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!