kso trek

Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Review

In my original Vibram FiveFingers review last summer, I described the revolutionary product as a disruptive innovator for the manner in which it completely changed the market in ways that mainstream footwear companies never anticipated. Since that time, Vibram’s popularity has soared, and the shoe industry is still scrambling - sometimes thoughtfully, other times rather hysterically - to figure out how to respond.

And while their increasing appeal guarantees that Vibram won’t take anyone by surprise anymore, they continue to take the “innovator” label very seriously: between fall 2009 and fall 2010, they will have introduced no fewer than four new models to their product line, effectively doubling their previous lineup. Many of the tweaks and upgrades are driven by user feedback; since the activity profile of FiveFingers (typically abbreviated VFF) users is incredibly diverse, the company invites and embraces customer feedback about new applications and ideas for improvement. It was in just such a manner that the KSO Trek was born.

FiveFingers KSO Trek

In a nutshell, the KSO Trek is a more rugged version of the popular KSO model that I’ve reviewed previously. The KSO had become the de facto model of choice for trail runners – including myself – because to that point it was the most durable model Vibram had to offer. High mileage trail runners experienced some issues with durability of the uppers and traction of the outsole (this was the primary drawback I experienced), and Vibram has addressed both of those concerns quite effectively with the Trek, which is now identified on the company website as the designated model for trail runners. The updates are fairly dramatic, and easily apparent. They’ve also triggered a bit of discussion among consumers for various reasons, which will be pointed out shortly. For now, let’s get to the review - starting from the top, and working our way down. One concern identified by longtime VFF trail runners was the durability of the KSO’s mesh upper against various ground hazards. During any trail run, there’s a good chance that parts of the upper will rub against rocks, thick pine needles, fallen branches, and all manner of sticks or twigs that get jammed into the top of the foot or lodged between the toes. Some of these hazards would potentially cause punctures or loose seams with long-term use. Vibram’s solution to this concern is the use of kangaroo leather on the upper of the KSO Trek.

Plush kangaroo leather uppers

Kangaroo leather is a pretty amazing material – it’s incredibly soft and smooth to the touch, and feels like velvet against your skin. It is very thin with outstanding breathability, but is as strong and tear resistant as traditional cowhide. The specific kangaroo leather Vibram uses is called K-100, which provides excellent water resistance and a "microblok" anti-microbial treatment to help with the inevitable stench factor. However, it’s also a material choice that stirred up a bit of controversy when it was originally announced.

Although kangaroo products are a traditional commodity in the Southern Hemisphere, animal rights proponents in various locales have objected to its use over the years. As recently as 2007, it was illegal to buy or sell kangaroo products in my home state of California, but today kangaroo meat and leather goods are commonly exported all over the world. Although they’re much cuter than North American cattle, kangaroos essentially serve a similar industrial need Down Under – and in much of Australia, they are seasonally hunted like deer (because for obvious reasons, they’re harder to shoot than cattle) as a means of population control. Nevertheless, some Vibram users object to the notion of killing Kanga just to make a pair of foot coverings. Part of this probably has to do with the fact that many early Vibram adopters were the barefoot crowd - a group that has traditionally had a distinct Earth-loving tree-hugging vegan peacenik hippie element to it. (Remember this ambush interview by the Raw Food folks?) For that particular crowd, any animal products will be cause for protest – but if you’re already a meat-eater or consumer of animal products, the use of kangaroo leather shouldn’t be a moral issue for you. (Sorry for the digression. Stepping off my political soapbox now … ) The middle of the Trek features a 4mm EVA midsole, which is a full 2mm thicker than the standard KSO. It’s a tangible increase in cushioning compared to the KSO – which makes pure minimalist runners raise their eyebrows – but I didn’t notice any sacrifice in ground feel. You can still detect every bump and pebble on the trail, but your foot feels more comfortable on all types of terrain.

Rugged outsole

Underfoot, the Trek makes a significant upgrade from the KSO by using a lightly cleated 4mm performance rubber outsole for improved traction. In my KSO review, the only performance-related drawback I encountered was some slippage on steep slopes with loose gravel. I’m very happy to report that the new outsole is more than adequate to take on that kind of terrain, as well as any other trail conditions you encounter. My Treks happened to arrive right on the cusp of our rainy season, so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to get them muddy and sloppy over the past several weeks. I’ve gone up and down rocky slopes, traversed muddy single tracks, and done quite a bit of rock-hopping back and forth across stream crossings. While the knobby outsole isn’t at the caliber of the grippiest shoes I’ve ever worn (in my book, that’s still La Sportiva's Wildcat and Crosslite, with the Salomon SpeedCross2 a close second), they perform as well as the majority of dedicated trail shoes out there.

Above the clouds on top of the Salinas Valley; no trail is too difficult for Treks!

From top to bottom, the Trek is an outstanding improvement over the KSO for dedicated trail runners: it’s comfortable, durable, and rugged, and built to handle any type of terrain. Best of all, despite all the augmentations to the shoe, somehow Vibram managed to keep the weight the same; the Treks weigh 5.7 oz each, identical to the original KSOs. The only thing that’s heavier about this model is the price. This has been another source of discussion among VFF users: the retail price of $125, which is a significant increase from the $85 KSOs. Most of the inflation is attributable to the upper - apparently high-performance kangaroo leather doesn’t come cheap – and like all VFFs, there’s no “500 mile rule” for midsole breakdown, so the $125 you spend for Treks should last you much longer than the same amount for a pair of traditional trainers. But justified as the price point may be, it might be hard for some folks to embrace the benefits of “barefoot” wear that costs more than most bulky or high-tech performance shoes. Consequently, the decision to go with the Treks over standard KSOs should boil down to your intended use. If you want something to use equally on roads and trails, or if your local trails aren’t terribly technical, you can probably get by with the regular KSOs. If you’re a devoted trail runner who takes on all sorts of terrain and wants something tough enough for all conditions, the Trek is well worth the investment. From my standpoint, the Trek is absolutely ideal – it features all the improvements over the KSO that trail runners have asked for, while maintaining the lightness and ground feel of purely minimalist footwear. In fact, I’m so confident about their comfort and performance that doing an ultra in the Treks seems completely manageable. I’m hoping to build my overall mileage in them significantly over the course of the spring and summer, and I’ll keep you posted with updates as I look towards potential races in the fall.

Time to relax; Monterey Bay in far background (click to enlarge)

The Vibram FveFingers KSO Trek is available from TravelCountry.com, as well as other online vendors.

Continue reading here: Feelmax Niesa Shoe Review

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Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Review

Review of the Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek leather barefoot toe shoes for hiking and trail running. Complete with photos and discussion of design, sizing, and performance and where to buy.

• Post author By Justin
• Post date January 12, 2010
• 51 Comments on Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Review

Back in September, I first got my feet in a pair of the kangaroo leather-clad, aggressively-lugged Five Fingers KSO Trek (See me unbox the Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek here and also my first impressions after a trail run in Trek FiveFingers [initial review] here). Since then, I’ve mostly been testing them as my everyday VFFs, but I’ve also had the chance to hike and run in them.

