I won’t be buying a pair any time soon but I do understand the grounding thing Jst wanted to say well done - this is a good standard on video reviews 👍🏼
Been wearing Vivos for about 6 months, and they have improved the arthritis in my knees hugely. For anybody with this condition, I hope they help you too.
I have a lot of cartilage loss in my knees and I also find that foot strength has been amazingly helpful! I am transitioning to more barefoot time and I would say to anyone with a knee history going into this, yes it does help a ton, but be kind to your knees, at first they may be sore, and don't overdo it! You might not feel it until the next day so be kind!
@@mollyarbor563 I am in the same situation, I am now trying barefoot shoes with correct toes and switch between altra's (zero drop, wide toe, cushioned) and barefoot shoes with correct toes and custom made insoles. It is a tremendous difference for the knees because zero drop changes your posture and foot strenght reduces knee impact. There also is a permanent solution for minimal cartilage loss. It is hydrogels in combination with stemcells that will cure local cartilage loss. This means it does not cure evenly damaged cartilage.
Been barefoot since Nov 21, my plantar fasciitis has gone, shin splints have stopped, Achilles tendon pain gone, calves are not tight anymore, pelvis has re aligned, SI joints have released. Just allowing my lumbar spine to start to react now as my entire body is changing from the ground up. Been having monthly deep tissue massages from 2022 just to help the adjustment process and it’s been helping a lot. I also have toe spacers to try to get the toes realigned more quickly.
Great to hear ! My P.F. which started about a year ago is 90% better... and I am curious to know if you waited until your P.F. was 100% cured to transition into barefoot shoes, or did you still have some pain when you did ? Cheers.
I’m on my fourth pair of BF shoes. I cannot go back. All of the relief you hear about is real. I have had probably around 20-30 pairs of shoes in the recent year before trying the BFs. Nothing is the same. Trekker 2 are the best boots I own and I am genuinely excited when a day calls for them to be worn. Primus trail fg are my go to for wet weather or non pavement adventures. Lately I’ve been running lots of miles and have turned to me Altra. While not BF they are minimal and zero drop. This shoe switched has been a major shift in my life as an athletic person. I cannot recommend the change to others enough..I now run outdoors at my home with nothing on my feet…and I feel strong and nimble doing it. An amazing change for me.
I made a mistake. Bought my vivos 3 weeks ago. So I walk about 10 miles a day for work, about 50 miles a week on concrete. By day three tha balls of my feet were so tinder I could barely go to the restroom. I had two more days of work and didn’t know if I could make it. Well I didn’t in my vivos. I have had to alternate days between Altra and vivos. But the pain from walking 200 miles a month is getting better everyday. If you walk like I do I suggest you do it a little slower, cause wow the pain was tough.
Don't hesitate to have different insoles in the vivos depending of your activity and tiredness I use thikest insoles on hard surfaces and in winter, and remove the insole on soft ground
I've been wearing barefoot shoes for a few years now and can't think of using anything else. Even started running completely barefoot recently. It's probably not any less injury pronenor any better for performance but there's a certain level of connectedness you get with barefoot running that you can't get any other way.
I had bad plantar fascitis 2 years ago which influenced my shift to barefoot shoes. I took about a month to get myself used to barefoot walking before changing shoes. No more foot issues since then. I'm even getting back to 10k runs again. Definitely not returning to non zero drop shoes. Been using Xero Mesa and Inov 8 Ultra 270 though. Vivos are hard to obtain where I am.
I have had no issue with changing to barefoot shoes at 70. Always love feeling the terrain, the cracks in floor and whatever I walked on. I went barefoot at home, loved the $3 white Chinese plimsolls when I found them, and wore the beautifully made now discontinued jcrew biella italian loafers. Hated toes misaligning shoes. My toes have reverted to finger shaped rather than dead grub shape. I started with Merril which I loved, now have heaps of Merrill Vapor glove which are truly comfortable. I have nice arches and always strong pretty feet. I love my vivobarefoot gobi leather boots, joyful for walking. But now in summer am wearing vivobarefoot ballerinas, the Jing Jing in pewter metallic and black which are not so pleasing to walk distance on concrete. I find cushioned shoes horrible, suffocating my body, I like feeling my feet, feeling ground or floor. My body is also flexible. similarly I drive a responsive go fast car which lets me feel the terrain and how the car is driving.
