The Sturdy FiveFinger Treks
It has been about a month since my first FiveFinger purchase and I could not be happier. I purchased my first pair of KSOs at the beginning of the year and I loved them so much that I thought I would get another pair so I could wear them all the time. I decided on the hefty KSO Trek.
When I say hefty I mean it. The bottom of the Trek is a little thicker than the KSO and has more tread. The top is made of leather which gives it more durability and makes it waterproof. It is simply a more heavy duty shoe than the KSO.
Why purchase the Trek, you ask? I wanted to wear my FiveFingers on a daily basis and I knew one pair probably wouldn’t cover it. I also didn’t want to wear out the KSOs too quickly between running and everyday use. The Trek looked like it could stand up to more daily use so it became my choice. The Trek is quite a bit more expensive than the KSO so the fact that I had some Christmas money went into my decision too.
I am very happy with that decision. It has been a great shoe to wear to work, at home, and around town, especially during the colder months of the year. I wear my KSOs as my running shoe and my Treks as my everyday shoe. The Treks are a little more “dressy” looking so they fit their role well.
When I first put the Treks on I noticed a bit less connection with the ground than the KSOs due to the thicker sole. This has not been a problem the more I wear them. The leather feels great and I like the grip of the sole. Even though the KSOs are my primary running shoe I have tried the Treks in this role and they work great here too.
Since I have been wearing FiveFingers on a daily basis I have become increasingly uncomfortable in normal shoes. I got a kick out of looking down at my regualr-shoe shod feet one day and thinking they were funny looking. I am really getting used to the FiveFingers look. Another thing I have noticed since starting to wear them most of the time and for running is the strength in my lower calf and toes. I can tell that my balance has improved as a result.
I still get weird looks and questions about them but that is fine with me. I like giving people the low down on why I wear them. I tell people that if they enjoy being barefoot then they will enjoy these shoes. Or if they want a better running stride then these are the way to go. Bottom line, they are healthier and more comfortable than regular shoes. Why wouldn’t you buy them? Whatever model you get you will be happy with them.
Brian
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Great post. Very much like me. I have two pair of KSOs. I wear one all day (to, from, and during work) and run in the other pair. I really don’t like anything else on my feet (when I have to have something at all).
I’m considering the Treks. Pretty pricy but I may have to bite the bullet. Are they really water proof? Would they keep your feet dry running through shallow puddles for instance?
In Him,
Bob
Thanks Bob! The Treks are more water resistant than waterproof so they won’t keep all the water out. I haven’t experienced puddles but I have walked around in them in the rain and they did fine. I highly recommend them for an everyday shoe.
Brian
Does the thicker, studier sole not dull the advantage of going 'barefoot'?
(I ask because they look very interesting to me!)
Not really. I still have use of all my toes and it is only a very small amount more rubber than the KSO model. Not to mention they get rid of the raised heel and padding that comes on most other shoes. I think the KSOs give better "connection" to the ground but only a little more.
I've read a lot about the benefit of the 'barefoot' style, but I don't go running. I've been wondering how well the design could hold up trekking, so with this post you've really piqued my interest. I'm awfully attached to my nice, sturdy boots though.