The Best Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes Reviewed
Ryan Sabin
Marko Ivanoski
In a Hurry? The test winner after 12 hrs of research
Breathable upper
Great traction on various surfaces
Shed water quickly
Strong toe grip for climbing or parkour
Thin sole for flexibility and natural foot movement
XS TREK technology for stability and comfort
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KSO EVO -
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El-X -
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V-Trail -
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Trek Ascent -
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Spyridon -
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V-Train -
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V-Run -
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Signa -
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Treksport -
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KMD LS
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Vibram FiveFingers Running Shoes
1. KSO EVO
Breathable upper
Great traction on various surfaces
Shed water quickly
Strong toe grip for climbing or parkour
Thin sole for flexibility and natural foot movement
XS TREK technology for stability and comfort
Takes some time getting used to the way the toes feel
If you thought Vibrams couldn’t get any more lightweight, prepare yourself for the KSO EVO. These babies are a shocking 3.5 oz. (W) and 4.1 oz. (M). If you feel like running on air with minimalist arch support and zero heel-to-toe drop, your near-barefoot running experience is just waiting for you here. These are one of the best Vibram FiveFingers running shoes because they allow the foot to move naturally while still providing stability and comfort. All of this combines to push the KSO EVO to number one on our list.
Read moreComfort and Stability
There are some reviews that complain about the toes being a little too tight, resulting in an uncomfortable fit. However, this seems to be an issue reported by a relatively small number of wearers.
Quality and Durability
Likely due to the lightweight and low profile minimalist construction, these shoes also reportedly have some issues with durability when put to heavy duty use, with the bottoms wearing thin. Keep in mind however that lower durability is part of the trade-off with this type of footwear and you may need to adjust your running habits accordingly.
Price
These come at a pretty average price
2. El-X
Close-to-barefoot feel
Easy on, easy off
One of Vibram’s thinnest soles for great feedback
Simple and comfortable
The thin material of the sole may wear more quickly than some others over rougher terrain
These shoes are multifunctional and can easily move from the trails to the streets. The XS Trek Outsole keeps the foot well-protected while the lightweight and zero-drop features keep this shoe perfectly minimalistic. In particular, the El-X cross-training shoes have been lauded for their comfort, ease of use, and highly minimalistic feel.
Read moreComfort and Stability
As these shoes have very thin soles, allowing a much more barefoot feeling, the comfort would really be more relative to the runner who is wearing the shoes. With minimalistic type shoes in general, they are not known for being filled with a lot of cushioning so please keep this in mind as you make the transition.
Quality and Durability
Maybe having something to do with the minimal design and construction of the shoes, they seem to have some issues with durability and longevity.
Cost
The price tag on the EL-X varies widely, depending on where you find them. They are usually able to be found at a reasonably decent price on Amazon.
3. V-Trail
Great for trails
Comfortable
Lightweight
Stable
• Vibram 3d Cocoon technology
• Great traction
• Durable
• Flexible
Need to be broken in
If you love hitting the trails, then these are the perfect pick for you. They provide you with a comfortable, minimalistic, and secure fit that will allow you to push yourself without having to worry about issues with your footwear. They also provide you with the protection and durability you need when facing the outdoor elements.
Read moreComfort and Stability
These are really comfortable and stable considering the terrain they are designed for. They are highly breathable and their Vibram 3d cocoon technology provides excellent protection against rocks and debris.
Quality and Durability
These are highly durable and built to last through use in rough terrain. Their multi-directional lug design allows for optimal traction as well as additional protection. They are made of high-quality materials that allow them to be both flexible and durable.
Price
These are newer on the scene so they are a bit pricey.
4. Trek Ascent
Durable
Lightweight
4-mm EVA midsole
Secure fit
Great traction
Not great for intense running—more for hiking and light running and walking
The Trek Ascent is the new and improved version of the TrekSport (which is number three on our list). They are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a minimalistic shoe that is durable enough to withstand their favorite terrain.
Read moreComfort and Stability
We recognize that runners engage in activities other than running, so we wanted to incorporate these on our list because they are an excellent pair of hiking or light running shoes. They are durable, comfortable, and protective--while still remaining lightweight and minimalistic. They utilize 4-mm EVA midsole for adequate cushioning. They also provide a secure and comfortable fit that will ensure rocks and debris do not enter your shoe.
Quality and Durability
These are meant for hiking and rocky outdoor terrain, so they are definitely durable. They provide adequate traction and ensure you are protected from rocks and debris.