Back in the 80s in South Africa we didn't wear shoes for sport until we started high school. Track and field and rugby was barefoot. The only exceptions were cricket (because of the ball) and netball (which was played on hard concrete). I agree train and do as much daily activities barefoot to strengthen your feet. But the best runners in the world don't run barefoot, Kipchoge, Jornet and Bolt. Although there was one, Zola Budd who competed barefoot. But yeah after race day, put the supershoes away and recover your feet.
Got my first pair of vivos in December, fast forward to mid April. I have sold most of my regular pairs of shoes and own 3 vivos at the moment. I LOVE THE SHOES! My feet feel stronger, relaxed, and dry.
I've been wearing barefoot shoes inclusively (except for weddings and such) for six years now, and i can't believe how i managed to walk with the shoes i used to have. I was so into how they looked and not very interested in how they felt. Now my feet have changed so much that i dont think i could wear pointed shoes or high heels every day, even if i wanted to. I love the feeling of freedom barefoot shoes give you, you feel more connected and aware of your surroundings. Now even some barefoot models feel too thick and "shoe like" to me. I wish there were more options for everyday wear and for making a fashion statement. That's the only thing i miss from my non-barefoot days.
I’ve been wearing BF shoes in some capacity since 2010 (5 fingers), mostly for working out and errands. It was a couple years later that I found Lems and since then I’ve been wearing various Lems and Xero’s 90% of the time. The initial transition was less than fun having a tarsal coalition in one foot but as I wore BF shoes more often the foot pain is nearly gone except in certain situations. I’ve been eyeing Vivo’s for a year or so but haven’t found a style I want to try first. Eventually I’ll get a pair, they appreciate very well made and do have a number of different options. Bottom line….BF shoes have made a huge difference in my foot health and don’t plan to stop now.
I was looking for something that looked more like a traditional shoe. One thing with VFF is you will get strange looks from people wherever you go. A distant secondary reason was all my VFF smelled something awful.
First pair of BF shoes were Vivos and they were very good! I was amazed at how sore my legs got as whole muscle groups that had atrophied from typical shoe use were being exercised back into active use...!
I've been wearing them since 2020 and my feet have widened and are in much better health, i love that i can spread my toes in them! My usual shoe was converse and vans and i find them really uncomfortable to wear now as they are much tighter on the sides and crunch my toes inwards
I transitioned to minimalist shoes about a year ago and I will not go back to traditional shoes. Before, I had to deal with regular plantar fasciitis episodes and lower back issues which I have not experienced since I started wearing minimalist shoes. I’m avid Tennis and Racquetball player and I wear Vivo shoes for both. I feel more stability and the only issue I have is sometimes coming hard on my heels. For hiking I also wear Vivobarefoot shoes. I’m still in the process of relearning how to walk with minimalist shoes but it is getting better. I have half flat feet and after months on constant walking with this shoes my feet are developing a natural arch. For work and other daily activities I wear Whitin shoes which are nice and less expensive than the Vivibarefoot ones. By the way I’m 63 so age is not an issue when transitioning to minimalist shoes. I was drastic about it. Once I got my first pair, I stopped wearing traditional shoes. It was a little painful at first but now I’m fine.
I absolutely love VivoBarefoot PRIMUS LITE KNIT!!! The one and only thing that irks me is that since i run in them often on concrete, the bottoms wear out quickly in 1 area. i understand the reasoning behind this and it is what it is. Day to day wearing or working out in them is amazing! Personally, i have not seen any change in my feet, ankles, or knees, but my feet are no longer smashed inside of shoes.
Toe socks are a must have to get proper toe spread. Have been using them since 2019. Xero, freet and vivos. Vivo are nicest but most expensive, and I have worn through the soles of a few pairs of them at the ball of the shoes, so price is definitely an important consideration
@wes7532 Couldn't agree more. I wear mostly Injinji toe socks since they're absolutely the best and most comfortable and I wear Freets because I have wide feet. I can't wear Vivos - they're very narrow. I also think that Freets are more reasonably priced. I tried Lems as well, but they're also too narrow for my feet. I'm still looking for a barefoot dress shoe in my width. There's not much out there.
@@johnatyoutube Dude, Zaqq's, Tomar Creations, and Geo Soles all make some quality dress shoes. Check out their websites. Zaqq's has the largest selection and I own several types from them that I love.
