Review - Vibram Fivefingers Spyridon LS

This is going to be a relatively short review of the Spyridon LS from Vibram, one of their fairly new models of minimalist shoes.

Please forgive the verbosity of what follows, but here are the manufacturers description and specifications.


"Our first trail running–specific model, the Spyridon LS provides the perfect balance of “foot feel” and protection on rugged surfaces. A minimalist 3.5mm Vibram rubber sole provides impact protection from stones and debris, while better allowing proper barefoot dynamics. The aggressive tread design delivers sure-footed grip in all directions, molded nylon mesh in midsole adds a “rock block” effect, dispersing impact over a wider area. The Coconut Active Carbon upper offers natural breathability and an adjustable hook-and-loop closure ensures a secure fit. 3M reflective applications for safety after dark. Machine Washable. Air Dry."

Specifications

Materials:

UPPER - Stretch Mesh and Polyamide 

SOLE - XSTrek Vibram Rubber

FOOTBED - 3mm Polyurethane Insole Anti-Microbial Dri-Lex Sockliner

Machine washable. Air dry.

Weight:

Men's size 44 - 6.88oz. each, 13.76oz./pair

So, as you can see, the Spyridon introduces a number of new features, the most notable of which is likely the new sole design. 

We're going to explore the new design a little in pictures. I do have to apologize for the quality of the pictures, but I unfortunately did not realize that the lens was dirty until it was far too late. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa!

Active coconut carbon upper keeps stink at bay, while the rubber printing improves durability. I frankly don't  care for the available colorways. However, this is the least offensive one available... 

The new sole design looks a lot like the tread on a mountain bike tire. The molded plate in the arch is part of the rock shock attenuation that Vibram incorporated in the Spyridon sole. 

The last is nice and wide. I also found the toe pockets to be comfortable. The upper desperately needs more space in the vertical dimension however. Note the lacing system. The lace holes are not reinforced as such. Also of note, the rubber overlays started showing cracking very quickly. 

The sole is remarkably flexible. This requires almost no effort. Grip on all surfaces is astonishingly good. Concrete, rock, dirt, sand, it all falls before the might of the Spyridons' Tread!

By far, this may be the best sole that Vibram has come up with. It is far and away better than the previous off-road model, the Trek. 

The lining is comfortable and wicks well. The insole is not removable. 

There is a lot to like about the Spyridon; the incredibly grippy and protective sole that still manages to provide excellent proprioceptive feedback, the comfortable lining and well-designed toe pockets. But, unfortunately, the Spyridon carries the stigmata of Vibram's apparent hatred of people with high-volume feet. 
Now, what do I mean by that, you say? 
Well, br'er, allow me to elucidate. I have what might be referred to as a "high instep". Basically, what that means is that the distance vertically from the bottom of my foot to the top of my foot (inferior aspect to the superior aspect) is greater than perhaps the norm is. 
Most shoes I have had in the past can accommodate this difference in vertical height. 
However, over the last several years, Vibram has gradually changed the designs of the various models it offers so that they are no significantly LESS friendly to us high-volume folks. 
The Spyridon is not exempt from this design flaw - as I choose to call it - and is frankly downright uncomfortable to wear because of the pressure exerted on the top of my foot. 
It was particularly bad on my right foot, which isn't surprising as the dominant side of the body is often slightly larger than the "weak" side is. 
The problem is exacerbated by the somewhat baffling choice of lacing system that Vibram used for the Spyridon LS. Instead of the flexible shock-cord used in the previous models with a fixed lacing system, the Spyridon is outfitted with a skinny, round, completely inflexible lace. They seem almost designed to be as uncomfortable as possible...
Given the disparity in size between my right and left foot, I decided to replace the laces with some 1/8th shock-cord I had on hand. The switch worked, and provided a significantly higher level of comfort immediately. Alas, in the longer run, it proved insufficient. I considered ripping out the fixed lacing system entirely and replacing it with conventional laces, but given the way the lacing holes were designed, I was not convinced of the long-term durability of such a solution. For extended wear, they simply were not comfortable, so I ended up returning them. I am saddened by this, as I do so love the sole design and the comfort of said sole. But the upper needs to be fixed, unfortunately. 
Now, where this all becomes rather interesting, is when you realize that ALL of the current models available are not really high-volume-foot friendly. The lengths of the straps on the KSO, the KSO Treksport, and others have been drastically shortened, compared to what they used to be. Even the somewhat short strap on the original KSO Trek is long compared to the straps on the newer versions. 
Now, the odd part is that the original KSO and others, came with a longer strap that was designed so that you could easily cut to desired length, without having it unravel. Several stitched "divisions" were added to the strap. They have kept these divisions, but the strap is now considerably shorter, and in the case of the Treksport, it is almost ridiculously short. 
These other models are at least still wearable, which is more than can be said for the Spyridon.
So, while I love the sole of the Spyridon design, the rest of it really needs a re-design before I could wholeheartedly recommend the Spyridon.
Of note, these observations only apply to the Spyridon LS, not to the regular Spyridon, which uses a velcro strap system, not laces.

So, Vibram, please take into consideration those of us with high-volume feet. I'd love to wear Spyridons or some of the other new designs you have coming out, but as it stands right now, I just can't!