Originally Posted by
Shutterbug
The best VFFs ever made were the KSO Treks. The were made from kangaroo leather. When they were discontinued last year, I bought the remaining stock in my size from a couple of different retailers. If you watch Ebay, you can sometimes get a pair in your size.
The KSO Trek was replaced by the TrekSport style. It is a similar style, made of cheaper material. Some are still available.
I don't like any of the current VFFs styles. Most of the new styles are lace-up shoes. Hopefully they will make a better hiking style by the time my stock of KSO Treks wear out. I wear out three pair a year, so my inventory should last me about five more years.
I don't keep records, but I estimate that I get at least 1,200 miles out of a pair of KSO Treks. Around 1,000 miles, the cloth between the toes begins to show wear. I close the holes with needle and thread, then coat the repair with shoe goo. I get at least 200 more miles before the wear becomes unrepairable. By the time they are no longer wearable, the soles are slick.