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Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent Insulated

rated 4.5 of 5 stars
photo: Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent Insulated barefoot / minimal shoe

They extend cold weather running. Added protection for the feet. And extremely lightweight and flexible.

Pros

  • Keep the feet a bit warmer
  • Easy to clean
  • Conform to terrain
  • Better ground feeling

Cons

  • Traction could be better. They don’t like ice much, are okay in mud and snow. Do well on frozen terrain.
  • I tried waterproofing them, but discovered the greatest foe is sweating. I can keep cold water out up to the top of the shoe now but there’s still moisture involved. It’ll be the same for any shoe.
  • Ankle deep+ water is chilling.

This is my third winter with my Insulated Trek Ascents. They definitely lengthen my minimalist running season (my first preference is barefoot) into the winter month. I bought a size up as suggested by the website. They fit good barefoot or with an extremely lightweight sock, but the next pair I order will be a size larger than that.

Just so it’s clear, my regular Vibram FiveFingers are a size 43. My current Insulated Trek Ascents are not a 44. The next size I order will be a 45 to allow for a thicker (hopefully warmer) sock.

Last year I was able to handle -15°C for a couple of hours comfortably when running. I’m hoping to extend that this year with a larger shoe and thicker sock.

Background

I own eight pairs of Fivefinger shoes and do a lot of barefoot walking/running/hiking.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $89 Canadian

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Specs

Price Current Retail: $100.00
Historic Range: $37.04-$129.95
Product Details from Vibram »