@jbendix1 I just looked at the 3 brands. Unfortunately, only the Zaqqs look like formal business shoes and they don't come in wide widths. It's very challenging to have wide and high volume feet - even in the regular shoe world. Hopefully, as minimalist shoes catch on, more manufacturers will create shoes for different shaped feet. It's cool that the Geas and Tomar do custom shoes, but they're just not formal enough for some occasions.
Thank You for a well thought out and informative video. I am currently making the transition to barefoot shoes. I found the "work your way into it" strategy best. Just like working out your body needs to adjust. I found running in them less painful due to barefoot forces you to land differently. So I no longer land on my heel. Benefits are fantastic for me.
Great commentary on all the styles. I have been wearing Vivo's from their inception when they were Terra Plana. Still using my first pair because they lightened up my gait, the sole is still intact. I do like my 5 fingers as well. Swapping them around for the conditions is essential. My Asian flat feet now have a functional longitudinal arch and no plantar fasciitis.
- The Vivo Magna Forest ESC’s are the best Winter and hiking footwear for me. - Feelgrounds Knit Highrise are the best looking for casual wear, and the most comfortable for walking. - FiveFingers V-Trek are the best for daily running hands down, and also the best for starting barefoot running in my opinion. - Also, my “Skinners 2.0” are slowly becoming the go-to for everything including running as my feet get stronger.
2 weeks in with bf shoes, my knee pain when going up stairs has gone and my toes get more flexible by the day. The shoe industry is such a scam, unbelievable.
Been having big toe pain issue, made a punt on a pair of primus lites at start of new year. Now I own 3 pairs (lites, Ra, and forest esc boots) they are that game changing. Looking to buy a couple more pairs still! I need a better discount than 10% though at this rate…😅
Been wearing Vivo for almost a year and they have been life changing. My feet used to be sore and inflamed/swollen all the time, and ever since using strictly Vivo my feet are rested and at peace. My knees did take a bit of adjusting for the first week.
I’ve been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes since 2010 and reviewed them for 4 years between ‘13 and ‘17. I rarely wear anything else. There’s only really one occasion when I’ll wear something else - and that’s when I need guaranteed waterproofing in hours of torrential rain in the Lake District and the ability to put micro spikes on. I’ve accrued 28 pairs and they fit every discipline from lifestyle to running to the gym, or hiking. I could never, ever go back to wearing conventional shoes. My feet are stronger and my ankles are stronger - as are my ligaments, connective tissues and muscles. Then there’s the proprioception you get, which is the main thing I couldn’t do without. Would I recommend them? Yes, every single time. People just need to understand there is a transition period where things need to strengthen while you adapt to them - I know a lot of people give up too early because they’re used to a big cushion.
@@nobitaadidas they vary. None fall apart quickly, but there are some which really seem to last a long time. It’s usually the sole that wears down, while the upper still looks great - I suppose that’s the same for most shoes! In the past they had some issues with gluing around the sole/upper and it would start to separate around the flex point. Now, I rarely see it mentioned. They offer a 100 day return policy (when purchased direct) and you can buy refurbished models through Revivo for a decent chunk off, so it’s worth a shot.
Thanks Fergus, i originally found your chanel from the vivo video you did a few years back. Thanks for the honesty. I agree with you i used to do most of my long runs in Altras. I noticed an improvement in my running cadence etc once i started wearing barefoot shoes and yes i did have sore calves when i started, user error: too hard/long too fast. Great advice in this video its what i eventually learnt. And now coming back from almost 2 years of sickness youve reminded me to take it slow. Thanks 😉
I suggest ‘Xeroshoes’ for anybody with a tighter budget. They are basically the same but are cheaper so budget friendly. The also have sneakers (casual), trail shoes and hicking for in the mountains (waterproof), and have crosstraining, running, and multiporpose shoes (the prio). They have the same benefits like; wide toe box, flexible soles, zero drop. Have FUN and succes. 🍀 🎉❤
I have Ahinsa fall/winter Jaya boots and I can't recommend them strongly enough. Warm, light, flexible, and great in the snow. I used them in the iciest conditions we get in MN and had good luck. We had a couple days of thawing in February and then a re-freeze after a fresh coat of rain. The kind of conditions anyone would recommend avoiding or using spikes if necessary. The roads, paved paths, and trails were all dangerously slick. I slipped once or twice and never fell down. I'm not saying these will make you immune to icy conditions but I'm pretty shocked at how well they performed. I'd imagine it's partly thanks to the material and tread design, partly thanks to not sacrificing flexibility for tread. I think they allowed my feet to do a lot of the work in keeping balanced and stepping carefully.
