Vibram Speed XC Shoe - Men's FiveFingers

I am a Vibram enthusiast. I use KSO and Trek Sport for casual wear, Bikilas for running and Spyridon for hiking. I purchased the Speed XC for its water resistance in rainy weather. It hasn't rained much since I purchased this pair. This is my first laced pair of Vibrams. I miss the velcro straps that pulls the heel in for a tighter fit. I size a 41 for Bikilas and KSO and size 42 for Trek Sport and Spyridon. Since the Speed XC resembles the Sport Trek in design, I purchased a 42 and it seems to be a bit loose, possibly because it does not have the heel strap to tighten it. I think a 41 would be too tight, so I'll stay with the 42. I also purchased it to wear with Dockers. I had been wearing the Sport Trek with Dockers, but the shiny rubber toes made it seem too casual. The Speed XC looks for like a regular shoe. It does not have the same ground feel as the Trek Sport, but it is a good compromise for more mainstream wear.6/23/13 update: I spent a week in New York City with this pair in pretty heavy rain. Water did not penetrate - I'm happy to discover that it is water resistant as advertised. I don't think it's water-proof, but it did an excellent job of keeping my feet dry in rainy weather. I also began using Injinjin lightweight socks (original weight would be too thick) - this made the fit perfect and kept the foot odors at bay. I am using this more on a daily basis to work. It's a great style for me. I would upgrade my rating to 4 1/2 stars.

I would of given this a 5 star rating but there was two thing that there was a problem with. On one of the shoes I noticed the big toe tends to lean on the side of the shoe, instead of the sole. What I mean is that as I am walking my big toe is pushing outwards to the side and its like I'm leaning on the side of the shoe and not the sole. Over time this could be a problem because it might tear open the side of it. I guess it was the way this was made that it is imbalanced. All the toes on that shoe are not straight and are leaning towards the side. I own three other pairs of vibrams and this is the only one I have this issue with. I don't wear them that much for that reason, and spending so much money to not wear something seems like a big waste. I have sent a photo with the right shoe and the left shoe. The right shoe is the one with the unbalance. Lastly this shoe is advertised as being waterproof and it is not. I've stepped in puddles and even when it rains my socks get soaked.

I've been wearing Vibram Five-Fingers for over a 2.5 years now, so I'm pretty well acquainted with them, how they feel and perform. However, it wasn't until recently that I've started taking a military fitness class and had to run (much more than I usually do) in these shoes. Now the other models I've brought (the most recent being the KSO EVO) were good for pretty much everything, except grip on a hardwood-gynasium floor. Also, if we ran outside for an extended period of time, I found that I needed more cushion.Well, if you are looking for a Vibram shoe that goes anywhere (but of course a business casual work-environment. :( ) then these are YOUR SHOES! What you lose in flexibility (compared to the other models), is more than made up for in grip and a sturdy sole. These are made for trail-running (which sounds lovely but I unfortunately have not been able to try yet) and other outdoor pursuits, so they have all grip and sturdiness you need. (Also, if you are flat-footed, don't let that scare you away- I have a low/flat arch- and my feet feel better in these shoes than any other, which is why I would like to wear them everywhere. <3)

I've owned quite a few Vibram FiveFingers (KSO, Trek, Treksport, Spyridon). I blew out the toes in my last pair of Treksports, so it was time for another pair of VFF for every day use. I like the thicker 4mm sole and I've wanted a more water resistant version for some time, so I checked into the Speed XC. The price on Amazon was really good. I read in one of the reviews that these tend to run small, so I bought a size larger than I usually wear. I'm glad that I did! Yes, they do run small and I probably could not have worn my usual size. They don't stretch as much with the stiffer sole and perhaps the additional lining makes them fit more snugly. I've been wearing them for about a month now and I'm pretty happy with them. Yes, they are indeed much more water resistant than the other models I've worn. The thicker sole provides good protection from rocks and such. They are a bit stiffer in the toes than my other VFF and, due to the water resistance features, they don't breathe quite as well. So, my feet tend to get a bit hotter than usual. But, all in all, I recommend them.

When I originally ordered these shoes I was really looking forward to them arriving so I could try them on and go for a good run by the lake, but unfortunately, the size chart is a bit weird and although I ordered the "correct" size as I regularly do with my other shoes, these did not fit. I am sure the quality of the shoes is great, the style is very much what I was looking for, but in terms of sizing, I was discouraged to reorder again.

I have been running in Vibrams over 2 years now. I needed a pair that i can wear after a rainy day to run in. So far it hasn't rain yet for me to try them out in puddles. The only issue with them is trying to get your toes all in the correct sections. Since it is a harder material, it takes a little time to put them on. Once i start running with them after the rain, i will update my review.

I've had this almost a year now and its great, no complaints at all. The only reason i'm giving this 4 stars its cause in the picture it seems very slim fitting but when you see it in person its gota a bit of broad look at the front, Its probably the only thing i dont like, but everyone else seems to like it and always ask where i got it. So all in all, its a great casual shoe.

Ich hatte vorher ein weicheres Vibram Fivefingers modell (Speed oder Speed XY) und fand diese hier - grade an den Zehen - ziemlich hart.Bei den ersten Einsätzen hat der eine so auf den großen Zeh gedrückt, dass der nach 7km Laufen komplett blau war. Das habe ich - im Wechsel mit anderen Schuhen - einige Male ertragen und jetzt sind auch diese Schuhe eingelaufen und drücken gar nicht mehr. Die Röhre...anders kann man das nicht nennen - für den großen Zwh hat auch innen eine unangenehme Naht.

Eigentlich kann ich keine Aussage über die Qualität der Schuhe an sich machen, da ich sie direkt zurückgesendet habe.Ich bin als Five-Fingers-Neuling recht schwer in die Schuhe reingekommen, aber das scheint sich mit zunehmender Übung zu geben.Ursächlich für meine Rücksendung war jedoch der starke farbliche Unterschied zwischen den Schuhen in der Artikelabbildung und der Realität. In der Artikelfotografie wird der Eindruck erweckt, dass diese Schuhen in einem mittleren bis hellbraunen Farbton gehalten sind. Insgesamt sind diese Schuhe, wenigstens bei meinem Exemplar, jedoch dunkelgrau mit einem Hauch eines Brauneinschlages. Überhaupt nicht schön also! Hier rate ich dringend einmal im Internet nach Bildern zu diesem Produkt zu suchen. Sollten dort welche mit einem wie beschrieben abweichenden Farbeindruck präsentiert werden, ist man wohl deutlich näher an der Realität!