Vibram FiveFingers Bikila Evo WP Review

Until now, the cold, wet, wintry weather has always been a real nightmare for barefoot and minimalist runners. What do we do; opt for a thicker-soled conventional shoe with Gore-Tex protection, or stick to our Vibrams and risk getting our feet wet and cold. I’ve always fallen in to the latter group. I was never a fan of Vibram’s Lontra, and for years have yearned for Vibram FiveFingers to create a waterproof barefoot shoe.

Introducing the FIRST and ONLY waterproof five-toed shoe!

Finally. Minimalist running shoes designed for winter, built to last, and waterproof!

Five Things You Should Know About the Bikila Evo WP

  1. WP stands for waterproof (and the shoe is exactly that – completely waterproof!)
  2. The Bikila Evo WP is the only waterproof shoe from Vibram FiveFingers
  3. Built on the ICETREK sole, the WP is designed for extra grip on ice
  4. Two fastening mechanisms: quick-lace AND zipper!
  5. Available for both men and women

First Impressions. Out of the Box

The Bikila Evo WP is unique in design. The Bikila Evo WP comes up to below the ankle similar to the long-redundant Bormio. The fabric is surprisingly lightweight, given that the shoe is waterproof. I was expecting something tougher. The workmanship on the shoe is top-class. It seems Vibram FiveFingers have really got it right in 2014 – The quality of the shoes this year have been of much better quality than previous years.

Fastening

The shoe has two fastening mechanisms. Inside is a concealed internal quick-lace system that is used to ensure a close fit. There is then the zip with taped seams either side which is used to keep the shoe completely waterproof.

The sole

Built on the same ‘style’ of sole as the original Bikila Evo, except the sole on the WP is made from Vibram’s patented ICETREK technology. Not only has this rubber compound been granted full marks by Vibram for its durability, it is “developed to grant the best grip on very cold, iced, or snowy surfaces, VIBRAM® Icetrek allows you to move, work, and live safely on mountains and in cold areas.”

ICETREK. In Vibram's own words
ICETREK. In Vibram’s own words

Sizing

A Little Too Snug?

I am commonly between sizes in Vibrams. I am right at the threshold with most Vibram models: Size 44 in KSO Evo, Trek Sport, CVT LS, Lontra – but am a size 45 in the Spyridon. I am a size 45 in the Bikila Evo WP too. I figured sizing-up would be a wise move anyway, given that the Bikila Evo WP is designed for more wintery conditions, and I will likely be wearing toe socks underneath.

So… If your toes touch the end in your normal Vibrams, I would recommend going an extra size up.

How Waterproof Are They?

I can happily confirm that the Bikila Evo WP is completely waterproof. I’ve ran through puddles, through wet grass, sloppy mud, and did the ‘dip test’ in the lake. No water gets through the waterproof membrane. The only way your feet are going to get wet in this shoe is through the hole that your foot gets in. They are as waterproof as possible for a shoe!

How ‘Grippy’ is the ICETREK Sole?

It’s a little early to tell as we haven’t had any snow and ice to test the sole on yet. I’ve tested them on wet tarmac, on slippery paving stones, and on slimy autumn leaves – and truth be told – they seem to offer no more traction than a standard pair of Vibrams. I honestly find that my KSO Evo handle corners (on wet terrain) more capable than the ICETREK. But before I jump the gun – we need snow and ice to test these on. Watch this space.

How Warm Is The Bikila Evo WP?

I’m been incredibly impressed with the warmth from the Bikila Evo WP. Despite the material being incredible lightweight and relatively thin, they do provide a great deal of insulation.

Additionally, I’ve took these for the occasional spin in warmer weather (15C+) and my feet haven’t overheated.

How Breathable Are They?

The longest run I have done in the Bikila Evo WP so far is 7 miles. Despite the outer fabric getting wet, my feet inside stayed completely dry. No traces of sweat, despite wearing thick toe socks underneath.