Vivos are great and barefoot style definately makes sense. Saying that, I will still buy zero drop wide toe shoes with some cushioning for walking on concrete. I am glad for the bare foot craze as now I can buy comfortable shoes that fit all of my fingers.
I've been a fan of Vivos since Galahad Clark and his brother launched the shoes back in 2012. Before then they had a brand called Terra Plan made of sustainable materials besides United Nudes which are more in sculptural fashion high end and with heels you can stand on your toes. I'd been in Vivos on fitness, on running, on walking and hiking since then. And to the parties in United Nudes. Love the brands.
A note; the Altra shoes he mentions using for longer road runs is also a barefoot type brand with natural foot shape, zero drop, and no toe-spring. Their trail runners were my first pair of 'barefoot shoes' about 5 yrs ago as 'everyday' sneakers and road/trail walking. I have 'outgrown' them as my feet changed :~) Last spring I got a pair of the Vivo Forest ESC boots, for yard/property chores and hiking, including mud/snow. I've used them in all those conditions now and loving 'em more every time I use 'em. I recently grabbed a pair of Splay canvas sneakers in a timely sale for an 'everyday', erranding replacement. I think they're a great choice for an inexpensive 'try-it-out', as long as someone doesn't need some cushioning for transition.
I just never really liked most shoes, this is probably the fix. My toe box is quiet wide and it feels better to not wear shoes. I never wear shoes at home. So i think barefoot shoes will help me be more comfortable when i'm outside and in shoes for long periods of time.
I am of both camps as well but I do lean a little heavy to minimalism shoes. As for Boots I wear 1 of four options: Bellview Min Mil Boots for all year around in and out of uniform, Dewalt Plasma boots for safety toes (stiff but still zero drop and wider toe box), or a Japanese Safety boot that are even more barefoot but still safety toes, and uppon occasion traditional double leather soled moccasin. All but the dewalts have slight ankle support but are in general very soft boots.
Super reasonable points. Barefoot shoes are a training tool. Traditional shoes give you short term performance benefits at the expense of long term atrophy. Use the right tool for the situation. Day to day errands? Barefoot. Once in a lifetime hike of Half Dome? Reasonable to choose traditional.
I bought some Vivo Primus Lites a month or so ago… it coincided with an increase in mileage in my running as I’m training for the London marathon. I wore the Vivo’s when I wasn’t running and a combo of Asics for road & Salomon for trails. I over did the mileage increase. I’ve since suffered with what I suspect is Achilles tendinitis / plantar fasciitis… this means I now struggle to comfortably wear the Vivo’s as my heels are very sore especially in the mornings. In this case I think I transitioned too fast to barefoot & ran too far (was clocking 100k weeks from 60-70k)… just something to be aware of so you don’t do the same ✌️
I think one of the most important things that so many proponents of minimal footwear gloss over is zero drop vs minimalist footwear. If you're trying to help guide people to get more in touch with natural movement, you should suggest zero drop shoes first. Personally I think that most health benefits from barefoot shoes are posture related. If someone is really searching for a solution to back or joint pain, then a more natural posture can really assist with that. However, those people won't have the muscles built up in their feet to really benefit from something like vivos. Instead, they'll be in even more pain. I would like to see more people guiding newbies to Altra. I believe all of their shoes are 0 drop. However, they offer cushion and support in their shoes that people would still need during transition. Heck, maybe Altras would be all they need if it's just a posture issue they're looking to solve. Obviously, building stronger feet, better balance, and more range of motion in your feet is great as well, but that takes time. I've been wearing minimalist shoes with relative frequency since I was 17 or 18, and I'm 29 now. Currently, I wear minimalist/0 drop shoes nearly 100% of the time. I only wear 0 drops at my job because steel toes are required. Other exceptions are due to needing something nicer for special occasions. So, I'm coming from a place of experience. I love hearing people talk about minimalist footwear and natural motion. I just think we should also hype up zero drop focused companies as well
I've been wearing vans and they're the most comfortable shoes i've ever worn. I'm convinced 90% of that reason is because they're zero drop shoes. Vans are a good mainstream starting point but they don't have a wide toe box which is one of the reasons I'm looking into barefoot right now.
