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Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Review

This aggressive shoe has a ton of features that make running fun
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Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Review (The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 will help you achieve greater foot dexterity by allowing all your toes to flex and grip...)
The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 will help you achieve greater foot dexterity by allowing all your toes to flex and grip separately.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Price:  $135 List
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Manufacturer:   Vibram
By Aaron Rice and Jon Oleson  ⋅  Nov 13, 2023
82
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 11
  • Ground Feedback - 30% 9.0
  • Stability - 20% 7.0
  • Traction - 20% 8.0
  • Weight - 15% 8.4
  • Durability - 15% 8.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 is a beefed-up version of the now-classic FiveFingers design. This is what we would consider the epitome of an adventure racing shoe — a sturdy yet flexible outsole combined with a durable and water-resistant upper. Without fear of the elements, we could scramble up rock faces, bound through creeks, and comfortably cover surprising distances despite (or maybe aided by) the barefoot design. No doubt, this shoe is the perfect trail running companion for barefoot enthusiasts. However, if you're not accustomed to barefoot running, then these may be a stretch. The foot uses different muscles when challenged in this way, so it can take some time to get used to the feeling before you'll want to gear up for a trail run up (and over) the mountain. And that's really what these shoes are designed to do.
REASONS TO BUY
Natural toe dexterity
Durable design
Great traction
REASONS TO AVOID
Difficult to put on
Not as breathable
Style isn't for everyone
Editor's Note: We updated this review after a full retest with a new lineup on November 13, 2023.

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vibram v-trail 2.0
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Vibram V-Trail 2.0
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Barefoot Shoe
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Editors' Choice Award
Best Barefoot Shoe for Beginners
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Price $135 List
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Bottom Line The next evolution of FiveFinger shoe built to tackle any trail conditionThese minimalist shoes will help you feel one with the ground and all its intricaciesThe spacious toe box, grippy outsole, and minor stack height make this barefoot shoe ideal for rocky trailsWhitin punches well above it's weight with the high performing minimalist shoeIf you're looking for a high-value trail runner option then look no further
Rating Categories Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Ground Feedback (30%)
9.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Stability (20%)
7.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (20%)
8.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
Weight (15%)
8.4
9.0
8.3
7.8
7.3
Durability (15%)
8.0
6.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Vapor Glove 6 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Measured Weight (per pair) 14.6 oz (size 43EU) 11.2 oz (size 9.5) 17.4 oz (size 10) 20.2 oz (size 43EU 20.4 oz (size 43EU)
Stack Height 5.7 mm (3.7 mm base + 2 mm insole) 6 mm (4 mm base + 2 mm lugs) 14mm (2.5mm lug) 12mm 6.5 mm (5 mm base + 1.5 mm insole)
Heel to Toe drop 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm
Outsole 3.7mm, Vibram megagrip rubber w/3D cocoon mesh Vibram ecostep, 30% recycled rubber, 2mm lug VibramĀ® Ecostep Rubber Rubber
Midsole None None None None None
Insole 2mm EVA 30% recycled EVA foam wrapped in 100% recycled mesh EVA foam - not removable Not specified Yes, not specified
Upper Material Water repellent polyester Recycled breathable mesh 100% recycled breathable mesh Knit Stretchy mesh

Our Analysis and Test Results

Vibram knows a thing or two about producing quality outsoles — you will find their rubber on the bottom of many top-quality trail runners. The V-Trail 2.0 is no exception, as a barefoot running shoe supported by a thick, heavily lugged outsole ready to stand guard against rocks or roots that try to penetrate the bottom of your foot. The upper comfortably wraps the foot and is secured with a fast-lacing system that evenly distributes pressure across the top of the arch and forefoot through sewn-in tension straps that are welded to the sole. Achieving a delicate balance of lightweight and burly design, this shoe gave us maximum confidence to strike out onto trails at full speed — a quality not often associated with minimalist shoes.

Performance Comparison


vibram v-trail 2.0 - the snug fit of this shoe is braced across the top by a quick-lacing...
The snug fit of this shoe is braced across the top by a quick-lacing system that we found did a great job staying in place, even on long trail runs.
Credit: Jill Rice

Ground Feedback


Design considerations of trail running shoes — constructed to protect our feet from rough terrain — often don't follow the same principles coveted by barefoot and minimalist footwear. The V-Trail 2.0 is an impressive trail runner. Due to the tread design on the sole, which aides in this pursuit, it doesn't have quite as much ground feel as some of the thinner, flat-soled contenders. The relatively thick 3.7mm outsole is great at blocking rocks from penetrating your foot but not the most sensitive at relaying feedback from the terrain.


While the V-Trai 2.0 may not rank as highly in terms of barefoot accuracy, it still falls solidly within the natural running category and is a top competitor in terms of running performance. The natural toe dexterity that the design confers can't be overlooked by those looking for the most natural running experience. We enjoyed speeding down trails in this shoe, from sandy arroyos to high-alpine ridges. With zero drop and a slight stack height, your foot is right on the ground and feels incredibly stable moving over varied terrain. When it comes to longer runs — particularly on mountain trails that inevitably include long sections of downhill — we appreciate the inclusion of a non-removable EVA insole that provides 2mm of cushioning.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - when it comes to toe-articulation to mold around and grip rocks on...
When it comes to toe-articulation to mold around and grip rocks on the trail, it's hard to beat the FiveFingers design.
Credit: Jill Rice

The FiveFingers design is intended to allow for maximum freedom of movement — namely, allowing your toes to splay and flex independently — as if you were running barefoot. Overall, the V-Trail 2.0 is quite flexible in all directions, but that flexion is inhibited by the thick rubber that wraps the front of each toe. While the midfoot is wider than other FiveFingers models, it is actually tighter in the forefoot and toes of this shoe. You will notice that your toes still have the ability to mold to the terrain, but the proprioception of your foot position is what fails as a result of this added protection. We actually found ourselves tripping over our toes on a few occasions.

