Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I have five pairs of Vibram Five Fingers. One pair of brown Classics, one pair of black Flows, one pair of gray KSOs, one pair of black KSOs, and this pair of black KSO Treks. I wear this pair most often. The others are all great shoes in their own right, but I feel this is the most versatile.

If you were only going to own one pair of Vibram Five Fingers, this is the model to own. They are the most durable, the most comfortable, and offer the most support thanks to the extra tread. I have used them every time I've gone to the gym for the last several months. They are great for running in. I recommend trying them on in the store since the European sizing can be a tad tricky and you want a perfect fit for this shoe.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I have perhaps 10 pairs of shoes and boots for various outdoor conditions. Almost all of my shoes say Vibram on them. These shoes is the newest in a line of barefoot running/walking shoes. Compared to the other five finger models these are more shoe and less barefoot. (Other models are more barefoot and less shoe.) The sole is fairly thick and there is some amount of arch support. The tops are a thin leather.

So far they seem to function well. Walking around and running is a delight. I can say that this type of shoe is always going to be part of my gear going forward. The shoes offer a more natural and efficient style of walking. They do not necessarily prevent or reduce injury. (As of this date no injury studies have been done.)

Since these shoes are popular but have not caught on yet I do get a few strange looks from people. Every single one of my female friends simply comments that they look weird. All of my male friends ask how they function. If you are married your wife might now want to be seen in public while you are wearing these shoes. If you are single, wearing these shoes on a first date is a great way to stay single.

Think of these shoes like the very first iPhones. Nobody wants em, until everybody has em. This style of shoe will catch on but it will take time. If you buy them be brave, wear them in public. There are a great way to start a conversation. It really is only a matter of time before everybody starts wearing this type of shoe.

Make sure you measure your feet before ordering. These shoes do not come in a traditional size. You need to break out a ruler and get an accurate measurement of your feet. Stand up when you measure.

The sole problem (pun intended) with these shoes is that they do not breathe very well. My feet feel a little warm in these shoes just standing around.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I've owned the standard KSO' for a year and a half and have been running in them on the road and trails. The KSO trek's are by far superior for trail running. They have enough additional meat on the soles to allow a more carefree approach, or perhaps careless approach without worrying about bruising the hell out of your foot on the unseen stone or root. I've run the same 9 mile trail loop in the standard KSOs and the Treks with the difference being I could run the entire route in the Treks where in the standard KSOs I had to walk sections of large cobble/quarry spall. The other benefit is the superior traction of the treks, I've nearly ended up on my butt many times on the downhills with the standard KSOs. I still like them both, but if you can only afford one pair, go with the Treks.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I got these a few weeks back, and have been forcing myself to wear my boots every now and then so they don't get jealous. I bought the Lowa Zephyr boots a few months ago because I needed something a little more rugged than what I had, but after running through the woods everyday with boots, well my feet weren't happy with me. So I saw the kso trek's and immediately wanted them. I haven't tried any other fivefinger shoes, so I can't compare models, but these shoes are legit! Most of my activity takes place off trail, usually on deer paths and some pretty squirrely cuts, and these shoes have earned their place in the footwear hall of fame. A lot of the running I do requires jumping logs and dodging debris and obstacles, and the agility of these shoes is phenomenal. The sole doesn't allow quite the amount of toe movement I'm sure the other models do, but the treads and thickness are in this case the desired traits, so if you're looking for something with a mix of toughness and go anywhere ability, the Kso Trek are the shoe! I was amazed at how these shoes improve my feet dexterity, but the one thing I hate is having to cross pavement. This is no fault of the shoe, I just hate walking/running on road/concrete. Great Shoe!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I originally purchased vibram five fingers a few years back with there basic design on the advice from my doctor. I was having foot problems( plantar fasciitis ) and was looking in to custom insoles ( $500 + ). My doc explained that if you strengthen the muscles in your feet they will allow a proper gate when you walk and run and even just standing. Even though I have an extremely high arch I went for them. Aside from getting odd looks from people within 2 months I had 0 foot pain, 0 knee pain after running, and my balance and coordination has improved 10fold. The only issue with the older models was fixed with this model. I loved the kso but dirt would get in to the shoe and also the tread would ware quite fast and when on rocks or other smooth objects on the trail I would find myself struggling for grip. Not with these bad boys!!