Though I’ll go into more detail on the KSO Treks below, in short, the Treks are a compelling, ground-breaking product that take the minimalist Five Fingers foot glove model, add super-comfy, water-resistant leather (though in total the Treks aren’t waterproof), and adapt it for the type of terrain you get out in nature. Compared to standard VFFs, the Treks provide a smidge of added comfort on the trails through an ever-so-slightly thicker sole and a bit of EVA. Meanwhile, they are the most aesthetically acceptable, least freaky of the Vibram Five Fingers family. In black or brown suede-up kangaroo leather, the Treks marry form and function — they’re the most likely VFFs to go unnoticed in public while allowing you to outrun a bear in the woods — in theory and if you’re really fast, anyway*. If you want to pick up a pair, check out the Birthday Shoes Store for reputatble Online Retailers of Vibram Five Fingers!

Design and Aesthetic

Two factors stand out as distinguishing characteristics of the KSO Trek as compared to the standard KSO : the lugged sole, which includes 4mm EVA to protect against “stone-bruising,” and the use of kangaroo leather as the main material.

The sole of the KSO Trek (Image: KSO Trek sole ) has an aggressive tread that utilizes plus-shaped Vibram rubber “cleats,” is beefiest and most rugged at the midfoot, and culminates at the toes with angled, ridged toes. In my testing, this tread definitely provided improved grip on loose or muddy terrain as compared to the standard VFF sole. Razor siping simply doesn’t do much for your feet on ground that gives underneath your weight. I found the KSO Treks inspired confidence while bounding up steep grades at a local natural wooded park here in Atlanta.

That said, as ultra-runner Leif Rustvold put it , “[T]he Treks sacrifice a certain amount of the dynamic grip I’ve come to enjoy for the static grip of their increased tread.” On the flipside, Leif remarked that in the KSO Treks he was able to “bomb down a trail” similar to how he would in traditional shoes.

As with all treaded shoes, mud can gunk up the works. That said, my KSO Treks cleared mud fairly quickly as soon as they had the chance to tread on hard packed or just less muddy ground or rockbeds.

Despite the added thickness of the KSO Trek sole , there is still a remarkable amount of information transferred from the ground to the foot. It’s less than you get with KSOs, which is less than you get with Classics, but it still beats the pants off a regular shoe.

I took a few measurements at the heel, arch, and forefoot of the KSO trek and the KSO using skinfold calipers. Though I found it difficult to get consistent measurements, the chart below should give you some idea of not only the difference in thickness between KSO Trek and KSO, but also in the compressibility of the 4mm EVA midsole in the KSO Trek.

Note : I measured the heel thickness at one of the plus-sized lugs on the Treks. The forefoot thickness was measured at the row of tread behind the toes of the Treks. Similar points were measured on the standard KSOs

The lugged sole compresses comfortably on smooth surfaces (You won’t feel the cleats poking you) making the KSO Treks comfortable for use on the trail, running on asphalt, or just bounding about around town or at work. By the way, if you’re wondering, the EVA is easily discernible on the brown KSO Treks — it is that greyish material between the black Vibram sole and the leather ( Seen in profile here ).

One word of caution: the ridged toes are designed not only to snag the earth, but also to allow for upward flex of the toes. Perhaps unavoidably, this combination of grip-ability and flexibility is accomplished by way of a thin line of Vibram rubber at the base of each ridged toe that separates the toe ridges from the rest of the sole. This may be a weak point on the soles as one forum member has seen the rubber tear here (See this image from Kevin | forum discussion here ).

As far as the kangaroo leather is concerned most will find it a welcome addition to the KSO Trek line. Not only is the leather buttery smooth, feeling great on your feet (The footbed is also leather), it is water-resistant ( Not waterproof but the kangaroo leather does not hold water ), breathes better than the synthetic material found in other VFFs. It’s also intended to be durable enough to prevent snags and tears. I’ve not experienced any snags or tears nor have I seen any from users to date, so the stronger leather material does seem to make the Treks more durable for hard conditions.

It’s also been my experience with natural materials like leather that they are less likely to acquire odors. To date, my KSO Treks have not acquired the feared VFF stank.

There have been some sole-to-leather adherence issues where the soles are detaching at the edges from the leather upper. To the extent that this has happened, wearers have re-glued using Shoe Goo or some other adhesive. If I had to guess, this is probably due to the innate problems of binding unlike materials — particularly leather. I’ve seen it a bit on the heels of my Treks, but it hasn’t caused any problems. Hopefully, this issue will be addressed

From an aesthetic point of view , the KSO Treks are the most incognito FiveFingers to date. They look the most shoe-like and leather says “expensive” more than it says “weird.” Wearing the Treks around town, my VFFs tend to go unnoticed—not sure if I like that or not, but this could be welcome to many who tire of having their feet constantly stared at by strangers!

For casual style, I like the look of the KSO Treks with cargo pants (and stroller) as seen here or perched on a rock in the VFF Treks amidst a hike here. If you’re workspace is a bit more casually inclined, there are some who are sporting their Treks on the job (See Alan at work in Treks and Luis at work in Treks ).

Performance of the KSO Trek

The whole point of the KSO Trek, in addition to some stone-bruising protection, is “improved traction on trails and over more rugged terrain.” I’ve used my Treks for hiking, trail running , and everyday wear.

On the trail, the Treks deliver as far as providing added traction on mud, steep inclines, and varied terrain. I found myself bounding up steep embankments with considerably more confidence than in the laser-siped standard KSO FiveFingers. I also noticed a bit less poking and prodding from random ground protrusions thanks to the compression and cushioning, as minor as it may be, from the EVA.

Again, the KSO Trek is not waterproof and water will seep into the toe pockets at the seams and through the synthetic material on the sidewalls of each toe. Even still, the additional ground clearance you get with the Treks combined with the overall use of the amazingly water-resistant leather combines for a less soaked VFF when crossing the odd creekbed.

A few VFFers have already put their Treks to somewhat extreme tests on the trail and/or road and their experiences have been overwhelmingly positive:

• Barefoot Ted ran the Leadville 100 ultramarathon in KSO Treks
• Leif Rustvold ran a 100 mile ultramarathon in his FiveFinger Treks
• Juergs ran a 50K in his KSO Treks — Also, see Juergs’ training notes
• Chad ran a marathon in KSO Treks — see Chad’s initial thoughts

All in all, I’ve yet to find someone who wasn’t satisfied with the performance of their KSO Treks.

Overall thoughts on the KSO Trek

At $125 MSRP in the U.S., the KSO Trek is not cheap, unfortunately, but if you’re savvy, you should be able to find a pair on sale from a local retailer or on the internet (So keep your eyes open and shop around!).

Sizing and other considerations, including KSO Treks for Women and Small-footed men

The KSO Trek sizes the same as the standard KSO with one caveat. I’m a size 43 in KSOs and I find my size 43 KSO Treks to fit exactly the same—except they are a bit more snug on the top. Unlike the KSO’s stretchy synthetic fabric and mesh-upper , the KSO Trek upper is less-stretchy leather. In order for the KSO Treks to accommodate different insteps, the Trek stretches by way of slits in the leather which are bound together with stretchy synthetic material (Described as the “ sock liner ,” see this photo and note the lines going away from the ankle — those are the slits).

