For the Trails

Are you a trail runner? I haven't been. Living in Iowa, good trails to run are hard to find and require some driving. So I do most of my running on roads or paved bike paths, and I've never done a trail race.

But in 2016 I'm doing two ultramarathons that are both on trails. In April I'm running the Hawkeye 50k in Solon, IA; and in May I'm trying to survive the Booneville Backroads Ultra 100k. So far, I've run 2 marathons so these will be a challenge. Even more, they're on trails and gravel, and are a long long way to run.

Vibram makes a few different kinds of trail-type shoes. Here are my thoughts on the options.

Spyridon MR

Since Vibram came out with their first Spyridons, I've loved them. I had the originals and then got the newer MR this past year. The originals were okay, but the upper left some to be desired. The new MR version brought the same cool trail sole - it looks like a tire - with a better designed upper. I love the look of them and they fit really nicely too.

For running, they're about the most comfortable VFF's I have other than the KMD sport. (My ideal VFF's would be this sole with the KMD upper.) The sole give great protection from rocks and gravel, without feeling too thick. I definitely prefer it to the Trek sole that came on previous trail models like the Trek Sport or KSO Trek.

Unfortunately, possibly due to getting a bum pair, I can't hardly wear my Spyridon MR's anymore. After wearing them casually and running 30-40 total miles in them, my MR's began to feel like I had rocks in my shoes. What I finally figured out is that the glue that holds the insole material down, balled up under my feet and cause irritation. I'm hoping it's only my pair that does this. (My friend has had a pair longer than me and doesn't have this issue.) After months of not wearing these shoes, I finally decided to do some surgery and try to fix it. So I made slits in the insole material and started getting the glue balls out. But unfortunately I haven't been able to get the material glued back down without irritation. So there's no way I can wear these for 50-100k of running.

Trek Ascent (& LR)

So I decided to try a different kind for the trails. After already getting the Trek Ascent LR's last Spring for hiking and casual wear, I decided to try the regular Trek Ascent for running the trails.

 So far, I love the Trek Ascents. They are a comfortable and attractive shoe. One thing you'll notice is that the cuff around the top is different than many of the other VFF's. I'm not sure I like that as much, and have had a little blistering on the back of my ankle because my Injinji socks slip down with these when running. (I always wear socks when running more than 10 miles in my VFF's to prevent blisters.)

The sole of the Ascent is aggressive! It is great and protective without being too thick. It has probably the best grip of any VFF's I've worn. They are the shoes I plan to run my ultra marathons in, and I'm excited to see how they do. The one caveat is that, unlike the Spyridon sole, they aren't great for road running. The rubber is so hard on the sole that the Ascents begin to hurt my feet when I wear them on roads for very long. So I'm saving them for the trails.


Bonus - KSO Trek

The first trail runners were based on the Trek Sport platform and I have the brown and black KSO Treks that were marked way down on REI a couple years ago. They are kangaroo leather with the Trek sole. They are actually a decent trail runner as well, but the KSO upper is way too loose for my liking and they don't fit snugly on my feet. So I use them for hiking and camping, but not running. The KSO is the one style that I think I'd be better off in a 42 size.


Do any of you run trails in VFF's? What ones do you like?

Waterproof Vibrams? Not for long.

Let me start by reminding you that I am Vibram's number one fan. But unfortunately, there is one design that I can't endorse. Read on to see why you shouldn't waste your money of Bikila EVO WP's. 

When I received my WP's, I was pumped. They would be a perfect pair of VFF's for when it's not super cold outside but wet everywhere. Though I love my Lontras for winter running, they're really stiff and I definitely prefer other models. And here in Iowa, late winter to spring is super wet from melting snow and rain. These would be great.

At first they were. My first run went great. They were comfortable and flexible and kept my feet dry. The next run, I went for 11 miles and learned that they don't breathe at all. In my opinion, they aren't a great idea to run without some Injinji socks inside, or else you end up with sweaty feet squishing around inside. And that is a problem considering the toe boxes are thinner than any other model I've worn. My wife literally cannot fit hers on with socks. 

But really, the problem is much great. The fact is, they fall apart in no time. If you look closely at the upper, you'll see what looks like a light seam on the inside of the foot. And it is there that the shoe begins to split. As soon as that happens, they're no longer waterproof.  It looks like this.

So I sent my pair back. I wear 43's in every model of VFF's and Vibram suggested I try a 44. Unfortunately, even just wearing them casually, the new pair did the same exact thing within 2 weeks of getting them. 

So I have to suggest you pass on the Bikila EVO WP. They're an expensive pair of shoes and the upper just doesn't last. If you need water resistance, look at the Lontras. They are warmer and have taped seams for water resistance. If they begin to lose their resistence, you can spray them with a bit of waterproofer silicone spray and you're back to running through the snow.

Wintertime! - updated

So you know that thing where gloves are not as warm as mitten because of body heat?

It happens to your feet too. And that means that for a full time Vibram FiveFingers wearer in Iowa, it's a cold foot-season. So what do we do?

Casual wear:

In the winter, I've figured out the few kinds of VFF's that are okay to wear casually if you're committed. First, the all-leather models are decent with a pair of mid-weight Injinji socks. This includes the Trek LS and the Speed LR's I talk about here. So far, the new Trek Ascent LR's are decent too, but may be a little colder due to the Hemp sections. (And it hasn't been that cold here yet.)

There are many new options for winter wear that look good. There are the Trek Ascent Insulated and the new Lontra LS that have recently been released. I don't have them so I can't say how they'll do. There are also the new CVT Wool's that are being delivered to my door tomorrow thanks to Vibram's Black Friday sales. I can't wait to try them out for wearing to the office this winter.