Conclusion

Despite my initial apprehension on the level of waterproofing, I am completely bowled over by this winter-proof barefoot running shoe.

The downsides to the Bikila Evo WP are: 

  • Fits a little more snug than normal (very slightly)
  • The concealed quick lace has excess lace (easily resolved by cutting or tucking inside the shoe once zipped
  • The toe pockets seem a little narrower than normal

The positives far outweigh the negatives

  • The shoe is completely waterproof!
  • The shoe is gorgeous – Black and Grey (with a dash of either red for men, or purple for women)is a great choice of colour
  • You can achieve a very precise, comfortable fit using the the internal lacing system and the external zip
  • Optimum grip on ice and snow
  • Good degree of warmth
  • Of all the Vibrams, this is the best running shoe for winter

Overall, I am exceptionally pleased with the quality of this shoe and am excited for the onset of ice and snow!

Buy The Bikila Evo WP at Feetus.co.uk Today

Outrageous Vibram FiveFingers Sale

Vibram FiveFingers Sale

…You’re too late! Sale finished 2pm Sunday 19 October 2014.

Be the first to know when we next run a sale!

Join us on Facebook and Twitter or sign up to our newsletter to hear about our next sale.

Looking for discount Vibram FiveFingers in the UK?
Well… This is a FLASH SALE. 
  • FREE UK DELIVERY on ALL orders over £50.
  • FREE FEETUS FAPPA when you spend £50.
  • International Shipping available: Just £8.95.
You have from NOW until 2pm Sunday 19 October to grab these bargains. After that, the prices will go back to normal and this page will disappear!
£54 OFF: THE BIGGEST DISCOUNT: The Seeya LS Night
A whopping saving of £54+ on the Seeya LS Night. This shoe is perfect for the darker nights as they light up in the dark! Honestly! Best for road and tarmac running, and for beasting the gym. Buy the Seeya LS Night Now.
 

Just £87.49 THE OFF-ROAD GEM: Spyridon MR
You wanna get dirty? Do it with the Spyridon MR. Our luscious green hills of Great Britain are spoilt when it comes to rain and mud. MR actually stands for ‘Mud Runner’. Beat the mud for just £87.49.

Less than £55! THE CHEAPEST: The EL-X (Red/Black, mens)
The EL-X stands for ‘Entry Level Cross Trainer’. This is a great introductory shoe if you’re looking to get in to Vibrams. Perfect for casual use, hitting the gym, and yours for just £54.97!
Men's EL-X. Super Cheap!
Men’s EL-X. Super Cheap!
30% Off. LADIES’ ONLY: KSO Evo & Trek Sport
The KSO Evo is the best-selling Vibram FiveFingers style and its easy to see why. Beautiful design, no over-the-top colours and style, and it is so versatile. Now just £67.49.
The Trek Sport is for the outdoor enthusiast who is out on the hills; running, trekking, camping. BUY NOW.

THE FEETUS FAVOURITE: The Trek Sport Sandal
Come on Vibram, its not a sandal is it? You don’t need to justify wearing these year-round. Yours for £84.47. 

TOE SOCKS
Don’t forget. We also have the biggest and best range of toe socks in the UK including ALL Injinji styles, sizes, and colours available in the UK.

Injinji_Logo

Sneak Preview: 2014 Looks Big, Soft, and Cushioned.

Sit tight FiveFingers fans. We have some news about Vibram FiveFingers – and we’re not sure what to make of it…

During this year’s Outdoor Retailer trade show in Salt Lake City, running shoe manufacturers presented their new offerings for 2014. It appears that the consensus is that bigger is better in 2014.

The Rise (Literally… Pun Intended!) Of Hoka

You may have seen cushioned shoes rise in popularity over the last year or so – especially the rise of Hoka. With their huge rolling, ‘rockering’ soles offering maximum protection, they claim their oversized EVA midsoles ensures a more natural stride. Many of my ultra-running friends have tried Hoka – all with very mixed results.

