I've been running in Five Fingers for around 4+ years now. I love the V-Alpha for running. You're spot on: Like it better than the V-Run. Uppers are better than the flimsier V-Run. Grip is better than the V. Overall comfort: 5 stars. I'm replacing all my V-Runs with V-Alphas :)
I've been watching this channel for months. I am a believer in barefoot running. I'm training for my first ultramarathon 50 miles. Thanks for all your commentary. I love your passion for running! Denver, Colorado U.S.A.
Hi there! Nice video! V-alpha are my first barefoot shoes ever and so far so good! They are so comfy, it's unbelievable - Even though I have used them not more than 5 times so far - the feeling is amazing, they are like natural part of my feet.. I think I got addicted to these shoes, don't wanna take them off even for a second :D
bought my first five fingers about 6 weeks ago and loving them. I have only been running just over 40 years, my running in my V-runs I feel like have just started running again. Loving my Five fingers, I will be buying the V-trail soon
Thanks for the great review Steve, i like your reviews as u do not immediately jump straight into concluding and straightaway says a minimalist shoe is good just by "looking at" a shoe, u are the type that will first do a initial review, follow by a final one after logging more mileage on the shoe, that should be the way to review a shoe. Kudos ! What i'm concern about most Vibram models is the durability issues, due to heavy mileage, and most Vibram models having a thinner sole, they tend to wear out very fast, either a toe hole or one side wearing out. It would be good to talk about the durability issues as marathon runners tend to clock lots of mileage on their shoes. Buying a shoe that wears out after a while just dun make any sense. Looking foward to see the 2nd review of the V-alpha ! Thanks Steve.
I'm not a runner, but a hiker. Would the V-Alpha be recommended for moderate hiking? I'm not sure if I should go with these, TrekSport, or the V-Trail.
Great vid Steve , look forward to seeing how you get on in the new alphas. The slightly higher upper concerns me but as you said they are new and will probably get more supple with use although they don't look anything like the kso's in my opinion. Must say I have just bought a new black and red pair of kso's evo's and a casual pair in hemp bought from barefoot junkie and the service was fantastic. ,... like the tee shirt too.
The t-shirt is pretty sweet 😁😁😁 yeah I almost think the comparison to the kso is a distraction. The v alpha seems like an awesome shoe in its own right and stands in a different space to the kso 💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻
Steve, love the channel and content, got me into trying out running in Vibrams six months back, and now I’ve never enjoyed running so much. One question: you have often mentioned the speed of shoes in your videos, and the speed penalty of vibrams compared to say the Newton mv2. Approximately what is the pace difference at race effort in your experience?
Good question, probably requires a video. Vibrams can be fast don't get me wrong, but the MV3 is very fast as it has a lug system on the forefoot that helps propell you forward. It's hard to say how much fast, a few seconds per mile - maybe 10 at a total guess!
Hiya. I bought a cheap pair of Bikila LS second-hand as the V-alpha is currently beyond my budget... And I was struck by a few things.. They are very slippery on any wet surfaces, more so than the average shoe. Even wet tarmac. The lacing system lets in a lot of sand. I don't have any idea how much the previous owner used them, but the quality seems poor : the sole is coming unglued on the sides, and the velcro bit on the end of the laces has come off. The sole is a lot less flexible than I expected, however they have got the balance between protection/barefoot sensation spot on. Is this normal? I am interested in the V-aphas because they seem to be a good all round shoe for running, hiking, and wet environments. Could you please tell me how they compare to the Bekila LS? Thank you
i have a pair of bikilas and i'm surprised at how bad the traction is. The sole also came unglued on the sides pretty quickly on mine as well. haven't tried the v alpha but you can't go wrong with megagrip.
I am planning on doing some running in Colorado, I have been told the Rocky mountains there can have lots of pointy sharp rocks. What vibram would you choose if you were headed there?
Hi, I'm planning to buy a vff for the first time and I don't know if get the v-alpha or the kmd sport . Just to go to the gym and run. Since you did the alphas review can you do the kmd sport review as well.
Steve how tight should vibrams fit from heel to big toe. Mine have a little play, but my toes are no where near the same length so my smaller toes at the end slip out of the fingers. Is this normal... and I don't want to wear socks to fill it in.
Hey dude! Your toes shouldn't be slipping out during a run. This has never happened to me in all these years. Might be worth trying a smaller size my main man!
Hiya, when do you think you'll be able to post the full V-Alpha review? I'm impatiently waiting for your impressions before buying a pair :) Thanks for your great videos !
Hey Abigale thanks for the push!! I'll try to get it uploaded maybe this weekend. I had to get my ironman finished and now I can concentrate on things like this. You've given me the kick up the backside to upload this review!! 😁
I'm really going to miss kso evos - they are the closest to barefoot. These shoes seem more like the trek ascents - too much forced toe splay, and they're not particularly nice looking either.
I noticed that Vibram didn't come out with any shoes for 2018 that they called vegan including this one. I wonder if it is due to the megagrip sole having some animal products in the manufacturing.
Hey man, this model is 50% wool in the upper! I'll call it out in my full review, but if you're not down with wool these are definitely not the model for you!!
Hey Steve, how to become a "vocal member" of the barefoot running community? Like how much experience we need, how many pairs of shoes we had to try, etc...
It's more about your passion than your experience, here's why: You could start a barefoot running vlog documenting your experiences as a beginner up to experienced barefoot badass. The key is be open and honest with your audience. If barefoot running is your passion then don't present yourself with roadblocks
Hey Kev. There's no leather or anything like that, but the glue used MIGHT not be vegan friendly. I'm not 100% sure so it's worth looking into if you're concerned about it
Kalclash Fitness V I’m interested in purchasing my first pair of Vibrams and they need to be vegan friendly. I’ve watched your review of the GSO EVO; would you say they’re the best available for a beginner to minimalist footwear? Thanks
Hey man, I honestly think the V-run is the best all rounder and great for a beginner - the sole is slightly more forgiving than the KSO. The KSO have a thinner sole, but onthe whole I prefer the KSO for the ground perception. Like I say though the glue may not be stictly vegan so you might need to research whether you're comfortable with all materials used.
