After falling in love with Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek boots, I had to try the insulated V-Treks, and they are sweet on my feet!
Warm and Nimble
I’m still swimming in my local lake in spite of the 37 degree F water, and my insulated V-Trek boots have been essential. I need to feel secure moving around the lake. The beaches are sandy, and I have to trek across wet, muddy grass to get to them. I need to be able to feel my footing. I also need to be able to feel the pedals in my car on the drive to the lake. The insulated V-Trek keeps my feet warm enough in both situations that I can get the same tactile experience and confidence as I get when wearing my Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek boots.
Once I finish a swim, it’s a frantic exercise in removing neoprene and adding layers of wool and insulation. My hands and feet are usually cold. I undress and dress head to toe, so my feet are the last to get what they need. By the time I get the wetsuit and neoprene socks (and merino socks) off, I have seconds to pat dry my feet and shove them into my Vibram FiveFingers Insulated V-Trek boots. Surprisingly, I am able to do it and even get my toes into the boot’s toes. Then that layer of fleece is snug tight around my foot, and I can relax as my feet warm up.
Safe Solution
The area where I transition is often wet cement, strewn with sopping wet neoprene items. I shuffle around and gather my gear into my bag, then make the trek back across the slippery, muddy grass. I can’t impress how important it is to me to have this superior grip on the bottom of my feet and a barefoot-like sense of planting my feet with each step. I had a traumatic injury a few years back where I fell in muddy grass and broke my leg into pieces, so it is huge to me that I feel safe walking in these boots. I like the traditional lacing system; I can cinch the boots as tight as I want, double knot the laces, and I’m on my way.
The only downside to the V-Trek boots as a warming item: the fleece insulation doesn’t extend into the toes. I mitigate this by blasting the heat in my car onto my feet as I drive. That way my toes get warm by the time I get home. It’s the best solution I have because I really need that barefoot grip for safety.
Maybe I will test some merino toe socks and see if that gives my toes more warmth.
Available in men’s sizes in black and in women’s sizes in Black, Black/Grey, and Military/Grey. (Read review of Vibram FiveFingers V-Trek boot).
Bottom Line
The Vibram FiveFinger Insulated V-Trek boot has been so important to me this winter. Secure footing is vital for my activities, as is enveloping my bare feet in fleece when they are cold. These would also be ideal for winter camping or as winter cabin shoes. I have been happy with the level of warmth they provide in low 40’s F temps.
Manufacturer’s Site: https://us.vibram.com
$130 available at Amazon Shop for Women’s Insulated V-Trek
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