Vibram

V-Alpha

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Vibram V-Alpha

Overall

#98 in

Trail Running Shoes

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

User sentiment78% positive
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Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 6, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit IconFluid-Sliced-Buzzard 1.0
r/BarefootRunningTrail Running Shoes
11 months ago

The Mesa II's are super light, something like 8oz lighter than the Vivo Hydra ESC. I got spoiled by super light shoes and it's hard to wear anything else. now. So I'm a big Mesa fan. Also VFF V-Alphas, they are even lighter. For grip VFF are much better than shoes since you have toe movement to help you grip. Then sandals then shoes. The Mesas are slippery in some conditions which you learn to adapt to after awhile. I don't have the Hydras but I have their other ESC soles and those are grippier than the Mesas.

Reddit IconHooVenWai 1.0
r/BarefootRunningV-Run vs V-Alpha vs V-Trail 2.0 for running and hiking?
30 days ago

I have quite narrow feet, below average volume. V-Run's upper was extremely unwearable tight. Going up a size to get enough volume made it extremely long in toe. V-Trail was my regular size, fit well. Very cushy for VFF. Good traction on rock, packed dirt and wet dirt (not slushy). Pavement wears out outsole in no time though. V-Alpha is also regular shoe size for me. Very lightweight and super flexible. The most barefoot feeling -- can be not the most pleasant on loose rock and other hard pointy surfaces. Lugs are minimal -- good for city or very tightly packed dirt hiking. On wet ground or loose soil you'll be sliding all over the place.

Reddit Iconilianto78 1.0
r/BarefootRunningIm disappointed by Vibram Fivefingers
3 months ago

Plus 1, plus 2, plus 3!!! 👍❤️😁 Best shoes ever for me!

Reddit Iconmellispete33 1.0
r/BarefootRunningIm disappointed by Vibram Fivefingers
3 months ago

Try the v alpha . The trek are way too thick it defeats the point of being barefoot style. Try v alpha , you will never look back trust me

Reddit IconEndlessMike78 0.4
r/hikinggearWhat are the best trail running shoes for hiking when my boots are cooking my feet?
8 months ago

La Sportiva's have the best grip on wet rock. After that any shoe with Vibram Megagrip. Followed by Salomon's ContraGrip. They all work well. Best bet, go to a store and try a bunch on. You have recommended shoes from a bunch of people. Now go see how they fit YOUR feet. Go with the ones you like/fit best. Also as others have said skip the waterproofing. It'll only make your feet hot and sweaty. Gortex is for the winter.

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r/trailrunningProblems with trail running shoes deforming
7 months ago

Assuming you are overpronating, try Vibram Fivefingers or something else with a thinner / firmmer sole, narrow heel, and wide toe box. The video below explains why. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s)

Reddit IconCommercial_Spare1694 0.3
r/trailrunningHello! For trail running do you typically want a lower drop shoe? I worry about rolling my ankle sometimes. What is ideal drop for trail running?
12 months ago

I run in Vibram 5 fingers. They look ridiculous, but I'm addicted to the feel. Because of how minimalist they are though, I try to avoid pavement and large gravel. They're zero drop, and I've never rolled an ankle.

Reddit IconDK_QT 0.3
r/BarefootRunningVibram FiveFingers V-Trail 2.0 experience
12 months ago

fivefingers are an unparalleled experience. i wear them every day at work. standard cut blue jeans and black fivefingers is a bit strange looking. the shoe is strange to bring with, but there are ways to style it to make it less weird. they look best with shorts and no show socks, or athletic pants with a cuff at the ankle. they are also impossible to dress up so don’t even try.

Reddit Iconeasedownripley 0.3
r/BarefootRunningBest barefoot shoe for mostly trail running
9 months ago

5 fingers are good but bear in mind they have no stubtoe protection, so a stray rock in the path can really mess up your day (ask me how I know). I’d favor a shoe with a toe box, like vivos.

Reddit IconLimp_Explanation6207 0.3
r/trailrunningHelp needed to find shoes that fit these feet.
6 months ago

Because of her bunion the best shoes will be vibram five fingers. It’s because all of their shoes have a stretchy cloth over the bunion area and it still keeps the toes in proper alignment.