Vibram 5 Fingers - KSO vs. Flow

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2009-08-01 11:40 AM

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Western MA near the VT & NH border on the CT river
Subject: Vibram 5 Fingers - KSO vs. Flow
Ok, I've been doing more barefoot running and I also like being barefoot.  So I'm trying to figure out which one would be better for me.

Not only do I want to be able to run in them, but I also want to kayak, hike and not worry about getting them wet/submerged.

My short answer is the Flow's, but which one would be better for running.

The Flows seems like I can do it all, but the strap (according to a review I read) isnt as good as the KSO's.  The KSO's have a mesh top, so I wonder if that would have any effect in the water.  Also, I live in the Northeast and the Flows are said to be better in cold climate, but would an Injinji sock help if I got the KSO's for spring/fall? 

Also I couldn't tell, but is there any difference in the sole between the two.  I do not have a retailer near me  (90 miles away from Boston) so I can't see for myself.

Thanks

2009-08-01 3:24 PM
in reply to: #2321304

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Wilmington, NC
Subject: RE: Vibram 5 Fingers - KSO vs. Flow
I believe the sole is the same. The Flow has a neoprene upper and the KSO is mesh like you said. I just got  a pair of KSO's but that was more because the store literally had 1 pair of anything in my size and said that everything is back ordered with Vibram for a while as they are struggling to meet demand at the moment.
2009-08-02 10:17 AM
in reply to: #2321304

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Subject: RE: Vibram 5 Fingers - KSO vs. Flow

The Flow model has a slightly thicker insole I think and this provides a little more warmth but not a lot of difference from the KSO's. When I compared the two I picked the KSO's because of better fit, you really need to try them on yourself. The Flow fits tighter in the same size to me. There is a beefier warmer model coming out this fall with a thicker sole called the Trek but it will have a less barefoot feel, might be worth a look for the colder below freezing running. 

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