V-TREK vs V-ALPHA / the best barefoot trail shoes

[@AndrewFolts]

*Barefoot Trail Shoes* (referral links) all barefoot trail shoes - - - bit.ly/3RBllQd vibram v-alpha- - - - - - - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4muqJqNoNCHkM0 vibram v-trek - - - - - - - - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/nX-TaJehhNGii5Y injinji wool toe socks - - - - kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZaZc3Zoq8ufatk *Best Barefootwear* (referral links) casual shoes - - - bit.ly/3Smg8gx road shoes - - - - - bit.ly/48XEOBz trail shoes - - - - - bit.ly/4250J7B trek boots - - - - - - bit.ly/3SCgP5V winter boots - - - - bit.ly/3RRbI0X sandals - - - - - - - - bit.ly/4b2tfLu slippers - - - - - - - - bit.ly/3tNYvNz website - - - - - - - - www.barefootwear.org

[@ozzyprv]

Thanks for the video. I have been using vibram fivefingers for a LONG time. Nothing compares to the Spyridon LS. I still use my very last pair for snowy trails running here in Alberta, Canada.

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh cool I was just looking at that one. It's on my list to review. What do you like better about it?

[@gregmeissner9960]

Excellently done comparison, thank you. You helped me.

[@AndrewFolts]

Sure thing, thanks for hanging out, Greg!

[@MozesWild]

I've had the alphas for a few years and have worn them down so bad. I just received my vtrek today but they were too big. I'm excited to see how I like them when I get the right size. I will be getting a new pair of alphas eventually no matter what, but I wanted something a little more sturdy. Id like if the treks came with the same laces set up as the alphas though. What is actually your favorite though?

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, the Alpha's have an aggressive tread, which is def more grippy, but somewhat less durable on firm ground. They're my go-to's for trail running, while the V-Trek's are what I hike in-or trail running too, if it's rocky and I need more protection.

[@eldiablo2044]

I just bought a pair of treks im waiting to come in. Ive never worn barefoot shoes before i wanted something lighter to hike with in warm weather. My theory is like a glove vs a mitt they should be cooler than a full toe box.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, a sandal will always win the breathability battle vs shoes. I've used the Z-Trek's for years, they're a great pick for hiking. Just take it slow in the beginning . Have fun out there!

[@n0xi0u]

Great review, im considering buying my first five fingers, currently wearing vivobarefoot primus for trail running and "survivalruns" which is basicly lots of running in wet mud/grass and a lot of rope climbing obstacle courses, which one would you recommend? And maybe even one for winter conditions?

[@AndrewFolts]

The V-Trek has a tougher upper and more rugged tread for rocky terrain, and the V-Alpha has a thinner but slightly more aggressive tread for soft ground and would dry out faster. Tough call, but probably the V-Trek, since you'll be rope climbing. For winter FF's won't work, since they aren't water-resistant at all. Either the Primus Trail Knit FG kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWXamp6rprV7kJI or Magna Lite WR SG kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmK4l6WXrd9qsJo would be good picks for winter.

[@n0xi0u]

@@AndrewFolts going to try the vtreks, thanks have you tried the vtreks insulated or neop for colder weather?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@n0xi0u I've tried the V-NEOP. It's ok down to maybe 40º F, but only in dry conditions. Your toes'll freeze off if you get them wet, ha.

[@Leopr1]

I bought the v-alpha, because is hot where I live. Excited to try them on when they arrive!

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, they're great for hot weather. Have fun out there!

[@nvsv_wintersport]

Have you found a VFF-model that is more waterproof between the toes? I bought a pair of Freets for wet conditions.

[@AndrewFolts]

Not waterproof, but the V-NEOP is basically a wetsuit for your feet and it does a better job of insulating than the other VFF's. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqK9Z2CpprlqfqM

[@jonahhamilton9609]

@@AndrewFoltsHi Andrew! Just discovered the channel and this review was super helpful! Was wondering if you have tried the V-aqua and how that compares to the V-neop in terms of running on wet trails.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@jonahhamilton9609 Haven't yet, but the V-Aqua has a better tread for slippery hills, where the V-NEOP is flat and also less secure without the strap.

[@clementerosauro9127]

hello Andrew, do you like 1Hound Aerolux trainers? love your content. Thank you

[@AndrewFolts]

They look interesting. No info on thickness that I could see, so I emailed the company. I'll let you know if they respond.

