Vibram FiveFingers KSO Trek Trail Runner Review

Living Barefoot Introduction of Andrew Searle
Andrew is a guest reviewer for Living Barefoot who brings to the review series an extensive background in running experience. Andrew is an accomplished road racer having completed numerous marathons including qualifying for and finishing the prestigious Boston marathon. He is also an incredibly successful trail runner having completed solo the 125 km Canadian Death Race and 146 km Sinister 7 trail races as well setting course records and winning his age group in the 80 km Blackfoot Ultra and the Moose Mountain Marathon. Andrew has also podium finished and placed in his age group in several of the 5 Peaks Trail Running Series races.

Overall Impression of the KSO Treks
After owning the KSO Treks for almost a year,chanel bag prices uk 2011, they have become an integral part of my trail running footwear. I don’t wear them for every run but they are a fantastic tool for strengthening the foot,Chanel Cambon Bags 25171 White and Black, lower leg muscles, and improving agility and proper running form. They do take some time to get used to putting on and getting the correct toe into the appropriate toe pocket. The kangaroo leather is great, especially for cooler temperature running,replica chanel handbags 2011, even after they get wet. They fit snugly with their full-footed upper and Velcro strap adjustment. I really appreciate that the shoe is the shape of the foot as opposed to narrow toe-boxed conventional trail running shoes. Another important attribute for trail running is their lack of interfering cushioning to ground feel,lady cartier, this is especially important for trail running because terrain can vary widely in both traction and surface contour between every step.
What KSO Treks are Great For
The first time I ran in the Treks it was on snow,official chanel handbags, and even though my feet got wet from some slushy snow right away,Chanel Diaper Bags 25168 Black and White, my feet stayed warm throughout the run. They have good grip and I really enjoy running with them on hard-packed snow trails. I also run in a pair of original KSOs and the Treks have far better grip and are more enjoyable to run in on trails. They have great traction on dry or wet grass,Chanel Short Wallets Black/black 087, snow, ice,cartier boutiques, as well as any dry surface whether it be man-made or natural. They also perform well on trails both uphill and downhill. I do enjoy running and racing in them,Chanel Messenger Bags 46797 Silver, on the proper terrain,chanel bags on sale replicas, because they are so lightweight.
What KSO Treks are Not Great For
Although the Trek has good traction on dry trails,ebay chanel purses handbags, they do not have the best traction on wet terrain,chanel flap bags small, especially slippery and/or deep mud. The lug design doesn’t provide enough traction for wet dirt deeper than a few millimetres. For this type of wet terrain,pre owned chanel bags, I would still trust the grip of a conventional trail running shoe over that of the Trek. I’ve also found that they are not that comfortable to run in on pavement because of the lugs,discount cartier watch, although this was not the purpose of their design,chanel bags online shop, so not too surprising. I do tend to slow down on solid rocky terrain as well because their relatively thin sole does not protect the foot if you are not being careful as to where you are placing your foot, compared to a conventionally thick-soled trail running shoe.