Vivobarefoot Shoe Review

You probably have heard the buzz about barefoot shoes. With so many options out there, I knew I needed to dive into a few different brands to find you the best of the best. Today I am sharing a full Vivobarefoot Shoe Review – but look for more to come!

*Affiliate Disclosure: I do have affiliate links in this blog post. If you purchase something from my link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.  This comes at no cost to you, but is paid by the company.  I do not take becoming an affiliate with any company lightly.  If I am, it’s because I believe in the company and their product. 

*Suzi(Gurl Gone Green) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

What are barefoot shoes?

A barefoot shoot- also known as a minimalist shoe or zero drop shoe – is a type of footwear designed to provide a more natural and barefoot-like experience while still offering some protection for the feet. 

While there are many types of barefoot footwear, there are some key characteristics that they tend to have. This includes:

• No heel to toe drop (zero drop): The sole of a barefoot shoe has little to no height difference between the heel and the forefoot. Traditional shoes often have an elevated heel, but barefoot shoes maintain a more level profile to promote a more natural posture. A true barefoot shoe should have zero drop although some shoes that claim to be barefoot shoes are actually ‘low profile’ shoes as they do have some heel to toe drop.
• A lower stack height (thinner soles): Barefoot shoes typically have thinner soles compared to traditional footwear. According to Vivobarefoot, barefoot footwear tends to have a stack height of around 3-8mm, whereas most traditional running shoes are in the 9-30mm range. 
• A wide toe box: This allows the toes to splay more naturally instead of being scrunched together.
• Lightweight and flexible: This allows the foot to move more naturally.

Benefits of Barefoot Shoes

There are many reported benefits to wearing barefoot shoes on a regular basis. This includes:

• Improved foot strength
• Better Balance
• Improved Foot Function
• Better Performance
• Less risk of injury
• A more natural gait and running form

VivoBarefoot Overview

Vivobarefoot, founded by Galahad and Asher Clark in 2012, emerged from a desire to reconnect people with the planet. Inspired by the simple yet profound concept of walking barefoot, the brand set out to create footwear that allowed the feet to move as nature intended. 

With a commitment to sustainability and biomechanical design, Vivobarefoot transformed the traditional approach to shoe construction. By embracing the principles of minimalism and creating shoes that prioritize sensory feedback and foot strength, Vivobarefoot has become a pioneer in the barefoot movement, advocating for a healthier and more natural way of walking and living. 

Today, the brand continues to innovate, offering a range of footwear designed for various activities while staying true to its core philosophy of promoting foot health and overall well-being.

Brand Pros and Cons 

Pros	Cons
Foot Health: Vivobarefoot shoes promote natural foot movement, helping to strengthen muscles, improve posture, and enhance overall foot health.	Transition Period: Switching to minimalist shoes may require an adjustment period for those accustomed to more conventional footwear, potentially causing discomfort initially.
Sensory Feedback: The minimalistic design allows for better sensory feedback, enabling wearers to feel the ground and adjust their movements accordingly.	Limited Cushioning: Some wearers might find the minimal cushioning inadequate, especially if they are used to the support provided by traditional shoes, making it less suitable for certain activities.
Versatility: Vivobarefoot offers a variety of styles for different activities, from running to everyday wear, catering to individuals with diverse lifestyles.	Style Preference: While Vivobarefoot offers a range of styles, individuals with specific fashion preferences may find the minimalist aesthetic less appealing.
Sustainable Practices: The brand emphasizes sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and striving to minimize its environmental impact.	Price: The cost of Vivobarefoot shoes can be higher compared to mainstream footwear, reflecting the brand’s commitment to quality materials and sustainable practices.
Innovative Design: Vivobarefoot continually innovates its designs, incorporating biomechanical principles for comfort and functionality.	Availability: Depending on the location, the physical availability of Vivobarefoot shoes in stores may be limited, requiring some customers to purchase online without trying them on in person.

Shoes Offered

Vivobarefoot offers shoes for men, women and children. Here is a closer look at their selection:

Men’s & Women’s Shoes

• Outdoor
  • From hiking boots to trail running footwear to water shoes, you will find multiple options for your outdoor needs.
• Performance
  • Shoes made for running, crossfit, weightlifting and more!
• Lifestyle
  • Classic shoes that are made for your day to day life.

Kid’s Shoes

• Outdoor
  • This includes options for winter boots, water shoes and hiking shoes.
• School
  • A variety of choices to go with your child’s style.
• Everyday
  • Styles made for the active child.
• Mini Me
  • Popular Vivo styles made for a child.

VivoBarefoot Sizing

If you are used to traditional shoe sizing, then you are going to want to pay attention here. The sizing of VivoBarefoot may not be the same size you are used to. To get the full benefit of purchasing a barefoot shoe, you need to ensure correct sizing.

Thankfully, they have a downloadable size guide to help you get your shoe size correct. Head here to check it out.

This size guide is simple to use. For me, I found that my Vivobarefoot shoe size was the same as the shoe size I normally wear. But that may not be the case for everyone so make sure to use their guide before ordering!

Where Can VivoBarefoot Shoes Be Purchased

Vivobarefoot shoes can be purchased at the following locations:

• VIvoBarefoot website
• VivoBarefoot Amazon Store
• VivoBarefoot Retail Stores
• 3rd Party Retailers like 

VivoBarefoot Review

VivoBarefoot FAQ’s

1. Are VivoBarefoot shoes worth the price?

I do think that Vivobarefoot shoes are worth the price.  Most athletic shoes are in the price range of Vivobarefoot shoes.  You can tell the quality when you wear them and as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

2. How long does it take to get used to wearing VivoBarefoot shoes?

Since I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes or I’m barefoot often, it didn’t take me a ton of time to get used to wearing them.  

3. Why are barefoot shoes good for you?

Barefoot shoes allow your toes to spread out like they were intended too.  Most shoes force your feet to be scrunched up and can create a host of issues for your feet now and later in life.  

4. Is Vivobarefoot sizing accurate?

 Yes, it is. I ordered the exact same size I normally wear and they fit perfectly.

5. Do you wear socks with Vivobarefoot shoes?

 I do wear socks with my Vivobarefoot shoes but it’s totally up to you.  Some people prefer not wearing socks with barefoot shoes.

Conclusion: Are VivoBarefoot shoes worth it?

I do think Vivobarefoot shoes are worth it.  They have gone the extra mile to create a shoe that not only is made for a wide toe box, but for a variety of lifestyles too. I also love that they have shoes for men, women and kids. 

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