Vibram FiveFingers Trek Ascent Insulated
Reviewed by
BC Heath
+408
October 18, 2019
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