On socks: many have asked if you need to size up for socks. Like most VFFs, sizing up to accommodate socks is unnecessary — exceptions being if your VFFs are already very snug (toes right up close to the end of the pocket), socks may be the “last straw” that make your feet too big. If this is you, it’s highly recommended you try on a pair in person first to figure out sizing!

Overall, the KSO Treks are more snug on top of the foot compared to the standard KSO. This may be a concern for you if you have KSOs or Sprints and already know you have a high instep, typically denoted by how far the strap crosses back over the top of your foot. Forum member desaulniers covered this in a helpful video comparison of the KSO Trek with the KSO .

As of the date of this review, the Five Fingers KSO Trek is only available in men’s sizes from 40 – 47. Thankfully, Vibram will be releasing the KSO Trek in late spring 2010 in women’s sizes and additionally in size 38 and 39 for men (see the KSO Trek for women announcement discussion here).

Expanded sizes for men and women’s KSO Treks are now available!

Note on the cargo pants pictured in this review: Those cargo pants I’m wearing have a drawstring at the hem, so you can tie them up so they don’t drag with your VFFs. They’re great for hiking and pretty stylish, too! You can pick them up via Amazon (that’s where I got mine). Sizing is a bit tricky — I’m a 32×32 and wear a medium (I’ve gotten a lot of requests about where I got these pants, so that’s why I’m mentioning it!).

Additional reading:

• Unboxing the KSO Trek (Video), initial thoughts, and photos
• First trail run in the Five Fingers KSO Treks
• BirthdayShoes Forum discussion of the KSO Trek
• Find a KSO Trek Online Retailer at the Store

If you have any questions about the Five Fingers KSO Trek, or would like me to go into further depth on a particular part of this review, please leave feedback below.

* Do not take my advice as far as what to do when approached by a bear.

Disclaimer: CitySports is an online retailer that supports BirthdayShoes by way of affiliate links. Any purchases you make through CitySports links will go to supporting this VFF fan community!

See our post on “ Barefoot Running Shoes ” to see where KSO Treks fall on our Barefoot Running Shoes Continuum.

• Tags review , Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek [Barefoot] Toe Shoes

Justin Owings is a deadlifting dad of three, working from Atlanta. When he's not chasing his three kids around, you'll find him trying to understand systems, risk, and human behavior.

51 replies on “Vibram Five Fingers KSO Trek Review”

I have gotten the comment that my black treks look like gorilla feet, which is funny and kind of true. Although i agree that they are the most dressy and least flashy VFFs. I LOVE THEM

Great update/review as always Justin! My 2 cents on the Treks. Last weekend i finally used to hike the Manitou Incline in Colorado (typically wear Flows), It was 40 at the base and below freezing at the top. Snow pack in places, mostly at the top. These VFFs surprised me. I knew they would have great traction, but thought i would have a slip here and there. i never slipped on the packed snow or on the icy spots. After about 45min i could feel the toes getting cold, at the top my toes were cold but not bad. On the decent my feet and toes warmed up. BTW I love leaving VFF footprints on the trails.

Great review, Justin. I would like to add that the Treks are considerably warmer than the KSOs and make for good winter wear, either running or just kicking around. I’ve noticed that they don’t pick up the funky smell as readily as the other VFFs, due in part to the leather upper and the increased wearing of Injinji socks during winter. I’ve washed mine a half dozen times (air dry only) without problems.

Thanks for the review. I still don’t know if I would pay more for the Treks to give up any of the sensitivity that I get with the KSOs. It may not be a huge difference though, as you say, and would definitely like to feel more secure when jumping on a wet rock compared to my KSOs, which become much more slippery on wet objects. BTW, not to nitpick, but I think the term is “razor siping” (as opposed to “laser siping”) as described by Vibram here: http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/products_KSO_m.cfm

Great point Chad — they definitely feel warmer than standard KSOs. May update the review to include that!

You are correct and I appreciate the nitpick. Not sure how I got lasers on the brain. Corrected thanks to you.

Awesome! Finally got mine off backorder today!

http://twitpic.com/y4kh3

I literally fell upon these while looking for a calculator for big fingers on line last week, after many hours of reaading and watching youtube videos i have decided to purchase a pair of VFF KSO Trek’s. I purchased them from the Kayak Shed in Oregon and they are being shipped to New Brunswick Canada, on the East Coast!!

All I can say is I cant wait!!!!

Wow, I had no idea there was a trek version (which I would have gotten) better suited to my life. KSO’s are a bit slick for my haunts (Alaska and Big Island Hawaii) which have a LOT of mud. Many, just when I think I have the right shoes! When I went to VFF site in August to read and find a place to purchase, there was no mention of the “trek”. Thanks for posting. Now I have to spend another $100!!

Great review. was just wondering how they would with water? Im right on the beach so if i was in the water how would they hold up and dry afterwards?

They’d probably do fine but I would be marginally concerned that salt water might degrade the leather over time. I wonder if regular KSOs wouldn’t be a better choice for that application:

https://birthdayshoes.com/review-of-vibram-five-fingers-kso-keep-stuff-out

Greg and Justin, I can tell you they smell like dead fish the next day. I soaked them in 60%vinegar for a day and washed them. They were good as new (smell that is).

I have already owned a pair of trek. I am running the Marathon des Sables in early April this year.

The question is: for those who have run in desert conditions before, can KSO trek handle the rocky terrain on this kind of course?

I just picked up a pair of Black KSO’s and love them! I tried on two other styles but came to the KSO and there was no turning back. The only thing I want now is another pair.

i already own a pair of the kso and there is a place that is thinner on the right foot close to the toes.. is there patches or replacement warranty but the trek looks to be thicker on the bottom so maybe they might last longer.

How do you think the KSO Treks would fare in a mud run?

i have a pair of kso’s but i am considering the treks, i just want some feed back on wich ones you like better

I like the KSO Treks better for trail running and for nicer wear (they just look NICE). The KSOs are great for more ground feel/everyday casual wear. I’d probably go with KSOs for asphalt running over Treks, too, as they afford more ground feel. Even better, go with Sprints.

Also check the definitive guide to KSO Five Fingers .

Hey Justin,

I’ve been looking into getting a pair of VFFs and seeing as how your detailed reviews and videos have helped quite a bit I figured I’d come to you to help in final decision making. Ok, so I, as a college student, don’t have much to spend, so multiple models of VFFs are out of the question. If I had to purchase ONE pair of VFFs, would you recommend the Treks? I want the VFF model that is the most versatile as far as activities go (outdoorsy as well as casual out and about), the most durable, but still has that “barefoot” feel. I am worried that due to the thicker sole I would be compromising in this last area. Anywho I want to make a decision soon because I have the opportunity of getting the Treks for $100 instead of $125. What is your opinion?

It’s a really tough call. Trek hands down wins out for:

– style – durability – traction on rough terrain

You definitely lose some of that barefoot feel though and for barefoot-feel comfort, I’d go with Classics (or even Sprints worn loosely). If your decision is between KSO and KSO Trek, I’d probably go Trek.

Sorry it’s not more clearcut — you ultimately can’t go wrong though!

Has anyone successfully bought these shoes off the vibramfivefingers.com website after April 5th?

I tried buying a pair on April 5th and saw their sign talking about “[increasing] our online transaction security”. My card got declined – I checked with the card issuer and made sure all the details were okay. Then I tried a bunch more times and my card got declined each time. And then I found from the card issuer that they were posting charges on my card anyway! 13 charges, to be exact…!

