Vivo Barefoot Shoes Review: An In-Depth Look at Barefoot Experience
Barefoot walking is more than just a sensation; it’s a return to natural alignment and strengthening of foot muscles. Vivo Barefoot has embraced this philosophy, providing shoes that mimic the experience of walking barefoot. In this comprehensive Vivo Barefoot Shoes Review, I’ll explore these innovative products, having tried three different pairs and with four more on the way.
Much like you, in 2020 I was looking for a good Vivo Barefoot shoes review. After purchasing 9 pairs over 3 years (returned 2) I now want to pay it forward and help others make their decision. I can’t even recall who turned me onto the concept of barefoot shoes. Once I started researching and became aware of Vivos as an option, I noticed another dad at our daughter’s school had them on. We are pretty sure he is in the CIA but publicly he is a Captain in the Army and is a “crossfitter” and in extremely good physical shape. That was my green light, and I bought my first pair.
I am going to assume that you are already sold on barefoot shoes (also known as zero drop or minimalist) and are now looking for the best brand and specific shoes. We all know that feeling of liberation when we kick off our shoes and walk barefoot on a sandy beach. Vivo Barefoot is trying to bottle that sensation (minus the seashells). I will give you my specific experience and then move on to a little background on barefoot-type shoes in general. I won’t bury the headline here. I like them and, as evidenced by having four more on order, I keep buying them. But, they are expensive.
Vivo Barefoot Shoes Review – Personal Experience
My First Three Pairs
My experience with the first three models of Vivo Barefoot shoes I bought has been extremely positive:
| Model | Features | Feel | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primus Lite III Mens | Lightweight, flexible | Comfortable | Excellent for running and in the gym |
| Primus Lite III All Weather Mens | Durable design | Supportive | Great for wet weather |
| Magna FG Trail Mens | More protective sole, Stylish appearance | More support for hiking | Great for hiking and colder weather |
Primus Lite III For Men
I bought my first pair of Vivo Barefoot shoes back in November of 2020. At the time they were calling them the Stealth III. They appeared to have replaced that SKU with the Primus Lite III. These are truly minimalist shoes. I wore them for everything, which is not necessarily recommended (especially driveway basketball with your kids). I beat them to death.
This is a picture fresh out of the box in November 2020.
This picture is after one year of wear and looks like it may have been after I coached a soccer game in the mud. There were still in OK shape after I cleaned them with warm water and a washcloth.
My wife put them in the trash. I had to dig them out to take this final picture. The sole lining was pretty trashed. But I got a solid 18 months out of them with heavy wear.
Primus Lite III All Weather Mens
Living in Nebraska, I found that it was tough to wear the Primus Lite’s as you got further into winter. So My next 2 purchases were more rugged Vivo Barefoot shoes. I needed the shoe to be a little more water-resistant but still not so rigid that it defeated the purpose of the barefoot shoe concept.
The Vivo Barefoot Primus Lite III All Weather was the exact answer to that need. I just retired the first pair I bought in October of 2021. They probably overstayed their welcome. I retired them in August of 2023. 22 months in total. If you are wearing them most days like I did, they should last at least 12 to 18 months. The extra 4 months I got out of them were at the cost of a smell that forced me to keep them outside for storage.
Magna FG Trail Mens
At the same time I bought the all weather shoes I bought a pair of their hiking\trail shoes that have Thinsulate in the lining for extra warmth. They also have more traction. I only wear these situationaly so even though I have had them for 22 months they still look pretty good. The 6-month picture below was after I wore them to coach soccer on a muddy field. With a little soap and water, they clean up nicely.
These are the first pair of Vivos that anyone has complimented the style. Normally, people just think they are strange.
I think I will get at least 2 or 3 more years out of these at this point. The only pain point has been the inside insole doesn’t stay secure any longer. It tends to come out or get bunched when you pull your foot out of the shoe. This started happening after 12 to 15 months of wear. I will still buy another pair when these totally wear out. For now, I will keep jamming it in or secure it with a glue gun.
Design and Aesthetics
The design of Vivo Barefoot shoes is sleek and modern, with sustainable materials and various colors and styles to choose from. They are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. I wouldn’t say that was always the case, the styling has become much better over the last 2 years.
Comfort and Performance
Vivo Barefoot shoes provide a nice balance of comfort and performance. They fit well, breathe easily, and offer sufficient support and durability for different activities. I have started to buy multiple pairs for more specialized use. As I said earlier, I beat my first pair to death wearing them for everything. Now I keep several pairs in rotation:
- Primus Lites for everyday running around and indoor gym work.
- A pair of all-weather as we get deeper into the fall and winter.
- A pair of hiking\trail shoes for winter, snow and any trail hiking or running.
How to Choose the Right Vivo Barefoot Shoes
When selecting the right Vivo Barefoot shoes, consider your specific activities, whether it’s running, walking, or hiking, and pay close attention to sizing and fitting to ensure optimal comfort.
