Backpacker Magazine Vibram Five Fingers KSO Review

[trailandmountain]

Nice review! I love my KSO's and wear them all the time. Please subscribe to my channel as I have already subscribed to yours! Thanks again

[DStetzing]

Heheh. I have big feet. I'm 13 and have size 46

[HitTheTrailRunning]

/watch?v=evdDbUrWn1k

[VeronicasMidget]

Great Video. I just have a couple of questions about these shoes. I walk long distances in many terrains, are these shoes reliable in terms of breathable, waterproof and hard wearing? I also have one foot half a size smaller than the other will this be a problem?

Thanks.

[DocKro23]

@APPLEiShank

That probably has a lot more to do with wind, than "mouth-breathing."

[coheedandcambria2011]

question i just got my KSO's and iv noticed that the glue is showing. Is this normal? or are they too small? As i sent the first back for being way to small.

Thanks

[hannahsanakyofan]

do you pronounce it vy-bram or vee-bram?

[DavidAMIs]

@hannahsanakyofan I pronounce it Vie-brum

[jwredhair]

@hannahsanakyofan tomato tamato

[GenomeSoldier71]

@hannahsanakyofan I've always heard Vibram soles pronounced "vy-brim", but the guy who started the company is called Vitale Bramani. That makes me think its probably called "vee-bram" or "vi-bram".

[thatbudguy]

how do you think they would be for rock climbers?

[oldsk00l]

Thank you for this helpful video.

[mooch37]

I'm considering getting these 5 finger shoes, but I don't know whether to get the KSO's or the KSO Trek. I don't do a whole lot of really crazy hiking, but I would like something that I can also use for every day use. What model would you guys recommend?

[vinsong]

anyone barefoot hike. No vibrams.

[kombatmaster7]

Will there be negative effects if one uses the Vibram Five Fingers for long periods of time and then switch back to regular shoes?

I hear it restructures your foot, so I am guessing it would be bad to go back to regular shoes.

[dvarn]

you think the KSO trek's would work as an all out backpacking boot replacement? (granted time was taken to adjust)

[lovecraft4780]

Simple question: How in the world do you keep your pants from going under them and tripping you up. I see you have yours rolled up in that video. I have tried that but my pants always come unrolled, especially if I am moving fast. Any thoughts? I'm sure there's some simple trick to it. Thanks.

[WhyBeBullet]

Im just looking for an answer, i have a condition in which my arch colapses when i run and since the vibrams have no arch support will this be more harm than good?

ANYONE - i will take input from anyone just send me a message, Thanks

[kemptonjones]

Of the half dozen or so Vibram Five Fingers shoe vids we've viewed so far, yours is #1.

Excellent presentation, and thanks for a review interesting enough to make us want to own a pair . . but, do they come with steel-capped safety toes, too?

[timcourage]

@kemptonjones steel capped toes now that's what I'm talkin about! I hope there are better reviews out there! they would do awsome to make a rugged pair of vibrams for like construction ect. seems like a natural next step

[heavymetaltravis]

@whybebullet: the stress fractures are most likely due to people overdoing it with these shoes. It's relearning an old natural running style. You have to take time to get used to them.

[SkEtChSkEtCh9384]

I have 2 pairs of fivefingers (sprint and KSO) I reccomend that anyone reading this right now get the Sprint first. i just got my KSO's today, try not to get them wet (they car rub a bit :-) ) personally i love them and wear them all the time.

[WhyBeBullet]

I really need some advice i have heard that the vibram five fingers lead to stress fractures, i want to hear both sides before i start running barefoot to get faster and get a fracture and end my high school running career and end my chance at a scolarship so please reply with some answers or advice

[BNayrb]

All I have around here to run on is football tracks, sidewalks and the road, but I still wan't to get one of these. If all I have to run on is these things, should I still get one?

[TheFutureLooksGrimm]

What are the comments you get wearing these things?

I mean no offense, especially since it's just my opinion, but those things are just as ugly as crocks. I think it takes a unique individual taste to like those. To me I think if I wore those, I'd be dateless for life! But you got a girlfriend already...

