Homage to Vibram FiveFingers KSO Evo

Homage to Vibram FiveFingers KSO Evo

I’ve been using my KSO Evo for more than 12 months now, and as they’re about to hit the 1,000 mile mark, I thought it was about to time I showed some love for them. Here’s an overview and my long-overdue review.

If you have a pair of KSO Evo, we’d be interested to see or hear how your Vibrams are getting on too. 

A Brief History of the KSO Evo

In case you’re wondering, KSO stands for Keep Stuff Out. Evo is short for Evolution, and evolve is exactly what this shoe has done.

The KSO Evo evolved from the original KSO and since the shoe’s release in February 2014, the KSO Evo has become the most popular FiveFingers style. It is not surprising, then, that Vibram have decided to make absolutely no changes to this shoe for 2015 (except release new colours, in grey/black for men, and purple/grey for women).

Speed-Lace System

The original KSO featured a hook and loop Velcro fastening system that I felt was flawless. I was skeptical about the new speed-lace system on the KSO Evo, but I was very quickly won over.

The lace system provides a much wider opening of the shoe that greatly enhances the ease of getting your foot in to the shoe. For me, there is no more squeezing and fumbling to get your feet in to the shoe; the foot slides straight in. Easy on / Easy off. Pop on a pair of toe socks, and its even easier.

Once you’ve got the shoes on, you slide the lace and release the quick lace button and you won’t have to readjust the shoes again during your workout. It is that simple.

Ground Feel

Often referred to as proprioception or barefoot feel, the KSO Evo wins hands-down in this department. With a maximum sole thickness of just 4.7mm, you are able to get fantastic feedback from the ground. Whether you like it or not, you really do feel everything under your feet.

The XS Trek sole features a zig-zag pattern that provides a surprising amount of grip, and because the sole is so thin from heel to toe, there is total flexibility.

What is the KSO Evo best for?

The KSO Evo is perhaps the most versatile shoe in the Vibram FiveFingers collection. I’ve used mine for road running, on the treadmill, on dry trails, in the gym, for leisure and for travelling. It is impossible to put the shoe in to one category so I’ll give an overview for each and a suitability rating.

Road / Treadmill Running

The bulk of my 950 miles with the KSO Evo has come from road running. The low weight makes for an excellent road and treadmill shoe. There is no bulk to slow you down and the thin sole ensures you maintain a good cadence.

Road / Treadmill Running Rating: 9/10

Trail Running

As you know, trails can wildly differ. From smooth, dusty trails, to boggy, wet single-track, to technical descents, it is impossible to get a trail shoe that suits all off-road terrain. The KSO Evo is definitely not a good shoe for mud (for that, see the Spyridon MR), and for technical terrain that may have sharp stones and gravel, you really don’t want a sole this thin (for that, see the Trek Ascent). But in the summer months when the trails dry up and you’re present with dry terrain, the KSO Evo really can perform. The zig-zag sole pattern offers substantial off-road grip and the lightness of the shoe makes it very agile. Just be careful of anything sharp or gnarly underfoot!

Trail Running Rating: 4/10 

Gym use

The polyester mesh upper fabric is extremely breathable and is treated with Aegis Anti Microbial, which prevents the build up of odour. I’m no gym monster, but I do enjoy indoor training and bodyweight exercises, and I find the KSO Evo extremely capable. The flat, low-profile nature of the shoe provides unparalleled balance. The KSO Evo may just revolutionise your ‘leg day’ at the gym!

Gym Rating: 9/10

KSO Evo. Good in the gym!
KSO Evo: Good in the gym!

Leisure use

I don’t wear Vibrams very often for everyday use. I use mine solely for training and travel, but that’s just my personal preference. However, the KSO Evo is perhaps the least offensive of all Vibrams. The design is minimal, the black colourway is relaxed, and they are extremely comfortable. Like slippers, honestly!

Leisure / Everyday / Casual Rating: 6/10

Travel

When travelling light, you want things that take up the least room with the least weight. The KSO Evo is not only both of those, but is also extremely flexible; you can roll them up – They are packable footwear!

I took mine when bike-packing (backpacking on a bike!) in 2014; riding the Via de la Plata (Camino de Santiago) from Seville to Santiago de Compostela. The KSO Evo added just 220g to my setup and slid in inconspicuously in to my dry bag attached to my handlebars. I’ll be taking them again for this year’s adventure. They are an absolute Godsend for travelling light.

Travel Rating: 10/10

Durability and Longevity of the KSO Evo

My KSO Evo, despite the high mileage they have already endured, still look almost new. The upper fabric remains intact, the soles show only mild signs of wear on the outside of the forefoot, and they still smell (relatively) fresh. My first pair of KSO (original) lasted 1,300 miles, and I’m expecting to get at least another 1,000 miles from my KSO Evo.