Consider the Benefits of Wearing Socks


As an adventure shoe, the V-Trail 2.0 hikes, scrambles, and climbs great — wet or dry — without socks. But if you plan to make it your daily trail runner, we suggest wearing a five-finger sock to help prevent blisters, like offerings from Injinji.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - these tough shoes have one weakness, in the seam between toes and...
These tough shoes have one weakness, in the seam between toes and forefoot. The only place where we found rocks to penetrate these otherwise thick outsoles.
Credit: Jill Rice

Stability


Considering that toe movement carries a large weight in this portion of the test, the FiveFingers got five stars. We really enjoyed the feeling of independent mobility in our toes as they gripped and pushed and climbed our way to the tops of trails.


The tiny rubber pyramid cleats help you cling to the ground, which aids in stability on softer ground, but can also feel strange and less stable if you're running on a hard surface like pavement. It's best to stick to the trail in these shoes and look for something else if you're running on pavement.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - true to vibram's roots, a fully wrapped outsole protects the bottom...
True to Vibram's roots, a fully wrapped outsole protects the bottom of your feet, regardless of how adventurous your run gets.
Credit: Jill Rice

Traction


With a heavily lugged base, the V-Trail 2.0 is clearly designed as a shoe to grip and climb rugged terrain. This shoe is awesome for scrambling — particularly on sandstone — and we were comfortable making 3rd/4th-class moves thanks to the sticky rubber of the outsole. These shoes also perform particularly well on uphills, where the toes can easily flex, grip, and push off with graceful power.


However, on downhills, these have a surprising lack of traction on certain surfaces. Upon a closer examination of the lug pattern, all of the raised, triangular lugs are oriented in the same forward-facing direction. This supports what we felt on the trail, where we could feel the outsole catch but not brake in the same way other lugged designs would. That said, while moving downhill over rock, we found the Vibram rubber plenty sticky to descend confidently.

The Vibram V-Trail 2.0 offers incredible traction, even when wet on slick river rocks.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Weight


In spite of its overall tank-like construction, the V-Trail 2.0 is not as weighty as you may expect. Staying true to the lightweight intention of the original FiveFingers design, these weigh a mere 7.3 ounces per shoe. The light swing weight, combined with the slightly rockered midsole, contributes to a very natural stride that feels like gliding.


While the power of the V-Trail 2.0 is highlighted in the mountains, it does not perform as well when it comes to city life. Even though they are not heavy, these shoes feel clunky and less agile when pulled out of their element and put on the road. Thick 3D Cocoon Mesh sacrifices a bit of breathability for water and puncture resistance, leaving our feet hot and sweaty when exposed to direct sunlight over hot pavement.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - knowing these shoes are lightweight, sturdy, packable, and...
Knowing these shoes are lightweight, sturdy, packable, and particularly grippy on sandstone... maybe they should come along on your next canyon adventure.
Credit: Jill Rice

Durability


The V-Trail 2.0 is a tank of a minimalist shoe. A tough, abrasion-resistant upper is supported by laminates of TPU in key spots across the toes and around the heel pocket.


Additionally, the majority of the upper is braced with Cordura-like nylon. The 3D Cocoon Mesh is woven directly into the outsole, which is further laminated around the toes to help prevent previous issues with seam-splitting. We put this shoe through the wringer, and it came out practically unscathed — we cannot imagine many issues with durability.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - for off-trail travel, you will appreciate how the grippy outsole of...
For off-trail travel, you will appreciate how the grippy outsole of this shoe wraps up the front of the toes, and around the sides of the shoe.
Credit: Jill Rice

Should You Buy the Vibram V-Trail 2.0?


Built for adventure, the V-Trail 2.0 is a rugged option for a barefoot running shoe. Whatever situation you might find yourself in, this shoe will certainly do its best to keep your feet protected from anything you throw its way. While it won't be the first choice for someone looking for a pair of street runners, and it may seem intimidating if you haven't worn a pair of FiveFingers before, this shoe scored high in every category and is consciously constructed to ensure that you have a lot of fun running the trail.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - we found this shoe to be comfortable in nearly any condition, from...
We found this shoe to be comfortable in nearly any condition, from softer soils of the alpine down to rockier desert routes, and everything in between.
Credit: Jill Rice

What Other Barefoot Shoe Should You Consider?


While the V-Trail 2.0 excels on the trail, it's not the best choice for road running. If you spend most of your time on hard surfaces, check out the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III. If the price is a factor, check out the Whitin Cross Trainer, which utilizes a similar trail runner design. If you're looking for good trail tread and stability in a non-FiveFinger offering, check out the ultralight Merrell Vapor Glove 6.

vibram v-trail 2.0 - the vibram original fivefingers design does away with the...
The Vibram original FiveFingers design does away with the traditional toe box of a shoe, in an attempt to allow our toes to splay and move individually.
Credit: Jill Rice

Aaron Rice and Jon Oleson