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

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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

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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 The ribbons that featured on the original Alitza have been replaced by a more durable stretch gore, which will undoubtedly provide a more secure fit.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

 

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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!

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Trek Ascent in action

2015 Vibram FiveFingers. Sneak Preview No.1: Trek Ascent

We were GUTTED when, earlier this year, we heard that the ultra-popular Trek Sport was being discontinued. …We needn’t have worried. Getting a glimpse of 2015’s offerings has put our minds at ease.

Introducing the Trek Ascent and Trek Ascent LR

Hold your horses. These aren’t due for release until Spring/Summer 2015.

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We were able to get our hands on these off-road/trail specific minimalist running shoes earlier this year and were very impressed. Not only does the Trek Ascent look incredible, the sole has had a complete makeover from the original ‘Trek’ sole and feels rugged, sturdy, and reliable; whilst still low profile enough to be considered ‘barefoot’.

Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect…

Exploring the outdoors in the Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent
Exploring the outdoors in the Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent

The New Trek Ascent Sole

Vibram FiveFingers have retired their Trek sole (as featured on the Trek SportLontra and Trek Sport Sandal, and have replaced it with a brand new compound called MEGAGRIP.

MegaGrip from Vibram FiveFingers
MegaGrip from Vibram FiveFingers

MEGAGRIP is said to offer excellent grip properties on both wet and dry terrains while maintaining a high level of durability, and has been developed for those who frequently encounter slippery surfaces.

The difference between the Trek Ascent and the Trek Ascent LR is the upper material; the Trek Ascent being made from synthetic materials polyester and Spandex (making it suitable for vegans), and the Ascent LR made from kangaroo leather and hemp.

Trek Ascent

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“For off-road adventures and hiking in all conditions, the new Trek Ascent Synthetic offers rugged traction and sure grip to keep you firmly grounded on and off trail. Choose the Synthetic fabrication for sporty, weather resistant performance.”

  • Available for both men and women
  • WEIGHT: M43 = 6.34oz W38=4.93oz
  • MAX SOLE THICKNESS: 8mm (4mm Rubber /4mm EVA midsole)
  • INSOLE: 4mm Polyurethane + Anti-Microbial Drilex Sockliner
  • UPPER MATERIAL: Polyester +Spandax
  • VEGAN
  • Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

Available in black for both men and women, in grey/black/orange for men, and dark grey/lilac for women.

Trek Ascent LR 

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  • Available for both men and women
  • WEIGHT: M43 = 6.56oz W38=5.11oz
  • MAX SOLE THICKNESS: 8mm (4mm rubber outsole/4mm EVA midsole)
  • INSOLE: 4mm Polyurethane + Anti-Microbial Drilex Sockliner
  • UPPER MATERIAL: Kangaroo Leather + Hemp
  • Machine Wash Cold/Air Dry

Men will have black and caramel/brown to choose from, whereas ladies have caramel/brown and pink/grey/orange.

Vibram FiveFingers describes the Trek Ascent LR ” is a rugged minimalist shoe designed for hiking tough terrain. A super grippy outsole and leather/hemp construction makes this the 4-wheel-drive version of our original barefoot model.”

The Vibram FiveFingers Trek Collection
The Vibram FiveFingers Trek Collection

The Feetus Verdict

As a trail runner, I am more excited about the Trek Ascent than I have ever been about any other pair of Vibrams in the past. I feel Vibram FiveFingers have really found the right balance between looks and performance with this minimalist shoe.

The sole, at 8mm thick, will provide enough protection to hit the trails and run with ease, whilst still  providing enough proprioception for the runner to experience ground feel. The sole pattern is also an improvement from the original Trek Sport. Although the tread depth feels slightly more shallow, the rubber feels sticky, durable and will provide a massive amount of traction for grip and stability in most weather conditions.

We’re really excited to get these in for Spring 2015. What do you think about the Trek Ascent?

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