I emailed them at [email protected] on April 5th and still haven’t gotten a reply or even an acknowledgment of my email. I tried buying them again today (April 20th), but I have the exact same problem, so nothing has been fixed.

I’m using a US dollar VISA card from Canada, but I’ve made those kinds of purchases before, i.e. at Amazon.

Anyone else experiencing something similar?

Normally, I would have already decided not to give VFF a single cent of my money, but yea.. I need to find some other company that makes “barefoot running” shoes and support them instead.

I have to say though – this is the worst experience I have ever had with an online retailer, by far.

Hey everyone, I gotta say I’ve been pumped for quite some time to buy a pair of vibrams. Everytime I go to purchase them I get a little nervous though, as I don’t want to make the wrong decision. The treks are by far my top choice, but I was wondering if anyone could help me with the info/review for their ability in the water. I don’t plan on diving in them, but I don’t want to have to take them off if I cut/swim through a river/lake, if anyone can give some info it would help out extremely. Thanks.

I’m excited to see that the women’s models are now available! YAY! My only issue is the kangaroo leather. Does anyone else feel guilty wearing it?! Maybe I’m a hippocrite, because cow leather doesn’t bother me – I figure, there are enough cows being eaten that the leather is just a byproduct. But kangaroos? Are they being killed just to make my vibrams? Maybe I’m just being a tree-hugger, but I really wish they would use a synthetic leather on these shoes!

Kangaroo in Australia is analogous to cattle in the U.S. — they actually kill kangaroos in Australia for the meat! Seriously.

I bought my KSO’s after injuring my back doing SAR jumps in the san diego bay, and I can honestly say that they relieved a lot of the pain that I was feeling from compressing my spine at T-4,T-5, and T-6. I have since then logged a couple of hundred miles of hiking, running, and quite a few hours of crossfit/sealfit on them.

I’ve been wearing them on non-skid on the ship that i’m deployed on right now for the past 3 months, and they still look like brand new. So far they’ve explored california, hawaii, brunei, thailand, indonesia, malaysia, and singapore.

I can’t wait to get back and buy a pair of trek’s for hunting, hiking.

I guess the only “bad” thing that I have to say about my KSO’s is that they make me want to act like a complete hooligan when I wear them. Climbing and jumping on top of everything I can find lol.

Very nice detailed review!

I actually just finished hiking with my regular VFF KSOs and there were areas with a lot of rocks where I wish the rubber soles of the KSOs were a little thicker as I stepped on some that hurt a bit (especially when going downhill, I had to take it slowly).

I saw something about the Trek version before I bought my KSOs and thought about Treks as I was hiking and wondering whether this would give better protection for rocky terrains and your review confirmed it.

It looks I’ll be getting a pair of Treks very soon as I’m planning on hiking almost every weekend! Thanks for sharing!

Chad, I agree, wearing these shoes are so much fun that it makes you want to just jump and climb on things (I was actually doing this earlier today whenever I see big rocks)!

I’ve been seriously considering buying these, but its the water issue that concerns me. I live in the Pacific Northwest and the trails here aren’t exactly dry any time of the year but now. I want to be able to wear my VFF’s year round, and can’t decide whether the KSO or the KSO Trek would be a better decision for me. The trails I tend to be on aren’t too difficult, but during the winter, there are some hills where the extra traction might be nice. At the same time, it would be more damp and muddy, making the KSO’s slightly more desirable due to them being easier to clean and maintain.

Any thoughts/suggestions? I can’t decide!

Too bad I didn’t happen to see this two days ago when I ended up buying my KSO’s from whole earth provisions. I did mention for the most rugged VFF from the clerk, but they didn’t have any bigger sizes in the trek, which I thought was just the same as the KSO, but with leather material instead of the stretchy other).

Bought the KSO’s, and played Disc Golf in a pretty rugged course. Ended up raining early on, everything was fine until a little jog on one of the transition trails and slipped on a log step. That hurt a lot. So I came online today to complain, but now I found out I didn’t pick the right one. Looks like I’m potentially 80 bucks down the whole, with a pair of “shoes” that can’t cut it for it’s original purpose. Trying to think positive. I LOVE my KSO’s…but the thought of treks instead keeps worming it’s way into my head.

Justin, I’m debating between the KSO Treks and the new Bikilas. I have some KSOs and have used them for trail running and street running. I have hit some rocks/sticks on the trail, and bruised my foot. And my feet just seem to get tired after a mile or so on the streets.

I primarily run on the streets.

Which shoe has a thicker, more padded sole — the Trek or the Bikila?

Which would you recommend for street running?

— Mark

I’m looking to get my first fivefingers, and just can’t decide between these or the regular KSOs. I like these because of the extra protection and leather exterior, but not sure if they are too thick soled to really give the barefoot experience..I live in a coldish climate and while do don’t do any trekking, I am planning to start. I would mainly be wearing them around a city though (lots of broken glass..). I’m also wondering if injinji socks will fit alright in the treks at my size, or if I need to go a size up…

I had a feeling that kangaroos were Australia’s equivalent to America’s cattle. Somehow I expect the treatment is less cruel towards the kangaroo than our disgusting cow factories. At least more of the animal is being used, the portion turned into leather might otherwise go to waste.

Re. Trail running, be more watchful silly! I’m just teasing, I prefer trails over street to avoid that horrid pounding on the pavement.

Is it ok to run on asphalt or cement with the treks?

Sure you can — might not get as much life out of the tread, but it’s doable (and many people do).

Okay, here is my deal. I have a pair of Sprints and just got a pair of Flows. The Flows were way too small and I have to return them(got them online). Now I am debating on upgrading to the Treks. I got the Flows b/c it’s getting cold and the Sprints are in no way warm, especially when walking on cold ground. Every time I put on regular shoes my knees hurt but, I stand all day at work. The sprints are awesome but a little harsh on hard man made floors. So, I am wondering if I should go ahead and get the Treks since I would like to trail run in harsh conditions and have a little more padding on the hard floors. How do the Treks compare to the Flows as far as warmth? Am I just whining about the hard floor thing? I just feel like we were never meant to stand on these floors all day so, pure barefooting could be compromised a little. hope people are still reading this. I need to return these things soon. Thanks

I just finished an ultramarathon in the rugged hills of Hong Kong on a very cold and blustery day. 100km in Vibram Five Fingers KSOTrek. Check out my website for the race report.

I recently had to toss my kso treks because the leather separated from the soles. Where can I find that shoe goo to glue them back together?

I’d like to ask for your advice 🙂 I’m about to buy my 1st pair of VFF and I can’t make out which one is best for the Dutch weather. We get lots of rain here, so I’d like to know which VFF would you recommend, aside the Flow model.

In your opinion, are there any other types of VFFs that can keep my feet dry?(am mostly interested about the fabric in between the toes, is it rain proof or not)

The rain amount is not rainforest insane, but enough to pierce through fabric.