@@AranelEruvyreth that's awesome! If you're looking to go with a barefoot shoe with a vans look, there are some options out there. I think Xero released a slide that has a bit of a vans look this year. Splay athletics also have a bit more of a casual look to the, as well. I will say, make sure you're going easy with barefoot shoes starting out. These shoes only have a few millimeters of rubber, and they're very flexible, so your feet will be working a lot. Don't overdo it when you start out. My personal close toed shoe of choice right now is the Merrell Vapor Glove 5. It's a great shoe at a great price. It doesn't have the ultra casual look though. In the sandal department, I'm rocking Earthrunners. They've been a dream, but they require a bit of effort to get them fitting right.
@@jaysonmoore5166 So I'm actually someone who wears sk8 highs cause i need more ankle stability so i was looking into barefoots with more support. The ones im eyeing right now are the Vivo Decon Tracker FG2's. They're made with leather and wool uppers which has been confirmed by Rose Anvil and I like that about them too. I need something with a bit of body like that for work. Do you have any thoughts on the Vivos? I'll definitely check out your recs too.
@@AranelEruvyreth those Vivos look really nice. I've considered nabbing then off and on, but I'm not too frequently in need of boots where I live. I think Vivo sounds like an excellent company, bit I've never had the opportunity to try on their shoes. I think there a solid choice though. I personally think the ankle support offered by most midcut footwear is more of a placebo than an actual solid support. Some people really just like that secure feeling though, and I get that Also, Lems has a new boot that Rose Anvil did a video on. Those sound pretty nice as well. They may have a 4mm drop though
Could you tell me zero drop steel toe brand you are wearing please? I also have to wear steel toed shoes at work and find the selection quite limited in that department.
Thank you. I am experiencing crippling pain from Plantar fasciitis and I read about barefoot shoes. Like you, I have seen the comments from the 2 camps and I was so confused. Thanks to your clear and honest explanation, I have decided to buy a pair of VivoBarefoot to try. In fact I have been looking at their website before I saw your video. I am going to get the Primus Lite IV All Weather. I think this may be a good first pair to try out barefoot shoes. I am hoping the pain will go soon. I am doing exercise to release the fascia and to stretch my calf muscles, also toe spreading exercise etc to strengthen my feet. And with wearing barefoot shoes hopefully I will have better overall foot health, better balance and healthier feet. Thank you.
I use a combination of Merrel Vaporglove and various Altra shoes and boots as well vivo shoes but I have to say my favourite by far are my Vivobarefoot Tracker FG, hiking and daily use in them is great. If I go back to 'normal' shoes for any reason my feet object.
I buy from 2 local brands in Chile. Both cost 40-80 dollars while vivo goes 140 - 200 dollars. Basically VIVO has the Apple strategy, overspending on marketing and I+D. And also, sadly, most barefoot shoers are into the category of ambientalists doomers, which makes them pay for sustainability logos that exists only as an excuse to ask for higher margins, just as "not tested on animals" and "cruelty free"products are.
@@erickmoya1401apart from the outsole, my shoes have no plastic in them 🤗 and I have a person who fix it up for me for a reasonable price for 6-7 years... Yea 200€ isn't that much for that
That's not how supply, demand, and volume sales work. If it was Nike that was making them, you would be correct, but it isn't. It's not a huge market. Materials are a small, small part of the cost anyway.
I have just started a 30 day barefoot challenge and switched all my shoes for VivoBarefoots, but have been using minimalist shoes more and more or walking barefoot around the house as much as possible before switchin. I've got the Knits, one pair of walking boots and the soul of africa shoes. And safe to say I've already noticed some benefits. I really appreciate your intake after wearing them for 3 years, and having a very neutral opinion on them.
One question about boots, specifically winter boots - as temperature drops to -15C or even lower where I live and we get quite a bit of snow normally thicker sole provides protection from the cold. You can get warmer insoles but they always quickly get flat and useless in terms of fighting the cold. As I've seen the soles are very thin even in boots. The question is - what option can one have in terms of protection from the cold from the ground with ANY barefoot shows?
