Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

This replaces my TrekSports for running. Sizing of KomodoSports similar to TrekSports as Bikilas of same size feel a little too snug.

What's new:
- adjustable heel strap. Heel support seems to be a little more rigid vs TrekSport. Making it too tight causes my foot to fall asleep past 5 miles so I'm not sure I find it useful in my situation.

- wider base. These feel like EEE width! This may work against me as I can feel my heel shifting at times during runs which will probably cause hotspots for 20K+ runs. Allowance for higher instep vs TrekSports and Bikilas. My left instep is higher and I notice this as snugness in the Trek and Bikilas--not so with KomodoSports. The ankle hole is much wider making it more comfortable vs Bikilas / KSOs where you have the "turtleneck" effect and it feels like it's choking the top of my feet. My big toes can breathe in these vs Bikilas where I have split the outer fabric from base due to my fatter big toes.

- actual sole padding. Description says something like 4mm of padding. You definitely feel that padding making it feel closer to closed-toe shoes vs all other VFF types. Minimalists may not like this but I feel it will be a non-issue after 100 miles of usage. May cause an issue running in muddy conditions adding water weight and a cushioned footbed for the "funk" to grow in.

- less exposed seams than Bikila/TrekSports. I was disappointed with the KSOs and Bikilas as the seam along the big toe metatarsals would cause blisters. I would also feel the seam in the big toes in both TrekSports and Bikilas models during running. So far no friction/blisters due to seams in the KomodoSports.

Some caveats:
- yellow color doesn't match promo picure. The yellow resembles more of a mustard yellow than it does in the product picture which is as bright as a lemon. Not so in real life. That made me a bit sad but they due seem to glow in the nightlight. Thankfully these have the safety reflective straps just like the Bikilas.

- durability. This applies to all VFF on road/asphalt use. My TrekSports are worn down to the "grays" on the heel and forefoot after 5 months of use. Bikilas have same wear in addition to the toe dots being worn out and I used those even less. I expect these to last about the same of at least 250 miles.

Summary: If you're a first time VFF user, then KomodoSports would be a great introduction to minimalist running with a padded sole like regular shoes and adjust heel and instep straps for those with wider feet. A great addition to current VFF users as this version is designed for cross-training (e.g. lateral movements).

Service and delivery comments:

True 2-day shipping to Hawaii. I expected a few days delay but pleasantly surprised when the order shipped out on a Wednesday and arrived on Friday. Via UPS

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

This is my fourth pair of FiveFingers and my favorite so far. I just got them yesterday and I've been wearing them for the past two days. I have a pair of Bikila, a pair of KSO Trek and a pair or KSO and these fit the best and and the most comfortable FiveFingers I've worn so far. The footbed is comfy without feeling too thick. They felt a little tight at first but once I'd had them on for a few minutes they stretched out just a little and are just about perfect.

The only thing I don't like so much is the back of the heel. The rubber outsole is cut low like on the Bikila, which on mine sometimes digs into the back of my heel. It would be better if it were a little higher like on the KSO & KSO treks. But so far the KomodoSport has not been digging in like the Bikila. I think the padding around the back of the heel is a little thicker so it may not be a problem. I definitely recommend these shoes.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I started with the KSO but predominantly run trails and ended up running tentatively due to numerous marble sized rock throughout local trails and the resulting bruising through the thin KSO soles. I progressed to the Trek Sport which has a much thicker sole. Less ground feel but much better protection than the standard KSO. I decided to try the Komodo Sport next and have to say they are the most comfortable and versatile of the VFF I've tried to date. They feel great in the gym, walking around anywhere and most importantly for me, on the trail. They do not appear to be constructed as robustly as the Trek Sport but the Vibram soles do last. I do find the ankle opening on the Komodo to be larger than either the KSO and Trek Sport. As a result, more dust, sand and other debris find their way into the foot bed. I'd like to see a tighter ankle section or adjustability option for this. If a lace up version of the Komodo were available, I would definitely explore that. I hope Vibram introduces a mid ankle height shoe option for trail runners to keep debris out. Overall, my favorite VFF. The sole offers just the right amount of protection on a broad combination of surfaces and still retains the barefoot feedback these shoes were designed to retain. Check 'em out.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I have owned and run/worked out in VFF KSOs and TrekSports for years now...that said:

-The Komodosport is VERY well built. The design and build quality is excellent. The only issues for me are the ankle opening is too big and it feels just a tad too wide. Those with slightly narrow feet or a less than medium arch will probably have similar issues. I cannot go down a size though because lengthwise I am just right. The heel strap is nice to snug some lengthwise but does not help snug the heel width wise. While my KSOs and Treks fit snug all the way around, it does bother me to feel loose around the ankle opening and heel. The ankle opening is considerably larger on the Komodos than either my KSOs or Treks as Im sure they intended for those with wider feet or higher instep.

