for Gym Use, CrossFit, and Running?

Customer Question of the Week

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:

Which Vibram FiveFingers are best for CrossFit, in the Gym, and for Running?

From: Elliot

I am looking at purchasing some five finger shoes for going to the gym, Cross Fit and a little bit of running. There are a lot of styles to choose from. I’ve narrowed the choices down to two and was wondering if you could explain the differences between them to me. The Bikila and the Komodo Sport. Unless you have another suggestion for what shoe I should have. Many thanks.

Here’s Our Answer

First of all, you’ve done a great job of narrowing it down to the Bikila and the Komodo Sport. Both are excellent gym shoes, and are the best on offer from Vibram for your intended use. I’ll go in to a little more detail:

Komodo (KMD) Sport

  • The Komodo Sport (aka the KMD Sport) was first introduced by Vibram last year, and was designed with CrossFit in mind. The upper fabric is reinforced in areas that may get a little more worn if you’re doing certain CrossFit exercises (for example, climbing ropes).
  • The sole has a multi-directional tread with a rounded pattern, making it great for functional movement exercises. You will not find another shoe that is as good at manoeuvring on the spot.
The Komodo (KMD) Sport Sole: Notice that rounded sole on the forefoot
The Komodo (KMD) Sport Sole: Notice that rounded sole on the forefoot
  • The sole is a little thicker than the Bikila, as it comes with a 2mm Polyurethane footbed.
  • The downside of the Komodo Sport is that it is not a full-0n running shoe. It will serve you well on the treadmill, or for short bursts on the track or on tarmac – but the tread isn’t designed for an all-out runner.

Click here to buy Vibram FiveFingers Komodo Sport. Available in both lace (LS) and Velcro options

Bikila

  • The Bikila has been around now for about four years. A very popular shoe, the Bikila strikes a perfect balance between a gym shoe and a running shoe.
  • Very light, very minimal, and really versatile.

Click here to buy Vibram FiveFingers Bikila. Available in both lace (LS) and Velcro options.

Laces vs Velcro

If you find you have a wider-than-normal foot, opt for the LS. If you find your feet are narrow, then Velcro will be your best option. If you’re pretty average, with normal width feet, the world is your oyster. Pick either; they’ll fit fine.

Another Option: The EL-X

  • The new-for-2013 EL-X stands for Entry Level Cross Trainer, and that’s exactly what it is.
  • There’s barely anything to this shoe. No fastening mechanism, just a 3.5mm sole, and it is Vibram FiveFinger’s lightest ever men’s style. It will give you the best ‘barefoot feet’ out of any other shoe.

Click here to buy Vibram FiveFingers EL-X at Feetus.co.uk. Available in black and grey/orange.

Rounding Off

I hope that gives you the information you need to make a decision.
My advice would be to ask yourself ‘How much running do I plan on doing?’, and if you answer is ‘Quite a lot’, I’d opt for the Bikila. If you think you’re going to live in the gym (or ‘The Box’) and the majority of your training will consist of WODs, gym work, and the occasional run, go for the Komodo Sport. Or if you’re on a budget, the El-X will provide a very nice introduction in to the world of Vibram fiveFingers.