The first filter would be deciding if you are looking for kids, men’s or women’s shoes. Once you get there Vivo divides their shoe collections into the following “Uses”.
Women’s
Men’s
Kids’s
Using the links above should get you 80% of the way there on finding shoes specific to your needs. Then it is just a matter of finding the right model, color, and functionality for your use.
Understanding the Barefoot Concept
What is Barefoot Walking?
Barefoot walking is about allowing the feet to move as they were designed, without the restrictions of traditional footwear. It can lead to a more natural gait, increased foot strength, and a deeper connection to the surfaces we walk on.
Benefits of Barefoot Walking
Walking barefoot offers numerous benefits:
- Freedom of Movement: Allows for natural alignment of the feet.
- Strengthening Muscles: Helps to build muscles that are often neglected.
- Sensory Connection: Enhances awareness of textures and temperatures.
How Vivo Barefoot Shoes Mimic the Barefoot Experience
Vivo Barefoot shoes are designed to offer the advantages of barefoot walking while providing protection from sharp objects and rough surfaces.
If you take a big rock in the middle of the foot, it will hurt and perhaps bruise if you are wearing the Primus or even an All-Weather Vivo shoe. I experienced that hiking up a gravel and rock road leading up to the hard road in the Lake of the Ozarks. I also have the Magna FG Mens hiking shoe and that has enough sole to withstand a direct rock hit.
Comparing with Other Barefoot Shoes
In comparison to other barefoot shoe brands, Vivo Barefoot seems to be a “go-to” brand in the space. I recently heard an interview on Mark Bell’s Power Project podcast about how they all wear them (although it may have been a paid placement).
A very impressive organic mention was on Steve Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast. He was interviewing Dr. Daniel Lieberman, Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University, and their conversation turned to strengthening your foot. As they are talking about going barefoot, Bartlett sends his assistant to get his black shoes from his bag.
Sure enough, Bartlett’s shoes are Vivo Barefoots and Lieberman kicks out his feet and shows that he is wearing them as well.
Those are Vivo Barefoots. Yeah I wear the same shoes. Great shoes yeah those are wonderful
Dr. Daniel Lieberman on Steve Bartlett’s Diary of a CEO podcast
shoes those are exactly the kind of shoes that will help strengthen your feet.
That being said, my first introduction to a minimalist type of shoe was a Merrell brand. They don’t exclusively sell barefoot shoes, but the one I bought was minimalist style and was purchased for easy packing for an overseas trip. I liked them but they tired out my feet and calves because I never fully committed to wearing them long term. This was back in 2006.
I have not tried every minimalist or barefoot-style brand and can’t say that Vivo is necessarily better. I just know that I have been happy with the ones I have bought. I would be open to others especially if I could find a lower price point. Here is a list of other minimalist brands.
Vivo Barefoot Shoes Review Conclusion
If you’re looking for shoes that make you feel more connected to the Earth, without the risk of a sudden connection to a piece of glass, Vivo Barefoot is your foot’s best friend.
Vivo Barefoot shoes provide an experience that closely resembles true barefoot walking. From design and comfort to performance, they have proven to be an excellent choice for someone like me seeking a more natural and beneficial walking experience. I hope my Vivo Barefoot Shoes review helps you make your choice.
Do Vivo Barefoot shoes have arch support?
Most Vivo Barefoot shoes do not have conventional arch support. The minimalist design allows your foot muscles and arches to strengthen naturally. Some styles offer removable insoles for additional comfort and support if needed.
How do the sizing and fit compare to normal shoes?
Vivo Barefoot shoes tend to fit more snugly due to their minimalist shape. It’s recommended to size up, especially for wider feet. The shoes are designed to allow space for foot expansion and natural toe splaying.
Are the shoes completely waterproof?
Waterproofness varies by model. Some are fully waterproof while others are water-resistant or quick-drying. Check specifications of each shoe to ensure the level of water protection needed for the conditions.
How long does the transition period take to get used to them?
The transition period to get fully comfortable in Vivo Barefoot shoes is different for everyone. Start by wearing them for short periods and gradually increase wear time. It can take 2-6 weeks for your feet to strengthen and adapt to the minimalist design.
What is the warranty and return policy?
Vivo Barefoot has a 100 day return policy to ensure you are satisfied. The shoes come with a 2 year manufacturer’s warranty from defects. Normal wear and tear is not covered by the warranty.
Troy Wallace
Troy Wallace is Certified Basketball Speed Specialist and shares his experiences in trying to stay as healthy as possible to stay on the court. He is active in coaching youth basketball in YMCA, Team Work Sports Nebraska, and, currently, in the Jr. Warriors program in Omaha, NE. Visit Troy's Full Author Bio Page or email him directly.
Meaningful conversations happening daily about training, recovery, and injury-specific rehabilitation as well as sport-specific discussions on playing, coaching and refereeing your favorite sport. We welcome experts and those with curious minds seeking answers.
Join The Stay On The Court Community!