Comments on: Gear Review: Vibram’s FiveFingers KSO (Keep Stuff Out)

By: JP

JP — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 23:39:11 +0000

Kate,

The picture of my shoes at the top are from Arches National Park, a desert area in Utah.

The shoes are good for this kind of hiking, but the boulders get hard. I’d say that the Grand Canyon would merit some regular boots (heavy probably aren’t necessary), at least as alternatives (I wore both at the Grand Canyon). It’s pretty rocky there, similar to large gravel. Also temperatures in the morning and evening can cool to the point where you may want some socks on. It never hurts to have both.

By: Kate

Kate — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:22:41 +0000

I have a pair of grey/green KSOs. (One of my friends calls them my “frog feet”) You are very right about them being conversation starters! I actually ordered mine online. I just followed the directions on vibram’s site for measure my foot with a ruler while standing against a wall. Guess I lucked out that they fit my foot type so well.
I wore them while on a day hike with my husband and friends over the summer. They did excellent on wet slippery rocks in a nearly dry stream bed. I did have to dodge the new (large) gravel on some of the main paths near the trailhead parking lots, but I don’t think my foot soreness at the end of the day was any worse than if I had been in traditional shoes.
We’re planning a trip in May to the SW US – Grand Canyon, maybe Zion or Death Valley or Monument Valley. I’m trying to figure out if I could do the trip in my Five Fingers, or if heavy hiking boots are necessary. Any opinions would be welcome.

By: Renee

Renee — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 01:29:03 +0000

I bought black KSOs 3 days ago and have been hiking Acadia since then in them. I LOVE THEM. They are funny looking and my family is having fun teasing me, but I think they are great. I thought after the first hike that my feet would feel bruised and beaten up the next day, but they actually felt limber and "massaged" after climbing rocks. The only thing that hurt through them was climbing the ladders on the really steep cliffs. Renee’s last blog post..I found it! I found it!

By: JP

JP — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:10:56 +0000

Definitely worth getting. You could always try on a pair at a local outfitter and order on Amazon below . I don’t know how well they defend against snake bites, and hope I don’t find out. Great Article. I can’t help think about the movie City Slickers anytime I think about sucking out venom.

By: Ryan Dionne

Ryan Dionne — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:01:03 +0000

Great review. It makes me want to go find a pair and give 'em a try! Ryan Dionne’s last blog post..Rattlesnake bite do's and don'ts