Why some minimalist shoes are getting thicker

claire911

Barefooters
Mar 12, 2013
22
15
3
39
Cape Town
I was quite surprised to see that Vibram's 2014 version of the FiveFinger Bikila is in fact going to be thicker than the original.

Twice as thick, to be precise. Accordingly they've added the word "Evo" at the end. The Bikila as we know it has gone and the Bikila Evo has taken it's place.

It's an interesting move as the Bikila was hugely popular for middle distance runners; these runners won't be buying the updated model and will move to something else - perhaps the KMD sport or if they're looking for greater ground feel on the road, the Seeya.

While surprised, the move does seem to be a good one. With VFF bringing out a slightly thicker shoe, they're likely to attract those starting minimalist running. The Bikila Evo will become something of a transition shoe, an offering for those not ready to take the plunge.

We've seen this in many other brands including New Balance who uses the Vibram sole for their Minimus shoes. As a VFF runner, I find the Minimus too thick but it serves it's purpose of bringing people closer to the ground and ultimately that's what we want to see.

The Evo is said to give runners new to minimalist running a little extra cushioning. The maximum thickness is 8.5mm but only 2.5 mm of that is rubber, the rest is cushioning. It is still zero drop.

So, while I can't explain why Vibram FiveFingers didn't just bring out an entirely new model and why they opted to "hijack" the Bikila name, it seems the new model is going to bring more runners to our minimalist world.

And, thanks to the extremely bright colours, you'll be able to spot them on the road!

Screen-shot-2013-08-26-at-20.17.49.png
 
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All the attention-getting novelty without having to adjust to minimalism. Looks like good incentive to forgo running-shoes altogether and instead, put focus on actual utility.
 
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My question is...are they doing away with the Bikila in favor of the Bikila EVO (to evolve), or will they be keeping both? I also see they are also going to have a KSO EVO. What about the original KSO?

I can see where these shoes can help some of us with neuropathy problems.

Here's a better shot of the raised cushioning:

vybrid.jpg
 
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While surprised, the move does seem to be a good one. With VFF bringing out a slightly thicker shoe, they're likely to attract those starting minimalist running. The Bikila Evo will become something of a transition shoe, an offering for those not ready to take the plunge.

I have to disagree. I think it will make people who want to transition over confident and will lead to more injuries and more bad press for barefoot running in general.
It’s probably a good financial decision for them, because it might make them more comfortable to people used to thicker shoes, so they are more likely to buy after trying them on.
Personally, after running in sockwas, I think all of the VFF are are too thick and stiff. Barefoot still feels the best until I hit the gravel paths.
 
It's going to be interesting to watch the development.

It seems Vibram has a "max feel" and an "evo" line out. The first is very minimal and the second much thicker. I just hope they keep options available for those that like what is already out there. Otherwise, what's to keep me a VFF runner?
 
Answer to the topic question is probably that thicker shoes (merrells...) seem to be more popular even amongst minimalists... Bikila evo can be good, if it's that same squishy eva that was used in vb ultra. If you like squishy, though...

Vibram has probably seen how there's lot of fans that buy every fivefinger model so the business solution is to make many models. I would say that such approach is better than the traditional thing of making shoes that doesn't last long..
 
The original VFF models have a reputation of lasting a thousand miles or more. I don't know about the newer models though. Does anyone with the newer models (not the EVOs or Max Feels as they are too new) have any history with the mileage on them?
 
Good points! I'm currently investigating the mileage on the KMD Sports and they seem pretty good so far. I'd be very interested to see how the new range holds up.

Vibram will certainly consider this as a marketing strategy: our shoes are expensive, but better value for money because they last far longer.
 
I like my merrell's for work and non running, but prefer barefoot or in winter a thinner sole for running.. I have run in my merrell's (started out with them as the alternative to barefoot), but in winter I NEED a shoe - currently using my Vivobarefoot Kali's for that... And I have to wear shoes for work, the Merrell's work for that because I slip them off in the warmer weather as soon as I get to the car (or out the door at the Jackson office), and in colder weather as soon as I get home (I won't drive in handknit socks only like I do barefoot).

I can't wear VFF's, but given the # of times I have to bleachwipe my shoe bottoms at work (dialysis center), I figure a thicker sole is a bit safer there as it will take more time to degrade