What is WRONG with you people?!?! Do you not know that baby joeys (roo babies) are picked up daily as orphans in Australia due to the practice of shooting mothers in the wild to sell their skins to companies like Vibram?? Even mature Joeys cannot survive on their own and are left to starve or die from the elements alone without their mother!!!! Hunters shoot mothers in the neck (a very slow, painful death) and stomp on the Joeys head. HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR SHOES THAT MUCH SENSELESS PEOPLE!!!! There is an alternative, demand they are caught and killed in a different way and NOT babies or their mothers!!!

I did not know this about kangaroos.

I won’t buy the kangaroo now.

Now please stop yelling and assuming everyone knows about this.

So I was asking some of my friends about the use of kangaroo leather in these shoes, and they were kind of disgusted. So my question is: does anyone know if the animal is used for something else when used for the VFF trek.

Justin, Do you know if there would be a way to buy some of the top strap material from Vibram? I would like to make a cover for the exposed velcro that my uberwide feet leave (1.5″L, 2″R), and I want it to match as close as possible to the KSO Trek brown leather as possible. Might be a cottage industry there, making some mods with factory materials…

Thanks for your site!

I have tried on size 43 as well as size 44 KSO Treks, and don’t know what is better. The 43s have my big toe right up against the tip of the shoe, but don’t hurt–and the rest of the shoe fits like a glove and comfortable. The 44s allow my big toe just the right amount of space before it touches the end of the shoe, but the rest of the shoe is loose around the rest of my foot and requires me to cinch up the velcroe strap quite a bit. The 43s seem better due to the snug fit, but, if I go running will that bother my big toe? Also, will the leather shrink a bit and tighten up even more on my big toe, after it gets wet and dries?? I would appreciate any advice on your experiences actually using the shoes in wet situations before deciding on these spendy shoes!

thanks, Jareb

Hi, I wonder Is it necessary to wear sock with VFF???

Hi there! I am wondering if anyone has done “waterproofing” on their KSO Treks. I am getting a pair for hiking which involves crossing a creek every now and then. I just wanna keep my feet dry. Thanks.

While these are undoubtedly my favorite hiking shoes, and are also quite comfortable to wear around town, the author isn’t kidding when he said these aren’t waterproof. The mesh between your toes makes no effort to shed any water what so ever, forget early morning runs through a grass field, the dew alone will soak your toes. That being said, the kangaroo leather used is fantastically water resistant, and has kept my “heels” very dry. I recall a night I spent up in Syracuse, NY with my significant other. We had decided to walk down the street and check out a local Mexican restaurant. On the way I managed to step in a puddle no deeper than the width of my pinky finger, and I spent the rest of the night with cold damp toes. However, once the shoes are off, they do dry within an hour or so.

Wet toes aside, these shoes are fantastic; the black ones (I don’t own the brown ones so I can’t say) look great with cargo pants and a button down shirt, and very few people notice them, though when my supervisor did, she encouraged me to wear them more often 😛 They’re super comfortable on trails and the ability to grip the ground with your toes is simply invaluable. Though if you like to jump across streams rock to rock, watch your heels, I managed to bruise my heel last week doing just this.

I got some KSO Trek’s (black) 2 weeks ago and have worn them every day (with socks, since it’s winter here) and apart from some initial calf muscle soreness they’ve been great!

Lots of questions from people in the lift and around work. (We have a casual dress code, yay)

I’ve used some leather waterproofer and it’s seemed to work OK so far, though I havn’t stepped into any big puddles!

Lovin this barefoot lifestyle after 69 years of being shod. Use Inov8’s at work, Stem’s for dress, and VFF’s for speedwalking. I have been using Bikilas for about six months, and I still bruise really easily. Just finished a half marathon that had a mile of killer stones. I want a thicker sole, and it appears the KSO Trek is the best. Agreed? Dale, in Seattle.

Just wanted to raise a bit of awareness on the durability of these shoes, just got a second pair after 2 months on the first not running too much in them. Here’s the comparison in photo form. http://imgur.com/a/kFmWE/embed#0 Note the upper tread bar and the crosses I would almost go as far to say it seems like these shoes are good for one run than toss em. Other than that they’ve been great to run in :). (Not on concrete, that hurts and I can’t think of a faster way to get stress fractures)

As for wear, I’m still wearing my first pair of KSO Treks purchased 2 yrs ago. I’ve had to repair a big toe that ripped out (my fault) with Shoe Goo. I wear them frequently for walking and hiking on pavement and trails. I have purchased 2 additional pairs and warehousing them until the first pair is retired. Just got back from a 10 day trip in Italy where I probably spent 10 hrs daily on pavement and stone streets. I wore only KSO Treks and KSOs–my all time favorite shoes when dress code allows.

so i’m just trying to figure out how to clean these shoes properly as i’ve had them a while and i hear you can just throw vibrams in the washer or wash them in the shower but the leather makes me worried that i’m going to ruin them…

I was wondering if others have done a Tough Mudder, Spartan Race or similar in KSO’s? After crawling through 1/4 mile of mud (and since I live in Colorado, rocks as well) I found I had a lot of gravel in my KSO’s. I’m sure others had rocks in their shoes as well, but “normal” shoes are easy to take off, clean out, then put back on. Is there any method people have used to keep debris out of their KSO’s? I was thinking of an ankle-heel wrap, but then I’m running with an ACE bandage on the outside of my shoe!

Would the Vibram trek be ok for weight training? I’m a fan of the look or lack there of

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Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek

Having gotten on board the Vibram Five-Fingers train very much at the beginning, I have nearly two years' experience walking and running in Five-Fingers. And must say that they are unequivocally my favourite running shoes of all time.

It certainly took a little time to get used to (muscle ache in my calves like nobody's business at first) and it required changing my stride pattern, but this all benefited my running significantly: I have considerably less knee and back aches than previously, and haven't sprained an ankle since I began using them. Prior to this, I was spraining or twisting an ankle about once every six months.

The Vibram Five-Fingers provide super ground-feel, and excellent protection against sharp objects. They don't protect you entirely from bigger objects that can (painfully) bruise the bottoms of your feet, but this is a self-limiting and self-educating process - the more you run in them, the harder your feet get, and the more careful/aware you are of where you place your feet.

I run a combination of heel and toe landing, with forefoot running accounting for about 70% of the total. The heel running is reserved for long flats or soft ground - and is still a bit different from running in cushioned running shoes.

The KSO offers minimalist protection but also minimalist weight. They are exceptionally well made, and the newer models have resolved several of the issues that plagued initial models - among others the abrasion on the tops of the toes (from scuffing or scraping as well as from friction) and the smellyness issue.

All V5F can be machine washed, but I try not to do it too often. That being said, my 2nd pair of KSOs have now got something like 20 washings behind them, and they're holding up brilliantly. An occasional dose of Lysol or Sagrotan to keep bacteria to zero supports the shoe's naturally integrated anti-bacterial properties. It's worth drying them well (in indirect sun, even) after you run in them... this helps keep them fresh(er).

The KSOs have the added advantage that they're ideal for wet conditions - be it rain or in the water. The only caveat - when running in the rain/mud, take care on turns - they don't have any real traction, although they have plenty of grip on smooth wet surfaces. I wiped out once in a muddy patch, which didn't result in any serious injury, thankfully, but did a number on my clothes and my pride...

