kso trekKSO Trek

The Vibram KSO Trek running shoes are the next level of comfort and performance for both the casual and the serious city or trail runner.  The new trail model in Vibram’s Five Finger running shoe line, the KSO Trek introduces several improvements on the original.  The new kangaroo skin upper places the soft side against the foot, making it comfortable and breathable for hot weather.  The treads form around the foot and toes, providing flexibility and natural feeling.

Ascribing to the philosophy that shoes are bad for the feet, the Trek’s closeness to the shape of the foot allows for a feel for the road akin to being barefoot, with the support of the foot’s native mechanisms.  However, KSO stands for Keep Stuff Out, and these shoes do that very well.  The rubber treads on the bottom improve traction and keep feet safe from road hazards, and the liner is warm enough to keep the shoes wearable even in freezing weather without socks.

Compared to earlier versions of the Vibram line, the Vibram KSO Trek is specifically designed for trail and outdoor runners.  The leather was designed to ward off road hazards better than the mesh of earlier versions, and the liner was developed for more extreme weather conditions.  The treads are 4mm thick, 2mm thicker than previous models for added protection, and now have slight cleating for improved traction.  An anti microbial treatment has also been applied to the leather to prevent the development of odor over time.  Somehow, these improvements were all accomplished without any additional weight compared to previous models.

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KSO Trek Review

The consensus online is generally very positive of the new model.  Influential blogs describe the product as more rugged than previous models, as well as comfortable and as a great response to customer reviews of previous models.  The only major issues tended to be with the sizing, which is smaller than before, perhaps due to the use of the kangaroo leather rather than mesh.  In addition, some smaller sizes are not yet available.

Of course, this is to be taken with the understanding that Vibram’s Five Finger line took the running world by storm a few years ago.  This relatively unknown company skyrocketed to success with the first shoes that fit like gloves.  Publicity has even been cemented by evidence of the shoes being worn at Google, proving that they have a comfort level that is embraced by innovators outside the running world.  Trail runners in particular have been eagerly awaiting the Trek model as the answer to their prayers for a Five Finger model that addresses their more stringent running needs.

Pros

  • Same great five finger feel
  • All weather
  • Protection from road hazards
  • Significantly improved traction

Cons

  • Sizing runs small and some small sizes are not yet available
  • More expensive than previous models
  • Kangaroo leather may cause moral dilemma for some

What Customers Say

“If you were only going to own one pair of Vibram Five Fingers, this is the model to own. They are the most durable, the most comfortable, and offer the most support thanks to the extra tread.”

A portion of user comment on rei.com

“Most of my activity takes place off trail, usually on deer paths and some pretty squirrely cuts, and these shoes have earned their place in the footwear hall of fame. A lot of the running I do requires jumping logs and dodging debris and obstacles, and the agility of these shoes is phenomenal.”

A portion of user comment on rei.com

“I got them in addition to my Sprints to wear in colder weather. The soles definitely feel thicker in comparison, but I still feel the ground. The tread helped me run on muddy trails that were too slick for my Sprints.”

A portion of user comment on rei.com

In short, the Vibram KSO Trek is a fantastic outdoor running shoe, designed for more difficult terrain and more serious trail runners.  The padding is warm yet breathable, making the shoe functional in both cold and hot climates.  The comfort, however, is suitable for more casual settings, and makes for an all purpose running shoe for all occasions.  Any runner, especially outdoors runners, will enjoy and benefit from the Trek’s many advantages.

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