Vibram Five Fingers KMD EVO Review

You need a minimalist running shoe that can stand up to running long distances, mud obstacle course races, rocky, uneven trails, or soft grass, and the Vibram Five Fingers KMD EVO is entirely dedicated to all of that!

Like all Vibram minimalist running shoes, the KMD EVO’s are barefoot-like, especially in their foot-shaped design which structurally and functionally compliments the natural anatomy of the human foot. Not to mention, the thin sole helps improve sensory processing in the feet. This improves motor coordination and helps put everything in proper alignment through your stride, which is a huge asset for injury prevention!

Vibram Five Fingers KMD EVO Review

If you liked the Vibram Bikila’s, the KMD EVO is a more protective, warmer version. In fact, the KMD EVO is one of Vibram’s most durable barefoot shoe, but the added durability and protection doesn’t compromise the shoes barefoot-feel! The KMD EVO’s still provide lots of ground-feel that’ll help improve balance and dexterity, which is needed when running fast over technical trails.

The KMD EVO is more cushier than other Vibrams, which is why its preferred for more off-road adventures, and is actually a better choice for runners used to running in a more protective, cushioned running shoe.

The KMD EVO has a total of 11-mm of underfoot protection (2-mm EVA sock-liner + 6-mm EVA midsole + 3-mm rubber outsole), and doesn’t lose its plush comfort over longer runs.

The KMD EVO has similar durability to the Vibram Trek Ascent LR and is built to take long miles on the roads and endurance trails as well as for leaping and climbing over obstacles in Tough Mudders and Spartan Races.

Even though the outsole is very cushy, it doesn’t make the shoe firm, inflexible, or bulky. You’ll also appreciate the underfoot-feel because it still provides a near barefoot experience and gets you more connected to the ground than standard trail running shoes.

Other notable features of the KMD EVO:

• More underfoot protection than the Vibram KSO Classics, Vibram Bikila EVO, but has less underfoot padding than the Vibram Trek

• Weave-based, mesh-like upper for excellent breathability

• Weighs between 5.64 oz to 7.4 oz (depending on the size)

• Upper completely envelopes the foot, sealing your foot in the shoe while keeping out debris

• Ideal for leaping, climbing and balancing; great for running on grass and sand; good traction for wet surfaces

• Robust, yet extremely comfortable upper materials; more durable than the upper of the Bikila EVO

• Velcro straps gives a more secure fit; prevents foot from sliding around inside the shoe; allows for quick and easy adjustments, also makes the shoe easy to put on and take off in a hurry

• Reduces knee and back pain; allows you to develop stronger arches; according to numerous wear-testers, the KMD EVO is a good solution for shin splints, runners knee

• Wide toe-box for optimal toe splay, providing sturdy balance; stretchy upper materials expand nicely over bunions; great for wide feet

• Very comfortable because of the added protection; you cannot feel sharp stones

• Machine washable and air dry; takes a little longer to dry due to the material thickness

• Great for walking and hiking in addition to running

• Excellent traction on wet surfaces

I also did a YouTube review of the shoe to give you a better impression on how amazing the shoe is!

If you’re interested in the KMD EVOs, you can get there here!

If you’ve enjoyed this review, you’ll love my other recommendations on barefoot running and walking shoes, here! You’ll also enjoy my YouTube Channel, here,  where I talking about why forefoot running may be a MUCH better than heel strike running!

If you’d like, you can support Run Forefoot by shopping for minimalist footwear from the following places:

Vivobarefoot: https://shrsl.com/3kvih

Feel Grounds: https://www.feelgrounds.com/?p=RunForefoot

SoftStar Shoes: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1734107&u=3288901&m=107180&urllink=&afftrack=

Be Lenka: https://www.dpbolvw.net/click-7600968-14330828 

Wilding Shoes: https://bit.ly/3lIygQP 

Xero Shoes: https://xeroshoes.com/go/Run_Forefoot

Zappos: https://bit.ly/3agv5NG

You can also show support and help keep Run Forefoot going by making a donation in any amount of your choosing: https://www.paypal.me/RunForefoot

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Bretta Riches

"I believe the forefoot strike is the engine of endurance running..."

BSc Neurobiology; MSc Biomechanics candidate, ultra minimalist runner & founder of RunForefoot. I was a heel striker, always injured. I was inspired by the great Tirunesh Dibaba to try forefoot running. Now, I'm injury free. This is why I launched Run Forefoot, to advocate the health & performance benefits of forefoot running and to raise awareness on the dangers of heel striking, because the world needs to know.

Latest posts by Bretta Riches (see all)

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