Price
These come at a great price and are a great way to get started with barefoot-style running.
5. Spyridon
Flexible
Protective
MegaGrip for great traction
Balance of stability and flexibility
A bit less breathable than some of the other options from this brand
Like the KMDs, Spyridons have a lot of the classic attributes that are found in common with many of the other FiveFingers shoes – they are super lightweight and the heel-to-toe drop is zero. Also, the shoe contains mid-sole armor plating which effectively protects the foot from some pretty rough terrain, as well as fairly significant impacts. Because of this, they’re an awesome choice for those who venture out on exciting mountain treks, and even for doing parkour in the city.
Read moreComfort and Stability
These shoes are frequently chosen by mud runners because of their good traction and stability in rough terrain. There aren’t many major comfortability issues except for those who have wide feet may find them a bit narrow.
Quality and Durability
The quality and durability of this model tends to be what attracts the obstacle racers and mud runners. They seem to hold up pretty well.
Price
As mentioned above, they are comparatively more expensive than others, however, they can be found for a decent price on Amazon.
6. V-Train
Versatile
Flexible
Comfortable
Stable
Rope traction lugs
Durable
Secure fit
Break-in period
The V-train shoes are not just good for running, but for everything. These cross training shoes are perfect for versatile athletes looking for a pair of shoes they can use for all of their activities. These shoes are great for running, CrossFit, lifting, and much more.
Read moreComfort and Stability
As far as comfort and stability, these shoes have it in spades. They are extremely flexible and allow for a full range of motion for your feet and ankles. They are an updated version of the KMD Sport so they have all the same benefits as well as rope traction lugs for additional grip during those rope climbs. Their comfortable and secure fit will ensure you get the most out of your workouts.
Quality and Durability
These are made of high quality and durable materials, so they are built to last. While we don't recommend taking them out on rocky terrain, they will definitely last if you use them where they are intended to be used.
Price
These come at an average price, but can get expensive if you are looking for a specific color pattern.
7. V-Run
Lightweight
Comfortable
Minimalist protection
Helps stride
Very breathable
Stitching placement may be bothersome
Vibram Fivefingers running shoes are all about providing an amazing product with a minimalist design, epitomizing the idea of getting a lot for a little. The Mens V Running Shoe will keep you running while helping orient your stride to a more natural state.
Read moreComfort and Stability
The V Running Shoe is guaranteed to provide a comfortable run. This lightweight shoe will make you feel like you are wearing nothing at all, especially with the mesh breathable design to emphasize the barefoot feeling, so get ready to feel the wind on your toes. While the V Running Shoe will help you get your movement in line with the standards of barefoot running with its zero point drop it will still be able to provide the support most runners will need.
Quality and Durability
These shoes are tough and versatile. While some runners had issues with thicker stitch placement, most were very satisfied with the results they got from using the shoe. We found a lot of repeat buyers in our research, which says it all.
Price
While they may be a bit pricier than the cost of your average running shoe, their quality makes it well worth the investment.
8. Signa
Pretty flexible
Quick dry
Comfortable
Water drainage holes
Machine washable
Breathable
Meant for wet environments (great for triathletes)
Not as durable as other options on the list
These Signa shoes are great for those of you who run in wet environments or participate in triathlons. While they aren't specifically marketed for running, they definitely allow you to run comfortable and allow for full range of motion in places where moisture buildup might otherwise be an issue.
Read moreComfort and Stability
These shoes have a zero drop and are comfortable, stable, and breathable. They have a wave grip outsole and dry quicky so you can keep going. And going and going...
Quality and Durability
These shoes have a rubber sole and a stretch polyester mesh. They have water drainage holes and are even machine washable. Overall, they are really durable but they are definitely meant for wet environments.
Price
Really affordable, especially for a pair of Vibram's.
9. Treksport
Stretch-mesh panels for breathability and protection from debris
Comfortable
Excellent ground contact
Super lightweight
The fit is strange at first if you are not used to this style of shoe
These are extremely light, comfortable, and affordable for a neutral running shoe. Treksports have a simple and quick upper Velcro fastening system for a good, secure fit. The insole is just thick enough to protect the foot from the elements and hard terrain.
Read moreComfort and Stability
It is recommended to purchase this shoe in a size larger than what you would usually wear. Overall, the general comfort and stability of the Treksport is pretty good.
Quality and Durability
There have been issues reported by users regarding their durability, stating that they tend to break down quickly. In all, the general reviews regarding this issue seem to be pretty mixed. It may depend on the specific activities that these shoes are worn for, so once again we encourage you to remember that barefoot-style running shoes just aren't as durable as traditional ones and you may need to adjust your running habits accordingly.
