Comment from: nathan [Visitor]  
nathan

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

01/12/10 @ 17:52
Comment from: jimmydot [Visitor]  
jimmydot

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.

01/12/10 @ 17:53
Comment from: Chad R. [Visitor]  
Chad R.

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.

01/12/10 @ 18:24
Comment from: Mark [Visitor]
Mark

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

01/13/10 @ 14:00
Comment from: admin [Member]  

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

@Mark,

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

01/13/10 @ 14:05
Comment from: Grok [Visitor]
Grok

Awesome! Finally got mine off backorder today!

http://twitpic.com/y4kh3

01/14/10 @ 21:27
Comment from: Charley [Visitor]  
Charley

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!!!!

Cheers!!

01/23/10 @ 21:27
Comment from: Adam [Visitor]  
Adam

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!!

01/24/10 @ 15:24
Comment from: Greg [Visitor]
Greg

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?

02/10/10 @ 13:43
Comment from: admin [Member]  

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:

http://birthdayshoes.com/index.php/review-of-vibram-five-fingers-kso-keep-stuff-out

02/10/10 @ 13:45
Comment from: JimmyDot [Visitor]
JimmyDot

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).

02/14/10 @ 21:43
Comment from: Ng Seow Kong [Visitor]  
Ng Seow Kong

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?

02/18/10 @ 04:00
Comment from: Michael [Visitor]
Michael

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.

03/19/10 @ 21:27
Comment from: Alex [Visitor]
Alex

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.

04/01/10 @ 13:28
Comment from: Dennis [Visitor]  
Dennis

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

04/05/10 @ 02:15
Comment from: chase [Visitor]
chase

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

04/06/10 @ 12:44
Comment from: admin [Member]  

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.

04/06/10 @ 12:48
Comment from: Alejandro Miro [Visitor]
Alejandro Miro

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?

04/16/10 @ 14:24
Comment from: admin [Member]  

Alejandro,

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!

04/16/10 @ 14:41
Comment from: Nimalan Mahendran [Visitor]
Nimalan Mahendran

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 orders@vibramfivefingers.com 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.

04/20/10 @ 16:22
Comment from: Kyle [Visitor]
Kyle

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.

05/16/10 @ 12:40
Comment from: kirsten hite [Visitor]
kirsten hite

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!

07/02/10 @ 13:28
Comment from: admin [Member]  

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

07/02/10 @ 13:31
Comment from: Chad [Visitor]
Chad

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.

07/03/10 @ 02:37
Comment from: JC [Visitor]
JC

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)!

07/11/10 @ 20:09
Comment from: Sam [Visitor]
Sam

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!

07/16/10 @ 06:41
Comment from: Timothy Finks [Visitor]
Timothy Finks

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.

07/19/10 @ 15:20
Comment from: Mark S [Visitor]
Mark S

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?

Thanks.

-- Mark

07/23/10 @ 17:17
Comment from: Julian [Visitor]
Julian

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...

09/02/10 @ 13:58
Comment from: Andrea Fahy [Visitor]
Andrea Fahy

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.

10/01/10 @ 15:43
Comment from: Kristopher Burke [Visitor]
Kristopher Burke

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

10/11/10 @ 19:34
Comment from: admin [Member]  

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

10/11/10 @ 20:15
Comment from: Trillium [Visitor]
Trillium

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

11/21/10 @ 22:47
Comment from: JoggerJoel [Visitor]
JoggerJoel

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.

01/19/11 @ 08:25
Comment from: Erik Anderson [Visitor]
Erik Anderson

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?

03/13/11 @ 03:01
Comment from: Angelica [Visitor]  
Angelica

Hi -

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.

Thanks!

07/26/11 @ 08:25
Comment from: Sunday Walters [Visitor]
Sunday Walters

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!!!

07/26/11 @ 10:02
Comment from: Wally Young [Visitor]
Wally Young

I did not know this about kangaroos.

I won't buy the kangaroo now.

Now please stop yelling and assuming everyone knows about this.

09/01/11 @ 14:09
Comment from: David Drummond [Visitor]  
David Drummond

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.

09/12/11 @ 21:01
Comment from: Mason [Visitor]  
Mason

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...

10/15/11 @ 13:54
Comment from: Jareb [Visitor]
Jareb

hi there,

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

01/30/12 @ 18:36
Comment from: Lucas N [Visitor]
Lucas N

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

01/31/12 @ 01:41
Comment from: Adam [Visitor]  
Adam

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.

04/16/12 @ 17:45
Comment from: Ian [Visitor]  
Ian

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 :P 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.

04/18/12 @ 17:42
Comment from: Daniel [Visitor]
Daniel

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!

05/28/12 @ 03:46
Comment from: Dale Fiorillo [Visitor]
Dale Fiorillo

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.

06/05/12 @ 23:48
Comment from: John [Visitor]
John

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)

07/03/12 @ 17:53
Comment from: Don [Visitor]
Don

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.

07/04/12 @ 11:22
Comment from: pvlady [Visitor]
pvlady

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...

08/08/12 @ 17:26