[@AndrewFolts]

So I contacted support and their reply was very confusing. First they said the sole was "1" thick. I'm like...1 what? They're like 1 inch. I'm like there's no way they're that thick. Then they're like "1 inch falls into the 3-4mm category." After that I just gave up, lol. Support didn't seem to have any clue what they were talking about.

[@clementerosauro9127]

@@AndrewFolts thank you for doing that, l assume that they must have been somehow lost in translation :) l think l will order then. l own a few pairs 5 fingers and some ahinsa but l want now something like the Aerolux. Massive thanks!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@clementerosauro9127 Cool, let me know how they work out!

[@clementerosauro9127]

@@AndrewFolts thank you, i will!

[@kitcraft9516]

Do you have a Virbam recommendation for an all-around gym shoe replacement? I guess the V-Train makes the most sense but not a lot of in-depth reviews on these available. Mostly for lifting (powerlifting not oly or xfit) and LISS treadmill walking. Plus walking the dog on pavement. Idk why but I always use my training shoes for that, lol. I mean, if the treks would work well for that, they do seem like a well-rounded option over a dedicated training shoe. But I saw the Run Repeat cut in half on them and they are pretty padded (9.9mm stack height). That is a little thicker than I am used to for lifting (vivos with insole at about 7mm). Any advice would be appreciated! I'm open to another model for sure. Thanks man!

[@AndrewFolts]

I used the V-Trek's for everything for years, from walking to running to hiking to gym and leg pressing 500 lbs. The sole is tough and grippy, while the upper is durable and breathable, so yea, I'd go for those over the V-Train, which is synthetic and less breathable. Unless of course you need those straps for extreme side to side type workouts. In terms of stack height, the sole is 4mm and the thin padding is no more than 1-2mm. There's no way they're 10mm thick, unless something has changed.

[@kitcraft9516]

@@AndrewFolts Cool, thank you. I'm still leaning that way! Idk how long ago the review was but you can see it on Run Repeat, and they cut the shoe in half and measure the insole/midsole area and the outsole with digital calipers and it reads 9.9mm. I was totally blown away by that too! Maybe it is possible that they had the insulated and don't know or list it? On vibrams site that one says 4+4 so that would be closer, lol. Anyway, thank you again. Always apricated.

[@thegarage4570]

I’ve run everything from 5k’s to trail ultras in my v-trains and use them all the time in the gym. Had to hot glue some velcro pads on the heel cup to accommodate gaiters, but other than that, they’re perfect. They’re a do everything model.

[@jeanpaulorl]

How are these compared to the vivobarefoot primis light? Is the barefoot feeling higher with the vivos without insole? Are the vivos more flexibale?

[@AndrewFolts]

Toe shoes are always going to be more flexible than regular soles, although the Vivo Primus Lite's do have slightly better ground feel due to being meant for roads, rather than trails. All three are excellent as road running shoes, although the Vibram's are more versatile for mixed terrain.

[@jeanpaulorl]

@@AndrewFolts thanks! What has more a barefoot feeling? Treks or the alphas? And how long does it take to but the fivefingers on?^^

[@AndrewFolts]

@@jeanpaulorl Alpha's. But they're very close. Toe shoes are quick to put on once you practice a bit. You can use the same technique as for toe socks: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIrZg6GfjKmLq9U

[@DevelopingNL]

Could you give us your foot length in cm and width in the video. Which size you use in VFF. How your toes fit in the toe pockets? How much space is acceptable? It would be easier for us followers to know which size we should get ourselves.

[@AndrewFolts]

My foot is 26.67cm long and 11 cm wide. I usually wear 43 or 44 in VFF. 43 for running/summer if I want a more snug fit and 44 for cold weather with thicker socks. You can have your toes right to the end in Vibram's and it's fine, unlike normal shoes, where you'd want a half to full thumbnail's space.

[@DevelopingNL]

@@AndrewFolts do you have some extra space in some of the toe pockets? Like the pinky toe?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@DevelopingNL In 44 yea, in 43 not as much. My pinky toe is quite squashed from cleats as a kit playing soccer.