The KSO Trek is a wonderful shoe both for trekking/hiking and for casual wear. The kangaroo leather uppers are tough, thin and veeeeery comfortable. The ventilation-critical zones are made of a lycra-like fabric (like on the KSOs), which is comfortable in warm weather, but can get fresh in winter... I'd have wanted Vibram to make the interstices (between your toes) out of leather as well, to give them just that much more solidity/resistance.

The soles are considerably thicker than the KSO, but also have waaaay more traction - really good traction actually. For scrambling/approach climbing they are ideal. But also on regular trails, for hours at a time, they provide good protection (also from bruising, although not entirely) and excellent traction in nearly every possible condition.

I don't run in the leather ones (too expensive!) but my wife runs in her KSO Trek Sports, which are the same save for the uppers, which are mesh/fabric.

Getting the right fit is absolutely critical. I normally wear a 41-42 (that's 8-8 1/2 US size) shoe, but wear a 40 in the V5F. It's really important that you try them on and choose a close-fitting pair before you buy them! Otherwise you'll slide around and it will be uncomfortable, potentially even painful if a toe slips out of its little pocket and gets cramped on the next step...

They really should fit snugly (not bindingly tight, but snug) from (longest) toe to heel. The strap is uncritical, as you can shorten it, and I can't imagine any foot that would need to lengthen it!

Getting into a pair of V5F is a learning process - I've found that sliding my foot in half-way, then putting the shoe on the ground, and with a little pressure/weight on the foot, sliding it forward is the most effective way. You also learn to spread your toes a bit... Then a little wiggle, and pull up the heel (the shoes have a heel-loop, which is a great help!), slide back into the heel pocket (this is why it's important that they fit snugly!) and strap'em tight!

All in all, the price these shoes command is well worth what you get - quality, a great fit, and a wonderful feel. And they are a great conversation starter at bus-stops, on trains, in cafés, on the street... etc. etc.

These shoes get my five stars every time.

(PS: watch out for counterfeits - they are not nearly as supple and well made, and don't fit or feel nearly as good as the originals. Pay the difference, it's worth it.)

Price Paid: $85 / $145

I purchased the Vibram FiveFingers KSO Treks a couple of months ago. I have been wearing them everyday.

First off they are very comfortable. I would go farther to say they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned. To put this claim in context, I cannot sleep with socks on. I have been able to sleep wearing the KSO treks on several occasions. I don't make a habit of sleeping with shoes on but I have been so comfortable I just fell asleep. My daughter was surprised on camping trip I slept with them on. I didn't even notice.

Rock climbing. The KSO's grip rocks very well. I think they do a better job then my old sneakers and I am a little less concerned with sand on rocks but I still take my time. I think they grip pretty well.

Dirt and the KSO's. I have really got the shoes dirty digging my jeep out of the dirt. Wet and sandy and they looked pretty bad. I let them dry out and wiped them off and they are as good as new. I still have not run them through the washing machine because so far wiping them off has done the job.

KSO do get wet from time to time. This is when they fit different. The water drains out of them pretty fast and they dry quickly, but while they do dry out you can feel you feet sloshing around in them. I tighten the straps at that time to prevent slippage of the shoe. I did get the black KSO and they dry fast in the sun.

Hiking. I have been hiking through the desert with others and they all had to empty their shoes out because of sand and rocks. I didn't as the KSO's shoe didn't let the sand and rocks in. The way the shoe fits the rocks just run off back onto the ground. Minimal sand does get in but not enough to have to empty the shoes yet.

I have not tried socks with the KSO treks yet. There are toe socks available but I have not purchased them.

I only thing that has gone wrong with the shoes is the Vibram label on the inside of each shoe has detached. It doesn't matter to me if the label comes off on the inside of the shoe but it should be noted in a review.

Color. I did get the black KSO treks. These make my feet look like a gorilla feet. I have had people look at me strange. But you should expect that from any shoes with toes. :)

Toe flex. I have had problems with my toes on my left foot after an accident involving a 747 ladder. Using regular shoes my toes would start to hurt and I could feel it after hiking a mile or so. Wearing the KSO's my toes feel a lot better the pain has gone away. I don't think I will go back to regular shoes.

I want to get a pair for my wife and I expect I will be getting another pair for me when these wear out.

Materials : "Kangaroo Leather" "4mm EVA Midsole & TC-1 Rubber" Break-in Period : 2 months "trail with heavy pack" "dayhikes" "daily wear" Weight : 13.4 oz. a pair Price Paid: $125

I love these shoes so much I now have four pair in two colors and wear them almost all the time I need to have a shoe on.

• Love the Kangaroo leather, feels great!
• Feet stay cooler
• Color is neutral so I actually can and have worn these with regular clothes
• Had one pair over a year now and holding up great!
• Initially hard getting into until they loosen up a bit.
• Velcro sometimes catches stuff.

Man these shoes have been awesome and feel like they are part of my foot. I have done a 17-mile hike in them as well as walking for four days all over San Francisco with not a problem. Seems like a lot of lower back pain I used to get and sore heals when walking with standard running shoes has been alleviated.

I also have run up to 4 miles continuously in these outside on both concrete and dirt trails, but you really need to take your time and adjust to a different running style. They also work great as an all around gym shoe and I find I can feel more movement in my foot on cross trainer machines as well as any exercise.

I love the way I can feel road texture and unevenness through the shoe which makes it easier to maneuver, especially on rocky terrain.

Seem my feet never really feel hot in these in the summer although they don’t provide any cold weather protection. 

I am surprised to see how well these are holding up over the past year. Even the tread is not excessively worn but I did initially buy a brown pair and black pair that I switched off regularly.

My first two pairs were purchased around April 2011 and still going strong, although the leather color is more varied over time. I bought a second two pair in June 2012 and comparing the old to new, the old have actually become more comfortable and I slip in them easier then the new. I am glad I bought them a little snug which initially worried me but worked out great.

I was able to get these in Brown at REI where I made my initial purchase and the salesman was extremely knowledgeable and then bought my second pair at RoadRunner Sports online in black.

Source: bought it new Price Paid: $100 plus tax

I purchased my Treks in the middle of January 2011. I bought the brown kangaroo leather Treks. My size is a 42. I started wearing them all the the time (well except at work - due to dress codes) just to break them in and see if my leg muscles would be effected (muscles never were sore or anything). I would come home after work and immediately change into the Treks. The more I wore them, the more I realized the high comfort level I had every time I was in them. 

Wearing the Treks around town and everywhere else, I would receive funny looks, double takes, and an occasional laugh. I also would be stopped by a lot of people asking me how those "toe shoes" were. That's when I would tell them about all the good qualities, comfort level, and the price that I paid ($54.95 - no tax and free shipping).

I have tried the Treks out on asphalt, dirt, sand, rivers, dry and wet rocks, and about every other possible terrain. I must say that they perform well in all areas that normal shoes would not perform in. They grip very well and have performed exceptionally beyond my original doubts.

I have not noticed any odors or foot problems, thus far. I do not wear toe socks with them and really do not have a desire to do so. I think that the Treks can perform better without the socks. They clean up and dry fast.

The only negatives that I would comment about my Treks is that the thread on my left Trek had unraveled on the edging, but still functions well. I believe that the price of the shoe for $125.00 is a bit on the high side and would be better suited at the $60.00 mark.

