We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Zero drop combined with only 4 mm of cushion and the lowest stack height of the group gives the Vibram FiveFingers Treksport a true barefoot feel. FiveFingers have recently received some bad press after Vibram settled a lawsuit with users who felt misled by the advertised health benefits of the shoes. Vibram is now guaranteeing its products. According to The Atlantic,Vibram stated that anyone can try a pair of FiveFingers for six weeks, and if not satisfied can return them with a full refund before the end of 2014. For this guarantee, you must purchase a pair from Vibram's site. FiveFingers can be beneficial, but they aren't for everyone. This seems like a good way to find out!
REASONS TO BUY
Highest ground sensitivity
Natural barefoot feeling
REASONS TO AVOID
Take longest for feet to adjust
Getting toes in sleeve can take some effort
Discontinued Product - January 2016
The FiveFingers TrekSport barefoot shoes are no longer sold by Vibram. If you're in search of a barefoot or minimalist style pair of shoes, check out the Best Barefoot Shoes Review.
Our Analysis and Test Results
With a super light, thin, stretchy, snug upper combined with a 4 mm midsole and an ultra-durable Vibram outsole, the FiveFingers Treksport don't leave much to the imagination. What you see is what you get, and we see a wonderful barefoot running shoe that can hold its own against some of the top minimalist running shoes on the market.
Performance Comparison
The extremely flexible sole on the Vibram Fivefingers Treksport gives us a perfect barefoot ride.
Credit: Katie Vane
Ground Feeling
The Vibram Fivefingers Treksport have the most sensitive ground feeling, along with the Merrell Trail Glove. With a zero drop, 4 mm EVA midsole, and the lowest stack height of the group, not to mention separated toes, the Treksport allows for plenty of sensation from the ground. The individual toe slots also promote building foot strength and more landing control than any other shoe we tested.
Traction
We rate the Treksport with the second highest rating in traction, just behind the Inov8 Trailroc 245. It has an extremely versatile Vibram outsole and we find it to keep traction well in any condition. Vibram uses their TC1 rubber for the outsole tread, which provides wonderful traction on roads, trails, and technical terrain. After logging fifty miles on every type of trail we could get our feet on in these shoes, we barely notice any wear on the TC1 outsole. Being such a flexible shoe, it allows for a full ground contact ride that provides traction and better control as well.
Close-up of the FiveFingers Treksport's grippy outsole that works great on all terrain.
Credit: Katie Vane
Comfort
The stretchy mesh upper on the FiveFingers Treksport wraps snugly around the feet, proving its functionality because we don't notice any rocks or debris sneaking inside on our trail runs. We love the flexible 4 mm EVA midsole that allows for just enough comfort while still maintaining a true barefoot feel. We notice that those with smaller toes will have extra space at the ends of the toe slots, which doesn't allow for a perfect fit like an open-toe shoe can.
The forefoot strap connecting around the heel. We find this to function well in keeping our feet in place while running on uneven terrain.
Credit: Katie Vane
Weight
The Vibram FiveFingers Treksport are the second lightest shoe of the group, behind the New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail at 6.5 ounces. The full Vibram tread on the outsole definitely adds some weight, though we feel it is necessary to provide a sufficient amount of protection with only 4 mm of cushion.
Warmth
The most minimal upper of the whole group is found on the Treksport. That being said, it also provides the least amount of warmth. Also take note that the thinner the midsole and outsole, the less warmth will be provided, and this shoe has the most minimal of both.
Foot Protection
Even though the Treksport has 2 mm less cushioning than the New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail, the full Vibram outsole makes them feel more protective while not affecting the barefoot ride. The velcro strap that wraps over the forefoot and connects around the heel secures the feet perfectly, keeping them secure on even the most uneven terrain. Being a barefoot running shoe, it shouldn't be a surprise that this model still scores towards the bottom of the group in foot protection. If you need a minimalist running shoe with unrivaled protection for the roughest terrain, go for the Inov8 Trailroc 245, which feature a Meta-shank rock plate.
Best Application
This shoe is best used for shorter road or trail runs, hiking, and daily wear for those wanting a barefoot experience.
The Vibram Fivefingers Treksport handled steep talus above Lake Tahoe surprisingly well.
Credit: Chris McNamara
Value
Considering the versatility and performance of this barefoot shoe, we feel it's well worth the $100 retail price.
Conclusion
For those of you seeking a true barefoot ride while also needing plenty of traction for the trails, The Vibram FiveFingers Treksport could be the perfect shoe for you. Featuring FiveFinger's signature toe sleeves, this shoe allows for individualized attention to strengthening each toe along with the rest of your foot. We do believe many of the other minimalist running shoes in this test, such as the super light New Balance Minimus 10v1 Trail, provide the same benefit in strengthening your feet as the FiveFingers do, but some people will prefer a truly barefoot shoe. If you've been using minimalist or barefoot running shoes for a while now and prefer a FiveFinger shoe even more minimal than the Treksport, check out the Fivefingers El-X.