Price
Especially if purchased on Amazon, the cost of these shoes is really affordable.
10. KMD LS
AEGIS Microbe Shield helps prevents odor and athlete’s foot
Decreased underfoot friction thanks to polyurethane footbeds
Quick lacing system for a custom fit
XS TREK compound for flexibility and stability
The upper could be more breathable
Vibrams can be minimalistic in their design as well as, unfortunately, their color options, but the brand has proven that they can spruce things up with the introduction of the KMD LS Cross Training Shoe. These shoes keep the well loved minimalistic design, but add splashes of much needed colors such as blue and lime green, making them some of the best choice of Vibram FiveFingers running shoes out there for someone looking for style and quality alike. Just a glance at the KMDs and you can tell they’re really quite minimalistic, but in a good way, (5 oz. W, 6.7 oz. M, zero heel-to-toe drop). Here’s what these have going for them that makes them a popular choice for many.
Read moreComfort and Stability
The slightly thicker sole offers a little extra support, without taking too much away from the minimalistic experience that these shoes are meant to provide. Overall the KMDs have excellent reviews with regards to their comfort and stability. There are a few complaints about their lack of breathability.
Quality and Durability
There are mixed reviews, however, some of which suggest that the overall durability of these shoe isn't great. That may be related to the type of activities that they are used for, so remember that avid trail runners may want to stick to traditional running shoes.
Price
They are available with a reasonable price tag.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Flexibility Flexibility is important because it allows us to avoid injuries and ensures we have a full range of motion. Minimalistic, barefoot shoes need to allow for our natural movement, which includes our full range of motion. We all strike differently when our feet hit the ground, have a unique gait, and have our own shape and type of arch in our feet. Barefoot and natural style running shoes need to be flexible enough to ensure that all of our needs are met while also allowing for different types of runners to be able to use their shoes. So in a nutshell, for these types of shoes flexibility is hugely important. We analyzed each product on our list for flexibility by looking at the materials it's made of as well as scouring over 1500 customer reviews from real-world buyers who have used the shoe and had something to say about it. Based on these things we then assigned the product a score from 0-100 based on how flexible they are, the higher the number the more flexibility a shoe offers the runner using it. Remember however that for some runners starting out with barefoot-style running an extremely flexible shoe might not be the best fit, and they'd be better off choosing a shoe with a mid-range of flexibility until their feet and stride adjust to the more natural motion.
Comfort These shoes need to allow you to comfortably feel the ground beneath you as well as allow your body to adjust to your natural running form and personal running technique. When looking at comfort we also considered the thickness and firmness of the shoe as well as how much protection it provides.
The comfort factor is definitely something to think about strongly before buying a pair of barefoot/natural-style running shoes. Keep in mind that the first few times you use these type of shoes you may not find them that comfortable no matter how well the shoe is designed and built, simply because your feet and running gait need time to adjust to the new shoes. Especially if you're a long time runner used to wearing more traditional style shoes, at first the shoes might actually seem really uncomfortable and you might start to wonder if trying the whole barefoot-style running thing was a mistake. But stick with it, and we're confident that after a little while your body will start to revert back to its natural form that has evolved to run without shoes over countless millennia.
Durability The whole concept of minimalist shoes relies on going back to the basics of human nature, that we have been walking and running around the planet for a long time without trainers than with them, and if we just let our bodies remember what it was like in the time before heavily padded and constrictive shoes came along we'll be much better off. So, shoes that provide protection but allow your foot to move in the most natural way possible, are called minimalist shoes. FiveFingers are the most extreme version of them.
When looking at durability we also looked at the material the shoes are made of, what terrain it was meant for, as well as how long they held up for other users.
One of the most important things we look for in a shoe is durability and longevity. First of all, we need to look at where we plan on running and then to choose a shoe. Trail shoes will be much more durable than cross training or road shoes, however, this does not mean that the latter is any less durable or of lower quality. Different environments have different needs, so when we looked at the durability we assessed it according to where the shoes are designed to be worn.
Weight Minimilastic shoes are designed to be lightweight and allow for your natural movement. Here we looked for the most lightweight option and made sure they won't weigh you down, even if they get wet and are carrying extra water weight. You will find that the trail and hiking Vibram shoes are a bit heavier than other options on our list, but that is because they need to provide additional protection against elements such as rocks and rough, uneven trails.
