Details
Brand
Vibram
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
KMD Sport LS
Terrain
Road
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• Great traction pods on outsole• Velcro strap system• Innovative toe pockets• EVA footbed• Machine Washable• Stretchy uppers for easy on and off• Extra protection while maintaining ground connection
Upper
The upper on the KMD Sport is very stretchy and flexible in an effort to make the shoes easier to slide on and off. The material used for the upper is a polyester/nylon mesh/spandex combination. The addition of spandex, in particular, makes it more comfortable and allows it to contour over the natural curves of the foot and ankle. The strap closure system on the upper makes the shoes even more stable and fills in for a traditional lace-up system. Runners should have no concerns with comfort on the upper as the inner material will feel great against the skin.
Midsole
The midsole is an area that typically goes unnoticed on a barefoot running shoe. Most barefoot runners aren’t looking for much support or technology in the midsole. This is where Vibram tried some new things when creating the KMD Sport. The midsole has been redesigned to include a new footbed. There is a seamless 2mm polyurethane footbed that is designed to reduce friction underfoot when running or walking. This may not sound like much, but it will be a noticeable difference for those who have been used to Vibram’s more minimal midsole approach. Additional support is added with the addition of EVA molded arch shanks that give more stability and support along the runner’s arch.
Outsole
The outsole of the Vibram FiveFingers KMD Sport is designed to be durable enough to handle a wide variety of activities. The outsole is made of Vibram’s famous TC-1 rubber. This strikes the perfect balance between durability and lightweight design. The bottom of the outsole is covered in traction pods and lugs to provide maximum traction on all different surfaces. The placement of the traction pods is ergonomically designed to follow the natural contours of the human foot. This is just another one of the many features that make the KMD Sport an amazing barefoot running shoes that stacks up well to some of the highest reviewed options on the market.
Breathability
Breathability is very important when you’re designing barefoot shoes that may be worn without socks. The KMD Sport is designed with cross-training and gym workouts in mind too. The gym can be a sweaty, smelly place and it’s important to have breathable shoes, especially the upper portions. The KMD Sport does not disappoint with this. The footbed of the shoe even has a Coolmax® footbed that is treated to stay cool, resist odors, and remain breathable. The downside to this is that some runners may find these shoes too breathable for extreme weather or cooler, wetter climates. These certainly aren’t waterproof shoes either. Runners searching for those would be better served choosing from this list.
Comfort
These shoes are really designed with comfort in mind. Any shoe that is meant to be used in barefoot running, cross-training, and weight lifting, needs to be ready for different environments. The KMD Sport should remain comfortable in these settings. The added cushioning in the footbed will make rugged trail runs more bearable. The strap system will keep the foot in place and make gym works more comfortable without worrying about untied shoe-laces or your heel slipping around. These really do compare favorably to some of the most comfortable minimal shoes on the market today.
Style
Style is always a difficult thing to quantify. It really is in the eye of the beholder. Certainly, the look of toe running shoes isn’t for everyone. Vibram fans are hardcore and Vibram detractors are maybe even more hardcore. These shoes fall in line with many of the style decisions made on previous Vibram shoes. The look of the strap instead of laces may take some getting used to. Unlike some of the other Vibram models, these shoes don’t come in a variety of bright color options. So they will allow you to blend in a bit more. The subtle tones of the grey and black model will appeal to most tastes. Until toe shoes become more widely adopted, Vibrams will still have a very particular style that is not for everyone.
Durability
Vibram has always made really durable outsoles. They are rugged and able to withstand many miles on different running surfaces. The area where these shoes become less durable is in the upper region. The toe pockets, in particular, are susceptible to quicker wear and tear. Runners should pay close attention to the area where the upper meets the outsole. The velcro strap closure is another area that may start to break down before the outsole has seen much wear. Like any pair of shoes, be sure to take caution and replace the shoes when they’re adequately worn out.