Next year, Hoka seem to have set the standard, and running shoe manufacturers want to compete. But first up – here’s the new-for-2014 Hoke One One Conquest.

The HOKA One One Conquest
The HOKA One One Conquest

Altra: From Minimalist to Gigantic 

Many of you may have heard of Altra, a US-based running shoe manufacturer who coined the ‘Zero-Drop’ label. Initially, they seemed happy to jump on the minimalist bandwagon, offering shoes that were low in profile, whilst maintaining no difference in sole ‘stack’ from heel to toe.

Now, it appears Altra are shying away from the minimalist shoe, or at least, that’s where they are heading with their new model ‘The Olympus’. Maintaining the ‘zero-drop’ approach, the Olympus is a highly cushioned shoe with 32mm under both heel and toe.

The Altra Olympus
The Altra Olympus

Brooks and New Balance 

A lot of the other manufacturers seem to have gone for the deep, cushioned style. Here, Brooks’ Transcend claims to offer the softest ride of any other Brooks model.

Brooks Transcend
Brooks Transcend

New Balance have developed the Fresh Foam 980 – and to me, the way the sidewall of the sole slopes inward toward the bottom, makes it look a little too unbalanced. Watch those ankles.

New Balance Fresh Foam
New Balance Fresh Foam

And Vibram FiveFingers Present the Bikila EVO

Who would’ve thought? Vibram producing a ‘cushioned’ shoe… Never!?!?!

Well it seems the desire for cushioning has made its way to the champions of barefoot, the emblematic minimalist footwear makers Vibram. Introducing the Vibram FiveFingers Bikila EVO – Built on the ever-popular Bikila (LS), the EVO features a full-length foam midsole to soften your ride. [I thought they told us we didn’t need anything to soften the ride?]

The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila EVO
The Vibram FiveFingers Bikila EVO

Iguaneye

Little-known to many, Iguaneye are also releasing their men’s style later in 2013, and we think that Iguaneye’s super-minimalist sneakers will be a huge hit in 2014. Watch this space.

Iguaneye's super-minimalist sneakers: Bound for Glory in 2014
Iguaneye’s super-minimalist sneakers: Bound for Glory in 2014

CLICK HERE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THEIR FANTASTIC SHOE.

And finally, Vibram have another new model for 2014… one that I think many will find quite tasty. But we will save that for tomorrow.

…thanks to Jeff Dengate, editor from Runners World for the fantastic sneak-peak imagery.

 

vivobarefoot logo

Happy Easter: Here’s An Extra 20% Off All VIVOBAREFOOT Shoes

It’s Easter weekend. It’s Spring. In theory, the weather should start taking a turn for the better.

After our heaviest downfall of March snow since 1979, and the coldest March since 1969, we need something to cheer us up.

HAPPY EASTER

Here’s a 20% discount code to redeem against any VIVOBAREFOOT shoe of your choice.

VIVOEASTER

Now all you have to decide whether you’re going to go for the Neo Trail, the Ultra, an EVO or a Breatho Trail. Decisions, decisions. Take a look at our full range here.

Skora-Base-Running-Shoes

Our SKORA and XERO SHOES Give-Away Update

Barefoot and minimalist runners, listen up! 

Would you like to win a pair of SKORA Base running shoes?

How about a pair of Xero Shoes huarache-style running sandals?

 

We’re giving away a pair of each once our Facebook page hits 250 Page Likes! 

We had originally stated we’d hold on until we got to 350 Page Likes – but rather than test your patience, we thought we’d strip it down to just 250 Page Likes, to give all you barefoot and minimalist runners a better chance of winning!

And to push the boat out a little further, if we hit 250 Page Likes before the end of March, you will also have the chance to win one of three Torq goodie bags (worth £12.50 each!).