Other options for casual wear are few and far between. The other models I like to wear casually, like the CVT LS, CVT Hemps, or the original Speeds, are not warm at all when the weather is cold. If you spend any more time outside other than walking to your car, I'd stay away.

Running:

Though no longer for sale from Vibram, my 1 year old Lontras are my go-to shoes for cold weather. My wife and I each got a pair of them for winter running last year and we love them. Lontras are made with the Trek sole which is nice when you're running through snow and can't see the terrain underneath. Thinner soles may be a problem when you don't know if you're about to step on a big rock. They're also made with water resistant taped seams that keep your feet dry running through the snow and ice. They come up higher on your ankle and have extra insulation for keeping you warm. In fact, they're warm enough to wear with no socks and to have sweaty feet when you take them off.

The only downfall for me with the Lontras is the stiffness. Because of the insulation and the water resistance, they are much more stiff to wear. In fact, it took me awhile to like them because they would hurt my toes from wear. Thankfully, running in them a few times broke them in a bit and they're much more comfortable.

If you can get a hold of some original Lontras, I'd say go for it. If not, check out the new Lontra LS or the Trek Ascent Insulated for winter running.

Update - 12/7/15

After receiving my new CVT Wool shoes this weekend, they are going to be a nice addition to the winter options. They are definitely not for running and aren't water resistant, but they're seriously warm. I wore them yesterday to church and me feet were sweating all morning. They look pretty nice and are comfortable right out of the box. Definitely check them out.

Also, a good friend got a pair of the new Lontra LS this weekend and loves them. I love the new design even more than my original Lontras and he claims they're not too stiff. We'll see how they do running in snow without the high neoprene ankle cuff to keep them warm and dry, but they look great. I'd definitely consider them for casual and running use. and regarding warmth, his feet were sweating through church yesterday too.)

Please Make Some More - Casual

An Open Letter to Vibram:

Please make some more kangaroo leather casual FiveFingers like my Trek LS and Speed LR shoes. After 4 years of constant use, mine are starting to fall apart and I can't bear it.

Sincerely,
Regan

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I'm that crazy person that wears my VFF's literally every day in almost every situation. I'm a Baptist Pastor and that means I'm wearing my toe shoes even on Sundays when I preach to my congregation. (The only time I don't is when I am doing a wedding or funeral. Even I have limits.) Thanks to my VFF brown Trek LS' and my black Speed LR's, I can wear my toe shoes while looking casual with a pair of jeans or khakis.

I love these casual shoes! The brown Trek LS are my absolute favorite VFF's. They look and feel like putting on a baseball glove. They're comfortable, look great, and have lasted very well. They have the Trek sole that is a little thicker and is great for a casual shoe that I can wear anywhere. They're even nice in the winter in Iowa with a pair of socks. They may be a little colder than regular casual shoes due to the separated toes, but they're better than most VFF's.

My black Speed LR's are great too. they have a little different design than the Trek LS and were an REI exclusive when Vibram released them. They have the same kangaroo leather as the Trek and the same sole too.

The one downside to leather Vibrams are that they have a tendency to come unglued from the sole in certain spots. Thanks to Shoe Goo, it's never a big deal. Just glue and clamp them with a clothespin while they dry and you're good as new.

As my Trek LS' are beginning to see wear from daily use for several years, I'm wishing there were more. I'll definitely be searching Ebay and other online places for another pair soon.

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Acknowledgement:

Vibram released a new kangaroo model called the Trek Ascent LR this past year and I have them too. They're a mix of leather and hemp and they're a really nice shoe too. While I like them, I'm a little nuts about color and have trouble wearing them as much since they are green. They're definitely less versatile than the brown. They're also not quite as warm since they mix hemp with the leather. But they are a great option for casual shoes since the earlier models are no longer offered. They have a different hiking sole that are great for about all situations.

Best of All - Running in KMD Sports

My first pair of Vibrams were their first dedicated running shoes called the Bikilas. Though I got them initially for going canoeing in Canada, I decided to try running in them once and everything changed.

Though I was in no way a runner, I was always able to get off my couch and go run 3 miles with little trouble. My problems always came when I ran with a little consistency and found my back hurting and pain from shin splints. When I ran with my Bikilas, I had none of that. Unfortunately, though, I didn't take seriously Vibram's warnings to transition slowly to running in minimalist shoes. After a great 3 mile run in my new Bikilas, my calves were knotted for a solid week from using new muscles.

The Bikilas are good shoes for running, but it wasn't until my wife got her first pair of KMD Sports that we found the best. (So I had to order them too.)

Out of my almost 20 pairs of VFF's, the absolute best shoes for road running are the KMD Sports. (Formerly Komodo Sport) These are considered a cross-trainer by Vibram, but they are perfect for running.

The key to the greatness of the KMD's are their fit. They wrap up your foot in a way no other models do, so they eliminate extra movement inside the shoe and feel fantastic. They also give you a good sole with some cushion, but without too much extra.

It's in these VFF's that I have now run 2 marathons and a half marathon, and they were great. I've found that in any shoes, long distances will bring some blisters, but these are by far the best. For runs over 10 miles, I wear a pair of thin Injinji socks for extra comfort. (On long runs, Bikilas and other models often lead to more blisters because they aren't as tight around the foot; at least for me.)

If you're looking for one pair of VFF's for running, get the KMD Sports. You can often find them inexpensively online at places like 6pm.com. Or check out birthdayshoes.com for a great blog on minimalist shoes, and check his "Store" page for links to some good online retailers.