Being light in weight is definitely one of the best features of a natural-style running shoe, and one that is inherent in their design. Minimal padding, cushioning, and support are going to naturally mean less weight, and you can believe us when we say that this will make just about every aspect of running easier and more enjoyable over time. As you transition to this new style of shoe, just remember that it's going to take your body time to adjust to and remember what it was like to wear minimal if any footwear for running, and be kind to yourself by staying off of rocky trails and taking good care of your feet, ankles, and legs. We recommend icing your feet after your first few runs in these type of shoes, and alternating that with hot water. Soaking your feet in ice water for up to 20 minutes, but no longer as it can actually increase swelling past this time frame. After the 20 minutes go straight into a warm/hot water tub which will invite fresh, oxygenated blood to rush through your feet, bringing natural and effective healing to your sweet little extremities.
Value We know everyone has a different budget, so we wanted to make sure to take this into account while we were making this list by giving you great options at the high, mid, and low price points. While most Vibram shoes come at an average price, there are more advanced and newly released models that cost a good bit more. This is something you can take advantage however. By keeping an eye out for models that have just released a new version you can often times find the old version at a discount as retailers get rid of their old stock to make room for the new model. This doesn’t mean you’re getting an inferior product, and in fact it’s often a wise way to go as you can go online and read reviews for the older model to see what you’re getting into before you buy, whereas the newer model won’t have reviews yet and there could be things about it that are in fact not quite as good as the older model. We’ve partnered with Amazon to bring you any and all models of a shoe that are currently available to make sure you get the best price possible, whether it’s on a shoe that’s been tried and proven, or a new model trying to improve on the old one. Regardless of which model shoe you buy from our list, make sure to consider your own personal budget as well as the features you need for your own situation before making your purchase.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Flexibility Comfort Durability Weight Value 
FiveFinger shoes are about as close to running barefoot as it gets without actually doing it. If you require arch support, or stability features to prevent or support specific foot conditions we recommend sticking with traditional style running shoes that can offer you the gait modification features your unique feet requires.
If you need that extra support and stability, think hard before going for these. But, if you don't need all that extra stuff, then get your feet closer to the ground and go for a pair.
Overall protection for your feet is limited with these shoes by design. If you're planning on heading into rougher terrain, make sure to go with the model that offers more toe and foot protection. Lighter duty models on our list are truly meant for the road and track only.
Other Factors to Consider
Drop The arches on your feet should be balanced by your heels and your toes, creating the stability that gives you an ideal body posture. So look for the kind of show that makes you feel stable and comfortable at the same time.
Protection They are those very light running shoes designed with individual pockets for each of your toes. They are designed to provide a barefoot experience while still providing protection from the terrain you run over. FiveFingers are designed with thin and flexible soles with zero drops from heel to toe. If you buy the right pair, they will fit like gloves to your foot, allowing a better range of motion while still protecting you from the road.
Terrain As mentioned above, terrain plays a big part in the durability and overall comfort of the shoe. If you plan to hit the trails then a cross-training or road running shoe is not for you--they won't provide you with the protection you need or the durability you are looking for. Before making your purchse, be sure to consider where you plan on running as well as the features you need to ensure you you get the vest shoes for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
FiveFinger running shoes, when worn, should be feeling like a glove on your foot. The best judge of size is your own comfort level, every person has a different foot shape and structure. However, Vibram has a size chart you can refer to if you want to find out what your FiveFingers running shoes.
These should last as long as any other shoe. But like most shoes, Fivefingers’ longevity is all in how you use them. Making sure to pick a pair suited for the terrain you will be running on will extend the life of your shoe, and many runners will pick up different pairs for the different types of running they will be doing that day.
The women’s shoes are designed to be shorter and more narrow and may be suited for differently sized feet. The size conversion may also be a bit tricky at times so make sure to be attentive if ordering online.
We do not recommend wearing FiveFingers running shoes in very cold conditions. It is possible for you to slip in the ice or get frostbite. If you are planning to run during the winter, we recommend you to get other minimalist shoes with a better protection from cold conditions.
If you are going to wear socks, make sure to pick the right socks, ones with individual pockets for your toes. Socks help absorbing sweat, provide warmth and can reduce friction that generates blisters. Wearing socks is a personal preference.
We strongly recommend you to check with your doctor first before trying any barefoot running shoes.
Sources
- , Runner's World, Running enthusiast website, Jan 01, 1970
- , Built Lean, Online fitness publication, Feb 20, 2016
- , Vibram, Manufacturers site,
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