Details
Brand
Vibram
Heel To Toe Drop
0mm
Breathability
8.8/10
Latest Version
Spyridon MR Elite
Terrain
Trail
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• MegaGrip sole offers more grip than most Vibram FiveFingers while maintaining the barefoot feel.• Zero drop from heel to toe creates a natural running motion that feels truly barefoot.• High-quality materials mean high durability with very little weight.
Upper
The upper of the Vibram FiveFingers Spyridon MR features a polyester all-synthetic material. The upper offers the quick-lace closure with the 360-degree lug pattern to pull tight from all directions and keep these on tight when running through the thickest mess of mud and trails. The upper does feature venting to allow the foot to breathe while still offering protection from the elements.
Midsole
The Spyridon MR’s midsole is comparable to those of the best minimalist running shoes. With a thin midsole made of molded nylon mesh, this piece provides protection from trail debris while not sacrificing the barefoot experience of the runner. Many runners feel that no other shoes compare to FiveFingers, and the Spyridon MR takes the best of everything else Vibram offers while adding the grip of the new outsole design. The comfort of the minimal midsole is present here as well and allows runners to really connect with the trail (while being safe).
Outsole
The outsole of the Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon MR offers a Vibram sole as tough as any trail shoes available. The specific MegaGrip outsole offers more grip than the standard Vibram outsole. Designed to mimic the grip of a mountain bike tire, it can provide grip on both wet and dry surfaces while still providing the flexibility that barefoot runners crave. The outsole also features 3D Cocoon technology which is an additional thin layer of flexible mesh to disperse ground pressure equally even on uneven terrain.
Breathability
The Vibram FiveFinger Spyridon MR offers a minimalist feel with a bit more protection for out on the trail, but how breathable is that protective material? Some runners report that it causes their feet to feel warmer than they would prefer. The upper does have a built-in ventilation area on top but the protective material made of polyester does trap in some heat. Although they may feel warmer than some Vibrams, they still would be considered very breathable in comparison to traditional running shoes.
Comfort
The Vibram Spyridon MR is somewhat an updated version of the Spyridon LS, offering a redesigned upper fit and allowing the runner to experience more adjustability. This is achieved through a slightly wider upper as well as the new design of the quick close laces. By connecting them through a different lug system to create a custom feeling fit that adapts to the foot of the runner. Also, through testing reports, they seem to not cause blisters as other barefoot shoes sometimes do.;In addition, many runners find Vibram FiveFingers to be some of the most comfortable shoes they run in once they adjust away from the heavily padded and heavy shoes with which they may have started. This shift to less padding and more natural covering leads to runners to eliminating the over-striding, heel-striking form that they may have fallen into. According to other tests, these shoes offer another way for runners a greater level of freedom.
Style
The Vibram Spyridon MR appeals to the eye of those who desire less color and more functionality. The colors are muted as to not draw the eye to the foot. While many other shoes require color to make them stand out, the Vibram Spyridon MR makes a statement with its unique lines and shape. Curved lines keep this shoe from falling victim to appearing box like. The shape conforms to the foot to provide sleekness and a smooth shift from toe to ankle. In addition, Vibram FiveFingers, in general, draw attention to the runner’s shoes because of the individual toe sections, but as those have become more popular, most runners don’t offer them a second glance. With muted colors and more traditional lace placement, these Spyridon MRs offer a choice of higher function over style.
Durability
The Vibram FiveFinger brand has been known for the durable and long lasting soles, just as the Vibram boot and shoe soles were known for the same thing before. Although there are longlasting standard Vibram outsoles, the Spyridon MR offers an even tougher option. This thicker outsole features aggressive treads that mimic high-end mountain bike tires when gripping the dirt trail beneath you. The upper appears to be durable as well, offering a strong polyester material to create a shell that will last for quite a long time.