I would like to try out the other varieties as well, and my family is interested in purchasing a pair for themselves as well.

I absolutely love these Treks of mine, I would highly recommend everyone to purchase a pair for whatever the activity or in-activity.

Price Paid: $54.95

Let me start by saying, do not buy these until you have tried them on IN PERSON (if you're buying online). The sizing of these shoes is critical. I bought mine online and though they fit, I would have liked to try one size larger.

I followed the sizing chart as specified, and even talked to a sales rep who recommended I get a size 41. Well I went with the 42 just in case the 41 was too small and boy did I get lucky. They fit me just fine, though, I personally prefer a slightly looser fit.

The Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek shoes are marvelous. I was never too fond of the toe socks or anything similar, but, after reading so many great reviews around the web, I had to give them a try. I don't do a lot of road running but, more of the trail running and casual wear, so I went with the Treks. After a week of break in time, they work it like a glove. You can actually feel the muscles (calves) get a workout.

I would not recommend these for craggy rock type rails as there is no ankle support. For trails consisting of mostly gravel, sand, or dirt, these are a great pair of shoes to have. Not to mention river crossing or simply, shoes for walking around the campsite. The moisture wicking is great.

Cushioning is about the only thing to nick the score on. I wish they made a custom insole specifically for the FiveFingers though, I can live just fine with what Vibram gave us. The 'over toe" support is slightly less than your average tennis shoe. For example, if someone were to step on your toes, it would only hurt a little more while wearing the FiveFingers.

All in all I gave these a 5/5 for great innovation, and all around comfort and versatility. They're getting harder and harder to find, so I'd suggest buying them if you find a pair.

Materials : Leather, rubber, synthetics. Use : Smooth Trail, Single day, casual. Break-in Period : One week Weight : Price Paid: $125

Purchased 4 weeks ago and love them! I run about 30-35 miles per week on the road. I have transitioned into the Trek's over the 4 weeks. I now do all my recovery and easy runs in the Trek's. I am 6' tall and go 175-180#. I find that the Trek's stretch out my calf muscles and keeps them loose.

I'm not sure that I will use them for high speed or race days when I'm trying to get a best time, but there is no doubt that they make me run with better posture and form.

It is too cold and sloppy to use them on the trails yet, but I am looking forward to trying them on trails soon. I haven't tried it, but winter running where your feet might be immersed in cold water would seem like a bad idea.

I have to admit that I was lucky with respect to availability. I went to the Vibram web site and found a store within 5 miles of my home. They had my size and were selling them at normal retail price.

Lastly, I needed one size larger that the Vibram web site chart suggested. I was able to get in the suggested size, but could have never gotten a sock underneath.

Materials : leather uppers, 4 mm rubber soles Use : 5 - 7 mile runs on roads Break-in Period : I ran for 1 week on a tread mill to allow my legs to adjust Weight : 6 oz each Price Paid: $125

Favorite hiking shoes.

• Light weight
• Water resistant
• Great for joints
• You'll get weird looks

I use these whenever I hike or backpack. After 1.5 years, my feet and hips have shifted and I don't walk with my toes pointed out.

I even use these when I go backpacking (a pound on the foot equals two in the pack). If you do wear these backpacking, keep you pack at less than 25lbs.

Source: bought it new Price Paid: $125

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Vibram M248 Men’s FiveFingers KSO Trek Kangaroo Leather

€ 159.00

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The KSO Trek is a more rugged version of our popular TrekSport. The kangaroo leather upper and sockliner are soft against the foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability. A 4mm 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. Machine Washable. Air Dry away from sun or heat source.

• WEIGHT: Men’s 43: 6.7 oz., Women’s 38: 4.76 oz.
• SOLE SPECS: Insole: Kangaroo Leather UPPER MATERIAL: Kangaroo Leather
• Machine Wash Cold, Air Dry

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Gear Review: Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek

Barefoot running with shoes..

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If you’re shy about talking to strangers or self-conscious when people stare at your feet and whisper to their friends, the Vibram FiveFingers line of shoes will help you overcome your fears. You will find yourself in conversations in the supermarket checkout line or with random passersby on the street. Everyone wants to know, “Are those shoes?” (Answer: Sort of.) “Are they comfortable?” (Answer: yes.)

The deal with the Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek is that it’s designed to trick your feet into thinking they’re naked. The proponents of barefoot running claim all sorts of benefits to going sans shoes. Enhanced leg and foot strength, reduced injuries, improved posture and balance, the list is fairly extensive. The hypothesis is that our bodies were designed to be barefoot and to run around on uneven surfaces. But shoes and the flat floors we walk on have weakened our muscles and connective tissues, dulling our reactions and agility. Think of barefooting like going organic for the shoe crowd.

I’m a regular runner and believer in compound, body-weight exercises, so I was intrigued by the idea of barefoot running. But I also have soft, baby-like feet completely devoid of calluses, and the thought of running around trails barefoot filled my imagination with nightmarish visions of imbedded twigs and infected cuts.

I promise you this: The KSO Treks are unlike any other shoes you’ve ever worn. Instead of supporting your foot, they simply protect it from sharp things and let your foot move naturally. Most noticeable, they have a small pocket for each toe, like gloves for your feet, to let your toes move individually. It’s as close to being barefoot as you can get without risking your skin to the ground. The thin rubber sole provides just a bit of cushion, enough to take the jarring edge off from walking on concrete, but doesn’t feel that different from wearing regular shoes.

The first thing you’ll notice is that the FiveFingers are a little harder to put on than normal shoes. With a little practice I was able to do it in about 1 minute, but getting each toe into its little slot took a little concentration. Sizing is very important, and if your second toe is a lot longer than your big toe you might be out of luck. Vibram recommends starting slowly since your muscles and connectors have a lifetime of atrophy to overcome. Eventually I grew confident enough to wear them on short hikes into the Colorado Rockies around Breckenridge and on dayhikes around northern Virginia. The traction from the grippy Vibram sole is superb, and I liked being able to feel what was underfoot. I really did feel more in tune with my feet while on the trail instead of mindlessly clomping along. Be cautious, though, since stubbing your toe feels pretty close to what it would be like barefoot.

The KSO Trek is the most rugged of the FiveFingers line, designed for light trail walking and running. Some of the other models have stretchy fabric uppers, the KSO Treks have kangaroo leather which is very soft and dries quickly.

You definitely won’t find me running a marathon in these, although I’m sure some people have. The heel strikes while running were too jolting, especially on pavement, for me to enjoy the experience. On hikes I didn’t feel like I had enough support to carry an overnight pack, although I did appreciate the light weight (11.5 oz. per pair) on steep dayhikes. I appreciated the KSO Treks the most during my calisthenics workouts. Jumping, lunging, sprinting and kicking all felt remarkably good, There are fierce advocates on each side of the debate, with boot and shoe companies claiming that you’re risking a broken ankle or stressed Achilles’ tendons. On the other side are the barefooters who insist that a return to nature is the solution for stronger, more resilient legs. I’m not a doctor and won’t comment on the medical benefits, but if you want to dip your toes into the barefoot movement, the KSO Treks are a great option for trying it out while keeping your feet protected.