[malooch123]

@TheFutureLooksGrimm so far the comments are of excitement and wonder, nothing negative, especially if you are able to explain the benefits of wearing such a shoe. I found they are not ugly in themselves, but with certain apparel they might have a clashing effect. In any case i dont think you'd be dateless for wearing shoes like this, but just maybe you'll attract a different type of person.. probably a more exciting person too! the future looks grim only cause it iz being looked at grimly.

[malooch123]

@TheFutureLooksGrimm . my advice iz that you should do what you have to and what will come will come. We can be ourselves and we dont have to worry about turning people off from doing so. peace to you and your future.

[veganas]

Emily & Cave- I work for an REI store and spend 8-10 hours a work day standing on cement and hardwood floors. I've been wearing Vibrams for two months now, and except for the first three days in which I was learning how to walk and stand properly Ive never experiences pain or discomfort. I recommend wearing Vibrams as much as possible on any surface. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldnt. Keep an attentive mind and if you feel pain or discomfort, your body will adjust on its own.

[argonzeit]

at the end he said the vibrams have exceptional grip on all terrain but i found one that the KSO Trek doesnt get grip on and its smooth metal :P why would i try to get on smooth metal or try to get grip on it. i do parkour! O.o haha but thats the only thing ive found that it doesnt grip

[retrokiwikromify]

I just went in to a store and tried them on. They are great! I am going to be doing a bit ore heavy duty hiking and am getting the KSO Trekking

[girlofgodscountry]

I've had my Sprints for approx 3 weeks and have hardly taken them off. My only complaint is not Vibram's fault (fyi, pronounced Vee-brum) My pinky toe is kinda chubby in respect to the rest of my toes so I had to go up a size larger than I sized for. But I have only had them off 2 days of the 3 weeks. Thanks for posting. :)

[girlofgodscountry]

I've had my Sprints for approx 3 weeks and have hardly taken them off. My only complaint is not Vibram's fault (fyi, pronounced Vee-brum) My pinky toe is kinda chubby in respect to the rest of my toes so I had to go up a size larger than I sized for. But I have only had them off 2 days of the 3 weeks. Thanks for posting. :)

[mrrrxxxxx]

Would be nice shoes if the seams didn't start to become loose and rip after 2-3 months of wearing them.. Extremely overprised for such poor quality

[Fronitat]

Granted, but from my experience The five fingered vibrams wear thing..at least they had for me. Not an everyday type of shoe. Even though that would be Ideal In my opinion

[YirtakkiHippie]

@Fronitat they make the kso trek made with kangaroo leather

[Fronitat]

Like that is TIGHT! lol Mine were made of Neo-prene or something like that. haha well prehaps summer will gift me with a Pair of laether beuts, eh?

Good day meng.

And Thank you ya!

~Sam

[FuriousGeorge1985]

Are you happy with the Nike Free's? I want to get a pair of vibrams but was interested in the free's too

[Pigratcroc]

I have some but there is no comparison between these and the frees.

[creesween]

I have owned both a pair of Nike Free's and a pair of virbrams. The Nike Free's were trash, I tore them to pieces in about 2 months. I was running and I tried to stop quickly and my foot tore out of the shoe, completely destroying it.

I've had the virbrams for about a month now, and they have been much more comfortable and give me better balance. They also work you muscles more when you run. They do get a little smelly, but are machine washable, so it's okay. I would highly suggest them!

[heighv]

@creesween hello, can i use them when i play basketball? thanks!!

[usa1327]

i have owned a pair of free's that i wore for an everyday shoe and i must say i wasnt the most happy with like the feel but they were nice cuz they were really light. i had to get rid of them cuz i blew out the inside edge where the fabric meets the sole but i think that nike has fixed this on the newer models

[TheFabFoo]

agreed

[emilycate]

wow... harsh. You might try being nicer and not insulting people for no apparent reason.

[alskoy]

You don't have to yell at me..

[Fronitat]

I have a pair of these... unfortunately I wore them too often in the industrious city...SO BEWARE Vibrams and Cement, just don't mix.