[@BooksWithBrad]

I wish my local retailers carried these. I’d hate to order them online and have them not fit. Especially since my second toe is genetically curved at the end so maybe it wouldn’t even fit in the toe hole

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, it's sad that more stores don't carry barefoot shoes. Vibram has a return policy, though, so you certainly try them out and exchange, if needed. I usually go half a size down, because they're supposed to fit snug to the end of your toes like a glove. My second and pinky toes are also curved from wearing pointy cleats as a kid. They ached a bit at first in Vibram's, but then the separate toes actually helped spread my feet more naturally and after a few times wearing them they became my favorite bareofot shoes of all time.

[@BooksWithBrad]

@@AndrewFolts yeah your videos have really made me want to pull the trigger and try them. Especially because ive really been enjoying road running and i want a pair of shoes that last. Usually id just buy whatever was on clearance at Sport Chek just because every shoe i wear would get destroyed by 1000km of running and whatever walking inbetween so barefoot just seems like it would be super worth it if i could get them to last 5+ years

[@AndrewFolts]

@@BooksWithBrad With shoe last, one thing to pay attention to is that you're not twisting or scuffing in your stride. This literally accounts for 90% of the wear on shoes, since gently rolling down causing very little friction. When I was a shoe salesman I saw it all the time. We'd film people on the treadmill, and sure enough they'd be doing one or both. Shortening your stride can help prevent this too.

[@BooksWithBrad]

@@AndrewFolts thanks for the tip! Yeah i definitely need to reduce the wear on my shoes. I dont think ive ever made a pair of running shoes last a year

[@mysense7005]

Hi, a little unconventional question, but do you have any thoughts on which ones would do better in a climbing gym?

[@AndrewFolts]

V-Alpha. I've done some tree climbing with them and the more aggressive tread has a better grip.

[@mysense7005]

@@AndrewFolts thank you :) How did the upper handle it? I am a bit worried that it might get torn up, especially if I try to use them to climb outside

[@BenjaminBaleta]

I work on a stainless steel deck boat, which is always wet (slippery for normal shoes), and has some sharpish type debris (think of bits of coral) on deck.. what's the best vibram for this sort of environment?

[@AndrewFolts]

Probably the V-NEOP. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqK9Z2CpprlqfqM. It's basically a wetsuit for your feet and the sole is meant for walking around on slippery rocks and being used underwater, etc.

[@angrycatalan325]

How long have you had the V-Alpha? Running a lot on them?

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, the V-Alpha's are my favorite summer barefoot shoes for running! They're ridiculously light and flexible. If I'm going somewhere more rugged (thorns, etc), I wear the V-Trek. I've had the Alpha's for four months now.

[@angrycatalan325]

@@AndrewFolts will you try the first earthing Vivo boots? I’m looking forward for your impressions!🙃

[@AndrewFolts]

@@angrycatalan325 Which one's are those?

[@angrycatalan325]

@@AndrewFolts the Vivo Pilgrim mens.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@angrycatalan325 Oh I see. No, I probably wont test them, since I've already reviewed the Scott, which is the same thing but just different sole materials. I've personally never experienced any benefits/effect of earthing. I get joy from the sensation of a thin sole and natural materials are usually more flexible, but I've A/B tested "conductive" soles and I honestly can't tell any difference.

[@DonVentris]

hey Andrew! I wanted to ask if you tested the V-Trail 2.0 and if you like it, what are your thoughts on it?

[@AndrewFolts]

Haven't tested it mostly because it has a synthetic upper vs wool blend for the V-Trek and V-Alpha, which is more breathable and temperature regulating.

[@kyran4238]

If only they made a Morton's Toe version 😞

[@AndrewFolts]

You could always go with a longer size to fit your other toes and put a pad in front of the toe that's too short. Although it might depend on how short the toe is.

[@kyran4238]

Thanks for the reply, I am a huge fan@@AndrewFolts. Frustratingly my “big” toe is about the same length as my 4th. To make matters worse my foot is about 2 sizes wider than it is long in widest shoes I have tried.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@kyran4238 Oh man, that is frustrating. Maybe a custom brand would be the way to go, because then you can give them foot tracings. I think Softstar does custom and also the Drifter Leather.

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

Cut a hole in the second toe! Big brain! 😂

[@randygeyer7673]

V-Alpha hands down. It's as close to being barefoot as possible.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, as long as you don't need the extra upper durability or warmth, then the V-Alpha is def ideal.