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New Vibram Fivefingers Models: VFF Speed, Bikila, and Trek

Update 7/09/10: I just put up a post about my first run in the new Vibram Fivefingers Bikila. Check out my very preliminary Vibram Fivefingers Bikila review here.

There’s some new news on the Vibram Fivefingers front. Justin Owings of the Birthday Shoes Blog, with info obtained in part from a German site called Voy Contigo, has just published a post about a couple of new models of Vibram Fivefingers (VFF) shoes set to be released in 2010: the VFF Speed and VFF Bikila. The Speed is the first lace-up model to be released (think thin-soled sneakers with toes), and Justin reports that they are to be released in Europe only. The Bikila is reportedly similar to the existing KSO, with a stretchier and more breathable upper material. Below is a picture from Voy Contigo, and reposted on Birthday Shoes:

Images of the VFF Speed (left and right) and VFF Bikila (center). Image from voycontigo.de.

To read more about these new Fivefinger models, check out Justin Owings’ detailed post on the Birthday Shoes Blog. He’s also added a new post with some nicer catalog photos of the VFF Bikila.

Update 9/8/09 – I’ve also added my own post on the new Bikila.
Update 3/30/10 – Looks like the Vibram Fivefingers Bikila will be arriving in late April, 2010.

In other Vibram Fivefingers news, Barefoot Ted recently published a blog post about his experience testing out the soon to be released VFF Trek. The trek is the Fivefingers answer to a trail-running shoe, with a kangaroo leather upper, a thin EVA midsole, and a lugged outsole designed for better performance on rocky, rugged terrain. The follow quote describes Barefoot Ted’s reaction to the Treks:

When I first put these shoes on, I knew that I had finally felt the most comfortable VFF yet. The kangaroo skin’s soft side is INSIDE the shoe…so your foot is encased in smoothness. Under 6 ounces. Rugged. Breathable. Thank you Gawd!

Below is a picture of the VFF Treks from Barefoot Teds’ site:

You can also read about the VFF Trek on the Birthday Shoes Blog, as well as another pair of new minimal outsole models called the VFF Moc and VFF Performa.

My thoughts on all of this? If Twitter buzz and my difficulty finding a pair in my size stocked anywhere on-line are any indication, Vibram clearly seems to have a hit with the Fivefingers line. The development of new models is a logical progression, though the growth potential of the line will depend a lot on society’s willingness to accept the strange-looking footwear and break its addiction to traditional running shoes. I’m a believer in the less-is-more/minimalist style of footwear (I run mostly in Nike Free 3.0’s right now), but I have yet to see someone in my hometown wearing the VFF’s – perhaps I’ll be the first once my shipment arrives.

Update 9/02/09: I now own a pair of Vibram Fivefingers KSO’s. You can read about my initial thoughts on running in Vibram Fivefingers and my thoughts from the day after a 7 mile run in Vibram Fivefingers.

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Recent Posts By Category: Running Shoe Reviews | Running Gear Reviews | Running Science
About Peter Larson

This post was authored by Peter Larson. Pete is a biology teacher, track/soccer coach, and dad (x3) with a passion for running, soccer, and science. If you'd like to learn a little bit more about who I am and what I do, click here, or visit petermlarson.com.

Comments

  1. seetedrun says:

    Ohhh man, I would love to give it a try.

    Thanks for the link to Sportracks! I am giving this a shot. I am trying to determine whether I should stick with DailyMile, BIMActive, GarminConnect or Sportracks as a way to keep the track of my mileage.

    • Pete Larson says:

      Ted – I use Dailymile for the support, and Sportracks for the data. I’ve
      been using Sportracks since day 1 with my Garmin, so I’m not sure how easy
      it is to transfer data from one program to another if you have a bunch
      stored elsewhere.

  2. Tim Donahey says:

    First, the bad news: Vibram has no plans to manufacture a women’s model of the popular KSO Trek.
    The good news is that they would if there was demand for it.

    Georgia Shaw, a marketing associate for Vibram says, “…the more we hear back from women who are interested in trying this model, the more likely it is for us to answer that.”

    There’s a really easy way for us to give them the feedback they’ve asked for.

    Sign the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/

  3. Richard Lollis says:

    I live in Maryland.

    Where is the closest store.

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