I bought a pair of the tracker forest ESC boots a couple of years ago, the comfiest walking / hiking boots I've owned, cannot fault them. I generally walk about barefoot most days, even in the garden on warmer days, I even noticed my toes had naturally spread out a little more during 2020 where I barely wore footwear at all 🤣 will deffo consider getting a gym shoe too 👌🏻
Great video, most informative one I've seen. One question - what about slippers in the house? It's cold here and I want to protect my feet cooking & carrying kids on stairs etc currently wear Crocs which have good toe box but some drop. Any thoughts?
Great video. I may train in barefoot shoes but I race trails in the best shoe for the terrain. I raced a 9 mile race in barefoot shoes all to find out 6 miles was on sharp gravel-no fun but no damage took 1st in age group
At 20:04 what are the “dress sneakers” that you mentioned? You made a great review video on Vivos. Do you have any thoughts on XeroShoes shoes and sandals?
1.5 years ago I bought a pair of XERO brand shoes and began rotating them into my work footwear. I work on my feet. It was odd feeling the floor like I did. But over the course of a couple of months I found myself wearing them more and more until I wore them every day to work. Then about a year later I bought a new pair for work and a pair for outside of work. Just this morning I ordered a pair of Vivo fg2 hiking boots and I can't wait for them to arrive! I'm so excited to have a wet weather/cold weather hiking style boot. I still occasionally wear "normal shoes and boots" when necessary or appropriate. But, for me, with wide flat feet, my feet have never felt better day to day. My lower back is much improved too.
I have the Hykes Pinnacle and love them, best shoes I've ever owned and I will never go back to restricted regular shoes. After only a couple months my feet feel so much stronger.
My first pair were some primus shoes that I got solely for the purpose of rolling them up and putting them in a bag when I cycle around since I wear cycling shoes/cleats, and they were so comfy that I wound up getting a few other styles that have all been really good shoes. I'm someone who tends to be a forefoot walker even with conventional shoes so there wasn't much of a transition period for me. It definitely makes going back to conventional a noticeable difference when it comes to your toes getting squished.
Probably my love of walking in socks at home prepared my feet for such shoes as I haven't noticed much discomfort when I change my working snickers into barefoot shoes. Now after a few months of using them I've bought winter barefoot shoes... It's a bit more intense of a change and I feel it in my calves 😅
Yeah, walking in socks or barefoot definitely helps. The transitioning period is necessary for most people who have been wearing rigid narrow toe box shoes for many years. Similarly to you, I was wearing Vibram Furoshiki at home for years before trying Vivobarefoot. There was a slight transition period in form of pain in my calves and buttocks after walking for 10 or more km, but apart from that no other issues. My stability, foot and leg strength have improved. No more back pain. I cannot and will not wear any other shoes again.
Just ordered a pair of the Primus Lite IVs. I try and go barefoot as much as I can around the house and in the garden. Looking forward to getting shoes that will let me do the same. I've got walking boots on right now and my little toes are so squashed and misshapen from years of shoes that are too thin.
Started running around 40 with shoes to compensate for over pronating. Switched to VFF's 10 years later and have improved my PR's on every distance, even being 10+ years older. Had to get used to the ground feel, now I love it.
My first pair of BFS (for running) are Merrell Trail Glove 6's. There's a bit of arch support built in that I hope will help the transition to BFS without too much trouble, but we'll see. Definitely looking at Vivo's for more casual wear, as I dig the style of some of their shoes.
@@mr.keating4743 I LOVE them. I didn’t ever have foot pain in cushioned shoes, it these just feel better. They have my endorsement as a random man on UA-cam 😂😂
VERY GOOD: about transitioning slowly!! that 8 ml drop will make the insertion achilles tendon and middle achilles work alot harder. definitely will cause injury if not dont progressively like physical therapy
Barefoot shoes tought me how to adjust my gait while running. And after relearning how to run i can now run properly in just about any shoe! Switching up depending on the surface.
I started running in my cloud shoes at about 220 lbs and now I’m running in vivo’s at 180 lbs. My cadence was shit and I assumed I was overstriding. On my first run in my vivos I quickly realized I was right so I laughed around 9:30 when you mentioned exactly that.
Hi Fergus great video! I was wondering which vivo shoes you would recommend for wearing with chinos and a shirt when working in an office environment? Thank you!
