Minimalist running shoes do more than just strengthen the feet by actively engaging the foot muscles; they are also beneficial in so many capacities! One of the best, most important contributions of minimalist running shoes, like the VFF KSO (Vibram Five Fingers Keep Stuff Out), is ground-feel, or sensory feedback at the feet which is a main lever of mechanical control, helping to create more balanced, more productive footsteps during running AND when you can feel the ground, your forefoot strike will become more easily sustainable during running, which may give you an economical opportunity to perform better while narrowing your odds of getting injured.
In that regard, below is my Vibram Five Fingers KSO Review for forefoot running where I discuss the advantages of the shoe, its specifications and its essential role in helping you coordinate a more effective, protective forefoot strike landing during running. Not to mention, the KSO was voted the MOST popular out of all other Vibram models for its versatility and it is definitely a recommended go-to speed work running shoe and walking shoe!
Vibram Five Fingers KSO Review for Forefoot Running
When I’m not running barefoot, I need a shoe that is low to the ground and provides ample ground-feel to help stop my mechanics from falling apart during running! The Vibram Five Fingers KSO has a 3.5 mm thin, protective, smooth rubber outsole that not only provides good flexibility in the entire foot, but provides a wide scope of sensory information, enabling you to make more proactive efforts in avoiding heel strike during running, which in turn, plays an essential role in deterring harmful impacts away from the knee and hips.
I’m also a big fan of the Velcro single hook and loop closure which helps lock the shoe snug, but not too tightly, on to your foot, giving an overall easily adjustable, dynamic fit, that also stops debris from entering.
As for the exterior styling, the shoe is pretty plain and simple, other than the toe sockets which are the signature features of the shoe that makes them stand out from rest and is usually a visual punch to others, but who cares what the shoe looks like, as long as it serves the purpose in bringing more functional strength on board to the feet, which is the shoes primary mission. Anything else would be self-defeating. You’ll always do better if your feet strong!
Other notable features of the Vibram KSO’s:
- Abrasion-resistant stretchy, supple nylon upper that’s form-fitting; an excellent forefoot wrap that’s durable enough to handle tricky terrain and muddy conditions
- Stretchy adaptable outsole that bonds to your foot like a sock; stretches out to accommodate a wider foot
- 3.5 mm smooth rubber outsole is non-marking; provides only what you need to go fast and nothing more
- Razor-sipped tread pattern is somewhat grippy on wet surfaces; doesn’t provide the most aggressive tread, which is why I prefer to wear the KSOs on drier surfaces; offers excellent traction on smooth trails
- Flat, zero-drop heel height, meaning no mechanical interference during the heel-lowering phase of the forefoot strike, allowing for more elastic energy storage in the Achilles tendon
- Low shaft height; fits just below the ankle, but higher up the ankle as compared to the Vibram KSO EVO and the KSO’s has more material density than the KSO EVOs; my feet feel more armored in the KSOs, yet they don’t feel any bulky
- The structural design of the upper is literally tailored to keep debris out. Vibram calls the structure the “Keep Stuff Out (i.e. KSO)” model and its been really effective in doing just that. I’ve never fussed with pebbles or dirt getting inside the shoe.
- Insole is of a 2 mm responsive, flexible EVA material that provides a moderate layer of comfort that doesn’t take away from the feel of the ground; moves extremely well with your foot; makes for a fast, light feel
- Hook-loop closure keeps the shoe locked onto the foot, so your feet won’t slip around inside the shoe; makes for an adaptable, accommodating fit
- Roomy toe sockets that bend with your toes
- Provides the overall sensations that you’re wearing nothing and provides terrific comfort
- Highly durable; shoe will hold up for years
- Because of the complete lack of external support and obstructive reinforcements, your legs and core muscles get a workout even when you’re standing still, helping you emerge much stronger than if you were in the traditional running shoe
- Machine washable. Let it air dry. Dries pretty quick.
- Sizing tip! Since the Vibram KSO’s fit like a glove, it would be wise to get the next size up from your regular size
The Vibram KSO can be used for:
- Running (5km – marathon) on smooth roads, semi-technical terrain and grass
- Walking and backwoods trail hiking
- Great for wet and humid conditions
- Cross-Fit; great for lifting
- High intensity training
- Kickboxing; karate
- Casual wear
- Obstacle course races
- Rock climbing; works just as well as any climbing shoes
- Golfing
- Whitewater rafting; swimming; Velcro straps locks the shoe better in place onto your foot than regular water shoes
- Soccer
In looking at the anecdotal evidence, the Vibram Five Fingers KSO have a record of success in helping resolve knee pain, shin splints, foot pain and hip pain, making them an appealing, powerful therapeutic strategy as compared to traditional running shoes.
Ultimately, the Vibram Five Fingers KSO is quite the light, flexible and agile package that can allow you to make tremendous progress and much more to come because of its role in engaging the foot in ways that spreads stability to rest of the body, helping you become more prepared to meet the demands of running on tough, punishing terrain.
Because of the influx of sensory input, you can certainly rely on the KSOs to be largely effective at helping you not only in improving, but sustaining your forefoot strike when you run, which ultimately helps reduce cumulative strain on the knee. Even more important, when you’re in the Vibram KSOs, you get a stronger sensory broadband as compared to the traditional running shoe whereby most of the functional strength development in the foots musculature is tied to this sensory input! This is how the Vibram KSO plays its part in engaging the feet on many fronts to levels not experienced in traditional running shoes, giving you a strong shot at making lasting progress in un-seeding bad running form, bringing real results that’s good for injury prevention.
Where to get the Vibram KSO:
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2GYxRDE
Zappos: http://bit.ly/2GYxdq1
Road Runner Sports: http://bit.ly/2GYykWq
Here is an even more in-depth review I did on the Vibram KSO:
More From Run Forefoot:
How Should Feet Land When Running
Bretta Riches
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.
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Very interesting. First time I’ve heard of this and I thank you. I’d like to learn more. I’ve only been running for 5 years, my feet and especially my heels hurt very often. Also, I experience hip soreness on longer runs. Actually just finished my first marathon and am hoping to better my running technique. Thank you