Protection
These FiveFingers offer a bit more protection than the average shoe from Vibrams. With the MR in the name standing for a mud run, such as the Tough Mudder, the Warrior Dash, or even the original Tough Guy, these shoes are meant to protect your feet throughout the harshest challenges that you might sign up for. This begins with the thicker outsole, which protects from rocks and rough spots on the trail. Roots can find their way through the mud and just under your feet as you move, but these offer you grip instead of pain when this occurs.;The midsole may seem like it offers little protection, but the thin padding made of molded nylon mesh creates enough padding to keep most runners comfortable. This also protects from the rare strike injury that may occur if runners happen to lead with their heel on an occasional step. Beyond the midsole, the upper creates a shell that protects from briars, sticks, rocks, and other obstacles. By offering protection to the runner with a minimalist twist, these shoes create the best of both worlds for those that prefer barefoot in the woods but don’t want to cut their feet open.
Responsiveness
It is hard to ask for a more responsive shoe than the Vibram Fivefingers. By creating a thin sole below the foot and nowhere extra, these shoes are more of a simple covering than anything else. The individual toe pocket and the heel cup design creates footwear that fills in only what is necessary around the runner’s feet. With the ability to feel out terrain with each toe, the Spyridon MR can allow runners to connect with any trail. The arch of these shoes isn’t a traditional shoe arch support, but the material actually forms to the arch of the runner’s foot and allows their natural foot shape to respond to the ground underneath.
Support
It’s hard to imagine that a minimalist shoe can offer support, but the Spyridon MR offers enough support for those seeking minimalism to be satisfied. Relying on the natural support of the shape of the human foot, and avoiding the modern running sh oe shape with too much cushion and awkward shape, the idea of FiveFingers starts to address this with natural foot position but provides support as well. The support comes through the thin layers below the foot as well structure around the upper. These shoes offer a happy medium that barefoot runners can really enjoy.
Terrain
The original FiveFingers were designed to be used in a wide variety of settings. As they became popular with various runners, it seems that the move to a more trail oriented shoe for hiking and trail running was necessary. The Spyridon MR offers runners something designed for the tough courses of mud runs as well as the running trails cut through the woods all over the country. While there are a lot of options for good trail shoes, these shouldn’t be left off your short list.
Price
The cost of these is very similar to other FiveFinger shoes sold by Vibram. Although it may seem higher than some other minimalist shoes and barefoot options, the quality and durability make up for any differences. In reality, these shoes sell for a price similar to many other barefoot options.
Drop
Vibram FiveFingers offer zero drop shoe options for runners, and the Spyridon MR continues to deliver in that aspect. With no thick heel padding to throw off the natural step of the runner, these offer a natural step and gait in even the muddiest and roughest trails. There are many different zero drop shoes, and FiveFingers are among the best.
Stability
Stability while running is one of the key things that humans need in order to enjoy the activity. What the FiveFingers shoes offer is to give up gimmicky stability shoes but rely on the years and years of the evolution of the human foot. Running barefoot offers athletes a chance to connect with the ground while eliminating non-human angles and strikes. Due to the strong grip offered by these shoes, runners will feel stable as they move over nearly any surface.
Flexibility
Although all Vibram FiveFingers are flexible, runners may expect the Spyridon MRs to be stiffer due to the different bottoms, but these offer just as much flexibility as most others in the line. These shoes offer for the runner’s shoe to be as flexible as their foot can be when moving down the trail. As the sole conforms to the bottom of the user’s foot, it flexes just as you would expect out of the bottom of a foot.
Traction
Due to the MegaGrip outsole, these Vibrams offer unparalleled traction for minimalist runners. Both wet and dry surfaces can be strongly gripped by the thicker sole material. Runners will feel well connected to any ground beneath them, including uneven and slippery surfaces, especially while competing in the next mud run.
Bottom Line
As more and more runners discover barefoot running due to the success of professional runners (and writers on the topic), Vibram FiveFingers offer a safe way to continue the practice. From standard 5k races to all-out mud and obstacle runs, according to Health Gauge, these shoes hold up well during these events, just not so much on the tarmac. The Spyridon MR offers runners strong grip, stability, and natural feel with a bit of protection from the elements. The only thing left to do is sign up for your next mud run.