One thing I’ve found with recent vivos is the sizing is sometimes a bit off. In particular the Primus trail knit FG seems very long, so I ended up going down a size (although they’re slightly narrower than I’d like because of that)
I use to wear exclusively Oxford style shoes for about 30 years. I don't wear heels anymore, except for the rare formal attire engagements. I'm also a big barefoot walker around the house for decades too so transition was rather minimal when converting to zero drop footwear.
It’s ongoing, but practical challenges are innumerable at the moment (for reasons I won’t bore you with) so needing to do what we can rather than what we’d like to be doing essentially. Plus, focus is currently on casting a wider net on UA-cam because channel growth is needed to continue to sustain the investment into videos that are demanding like gritty wintering videos - hope that makes sense.
I just bought my first pair of Vivo bare foot shoes , trail light all weather shoes. I wore them for the first time at work No running yet, just waking around the the building . Then I change back to my regular shoes after work.
I’ve Been warring a pair of baresteps barefoot shoes for several months now. Been walking on the trendmill with them. Besides for being a a little flimsy there quite comfortably and have had no problems with them and they fit well. After watching your video I have decided to try the Vivobarefoot shoes. I was going to order the Primus Trail Knit FG but they’re out of stock. I’ll have to order later.Two questions do the shoes fit true to size and can you were socks white them? Right now I’m wearing the Baresteps barefooted.I bought some Merrill barefoot shoes several years ago but they ran a bit small my toes hit the end of the toe box so I never continued warring them. I don’t want to run into the same problem. Thanks for a great review!
I spend most of my days in vivos so when im off work im fine and then when i have to use my work boots i end up getting chronic foot pain, these shoes then help to relax my feet over the weekend. Its amazing how many people shit on these types of shoes but my balance has improved so much, to be fair i don't think they're great on concrete but hiking they are fantasitic. I genuinely think it's good for some and not for others its really down to the individuals build and preference. It's so 50/50 with people but i think in general the consensus seems to be people with wide feet prefer flat shoes
I'm thingking buying one Ra I will try it! But on the other hand, I'm how about making for winter times I don't think it's a good idea to wear that on a cold winter days isn't it? It's to freeze my feet. I will appreciate if they could design for winter weather. It's only good for summer. Thank you. Looking forward to a winter days shoes but barefoot one.
I tried the primus lite knit - I guess they are not designed for walking. I did about 3-4 miles on them and they tore up the top of my foot. I have used min shoes for about 3 years now so my feet are used to it. I returned them, might be fine for working out but not for long distance walks.
Thanks for your perspectives on the Vivos! Appreciate the effort and thoughts. My husband and I just started with barefoot shoes (after watching many reviews etc - bought primus all w for outdoors and some geo courts for work). I see you have a few of the knit versions and I found these the most comfortable when trying pairs on but we did not buy them, as we were worried about how they you fare in water/ mud etc, so went with the more water-proof and grippy option. What is your experience going walking outdoors with the knitted types in wetter conditions and mud? It rains a fair bit here (and in Scotland!)...but I saw you used yours on trials etc as well, so curious on your opinion/ experience. Do your feet get wet?
Been a Vivo wearer for 6+ years. Great shoes and generally last me for 2 years or more. Never had issues with breaking in my foot when getting away from main stream footwear but decades worth of sports activities and gym time have given me strong feet and ankles. Great video here and well sorted. Expensive footwear yup they are but worth every penny for what they do.
When I'm not at work, I am predominately barefoot unless I have to go out to dinner or something. Would like to get a pair for work as I don't enjoy wearing shoes, but it is a requirement for work.
Living on an island, we always wore thin slippers or go barefoot. The only time I started getting leg pains was when I moved off the islands to the US and was told by non islanders that lots of support and arches in shoes were scientifically better and was the only thing I should do.
Are those prototype canvas Tracker Forest ESC's fully waterproof with a membrane? That's one thing the leather ones don't have. Pretty much a requirement in wet and muddy places like the UK.
