This would make an interesting ‘Guess the shoes in the box’ competition!
It’s been a long time coming. Too long, in fact!
But at long last, the brand-new Vibram FiveFingers styles have landed at the suppliers depot, and will be making their way to us, then to you VERY SOON.
It’s not too late to pre-order a pair. We have upgraded all pre-orders to Special Delivery, free of charge. Don’t miss out.
For a full list of Vibram FiveFingers SS13 stock, see here:
Looking for a ‘barefoot’ running shoe that can handle the trails with confidence? Look no further than the VIVOBAREFOOT Neo Trail.
The Look
It is clear to see by looking at the Neo Trail that this shoe is of very high quality. The upper is double-stitched and made up of a strong, breathable material. The inner features little but adequate padding around the ankle and the tongue giving the shoe a very comfortable feel, without being too suffocating.
The Sole
As with all VIVOBAREFOOT shoes, the sole is ultra-thin to provide maximum proprioception, whilst being puncture-resistant. Barefoot runners will be pleased to know that the toe box offers generous room to allow your toes to splay and expand naturally.
The lugs on the sole provide incredible grip when hitting the trails. We recently reviewed the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon trail shoe, and were disappointed with its performance in wet, muddy conditions. You won’t find that problem with the Neo Trail (or its little brother, the Breatho Trail – which features the same sole).
The shoes come with a removable insole. This is a nice touch, and gives you the flexibility to play with the amount of barefoot / ground feel that you want.
The Performance
On trails, both in the dry and wet, the Neo Trail performs admirably. The shoes handle technical descents, dirt, slippery rocks etc with complete ease. The Neo Trail is also extremely durable, and you will find that you will be able to clock up some serious mileage before any notable signs of wear.
CQOTW: What type of model of Vibram FiveFingers can be used for every day use?
As with everything, this can all depend on personal preference. We all know that Vibram make some very quirky styles that are not for the faint-hearted (the Nizza!), and some outrageously bright styles (the SeeYa Day-glow); but they also make some models that are more relaxed, more socially acceptable, and less conspicuous. It is the latter that we will focus on for this week’s ‘Customer Question of the Week’.
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO
A lot of people enjoy wearing the KSO as a shoe that suits both running and lifestyle. This was one of Vibram’s earliest models and the sole is very thin, giving a great ‘barefoot’ feel.
Trek Sport is also a popular choice. The black colour-way is less conspicuous and therefore looks a little more casual than some of Vibram’s more ‘vibrant’ models (i.e. SeeYa). The Trek Sport features a more rugges sole, designed for those who enjoy getting out in the trails and/or do light trekking. Again, stock levels are poor (unless you are size UK10+) but more will arrive very soon.
The Komodo Sport is another style that looks more like an every day trainer. It features a lacing system and a sensible colour-way. This shoe is designed with the gym-goer in mind, and so the sole is not agressive at all, making it ideal for general wear.
The Vibram FiveFingers Komodo (KMD) Sport (this version is the ladies)
The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila
You may also like to consider the Bikila. Ideal for road running, for gym use, but many enjoy the Bikila as a casual trainer. The Bikila is a men’s bestseller for Feetus, and we stock this model in a variety of colours as well as Velcro and lace-up (Bikila LS) versions.
If there are any styles, colours, or sizes that we do not stock – please get in touch with us, and we’ll order them in specially for you (and offer them to you at the best possible price!)
And remember – be aware that there are counterfeit (fake) models out there. Make sure you buy genuine… Click here to see why.
Why Should I Choose the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon?
If you love Vibrams, but are looking for something more rugged, more trail-friendly, yet minimalist, the Spyridon could be the perfect shoe for you. But is the Spyridon as good as it looks? Feetus.co.uk takes these trail-suited barefoot shoes to the test and offers an unbiased review…
THE LOOKS
The Spyridon look incredible. They feature a laceless, hook and loop Velcro closure system similar to the likes of the KSO and Trek Sport. This system hugs your ankle and folds through a loop over the instep of your foot.
The upper fabric is a coconut fibre material, which is both flexible and breathable, whilst reducing odour.
The upper also features a very attractive design with a kind of semi circle pattern atop a painted material. The shoes are not waterproof or water resistant, so if you’re planning on using these FiveFingers in the rain then you’re bound to experience wet feet. Of course, for most Vibram-wearers, this is quite expected.
THE SOLE
The main reason you would buy a pair of Spyridons is for the sole. The sole is very reminiscent of a mountain bike tyre, with a knobby, ‘grippy’ tread. This tread features quadrilateral lugs that lean and face in different directions, supposedly to offer grip and aid agility when running on trails.
