serious running: trail running, races, shoe reviews
 

Men’s Vibram Five Fingers Minimalist Running Shoes

posted by Chris Barber

I went to Outdoor Retailer a couple of weeks ago and checked out the Vibram Five Fingers booth.  Although they didn’t allow me to take any pictures (must be some top secret technology they’ve developed) I was able to get the run down of their new FiveFingers minimalist running shoes and some more information on their older models too.  Check them out:

New Men’s Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS (MSRP $100.00) Following in the footsteps of the original Vibram FiveFingers Bikila, the new Bikila LS offers a closed speed lace system to accommodate a wider foot or higher instep.  It shares the same revolutionary platform as the Bikila, featuring a Dri-Lex covered 3mm polyurethane insole (thickest under the ball) and a 4 mm anatomical pod outsole design.  This combination provides superior plating protection and distributes forefoot impact without compromising essential ground feedback.  The Bikila LS upper is constructed of Coconut Active Carbon for natural breathability.  An athletic padded collar and topline, 3M reflective surfaces, and abrasion resistant PU toe protection add to Bikila LS road worthy design.  The defining feature of the Bikila LS is its closed quick lace system assuring a custom fit for a wider range of foot type.  These shoes are made for running and fitness.

vibram-fivefingers-mens-treksportMen’s Vibram FiveFingers TrekSport($99.95) Building on the success and versatility of the KSO and KSO Trek, Vibram FiveFingers presents the TreakSport.  The TrekSport offers a 4mm EVA midsole for plating protection and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram performance rubber outsole for added traction on a variety of surfaces.  The Coconut Active Carbon upper offers natural breathability and abrasion resistance for maximum performance during your outdoor and athletic pursuits.  These are shoes are made for light trekking, climbing/bouldering, running, and fitness.

Men’s Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek($125.00) The Men’s KSO Trek is a more rugged version of our popular KSO.  The vibram-fivefingers-mens-kso-trekkangaroo leather upper and sock liner are soft against the foot, yet strong and tear resistant, with outstanding breathability.  A 4 mm EVA midsole offers plating protection from stone bruising, and a lightly cleated 4mm Vibram performance rubber outsole delivers improved traction on trails and over more rugged terrain.  The Vibrams are good for light trekking, climbing/bouldering, running, and fitness.

vibram-fivefingers-mens-flowMen’s Vibram FiveFingers Flow($90.00) The FiveFingers Flow was specifically designed for use in water or in cooler temperatures.  A 2mm Neoprene upper and EVA footbed provide thermal insulation and protection.  The outsole features razor siped IdroGrip performance rubber for added slip resistance over a variety of surfaces.  While more slip resistant, the IdroGrip rubber is a marking compound.  These are good for light trekking, climbing/bouldering, running, and water sports.

Men’s Vibram FiveFingers Classicvibram-fivefingers-mens-classic($75.00) From day one the FiveFingers Classic has drawn the attention and praise of the press and active barefoot enthusiasts alike.  Available for men and women, our original FiveFingers design takes a more casual and minimalist approach to barefooting.  The upper features a thin stretch nylon fabric that fits low on the foot.  Our non-marking 3.5mm Vibram TC1 performance rubber soles are razor-siped for improved flexibly and slip resistance over a variety of terrain.  These are good for barefoot runners, fitness, yoga and pilates.

Check out more Vibram FiveFingers Men’s Styles.

Or check out some of the Women’s Vibram FiveFingers.

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Comments

  1. […] Click here for more Vibram FiveFingers Men’s styles. […]

  2. Kenley Jones says:

    Chris, thanks for sharing the reviews. I have a friend that bought a pair and he says that with just 20 or so miles into the ordeal, his feet have really strengthened up. His regular running in shoes has improved quite a bit. I am thinking about running barefoot next spring, but have not 100% committed myself to the idea. Have you ever ran barefoot or in minimalistic type shoes? What do you have to say about it? I was listening to a weekly podcast (marathontalk.com) and on Episode 28 (http://www.marathontalk.com/archive/2010/7/21/episode-28-barefoot-ted.html) Barefoot Ted explains (in his own terms) about running barefoot. He also states that if it’s not broke, don’t fix it. If you do not currently listen to marathontalk.com, give it a whirl. Great stuff man. Take care, and as always, thanks for the fabulous posts.

    1. Chris Barber says:

      Hey Kenley,

      I’ve actually just begun running in minimalist running shoes. I have never run barefoot before. I injured my knees about a year ago (along with 3 years of slow deterioration jumping out of planes in the 82nd Airborne) and after X-rays, MRIs, physical therapy and everything else I still was not able to run any substantial distance without having severe pain, so I have begun making the transition to minimalist running. So far my favorite minimalist running shoe is the New Balance 101s. I have been able to run more, but still have a little pain; however, I feel ever day the pain being less and less. I think this is due to my form and technique improving. My verdict is still out though if minimalist running is worth all of the current hype. The theory that humans were made to run this way and that they have evolved because of running shoes cushioning position does make logical sense to me though.

      I’ll have to check that podcast out. I agree with Barefoot Ted, if it aint broke, don’t fix it. He’s a great guy who was barefoot running before it was cool. Definitely and expert on the subject.