Stem Primal Origins: Run for the border

Westward Ho!
By Sol in Reviews

Since I recently ran in my trusty Vibram KSOs, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to slip on my Stem Primal Origins for my run tonight while the memory of that run was still fresh.

Details

  • Distance: 4.85mi
  • Time: 50:51
  • Average Speed: 5.73mi/hr
  • Socks: No

It was a beautiful, bright night.  The nearly-full moon illuminated the streets in a cool glow as I ran as far west as the local streets would allow.

It was a great run.  Some brief observations

Awesome, Compadre! (The Good)

  • Comfort– the Primal Origins were quite comfortable on my feet
  • Lightweight– I felt light on my feet as I ran
  • Stability/Traction– I trusted the traction of the Primal Origin’s soles as I ran on and over the obstacles in my path
  • Ground feel– I’m getting more used to the ground feel of the Primal Origins and it is quite adequate (with the exception noted below)
  • Permeability– I never could tell if it was because the Vibram KSO soles were so thin or for some other reason, but moisture seemed to seep in from below if I so much as stepped on wet ground.  Though only a minor inconvenience (and even occasionally refreshing), the Primal Origins did not let any moisture in through the soles as I ran through some puddles and wet grass this evening.

Bummer, Dude! (The Bad)

  • Chafing– I experienced some minor– though consistent– running on the outside of both of my big toes against the Primal Origins’ toe box.  I don’t think I’ll develop any blisters from this chaffing, but they do feel a bit rug burned as I write this.
  • Ground feel– I was reminded how great running through grass feels in the Vibram KSOs (closest thing to being barefoot) during my recent run, so the difference in ground feel between the KSOs and the Primal Origins was especially evident while running in the grass tonight.

All in all, a very enjoyable run and the Stem Primal Origins contributed quite a bit to that enjoyment.