Vibram FiveFingers Men's KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe

This is my second pair of VFF shoes. The first pair is so good I wanted to keep a pair for the gym and one for outdoor activities. The first pair is the V-Run Retro and this time I went with the KSO EVO. The KSO is even lighter weight with a more narrow sole. The sole grips well and is very comfortable. I highly recommend either model.The following is the review for the Retro which works for both models.****And that's saying a lot because I've been around for quite a few decades. After dealing with foot pain for most of my life due to backpacking and running I have changed my thinking from protecting my feet at all costs to exposing my feet at all costs. My Morton's Neuroma and planters fibroma has been painful for many years and it has not gotten better even with very expensive shoes and orthotics. The only relief I get is my foot massager and some exercises that I do specifically for my feet but it may help but it doesn't heal. Coming across the barefoot community and the information that they had I figured why not give it a try. It seems to go against conventional thinking but I was desperate. I picked up four different pairs of shoes, these VFF being the most interesting. They are super comfortable, almost like being barefoot without the pain. I've been using them at the gym and have done some mountain climbing with them. For work I can't wear them so I wear a pair of Xero since they look more business like. Of the four pair of the VFF are my favorite. It's funny how people notice them even though they're black with a little bit of lime green around the toes. It's definitely a conversation starter.The build quality is good and I've been a fan for decades of the Vibram soles so these are no different. Good grip. So far in two months they have not shown any sign of ware.I picked up some toe socks but they're perfectly fine without them. They claim to be a machine washable and I don't see any reason why they wouldn't be.As for my feet, they have a new lease on life. They have never felt better. Eat right, exercise, and go barefoot. And if you can't go barefoot get these shoes. As of right now I'm looking for a pair of hiking or trail VFF to go on sale.Note:I followed the measurement guidelines on the Vibram website and ordered accordingly but unfortunately the first pair was too small. In small print on their Run Retro page it says these run small but unfortunately I didn't see it before ordering. I recommend for the Retro to order one size up.Highly Recommended ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So, I’ve seen these shoes before on a few occasions being worn by various people and have always been very intrigued by them.Now in my early 30’s, being 6’ tall, living in the northern Midwest where it’s cold 9-10 months out of the year and my joints are always talking to me; I came across an audiobook a little while back called “The Primal Blueprint”.I’ve always naturally been a minimalist and naturalist of sorts. So the book really intrigued me! In listening to the book, it covered a section called “barefoot living,” where it basically discussed how primitive people didn’t have shoes and how they trekked across terrain barefoot and how since the dawn of shoes, not only have we as humans gotten away from our “natural” past, but we’ve also developed tons of issues within our feet, bones, joints and back; BECAUSE of our discovery(in millennia speak) and use of shoes.This REALLY interested me because I’ve had back and knee issues for years now. Basically since my late teens/early 20’s.The book discussed this “barefoot living” style and recommended “barefoot” shoes as a means of actually relieving pain in various areas of the body and helping to correct body structure over time. Wait... so you’re telling me this WHOLE time that I’ve been wearing ‘regular’ shoes they’ve been f’ing up my body?! Are you f’ing serious?! Apparently the issues are due to the raised heel on conventional shoes and how over time it affects the body structurally. Making it weaker...Needless to say from that moment on I became VERY interested in this “barefoot” living style!Remembering that I’ve seen these type of shoes before. First thing I did was jump on Google and searched “barefoot shoes”, and these came up!After looking at various styles I decided on these KSO EVO’s based on the amount of positive reviews.Well, I’ve had these shoes for a little more than a month now and I have to say, they do/will take at least a couple weeks of getting used to. Not only will they feel really weird on your feet, but your legs and calves will absolutely FEEL the difference of “barefoot” walking/movement.But once you get passed that initial couple of weeks of adjustment and feel, wow!It is still a bit weird to FEEL everything I’m moving on. But the shoes have conformed more to my feet and are VERY comfortable for being so minimal.Also, I can honestly say that I’m already noticing a difference in my ankles, knees and back!My ankles haven’t been popping as much. My knees definitely haven’t been popping as much especially when going up stairs. And my back is definitely less sore and stiff than it usually is!These shoes really do seem to be making a difference and I’ve been wearing them daily(all day) now for the last couple of weeks. I’m not a runner. So they’re worn consistently around the house and when I’m out and about.And, while my girl and stepdaughter think they’re “so weird!” I happen to think they’re actually unique and cool! And if they keep helping me feel better and stronger, they’ll stay on my feet! Quite frankly, I’ve never given a sh!t what anyone thinks...After the initial bout of fatigue in my calves and knees, it’s pretty minimal now and I see it as these shoes are helping to strengthen me from waist down. While also helping to almost eliminate my back soreness and tightness. They’ve essentially helped me to identify my weak points. It’s pretty awesome!Some notes...To help you adjust, you may want to purchase some toe socks to not only make the adjustment period more comfortable, but help the shoes loosen up just a tad and possibly conform to your feet faster. It seems to have done the trick for me. Fair warning though, initially wearing socks with these is going to make your feet(especially toes) feel really squished. Personally, I prefer the shoes without socks now. Even when the weather is in the 30’s and 40’s. I kind of suck it up and deal with the brisk breeze in the shoes because I’ve come to realize the benefits I’m getting from wearing them! And honestly if I’m not actively thinking about it, I barely notice it.In the winter months, I think I’ll actually try to see if Vibram or anyone makes a “barefoot” insulated shoe/boot of sorts and wear that. If not, well, I guess I’ll have to wear boots... but when I’m not working and the weather is anything above 30, I’ll be wearing my Vibram’s! I’ve come to appreciate them that much already!Oh, and make sure you purchase according to your shoe size! So long as your shoes actually fit your feet correctly! I initially ordered according to the guide provided on here and ended up getting confused and ordered too small!I’m a size 10 in shoes and initially ordered a 42(9-9.5) because of the guide. I exchanged those for a 43(9.5-10) and they fit beautifully!Happy “barefoot living”! 🤘🏻👍🏻