:(

[emilycate]

I'm wanting to buy a pair and wear them basically all over - the rivers, streams, back country, and including in an industrious city... so what exactly do you mean vibrams and cement just don't mix? Should I nix the idea of wearing them all over?

[caveyeti123]

I wear mine all the time. Really hard surfaces like cement can be hard on your feet after a wile. But I have found that you will get some what used to it -to a degree anyway. Trails feel much better! But you kind of change the way you walk also-much more on the balls of your feet and less pressure on your heels. This will reduce the strain of your weight on your feet. Not the best explanation but I hope to do an updated video in the next few weeks with more long term experiences.

Cheers

CaveYeti

[GuerrillaParkour]

@caveyeti123 I use my five fingers for parkour. I regularly do large jumps and things like that...and I agree. eventually you get used to it. You just have to wear them for a bit.

[ambergerftriley]

@caveyeti123 i recently did a 5k run in my kso treksports, and had no problems with street running. probably because of it having more sole than the other types, but i have heard it on the plain sole variety.

[Kunstdesfechtens]

@emilycate I wear my KSOs everywhere... paths or sidewalks, it's all fine.

[fairtaxhtown]

@Fronitat Apparently you don't know that Vibram makes top notch outsoles for almost every major brand of hiking boots. So they handle cement better than most shoes.

[albertafisher]

Great review! I'd recommend these shoes, I got a similar pair called the flow. its great, fits well, and feels like bare feet!

[Pigglies]

Awesome review. I got a pair of those, but mine are a lot harder to pull on. I'm starting to wonder if I got them too tight. Although maybe they'll loosen up some more over time?

[caveyeti123]

I found that after a week or two I got more used to getting them on. The toe pockets began to stay open more and I began to be able to have my toes spread to the right spots more easily. If they do not slip around on your foot or squish your foot then they are the right size. When I got mine I found there was little diffrence from size to size but it was the diffrence between titting right and not. It dose take a wile to get used to them though. Good luck.

[Pigglies]

The hardest part to get on for me is actually the heel. I really have to pull at it. But I ran a mile in them today and I noticed they have gotten a little looser. My heel and big toe used to both feel a lot of pulling, but now I only notice it on the larger foot. I tried the size 2 sizes up and it was clearly a bit too big, but the store didn't have the in between size. I guess maybe these will work after all though as I haven't quite worn them for two weeks yet. Thanks!

[caveyeti123]

I also noticed a diffrence after I washed mine. They realy seemed to relax a bit. Not realy lossen but more soften.

[ihaterobbie123]

@caveyeti123 Hey, now it's a year on, how are they holding up?

I've heard rumour of them tearing and wearing quite quickly, is there any truth to this?

[zodiactheory]

i know vibram also makes finger socks but would you suggest wearing them with the shoes or just go barefooted

[caveyeti123]

Actualy it is Injinji that makes the socks you are thinking of. They make preformance toe socks that would work well with Vibram Five Fingers. They offer some with blends of wool and others with blends of coolmax to name a few. I have not used any myself yet but I do plan on getting some. The FF's do not have any insulation in them so if it is cold out you will feel it. As of yet I have gone without any sock but that cool in the mornings can be a pain.

[krj213213231]

Ever taken a run in the five fingers?

[caveyeti123]

I have run very short distances. 200-300 yards at a time. I am not a runner by any measure, but the small amounts I have felt stronger and faster than faster than befor having them. They definatly do strenthen your legs, exspecialy calves. They seem to be very popular for running I just don't run if I don't have to. They have been great for hiking.

[jamiiecb]

Whats that bag you're wearing? I have problems with my shoulders, I would kill for a bag like that.

[caveyeti123]

It is a Gregory Packs -500 Cubic Inch Waist Pack. Unfortunately it dose not look like Gregory is making these any more. But Mountain Smith is another company that makes very similar products (great quality) and has a a huge selection of sizes. Golite is another company that makes a few smaller packs like this, look at the Golite HydroCruise as a good option. I like this style bag for short day hikes, holds water, snack, wind jacket, small first aid kit and a small camera with space left over.

[mauddib42]

good review man, keep it up, possibly go a little more in depth about possible greivances though, maybe talk about the learning curve?