Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review

If you liked the Vibram FiveFingers EL-X, you’ll love the Vibram KSO EVO because they’re  very similar to the EL-X, just more barefoot-feeling. In fact, the KSO EVO is one of the most barefoot-worthy shoes out there, and because of that, they’ll promote a natural rebuilding of a stronger foot while helping guide your forefoot strike to where it needs to be when you run!

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
The KSO EVO is one of Vibram’s thinner, softer, lighter shoes, and like all Vibram shoes, the segmented toes are one of the best features of the KSO EVO because it makes your toes fully usable for stronger balance and better impact absorption.


Like all Vibram shoes, the KSO EVO maintains Vibram’s popular feature that made them so popular: the toe sockets!

The toe sockets does the necessary job at allowing your toes to flex and spread out fully during the loading phases of running and walking, which is also the most functional way to use your toes.

What Are They Good For?

As for running, the KSO EVO performs best in drier conditions for running, but despite how thin and airy the shoe is, the KSO EVO is surprisingly warm in dry, wintery weather than other Vibram models.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
What makes the Vibram KSO EVO so extra special is that the paper-thin, completely flat sole leverages the foot to a better forefoot strike when you run, which takes the lead in being the safest, most efficient way to run!

The KSO EVO performs admirably well for walking or running on the roads, sidewalks, grass, beaches, trails and other soft surfaces. The fun doesn’t stop there as the KSO EVO is perfect for gym workouts including box step-ups, barbell and kettlebell exercises, burpee’s and high agility movements. They are also good for kayaking, kite-boarding, jet skiing tubing down a river, boating, showering in public showers and are ultimately superior to sandals in these wet conditions.

Last but not least, the KSO EVOs are beyond ideal for everyday use because they’re just so overly comfortable and super light.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
The Vibram KSO EVO is legendarily light and quick, and are for runners who desire to feel the ground more-full with their feet.

Sole Specifications

The KSO EVO sits on a thin 4.7 mm XS Trek rubber sole that somehow feels as if its 1 mm thin because you can feel every aspect of the ground! The KSO EVO really does provide a near barefoot experience that feels very similar to the Sockwa X8.

The KSO EVO also gets you the most connected to the ground because the sole is zero drop (completely flat) which does more to help you avoid heel strike when running vs a raised cushioned heel. 

Vibram Five Fingers KSO EVO Review
The KSO EVO’s super thin, flat sole makes the shoe extremely low profile and provides one of the most sensory-rich rides of any barefoot shoe. This forces you to use your forefoot strike more effectively when running while keeping your feet constantly stimulated of which much of the growth in foot strength is rooted in!
Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
Despite being extremely thin, the KSO EVO’s sole provides perfect protection against hot pavement.

Another incentive that makes the KSO EVO fully functional is its built on a wider sole to accommodate a wider foot shape, which is an essential element for helping shape and reshape a healthier foot.

As for traction, the sole delivers more aggressive, yet slightly sticky grip thanks to the tightly packed zig-zag patterned tread which provides sure footing on loose terrain, like sandy or smooth dirt trails, and handles well on wet, rocky surfaces, asphalt and even concrete.

Its important to emphasize that the KSO EVO’s sole offers as much versatility as you want, but only if you don’t mind feeling every pebble, twig, acorn, root and rock. This is what makes the KSO EVO so effective at correcting mechanical problems so quickly in that the more you can feel the ground with your feet, the more immediate the corrective action on your running stride.

Upper Specifications

The upper is made of 100% polyester mixed with a thorough, breathable upper mesh. The mesh provides plenty of comfort and ventilation so your feet wont cook in hot weather, yet notably, the upper does insulate the foot well enough in cooler temperatures.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
The KSO EVO’s upper is a thin, airy build of radically flexible fabrics, giving a perfectly adaptable fit across your entire foot!

The KSO EVO’s can be worn comfortably without socks because the upper’s interior is made with a comfy inner lining that’s MUCH softer and smoother to the touch than other Vibram shoes. 

For a more secure, customizable fit, the upper features a conveniently quick lacing system with added Velcro to prevent the cord from moving around.

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review
The bungie cord lacing really locks and secures the shoe onto your foot, fitting snug, just below the ankle and prevents debris and dirt from getting inside.

To save weight, the upper is very low cut, adding to the barely-there feel of the shoe which lets you motor like a sports car!

Vibram FiveFingers KSO EVO Review

How the KSO EVO Compares to Other Minimalist Shoes

When compared to other Vibram shoes, the KSO EVO is thinner than the Bilika EVO and the V-Train, and is pretty much flatter than most Vibram shoes. The KSO EVO is also softer inside and out as well as thinner, lighter and more flexible than the Vibram KSO.

As mentioned earlier, the KSO EVO feels very similar in fit and weight as the Vibram E-LX, and despite being thinner, the KSO EVO provides similar warmth as the Vibram Trek!

As for other minimalist shoes brands, the KSO EVO is one of the most thinnest barefoot shoes out there; its just as thin and barefoot-feeling as the Sockwa X8.

Lastly, because of the glove-like fit, the KSO EVO fits small and snug, but not tight, so be sure to order one size up from your regular size.

If you’re interested in the Vibram KSO EVO, you can get them here!

For a more clear-eyed view, check out my video review of the KSO EVO here!

Here are other barefoot running shoes to add to your glorious forefoot running shoe collection!

If you’d like, you can support Run Forefoot and help keep it going by making a donation in any amount of your choosing:

Or, you can also support Run Forefoot by shopping at the following top minimalist shoes brands, and be sure to bookmark the links:

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

FeelGrounds: https://www.feelgrounds.com/?p=RunForefoot

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

Iguaneye: https://www.iguaneye.com/?ref=8tfXVc92

Soft Star Shoes: https://shrsl.com/3mp1b

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

Earth Runners: https://earthrunners.com/?rfsn=6763579.f7f9c9

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

Zappos: https://goo.gl/J1CeAd


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.
Bretta Riches

P.S. Don't forget to check out the Run Forefoot Facebook Page, it's a terrific place to ask questions about forefoot running, barefoot running and injury. I'm always happy to help!

8 Comments

  1. Hi Bretta !
    First, thank you for all the effort you put in this blog. As someone who’s considering to step in the minimalist shoes world, it’s given some useful piece of advice on the subject, which i really needed.
    Now, i was wondering, between this model (KSO evo) and the sokwa X8, which one would you rather have, personally, as a long time runner ? In terms of durability, confort… I can’t make my choice between the two.
    Cheers
    ps : Sorry if any mistake snuck in my comment. I’m not a native speaker, so it happens.

  2. >>Seit 241 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an< Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab dem

    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

  3. >Zehenfächer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an>Seit 241 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe. Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

  4. >Zehenfächer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an>Seit 242 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe. Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

  5. >Zehenfächer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an>Seit 242 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe. Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

  6. >Zehenfächer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an>Seit 242 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe. Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

  7. >Zehenfächer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter an>Seit 242 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe. Daher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

  8. Seit 242 Jahren verkrüppeln die Füsse im Zehenbereich ihrer Schuhe vom Säuglingsalter anDaher empfehle ich: Die Zehenfächer- Fussbekleidung den Säuglingen schon ab den
    8. Lebensmonat anzuziehen<

    FUSSGESUNDHEIT

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