Protection
The addition of the 2 extra millimeters found in the footbed, will actually protect the foot a lot more than some of the other Vibram shoes. Midsole support will protect against rocks and roots found on the average run. Runners will still be able to feel most of the terrain, but the added support will be a welcome addition for those who have bruised their toes on rocks before. As stated before, these shoes will not protect from water or extreme cold. Vibram has created some specific shoes for colder weather or wet terrain, such as the Bikila EVO
Responsiveness
These shoes will be some of the most responsive in the Vibram line. Designed with multi-sport athletes in mind, the KMD Sport responds well to subtle movements. This will come handy when doing plyometric exercises or just getting an adequate footing when lifting weights in the gym. The responsiveness here goes well beyond the typical needs of a running shoe. Vibram has thought of this versatile athlete and adapted the shoe to meet their needs. Feel free to wear these shoes wherever your athletic endeavors take you.
Support
Support isn’t usually the top goal of a barefoot running shoe. But this isn’t your average barefoot running shoe. Vibram has designed the KMD Sport with more versatile athletes in mind. Athletes in the weight room or field will get enough support in these shoes. The velcro strap helps secure the foot and minimize slippage. The EVA midsole footbed gives a little bit more support to cushion each stride and heel strike. No one is going to confuse these shoes with one of the top stability models, but it still gets the job done for a majority of athletes.
Terrain
The traction pods found on the KMD Sport will allow it to flourish in a variety of different terrains. By no means is this shoe designed specifically as a trail running shoe, there are plenty of better options for that. But, a run on a soft trail once in a while is totally doable with these shoes. They will be most at home in the gym or on the asphalt but forays into the woods from time to time shouldn’t present a problem. Just keep in mind that these are not going to hold up well in extremely wet or cold terrains.
Price
Vibram tries to price its products competitively considering how much technology is found in their shoes. Many runners might think that minimal footwear should come with a minimal price tag. Of course, that’s not always the case. Vibram uses some new technology here and they price things accordingly. While deals certainly can be had on the KMD Sport, its MSRP will be on the higher end of the athletic shoe spectrum. Runners should rest assured though that the quality offered here is generally worth the price. Keep in mind that these shoes could easily take the place of two or more pairs in your closet with their versatility.
Drop
Like many of Vibram’s shoes, the KMD Sport offers a 0 mm heel-to-toe drop. This allows for the runner to establish a strong connection with the running surface. Without the lifted heel, the foot is allowed to splay out in a natural way as it was intended to. This shoe compares favorably to some of the best 0 drop shoes on the market.
Stability
These shoes are extremely stable. The big reason for this is the velcro strap closure system. Unlike shoes with laces that can easily loosen and come unlaced, the strap system uses velcro to remain snug. The ankle stays in place and there is minimal slippage from within the shoe. The addition of the EVA midsole footbed also adds to the stability of the shoe. Of course, it’s still considered a barefoot shoe so it won’t compare to other stability-focused shoes. In reality, most who turn to barefoot shoes aren’t looking for ultimate stability. These runners will love the amount of stability found on the KMD Sport.
Flexibility
Most Vibram shoes are flexible enough for the wearer to flex their toes both up and down. This is true with KMD Sport as well. While it isn’t the most flexible shoe that Vibram offers, it still ranks very well when compared to other barefoot shoes. The spandex found in the upper material will offer a greater sense of flexibility in both the toes and the ankle region. Runners should have no problem flexing the terrain that they’re running or walking across.
Traction
The traction pods found on the KMD Sport will help to grip the terrain that you are crossing. This will come in handy for slippery gym floors as well as slippery outdoor grass. The durable rubber outsole is designed in a way that will hold up to a variety of terrain and provide ample traction. Runners should take caution when trying to run over ice or snow. These shoes are not designed for that and they will slip on some of the more extreme slippery surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Vibram Fivefingers KMD Sport is the perfect shoe for someone who wants a barefoot running shoe with more versatility. If you’re into CrossFit or gym workouts, this shoe will transition seamlessly from the road to the gym. WIth just enough protection and cushioning to avoid injury but still feel light on your feet, the KMD Sport is a great compromise. Runners in colder, wetter climates should think twice about making this their daily running shoe, but it’ll hold up nicely in a moderate climate. If you’re looking for a versatile, lightweight athletic shoe to take with you on your next trip, the Vibram FiveFingers KMD Sport is your answer.