I would recommend the KSO Evo to any body who is looking for a do-it-all pair of minimalist running shoes. The thin sole does mean that you must run correctly; no more heel striking, and transition in to your Vibrams gradually.

Take a look at the KSO Evo now.

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!

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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

Why Does Sergey Brin love Vibram Five Fingers?

Google‘s co-founder Sergey Brin was and is one of the biggest fans of Vibram FiveFingers and he is one of the early adopters too. While he gets involved in a lot of high adrenaline activities and takes care of his body like a temple, his choice seems evident. He has been seen flaunting his Vibrams since the early days  when the shoes just came out a few years ago by Italian footwear company Vibram. These are meant specially for barefoot running and the world of outdoors running is seeing more adapters to these style of ‘shoes’

In all his meetings, conferences and other social engagements Sergey loves to wear his Vibram FiveFingers barefoot running shoes. This is in line with Google philosophy of “You can be serious without a suit” where it does not ask its employees to wear formal clothing and rather encourages them to workout and exercise as part of their lifestyles. So, wearing a Five finger shoe might seem the cool  thing to do in Google, especially if the top boss is wearing them around constantly.

Vibram FiveFingers, not just stand out in the crowd but  the shoes have been well accepted in the tech and fitness community across countries. What really helps is that it  definitely aids in correcting Sergey’s posture after those long hours at office at a desk on his computer which is typical of any of us  corporate busy individuals isnt it? While spine problems are rampant in the tech industry, it’s also most other professionals who seem to be more and more afflicted with back issues.

And not just spine, Sergey and many others like him who swear by Vibrams are experiencing great blood circulation in their legs as the Five Fingers stimulate the same; since the feet are closer to the ground.

Surely it’s motivating to see the Google Man- ‘Sergey Brin’ keeping an active and healthy lifestyle and also contributing in making the world a better place. If he does this while wearing those beauties, then why don’t we give them a shot?

Buy Vibram FiveFingers from Feetus.co.uk today

CQOTW7: What Vibrams are good for running on gravel?

“I want a pair of Vibram FiveFingers that can handle gravel and asphalt. What do you recommend?”

Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post every-so-often to our favourite customer questions, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’.

Vibrams for Road/Gravel

The Spyridon MR is the stand-out shoe for this kind of terrain. Although designed to tackle mud (the MR stands for Mud Runner), I find the Spyridon MR are at their best when put through their paces on asphalt, gravel, and dry trails. They’re still minimal (outsole 4mm / insole 3mm), but the tread is aggressive enough to provide traction and stability. The Spyridon sole (known as the MEGAGRIP compound) is probably the best in terms of providing grip in all directions.
The Spyridon Sole Anatomy
The Spyridon Sole Anatomy

Other Uses of the Spyridon MR

  • Trail Running
  • Mud / Obstacle Events
  • Beach Running

Buy the Spyridon MR from Feetus today

CQOTW6: Can I Wear the Trek Sport for Trail Walking?

Customer Question of the Week

Every week we get plenty of questions from customers. So many in fact, that we have decided to dedicate a blog post every-so-often to our favourite customer questions, which we have abbreviated to ‘CQOTW’.

This week’s customer question comes from a lady looking for Vibrams to wear for walking the Trails.

Can I Wear the Trek Sport for Trail Walking?

Yes, the Trek Sport is absolutely fine for trail walking. A lot of the Vibrams (in my opinion) are a little too thin for walking on trails, but this Trek sole is thick enough to offer protection whilst still offering a degree of ‘barefoot’ feel.
The Trek Sport: Black / Charcoal, for both men and women
The Trek Sport. Deep lugs provide grip and stability on the trail.

Waterproof style of Vibram FiveFingers.

There aren’t any waterproof styles as such, but there is one style that is water-resistant. The Lontra is built on the same sole as the Trek Sport, expect the upper fabric is insulated and repels water. We are discontinuing this style (hence the generous discount) as we have have several dissatisfied customers; the sizing comes up a little large and others have commented that the neoprene cuff is a little too tight.
Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
Vibram FiveFingers Lontra
The other two styles worthy of consideration are the Spyridon MR (good for handling mud, thinner sole than Trek Sport) and the Trek Sport Sandal (same Trek sole, different upper fabric).
The Spyridon MR. Vibram's offering for muddy events
The Spyridon MR. Vibram’s offering for mud.

Ladies' Trek Sport Sandal
Ladies’ Trek Sport Sandal