Why not head over to our Facebook page now, Like our page, and Share it with your running buddies? 

skora- torq xero shos running competition
It’s a WIN WIN WIN situation

A Warm Welcome for Skora’s New Range: The Phase and Core

Skora Running are releasing some fantastic new minimalist running shoes this year. Having seem them a while back in 2012, they were brought to wider attention at the recent Outdoor Retailer show.

Welcome Skora Phase and Shora Core

The Phase-X made Gear Junkie’s Best in Show list and was regarded by RunningShoes.com as ‘Best Shoe in Show’. Impressive.

The two shoes have an outsole constructed out of IBR (injected Blown Rubber), which is lighter and more flexible than regular rubber. The cushioning from IBR also means that an EVA midsole is not required. Although IBR is less resistant to wear, Skora have strategically placed rubber on the outsole to reduce the effects of wear.

Skora Phase

  • 7.2oz Men’s / 5.8oz Women’s
  • minimal, single-layer mesh upper
  • asymmetric lacing system
  • unique unibody IBR outsole
  • Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
  • $110 MSRP (£69.99)
Skora Phase Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
The Magnificent Skora Phase

Skora Core

  • 8.1oz Men’s / 6.7oz Women’s
  • perforated Pittards® Armor-Tan® Goatskin leather upper
  • combination lining with WR100X® leather and antibacterial Agion mesh
  • asymmetric lacing system
  • unibody IBR outsole
  • Zero-drop, 8mm forefoot/heel stack height
  • $155 MSRP (£99.99)
Skora Core Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
The Wonderful Skora Core in grey

Skora Core Barefoot Natural Minimal Minimalist Running Shoes 2013 at Feetus.co.uk
“Rapid”. The Core in white / blue

 When Can We Expect to See Them?

These shoes are yet to be released in the US, but rumour has it that they should hit the shelves in March. Having spoken with Skora recently, they are adamant that they will have a UK distributor wrapped up within a matter of weeks. Whether this means the UK will have access to the full range or just the Base and Form shoes, it remains to be seen.

Regardless, I am 100% sure Skora will make a massive impact over here in the UK!

For more information, AnotherRunner has an impressive write-up.

Our Feetus.co.uk store goes live in February. Make sure you keep up to date at Facebook and Twitter to be in with a chance to win some fantastic prizes as part of our store launch, and for some exclusive discounts.

The Reebok ATV 19 – Take a Lug at These

The Reebok ATV 19 Running Shoes

No, it’s not April Fool’s Day.

I haven’t seen these shoes in the flesh – and I’m not sure I want to… but what we have here is the ATV 19, due to be released 1st February 2013. Barefoot runners – Look away now.

reebok-atv-19_1-Feetus-Barefoot-Minimalist-Running-Shoes
Can you milk these udders?
No – This is the Reebok ATV 19

According to Bill McInnis, Head of Advanced Innovation at Reebok, the ATV 19 is named after an ‘All Terrain Vehicle’. The shoes come with 19 huge lugs that work independently giving traction. The lugs are bevelled at a 28-degree angle to keep you stable and supported. They have a durable toe bumper and heel-kick with ballistic mesh on the top.

reebok-atv-19_2-Feetus-Barefoot-Minimalist-Running-Shoes
“Coming in to Land:
February 2013

Now I really don’t know what to make of these shoes. Are they practical for running? Could you achieve any PB’s in these machines? Do we need giant nipples for traction? Will we see these shoes with a ‘90% OFF’ clearance sticker at the bottom of a bargain bin in months to come? Feel free to comment – I am interested in how other runners perceive these beasts.

reebok-atv-19_2-Feetus-Barefoot-Minimalist-Running-Shoes
The Reebok ATV 19 screams “Lug at me!”

Watch Bill McInnis present the Reebok ATV 19 on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMsPej0LIP8&feature=player_embedded

reebok-atv-19_4-Feetus-Barefoot-Minimalist-Running-Shoes
Can the Reebok AT 19 also be used as a phone?

Please note: All images in this post are Copyright Reebok.

Feetus online store

Feetus on Facebook

Feetus on Twitter