VibramMen's V-Trek Minimalist Hiking Shoe

To start off, if you never wore these, your feet might hurt a bit because you’re using muscles in your feet that you probably never really use. Once you start wearing them more, they are very comfortable. I’ve had my first pair for about 10 years now. Wearing them on and off. Over the years they have came out with different models. These have a little bit more cushioned in my other ones. Far as fit, there are a couple ways to wear these by size. My first pair are a little bigger. So that way i can wear them with the toe socks. Without the toe socks, they are tad big, but still wearable without socks. I normally wear 11.5 so I got these in 11.5 to 12 and they fit perfect. If you plan on wearing these without socks, go with your original size. Far as walking around on the ground, that’s what they exactly feel like. So if you like to walk barefoot, these are shoes for you. These ones are a bit more warmer compared to my other ones. Only thing I find interesting is the way they look. I never been a fan of the appearance but I really don’t care. They are just too comfortable. And the grip on these are amazing. I definitely recommend them. Or at least giving them a try. Sizing is the key for these.

These are my first Vibram minimal shoes. I previously owned two older minimal shoes that were basically cheap knock-offs. The higher price of the Vibram FiveFingers and derivatives is what prevented me from buying them, but being unable with the quality of the cheaper clones I had for many years, I went ahead and bought the Vibram V-trek. The quality and comfort of the V-trek are much higher, and I find the comfort level much better. With some other minimal shoes, there is an elastic strap that either goes over the top of your foot or around your heel. In both instances, I found these uncomfortable for all-day wear. The V-trek uses more standard shoelaces and so for me, the comfort is much better. I've so far been wearing them for hours at a time and not yet experienced any discomfort. The padding of the shoe, including the rubber sole, is also a bit thicker than on other minimal shoes I've owned. This doesn't seem to affect the feel of the shoe so much as it provides a bit more quality and durability.I've had no issues with the fit. I ordered my usual shoe size, and they fit just fine. Some other reviews have stated you needed to order a size up, but in my case, that wasn't necessary. I do wear these without toe socks, and I suspect if I did, these might become a bit too tight. So I would suggest going with your normal shoe size or one size up dependent on if you plan to wear toe socks or not. 2/6/19 UPDATE: I have since worn these with some toe socks. The fit remains the same, although you naturally do lose some sensory feedback. I still prefer these without socks, however.Normally I wouldn't mention the styling, but one of the V-trek's selling point is they have a bit more "flair" to them. At first glance, they do appear to look just like an ordinary pair of black shoes. A lot of minimal shoes, including some older pairs I've owned, tend to have rather "loud" colors or designs. Other than a yellow sole, the V-trek are a simple black all over. For people who have been turned off to minimal shoes because of their look or just want a slightly more understated design, the V-trek will probably work for you.3/8/19 UPDATE: While the V-trek are easy to clean (either throw them in the wash or just run them under some hot water), they take a long time to dry, longer than some other Vibrams I now own. These are not great options if you are planning on being near water. Consider the V-Aqua instead.

I'm a 76 year old woman and have been wearing Vibrams for a few months to help with my moderate bunions. I find that men's 41s fit a little better than women's 42s. A little wider in the toe box and easier to get on to my crooked toes. I wear the Vibrams because they hold toes in about the correct place and allow me to use my feet better.I was surprised that thin, flexible soles did NOT make walking or standing less comfortable (even on cement), and feeling every pebble was not a problem. It's like walking barefoot with strong calluses already built up on the soles of your feet. Lack of arch support allows you to use your feet and build your own arch support.I expected this pair to be insulated all around to keep your feet warm in the snow. Not the case. Same thin material in upper. However the soles are thicker and insulated - which gives an unexpected tiny bounce and cushion to each step, while still giving the same feel and flexibility. I like that a lot.I don't like the laces. Too thick and don't slide well through the keepers. I'll be changing them.

First of all, if this is your first time wearing toe shoes, lower your expectations a little and cut your toenails! My experience is this. Do the shoes separate my toes? Yes. Is it the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn? No. The shoes are lightweight and flexible, so running in them is almost like running barefoot, BUT if you run on your heels (like most people do), you will not find these very comfortable. I like the versatility, traction, and fit of these, but we will see over time if they will last. Lightweight means less material.