The shoes perform wonderfully in dry conditions. Take these out over some dusty trail or dry single-track and you will be extremely impressed. They offer a great deal of traction, cope well with quick changes of direction, and feel reliable when negotiating technical sections. Providing you are light and nimble on your feet, the sole provides adequate protection, giving you confidence to give it your all on your off-road run.
The Spyridon Sole
The performance in wetter, muddier conditions diminishes somewhat. I found the Spyridons to lack adequate grip to cope with the demands of technical trails in wet mud. Over 12-miles of the Cleveland Way on a cold, wet day, the Spyridons did not give me the confidence to attack the trails with conviction, and I found myself holding back to avoid slipping too much.
Additionally, I found that once water found its way in to the shoes, they became uncomfortable and not breathable enough.
PROs
Perform admirably in dry conditions
Perfect for trail running and
Good barefoot feel, though not as much as Vibram FiveFingers KSO
The look incredible – a great design
Good, secure fastening
Toe protection
CONs
Lack adequate grip in wet conditions
Not breathable enough in wet conditions
They run slightly small
SUITED TO
Dry trail running
Obstacle events such as Tough Mudder (the glove-like fit and Velcro fastening means you won’t lose these shoes in deep mud!)
CQOTW: Why should I fork out for a pair of Genuine Vibram FiveFingers, when I can buy a Fake pair on Ebay?
This week’s ‘Customer Question of the Week’ came from a friend, and I too remember asking myself the same question several years ago whilst contemplating my second pair of Vibrams. It can be quite easy to forget that when you buy a pair of shoes – you’re actually investing in top materials; a product of many, many hours of research; a particular (not to mention consistent) fit – and not just something that looks good.
My Bin Bag Analogy: It won’t work out cheaper
Have you ever, whilst doing you weekly grocery shop, looked at bin bags? You pick up a roll of bin bags for £1.99 and say to yourself “blimey – that’s expensive – I only need them to put the rubbish out!” then notice you can get some ‘value’ bin bags for a fraction of the price, and you get twice as many. You put the £1.99 bags back on the shelf, and throw the cheaper ones in your trolley.
Later that week, you go to empty your bin, and what happens? The bin bag splits. You have to clean up all the mess. You vow never to use the cheap bin bags again and make your way back to the shop to opt for the bin bags you should have bought in the first place. It has cost you time, hassle, and money.
Back in early 2011, I picked up a pair of (Counterfeit!) Vibram FiveFingers Bikila on Ebay for around £45. I was really sceptical and expected the worst. Then they arrived. After waiting (a few weeks!!) for the package to arrive, I opened the mailing bag and was amazed to see what looked like a perfectly genuine Vibram FiveFingers box.
I opened up the box. The Bikilas were wrapped in tissue as normal. They looked and felt exactly like a genuine pair. I was surprised. A lot of fake Vibrams I’d seen on Ebay were dreadful! I thought I’d bagged a huge bargain and couldn’t wait to go for a run.
Fake Bikilas On Test
The counterfeit Bikilas endured a 12-mile debut.
Although they seemed to fit perfectly normal, I could feel rubbing in various places. The stitching inside was clearly not Vibram-standard. And although the sole felt flexible, the shoes felt light, and they looked very smart – I didn’t enjoy running them at all. They felt awkward.
The Ugly Sister: Vibram soles should never wear out so soon. Nor should the TC1 rubber change colourWorn Out: Counterfeit Vibrams showing heavy signs of wear after just 12 miles
I returned home with sore feet. I peeled the shoes from my feet to reveal several areas of blistering, and the shoes were stained with blood from rubbing.
The biggest complaint was with the sole. Vibram make some of the best soles in the world. They are a household name, on the same level with the likes of Gore-Tex (waterproofing), YKK (zips!) and Lycra, and Vibram soles are extremely durable. This fake sole however, looked as though it had been put through a 500+ mile test! The colours had worn out and some of the midsole was very heavily worn! The shoes were absolutely useless!
I Got Lucky
Many of the fake styles available on Ebay are much, much worse. They come in unofficial colourways, some don’t look or fit anything like a genuine pair, and others don’t even arrive at your doorstep, even though you’ve paid for them!!
The Neighbour from Hell: At first glance he seems genuine, but give it a while and he’ll turn nasty!The counterfeit looks very genuine. It is difficult to spot, unless you compare with a geuine VFF side-by-side
…Now You See The Relationship between a Bin Bag and FiveFingers
It cost me much more than it should have done. I paid for a counterfeit pair, and then (rather reluctantly) had to buy another pair (this time genuine). It served me right. I learned my lesson, and I hope you learn from my mistake.
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:
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences, saves your cart and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of all the cookies. REJECT
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
