Review Of Vibram Spyridon LS Trail Racing Model

1. How do you rate this product? (Required) 0.5 to 5.0
4.8 Socks Required (Read The Full Review)

2. Please enter a title for your review.
Vibram Five Fingers Spyridon LS Trail Racing Shoe

3. Please enter your review.
This shoe, from Vibram is quite an improvement over the Trek Sport as far a a "racing" trail shoe.  The Treksport was designed to be a hiking trail shoe with a more reinforced sole/toe pockets, 4mm verses the Spyridon 3.5 mm.  The Spyridon LS comes in with a molded nylon mesh as a "rock block".  This guard allows it to be protective and more flexible in the midsole. The upper is made of Coconut Active Carbon that offers natural breathability and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit. 3M reflective applications for safety after dark. The lining is *not* soft though.

For my review of the shoe I compared to the Vibram Bikila, which the heel is soft  and rubs just a little, plus all the lining is soft. It's wide in front for great toe spread.  I tested my pair of the Spyridon LS's on an 11 mile trail run in the Santa Monica Mountains, with just the shoe (no socks) and noticed that my bunion on my left foot joint had a abrasion, and both heels rubbed.  So I feel that Injinji Toe Sock liners are Mandatory!  But the ground impacts were minimized with the "rock block" in the midsole over the use of the Bikila on trails.  With Treksport it was just too stiff, though for hiking is just fine.

As with all ball of the foot running shoes, a break-in period for 4-6 weeks average is needed. This is to adapt to mid-foot strike on the ball of the foot pad. If calf or soleus is sore stop and either heel strike on the cushioned heel or use a regular running shoe.

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4. On average, how many miles or kilometers do you run each week?
60 Miles

5. How much do you pronate?
Underpronate


6. What is your preferred width for you shoe's toe-box?
Narrow but in bare foot running divided and open is the way.


7. What is your preferred shoe types?
Mid-Foot Natural Motion/Five Fingers/Minimalist


8. At what pace do you typically train? 5 min/mile to 15 min/mile
7:15 to 8:30 min/mile

9. How much do you weigh?
150 Pounds

10. How many years have you been running?
31 Years

11. What is your gender?
Male

12. Who would you recommend this shoe to?
Anyone who wishes to run on trails with good rock protection,  in a Vibram Five Finger shoe.  Just don't forget to wear socks!

K-Swiss Blade Foot vs. Altra Instinct/Intuition Shoes

On the surface both of these shoes look similar, their weights  8.8 oz. on the Altra and 9.2 on the K-Swiss in size 10 Men's.   The Altra comes with two different foot-bed inserts on for Support and one for Strengthening.  They increase the stack height from 16mm, 19 and 21 respectfully.  The K-Swiss  has a stack height of 20mm, with 8mm of that for cushioning.  Stack height = The total thickness of the shoe/the distance between the foot and the ground.

The midsole of the K-Swiss uses Superfoam, an energy return foam that resists compression thus lasting longer. It also has K-EVA cushioning, a special K-Swiss EVA to provide maximized cushioning and enhanced durability. Additionally, the midsole is constructed of GuideGlide, a unique midsole construction that centers the foot from heel-to-toe ensuring a more comfortable and stable ride. Altra has Men's and Women's specific foot shaped lasts, and NRS: Natural Ride System.

The uppers are made of a lightweight air mesh on the K-Swiss and the Altra is Quick dry air mesh upper with minimal seams 

Both shoes use the term zero in their descriptions, Zero Drop verses Zero Heel Lift (Altra trade marked their name).  All this means the same thing, the no difference in height from heel to forefoot.  K-Swiss advertising says their shoe is not revolutionary, but Altra has stated that their shoe is barefoot shaped and makes claims that it helps with posture, and back alignment. The K-Swiss has less barefoot width in the forefoot to toe-box. Altra states that runners can maintain proper running technique and reduce joint impact while freeing their toes to help alleviate foot pain. 

For the road test, since I have a narrow forefoot, both shoes felt comfortable.  The difference comes in road response. The Altra is stiffer with less flex than the K-Swiss.  For most runners moving from a conventional shoe, the Altra is great choice.  For those who run mid-foot already and want less between then and the ground,  then the K-Swiss is the right shoe. 

Comparison Review: Vibram Seeya Verses Bikila

First Impressions

Imagine a KSO with a slightly thinner, more flexible upper, a thinner, textured sole with a separated forefoot and sole, and a more forgiving fit.  That’s the SeeYa.  It was designed to be a road running shoe,  more responsive than that of the earlier Bikila model.

Performance on Roads                                        

The Seeya does exactly what a good minimalist shoe should do- it goes unnoticed.  The lack of structure and superior ground feel place it squarely in the Barefoot Running Category.  For runners that run with a good midfoot landing under their center of gravity, this will be the ultimate minimal road shoe.

Fit

The Seeya fits much like any other Five Finger footwear.  The lack of structure through the stretchy upper will likely fit a wider range of foot shapes.  The liner works well without socks.  It is significantly more comfortable than the KSO, but less than the Bikila.  My foot fits well in the toe pockets.  I didn’t have any issues at up to a 5k pace

Benefits of both

Both perform well running on the road with a comfortable ride, but the Seeya just allows for a smoother natural motion.