Being the first of the VFFs to be un-insulated and water resistant (the Lontras are insulated) and considering how much I've asked for Gore Tex (or similar) from Vibram, I felt obligated to buy a pair.
First, they're really stiff with the treated fabric layers they use and the Trek sole.
Next, there's a seam before the toes that is met by another central seam. This creates a rise or ridge under the bend of your toes. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but when you first put them on you notice. On the two middle toes of my left foot it creates a slightly smaller opening to the toe pockets than the pockets' width further in.
Most importantly, the Speed XC is definitely sized small. I tried a 41, which I've only ever purchased VFFs in and the Speed XC was extremely tight and was obviously never going to stretch out. The pinkie toe pocket, in particular, was a no-go. The whole length of the foot felt constricted. With the 42 that arrived, the pinkie toe pocket is as small as it could comfortably get with this level of curl to the toes. There's available length in that pocket, but my little toe would have to bend up instead of down. My big toes have a little room at the end that is essential to bend them upwards without the capacity of the shoe to stretch, and my middle toes have the most length available. All my toes fit in fine and don't slip out on their own.
Most VFFs have the capacity to stretch, both the sole and the upper, and with the variation in size within a stated size that I've found with VFFs, it's usually not that big a deal. The larger ones I use with toe socks. The smaller ones I use without and they fit snug but not uncomfortable, eventually the shoe stretches to conform to my foot. Those initially tighter ones end up being my favorites later. The Speed XC is just not a shoe you can do that with. This 42 pair fits like the larger of one of my 41 KSOs. I spent an hour once trying on VFFs at REI in every mens model they had from 40 to 42, and 41 was the right size in all of them. My feet are 10.25" long, Vibram recommends a 40 for me, and again, I only ever buy 41. Until now. The new styles are changing the sizing.
I have a pair of Lontras, as well, and they are borderline at 41. They're a bit snug with toe socks, but are fine without them. They are not any more stretchy from the perspective of the outside upper and the sole than the Speed XC (they too use the Trek sole and water resistant treated fabric layers), but the accounted-for (in the sizing, that is) extra insulation allows some margin for conformity. Possibly I should have sized up on those, too, but I've worn them around and cannot return them. They are not as undersized as the 41 Speed XC was, though. Lontra might be half the difference, and the insulation gives that aforementioned range, even if by-design and considering the reduction in warmth compressing the insulation you should probably not be intending that.
Time will tell concerning the durability of the shoe, but it seems well constructed so far. I'll give it an average rating and increase it later as it wears. I am thrilled Vibram has introduced these two models and I'm glad I bought them in spite of their quirks.
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I am a Vibram enthusiast. I use KSO and Trek Sport for casual wear, Bikilas for running and Spyridon for hiking. I purchased the Speed XC for its water resistance in rainy weather. It hasn't rained much since I purchased this pair. This is my first laced pair of Vibrams. I miss the velcro straps that pulls the heel in for a tighter fit. I size a 41 for Bikilas and KSO and size 42 for Trek Sport and Spyridon. Since the Speed XC resembles the Sport Trek in design, I purchased a 42 and it seems to be a bit loose, possibly because it does not have the heel strap to tighten it. I think a 41 would be too tight, so I'll stay with the 42. I also purchased it to wear with Dockers. I had been wearing the Sport Trek with Dockers, but the shiny rubber toes made it seem too casual. The Speed XC looks for like a regular shoe. It does not have the same ground feel as the Trek Sport, but it is a good compromise for more mainstream wear.
6/23/13 update: I spent a week in New York City with this pair in pretty heavy rain. Water did not penetrate I'm happy to discover that it is water resistant as advertised. I don't think it's water-proof, but it did an excellent job of keeping my feet dry in rainy weather. I also began using Injinjin lightweight socks (original weight would be too thick) this made the fit perfect and kept the foot odors at bay. I am using this more on a daily basis to work. It's a great style for me. I would upgrade my rating to 4 1/2 stars.
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i am a previous owner of the vibram fivefingers shoes, loved them the first time love them now. these shoes are comfortable and good looking... would recommend to all
Honest reviews on Vibram FiveFingers Mens Speed XC Casual Shoes
I've owned quite a few Vibram FiveFingers (KSO, Trek, Treksport, Spyridon). I blew out the toes in my last pair of Treksports, so it was time for another pair of VFF for every day use. I like the thicker 4mm sole and I've wanted a more water resistant version for some time, so I checked into the Speed XC. The price on Amazon was really good. I read in one of the reviews that these tend to run small, so I bought a size larger than I usually wear. I'm glad that I did! Yes, they do run small and I probably could not have worn my usual size. They don't stretch as much with the stiffer sole and perhaps the additional lining makes them fit more snugly. I've been wearing them for about a month now and I'm pretty happy with them. Yes, they are indeed much more water resistant than the other models I've worn. The thicker sole provides good protection from rocks and such. They are a bit stiffer in the toes than my other VFF and, due to the water resistance features, they don't breathe quite as well. So, my feet tend to get a bit hotter than usual. But, all in all, I recommend them.
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because of reviews that were written before i purchased these shoes, i knew to expect a little discomfort between my toes.