I use them for kettelbell training and trail running. I have even used them up here in the snow when it was packed and they worked great!! The leather vents great and I had no issues with sweating or hot spots. The one thing I would change is after some time they start to stink. I have smelly feet due to my intense physical activities so after about 6 months or so I have found I replace the old shoe. Dryer sheets help but still they get a little gamey.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I have very flat feet and morton's toe. That is, my second toe (pointer) is longer than my first (thumb). According to the size charts, I should be wearing a 41 but trying on the Treks in 42 in a sports store confirmed that 42 was the right size. Based on how these fit, I also got regular KSOs in 42. But they DO NOT FIT! They rub on and irritate my second toe and that toe can't extend all the way. The leather of the Treks conforms to my feet instead of restricting them like the regular KSOs. I have found all the different models of VFFs fit differently. You can't buy one pair based on how another fits. You have to try them on and know your fit in a certain model before you're safe to buy it.
You really can't buy these blind unless you get several sizes and return the ones that don't fit.
Anyway, these are amazing! I have to start out really slow and run and walk on my toes and balls of my feet with these to strengthen my lower legs enough to use them normally. If you have flat feet, you can't just jump into these and take off every day unless you've already built up your lower legs. I have suffered from shin splints for years while running but I can tell these are strengthening my legs and feet as the pain I'm experiencing now is muscular soreness from working muscles I've never or rarely used before, instead of from the shock of poor foot mechanics (that were never helped despite very expensive custom orthotics). Heel striking is the devil. In my opinion it causes more problems then it ever solved.

Service and delivery comments:

Backordered and quickly dispatched once they came in

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

These are so cool, I didn't actually buy them from REI, partly because they've literally been back-ordered for years! I used to have bad kness from heel striking, that problem is gone. Im faster, quieter, more comfortable, and just plain awesome. Getting them on can be an issue your first couple times, but after that its way easy. Everybody said to take it slow, yatta yatta, etc. I wore these everyday, and my feet got all crazy kinds of strong. Good shoes. That's all i can say.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I love my Treks! I'm a completely converted disciple of the whole Five Fingers movement. I've worn one of my 4 pairs of them constantly for months and hate wearing any other shoes. Too bad there isn't an SPD compatible version for cycling.
As with all 5F's, don't expect to bomb down rocky trails, but the run up is awesome. I've done two hour runs without my feet screaming at me. My nearby trails are overgrown, so I do spend some time picking the flowers out from between my toes. These are the best shoes in the world for running in muddy and soft conditions.
I would be a little happier a size amaller than my other shoes. This just means the Vibram is correct on their size chart.
My only gripe has been that the Vibram label on the footbed is stitched on piece of fabric and can create a hotspot when running. I cut mine out and then had to shave the loose threads.
If only buying one pair of Five Fingers, these are the best.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

long story short: horrible groin pain running in running shoes, MRI done & surgeon said sports hernia and "I don't think you'll be able to run again without [major] surgery." My insurance denied surgery but approved physical therapy. PT put me on core program and suggested these crazy looking shoes. 8.5 months later I ran a half marathon, personal best, and my feet, knees, hips felt tip top. I totally forgot about groin pain - not a peep from the groin. Note that I did a very gradual build up with them.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Multisport Shoes - Men's:

These are great, light-weight, and comfortable shoes. They offer slightly better protection over the the KSOs, but because the soles are still rather thin, you will experience the hurt if you happen to step on a rock you fail to notice while out and about.

The durability of these do appear to better than the KSOs as well, and should last a bit longer if they're to be used to road runs and such.

If Vibram were to add at least some thin plates in the forefoot to better protect against stone bruising, these things would be about as close to perfect as you can get.