Vibram FiveFingers Flow Review

denny123

Overall impression,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych]
The Flows are my favourite Vibram FiveFingers (VFFs) model to wear in cooler temperatures. Like all other VFF models,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], they are comfortable,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], form-fitting,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and have amazing barefoot feel. The Flows are long-lasting and the grey upper/camo sole have a unique look to them (which does garner many comments from strangers). They are perfect for colder weather running as well as almost any kind of water sport.
Please keep in mind while viewing the pictures that these shoes are over a year old and have been well-loved and worn often.
Comfort
Like all FiveFingers,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the Flow is a glove for your feet. They are extremely comfortable,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], as long as you have the correct size. The unique stitching,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], both on the upper and attaching the insole to the shoe,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], is different than the stitching on other VFF models and continues to allow for full freedom of movement of the feet. The two-strap design makes the fit easily customizable for loose or tight wear. Because the upper material is thicker than the KSOs,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the toes can feel squished upon first trying them on,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], although the neoprene material does loosen with wear, and the squished feeling becomes less noticeable. As with the KSOs, I do forget that I’m wearing them after a few minutes.
Weight
Each size W39 Flow weighs 5 ½ ounces or 156 grams. They are the heaviest of my collection of FiveFingers (although I cannot compare them to a pair of Treks in my size). While wearing them,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the weight is completely unnoticeable.
Flex / Sole
The sole of the Flow consists of a 2 mm EVA footbed,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which provides extra thermal insulation and protection from rough terrain. I do notice a difference in ground feel between the Flows and KSOs where the Flows feel slightly thicker,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], a definite plus in colder temperatures or on cold ground. The sole is also flexible in all directions just like the other models of VFFs.
Support / Insole
There is no arch support in the Flow. The insole is a thin,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], slightly-cushy material that is stitched to the neoprene material of the upper. Even without socks,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], I cannot feel the stitches or any break in the smoothness of the interior of the shoe where the neoprene meets the insole. This insole is definitely thicker than that in the KSOs,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which separates the foot from the ground a little further, thus protecting the feet a little more from both rough terrain and colder ground temperatures.
Barefoot Feel
Compared to other VFF models, there is slightly less barefoot feel because there is thicker material between your foot and the ground, which helps in cooler temperatures. Compared to conventional shoes, the Flow is phenomenal in its barefoot feel because of the extremely flexible and form fitting sole.
Breathability
The Flow upper is made of 1.2 mm neoprene,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], which is not breathable. If your feet sweat,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], they are definitely going to stay wet. This is a considerable drawback to this model in warmer temperatures, however,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], their intended purpose is for cooler temperatures where some of the other models might not be well suited. If your feet sweat in those cooler temperatures and then get cold,[link widoczny dla zalogowanych], the dampness exacerbates the cold and your toes can get pretty uncomfortable.