-They are well suited for crosstraining (Crossfit) style activity. They absorbs impact well (ex: box jumps) and feel more laterally stable when doing power-lifts or squats or sprints.

-They will NOT replace a pair of KSOs or Trek for THEIR intended uses. You definitely lose ground feel with the extra padding and I certainly prefer my KSOs for leisure or treadmill, etc. They are not built for trails and although they offer great support for rough surfaces, do not grip like the Treks or feel as home on rugged trails.

-If you Crossift (glad to see a lot of reviewers do!) then these are AWESOME! If you are looking for a VFF to transition to BF running or minimalist style then these are a GREAT option.

-They get a 4/5 for fit issues but otherwise being exactly what they intended to be!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

After having KSO's fro a few months, I love these shoes for indoor volleyball and basketball. I prefer my KSO's for trail running, climbing, etc, but I needed VFF's for indoor sports and these work amazing. They are very comfortable (especially between the toes) and the design on the bottom helps grip the court without compromising ground feel. Great vibrams!

Service and delivery comments:

Even after some delays with weather in the north-east I got them in 2 days

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

For martial arts and dog walks on very rocky terrain they're perfect. I've worn them in mid 30 degree weather and surprisingly they're quite warm. I actually forget I have them on after a bit. Being raised in Florida where I grew up running around barefoot they are the next best thing and keep my feet splinter free.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

Sizing is very important for all Vibrams. Bought two pairs from REI since I'm always right between sizes, and went with the one that fit the best. Compared to other Vibrams, lateral movement is actually possible with these due to the new sole. Doing line sprints with Vibrams used to be impossible.

Usually you'd slip around or your Vibrams would slip when you put your foot down and try to push off sideways. Not with these. So it's great with most Crossfit activities.

I still recommend getting socks for these as hot spots and blisters will be a common occurrence until your feet toughen up and get used to it.

Overall, if you get the correct size and start slowly at first then work yourself up; you'll be fine with these! Stylish enough to wear everyday as well! More you use them, the better you'll be off.

Service and delivery comments:

Arrived in perfect condition by USPS pretty quickly. Asking questions about returns on the pair that was too big was easy and painless. Still cannot believe REI's awesome return policy. It is just too good to be true that I almost don't want to believe it.

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

I have owned three pairs of Vibrams (KSO, Sprint, Trek), by far these are the most comfortable ones they have came out with. The material, sole, insert... everything is top notch and extremely comfortable!

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

Love the Komodosports. They are very comfortable. Lets start with the basics

Sizing:
I wear a 10.5 in most standard shoes. In my VFF Classics, I wear a 43 and they fit perfect. I have a low arch, so my foot is a bit wider than average. I ordered 3 sizes because I knew the Komodo's likely fit different (41, 42, 43). My guess was right, i thought the 42s would be best and they were. The 41s fit me, but were a bit tight and could not be used with socks. The 43s werent bad and i was contemplating, but felt they would stretch and get sloppy. Just as Goldilocks had to try all 3, I finally came to the consensus the 42s were just right, both with and without socks.

I did a 6 mile city run last week and they were awesome. Super light and comfortable, I had so much fun running in these. It was raining pretty hard, and my feet stayed pretty drive. The bottom soles are completely sealed off, but between the toes there is no rubber. Thus, if you dont run in puddles, your feet will stay dry. But if you stepped in a puddle, ran through muddy/wet grass, or the water on the trail/streets is over an inch high, these shoes will not stay dry.

That was the only con, but the trade off would have been a much hotter, less ventilated VFF. So my feeling is the design is NOT flawed, its just not meant to be 100% waterproof for running in the rain.

Overall, i really like the design and comfort. Havent ran more than 20 miles in them yet, so while they seem durable and i marked "durable", its based on observations and limited use. I love these

Comments about Vibram FiveFingers KomodoSport Multisport Shoes - Men's:

Like most people, I learned to walk at a pretty young age. I didn't learn to run however, until age 36.

I had resigned myself to the belief that I wasn't "built to run" until these shoes made me realize I was running improperly all along. Since I've changed my stride I have enjoyed running longer, and have been injury free, longer than ever before. I feel great after a run where before I needed ice packs on my knees. Once you acclimate to these shoes it's one of those forehead smacking moments, like why didn't I do this sooner?!?!

Buy these shoes.