Vibram FiveFingers Black KSO Trek's
Editor’s Note: We have accepted no money for this review, nor will we ever let any financial gain influence our product reviews.
I want to reiterate the editor’s note, we don’t accept any pay for our product reviews, they are 100% honest. But it’s going to look like we accepted a huge bribe when you see how madly in love I am with the Vibram KSO Trek’s.
I got my first pair of KSO’s (original, not Trek’s) about a year ago, and I heeded the advice of some of the minimalist runner guru’s around town to take it easy and ramp up slowly. That’s not easy for someone that runs 50 mile training runs, and 100 mile races. But I did, and I’m grateful for it. Save your energy and wild enthusiasm for work, or partying at the casino or nightclub, boys and girls. Go all out the first time you wear these things and you just might regret it. Here’s my Public Service Announcement, if you buy some Vibram’s, make sure you ramp slowly. They are an injury waiting to happen if you don’t take it slow.
While trying out the KSO’s at my local REI, I was fascinated by the sensations as I walked around the store. Being REI, they let me go outside for a short jog. I could feel everything on the ground, even a small pebble. I could wrap by feet and toes around the corner of the curb, and it felt amazing. I bought them immediately.
When I got home, I went for a short walk with my son to wear them in. Despite the crazy looks from my neighbors, I was on top of the world. I felt closer to nature, which is what I love about running in the first place. When we got home, my feet were tired. My achilles felt exhausted and a little sore after only a mile. This was the same soreness I felt in my Achilles after 50 mile runs. I learned over the next few weeks that my achilles and calves were weak, despite my extreme running endurance. And I have become a totally different runner since starting to train in KSO’s for 25% of my weekly miles.
So this is a review of the KSO Trek’s, which are very similar to my classic VFF KSO’s, except with new and hugely improved traction on the sole. The original KSO’s were very smooth, and so any sharp turns on a wet road or wet trail tended to get very slippery. I even found myself slowing down on tight turns out of fear for sliding off the trail (which did happen more than once). With the new Trek’s, that problem is solved completely. I have run on wet roads, wet trails, and packed snow without problems.
Final Verdict: These minimalist shoes are totally worth the price, and the funny looks. They are a good conversation starter, great for your form, and it’s fun to feel so free!
These shoes also go great with a free pair of Injinji socks!
If you’re sold on this review, the best price you’ll find on the VFF’s is at Amazon (with freeshipping). Click here!
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I’ve had Treks since late Sept and did fall prey to not following the PSA that was mentioned above. I ran my first run of about 5 miles of local trails that are fairly rocky. I’m a VERY hard striking runner (I’m about 180lbs but run more like a clydesdale) so I was worried at first. My feet were a little tender after the run but not really a big deal. Next day I decided to run a longer run of about 8-9 miles on a more technical trail with more climb (starts with about 1000 ft vert over a .8 mile stretch). Felt OK during the run although I did have a slight pain in one achilles over the last 2 or 3 miles. Next day… I was in agony. my achilles was ripping with pain. So gotta reiterate the PSA! I love my Treks though. I haven’t run in shoes in about 4 months.
In response the their ability on technical trails I don’t see any problem with them on technical trails. I’ve found them actually better than my trail shoes actually (Brooks Cascadia which I love too but haven’t been worn in quite a while). I used to roll my ankles numerous times on a run but have found I pick lines much better, the strength of my ankles/feet has actually increased, and my feet can adjust to contours of the trail much better. It’s just a matter of running with a different mindset. I would be interested in hearing what caused the initial impression of them not working well on technical trails too. I have since purchased an additional pair of original KSOs. I wear them around town and when not running trails but I can totally see that they wouldn’t be as good on technical trails without the extra traction that the Treks provide.
Hey Chad,
What was lacking for you on the technical single track trails? I’m curious, do you have a preferred minimalist shoe for technical terrain?
I got my Treks in late October and put them thru the paces. Initially I was disappointed in how they fared under technical single-track conditions, but after a while I discovered that they are a great option for cool-weather runs and miles of asphalt.
Chad R.´s last blog ..Samuel takes his VFF Sprints on a Trail Run