Looking for a versatile shoe for speed work or casual outings? The Feet Vibe 2 offers a mildly cushioned, wide fit perfect for various activities. At $110, it c...
Do you want a mildly cushioned, minimal shoe that is wide, deep, and perfect for speed work? Look no further—enter the Feet Vibe 2.
It’s not only a great performance shoe, either!
Wear it for your casual day out. Bring it to the gym. Pack them in your hand luggage. This shoe has plenty of love.
And at $110, it stands out as a strong contender in its category, providing exceptional value for your money.
Fit: Room to Breathe
Like most Freet options, the Vibe 2 features a nice wide toe box, especially around the big toe area. This design element allows your toes to splay naturally, promoting comfort during runs. A spacious forefoot is essential as it helps prevent discomfort and pain from cramped toes, particularly on tempo and interval training where you can maximize foot gains.
The midfoot design caters specifically to runners with wide foot shapes. Compared to many other models on the market, the Feet Vibe 2 offers a wider midfoot area that accommodates many of those seasoned barefoot wearers. I’ve constantly measured shoes across different brands, and Freet always comes out on top for midfoot width. This is likely why I always keep reaching for mine. If a shoe has ever felt a little snug through the midfoot, any Freet model could be the key for you.
While there are minor structural elements in the heel, it remains flexible and secure. To ensure the heel doesn’t slip, some structure is often needed, but too much can be restrictive for natural movement. The Freet Vibe 2 finds the perfect balance. This design ensures that while you’re running, your foot remains secure in the heel cup without slipping over the edge of the shoe. The softer nature of the heel promotes freedom of movement and enhances foot health.
Sizing can be tricky, as the Feet Vibe 2 runs about half a size short. This is an important detail to keep in mind, especially for those who have worn Freet models in the past. I always suggest sizing up in the Vibe 2 unless you’re certain you want that super snug fit. I ordered my usual EU42, and my toes are very close to the end, sometimes rubbing against the upper material.
With a more spacious fit, this option could be the shoe to enhance your running experience. Its wide toe box, accommodating midfoot, and heel design are unique to Freet. If you’re looking for a shoe that is both wider and deeper while preserving the performance of a minimal shoe, it’s worth a try.
Feel: Secure and Flexible
The Freet Vibe 2 has a perfect balance between a secure fit and flexibility. Often, very flexible shoes have a forgiving upper, which can lead to a loose fit and slipping inside the shoe. The Vibe 2 features strategically placed overlays to ensure a more secure fit, keeping your foot firmly locked onto the outsole. I believe this balance is ideal for both longer and shorter runs, making it a natural choice for many users.
Even with a 10.5mm stack height, it remains flexible throughout. I’ve seen 4mm shoes that are stiffer than this! (Vivobarefoot Primus Lite). The shoe is designed to reflect the qualities typical of many minimalist footwear options while still providing adequate cushioning. That small amount of cushioning can be exactly what transitioning individuals are looking for, or perhaps even ideal for your longer runs. Remember, you don’t have to be barefoot all the time!
The insole features a new rebound material that provides a bouncy, cushioned feel. This springy element is especially enjoyable during longer runs, as it adds a lively bounce to your step without feeling overly padded. The ability to easily swap out the insole for a firmer option is also a great addition, allowing runners to customize their experience based on personal preferences or specific training needs. Whether you prefer a plush ride or firmer ground contact, you’re covered.
While not the lightest option, it’s sufficiently light. Weighing approximately 270 grams, the Feet Vibe 2 doesn’t feel cumbersome, but it may not meet your expectations for a truly lightweight choice. For those prioritizing speed and agility, consider alternatives like the Xero Shoes Speed Force II and Merrell Vapor Glove.
The Vibe is a perfect choice for some barefoot training, with a bit of cushioning. For me, that means faster tempo workouts and interval training. It’s worth noting that you can remove the insole completely for a closer barefoot feel, but just remember that this will increase the depth of the shoe by around 4mm.
Durability & Build Quality: Time Will Tell
It’s a mixed bag, but I hope that a few of the design decisions will lead to a durable option. The upper is made from breathable mesh created from recycled bottle yarn, which is excellent for ventilation during warmer months but appears fragile if scraped or snagged. This is unlikely to occur since it’s a road/casual shoe, but I wouldn’t recommend taking this shoe on trails or paths with a lot of vegetation.
That heavier weight is likely due to the durable material choices. The construction seems robust, featuring reinforced eyelets in the lacing system, a fully stitched outsole, and carefully placed overlays to reduce wear. All these features come at the cost of weight, but they’re often worth it if you want a shoe that lasts.
The outsole features a full rubber construction with a well-structured lug pattern that provides flexibility and durability. Although this is a lugged design, there is a large surface area in contact with the ground that minimizes wear. This design is reminiscent of the classic Nike Free models, which offered flexibility and long-term durability. After running approximately 50 kilometers, I observed minimal wear on the outsole. With about 3mm of rubber remaining on the lugs, these won’t wear through anytime soon.
Conclusion
Overall, I love the design, feel, and fit of the Freet Vibe 2.
Freet always offers a fit that you don’t often find elsewhere, featuring a wider forefoot and midfoot, and a deeper fit all around.
By pairing the fit with a functional and flexible offering suitable for a variety of use cases, it’s easy to recommend the shoe to anyone looking for a casual option or even a performance choice.
If your feet are shallow or narrow, this is one instance where I’d recommend seeking a different brand. Xero Shoes can be a suitable option, or Vivobarefoot for a shallower, more fitted midfoot.