The Specs $125 11.4 oz. (men’s 42 on BP scales) Available sizes: Euro 40-47 www.vibramfivefingers.com

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Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek

• Description
• Reviews (1)
• Shipping & Authenticity

The Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek (leather version). The KSO Trek is a more rugged version of the popurar Vibram Fivefingers KSO. The genuine kangaroo leather upper is soft and supple, yet strong and tear resistant. The Vibram performance sole delivers amzing traction on rocks, hiking surfaces and over more rugged terrain.

OUR KSO TREK FAQ: Q: Are these authentic? A: “Yes, they are. If there are any doubts, please send us a message and we will send you a picture of the actual shoes.” Q: Why are these available in 2019? A: “This is a limited 2019 production, these not available everywhere.” Q: My old KSO TREKs from 2010 are size X, is it the same in the new production? A: “Yes, it’s exactly the same.” Q: Do they have the same materials in 2019? A: “Well, pretty much the same, there’s a slight variation in leather and sole colors.” Q: Why are they cheaper on Ebay, Amazon, Vibram.com etc? A: High demand determines the price. This production quantities were very limited. Chances are these will not be available anywhere in 3-4 months.

We will be glad to reply to your questions in the chat window below.

The KSO Trek Sole is made from the Vibram XS Trek Compound

• Vibram ® XS TREK is a technical compound that allows great overall performance qualities, in particular flexibility and wet traction
• Highly responsive to the various demands of life, XS TREK will carry you from the trail to the urban playground and even to indoor activities, due to its non- marking features.
• The KSO Trek has a Kangaroo Leather upper and Kangaroo Leather Insole.
• Vibram Style code: M241 / M248
• Style Name : KSO Trek
• Main Colors: Brown upper with Black and Brown sole

1 review for Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek

Martin – July 5, 2019

Fantastic! It’s actually hard to believe that this design was relaunched 9 years later! 😂 Bought 5 pairs to make sure I have enough stock for the next 10 years. Fast shipping to Germany. Thanks!

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USA – 5 to 15 business days EU, UK – 4 to 7 business days Australia, Asia – 4 to 10 business days Other countries – 4 to 20 business days More informantion: Shiping FAQ

What defines a good fit? When your heel is seated comfortably into the back of the shoe once all of your toes are inside each toe pocket. When you stand up your toes should be comfortable, relaxed and flat. There should be a bit of space at the end of each toe pocket and a bit of space around the heel to allow for swelling after exercise or wearing on a hot day, anywhere from 1mm to 5mm is good for the toes. It’s acceptable for one of your toes to be just touching the end of the toe pocket but nothing more. You should avoid a tight fit where your toes are right at the end of the pockets as tight does not allow the toes or foot to move naturally. The one comment we regularly get is that the little toe feels funny. Of all the toes, the little toe is the one that gets pushed into the foot the most as a result of the less than natural footwear we wear in modern society. This sensation is simply the little toe being gently encouraged back out, this sensation dissipates very quickly within a few minutes.

For best results in finding your size, we recommend measuring both feet, heel to toe. Standing with your heels against a flat wall: 1. Slide ruler under each foot 2. Be sure to measure the end of the longest toe 3. Take the longer of the two measurements 4. Use our sizing chart

Foot shapes & sizes vary greatly from person to person. FiveFingers® do provide some fit adjustment, but may not fit every foot type. To achieve the best fitting results for the particular style you are interested in, we recommend you follow the sizing chart . While not definitive and impossible to be exact, it has proven to be accurate most of the time.

Orders usually ship the same day. Keep in mind, if you place an order Friday after 10:00 AM EST it will not ship until the following Monday. Once your order has shipped, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with a tracking number . You can always find shipping times under shipping & FAQs. We ship all orders from Europe, Tallinn, Estonia. We use the fastest option available to us.

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Vibram Fivefingers KSO Trek Mens

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Item # :: available. Expected To Ship on n/a

Key Features

• Best for: Trail running, light trekking, cold-exposure, fitness walking, travel, and general outdoor use
• Individual toe pockets separate and strengthen toes, improving balance, agility, and range of motion
• Soft premium grade leather is tear resistant and breathable
• Adjustable strap provides a secure fit
• Rugged Vibram sole provides grip and traction over a variety of surfaces
• Thin EVA midsole and Vibram performance rubber outsole allow your feet to move the way nature intended

Specifications

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A fan site all about minimalist running, barefoot running, and healthy living.

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Vibram FiveFinger TrekSport

Looking for a pair of KSO’s that will go just a little farther? The FiveFingers TrekSport is your answer. They’re everything you love about the KSO’s plus a lightly cleated sole for some extra traction on the trails. Or, on the flip-side, everything you love about the KSO Trek but for a few bucks less.

Front View of TrekSports in Champagne / Red

Angled Front View of TrekSport in Orange / Black / Grey

TrekSport Sole

Angled back view of TrekSport in Red / Black

Profile view of TrekSport in Black / Charcoal

What These FiveFingers Will Help You Do

Same as the KSO’s, there’s not much you can’t do in the TrekSport, but they really excel at:

• Running (especially trail running)

People Who Should Buy the Vibram FiveFingers TrekSport

• Trail runners
• If you frequently spend time covering rough terrain (i.e. broken asphalt, gravel roads, etc)

You Shouldn’t Buy These FiveFingers If…

You’re looking for a thin-soled minimalist shoe. The TrekSport has one the thickest soles in the FiveFingers lineup. (Don’t let that scare you, they still have a decent amount of “ground feel”)

Technical Specs

• 4mm EVA midsole (for protection from rock bruising, etc)
• 4mm lugged Vibram rubber sole
• Coconut active carbon upper for abrasion resistance and breathability
• Closed-top design with hook-and-loop strap over the top of foot to keep out debris and a secure fit
• TPU (polyurethane) toe protection

You May Also Be Interested In These Models

These models don’t have as thick of a sole as the TrekSport, but they are similar in styling and activities that they are good for.

• KomodoSport

• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Fitness & Cross-Training

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Vibram mens Kso Trek

Product details, about this item.

• Leather upper and sockliner are soft against the foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability
• 4mm 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
• Machine Washable. Air Dry away from sun or heat source.
• WEIGHT: Men's 43: 6.7 oz., Women's 38: 4.76 oz.
• Vibram XS TREK is a technical compound that allows great overall performance qualities, in particular flexibility and wet traction. Highly responsive to the various demands of life, XS TREK will carry you from the trail to the urban playground and even to indoor activities, due to its non- marking features.

Looking for specific info?

Product description.

The KSO Trek is a more rugged version of our popular KSO. The leather upper and sockliner are soft against the foot, yet strong and tear resistant with outstanding breathability. A 4mm 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. Machine Washable. Air Dry away from sun or heat source.

• Department ‏ : ‎ mens
• Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 24, 2021
• Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Vibram FiveFingers
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09B5MVZGM

Top Brand: Vibram

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

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Menshikov began to build his residence here in 1713, at about the same time as Peter began work on his own estate at Peterhof. Menshikov seemed intent on outdoing his master in terms of scale and grandeur, and commissioned architects Giovanni Mario Fontana and Gottfried Schadel, who were already building the Menshikov Palace in St. Petersburg, to design his seaside palace. After over a decade of work, which eventually bankrupted Menshikov, the palace was completed.

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KSO Men's Black / Black