I need a durable pair for backpacking. I don’t throw out shoes until the holes in the soles start letting rocks through that usually takes about two years for me, I walk a lot
I found walking round tescos slapping my feet and smashing my heels on the floor but got use to them use them every day at the gym helped balance big style but most of the time im in safety boots or safety trainers on site so these are a nice refresh
15:25 vivo are adamant on their website to handwash their shoes vs putting through a washing machine (I guess because of the glue used for the soles instead of seams). Have you had a lot of experience doing that without any issues? I'll probably start doing it if so - handwashing the uppers thoroughly is a pain
Enjoyed the video but you didn't really go into the studies. I'm curious to hear the science against wearing BF shoes as you mentioned it existed to the point of balancing out the positive science behind it. The links below are overall positive on BF shoes.
I love my Vivos. I have the Oxfords and the Primus. Oxfords for work (though not with a suit) and Primus for gym and day to day life. For running though I wear Altras which have the same zero drop and wide toe box but have more cushioning which at 100kg is needed for over 5km for me.
Great video, Fergus! I disnt catch it in the video. Would you recommend running in the Vivos? I saw you wore Hoka recently on a run, and I'm wearing ON. Just curious on your thoughts on BF shoes for running?
I also do long distance running in Altras :). Ran my first marathon in them and I totally love them. I don't think I'll ever buy running shoes from another brand. For my everyday usage, I'm wearing Xero Shoes and they're fine as well. Need to give Vivo's a try as well.
Good video. Which of these do you recommend that I could wear without socks? I typically wear leather deck shoes (i.e., Sperry Topsider, Bass) sans socks in the summer and am looking for a zero drop alternative to them. Thanks!
The minimal shoe industry claims they encourage improved/good foot health but, doesn’t make products in half sizes. Seems incongruous to a proper fitted product. What am I missing?
You know I thought this same thing. I wear an 8 1/2 womens shoe so I bought an 8 and a 9 in each barefoot shoe that I tried to see which size fit better. Realized that the arch in my left foot was not exactly in the same place as my right foot. But in barefoot shoes there is no arch so you only need to fit the length of the foot! All my barefoot shoes are size 8 and they fit perfectly.
![Top 5 Barefoot Shoes LIES! [Plantar Fasciitis, Bunions & Flat Feet]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/3elMryUe4a4/mqdefault.jpg)
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I won’t be buying a pair any time soon but I do understand the grounding thing
Jst wanted to say well done - this is a good standard on video reviews 👍🏼
doesn't work for me? is it perhaps because of the country im in?
Thanks! Still worked for me in April
Clutch, first time trying Vivo and that helped take the... step to purchase. Still on in April. 🤙
not work
Been wearing Vivos for about 6 months, and they have improved the arthritis in my knees hugely. For anybody with this condition, I hope they help you too.
I have a lot of cartilage loss in my knees and I also find that foot strength has been amazingly helpful! I am transitioning to more barefoot time and I would say to anyone with a knee history going into this, yes it does help a ton, but be kind to your knees, at first they may be sore, and don't overdo it! You might not feel it until the next day so be kind!
@@mollyarbor563 I am in the same situation, I am now trying barefoot shoes with correct toes and switch between altra's (zero drop, wide toe, cushioned) and barefoot shoes with correct toes and custom made insoles. It is a tremendous difference for the knees because zero drop changes your posture and foot strenght reduces knee impact. There also is a permanent solution for minimal cartilage loss. It is hydrogels in combination with stemcells that will cure local cartilage loss. This means it does not cure evenly damaged cartilage.
Eating carnivore should take care of the rest.
Go Keto or Carnivore and it will go away completely 👍
I wore them for 6 months and they gave me arthritis smdh
Been barefoot since Nov 21, my plantar fasciitis has gone, shin splints have stopped, Achilles tendon pain gone, calves are not tight anymore, pelvis has re aligned, SI joints have released. Just allowing my lumbar spine to start to react now as my entire body is changing from the ground up. Been having monthly deep tissue massages from 2022 just to help the adjustment process and it’s been helping a lot. I also have toe spacers to try to get the toes realigned more quickly.
yeah, modern shoes are designed to wreck your shit.
Great to hear ! My P.F. which started about a year ago is 90% better... and I am curious to know if you waited until your P.F. was 100% cured to transition into barefoot shoes, or did you still have some pain when you did ?
Cheers.
I’m on my fourth pair of BF shoes. I cannot go back. All of the relief you hear about is real. I have had probably around 20-30 pairs of shoes in the recent year before trying the BFs. Nothing is the same. Trekker 2 are the best boots I own and I am genuinely excited when a day calls for them to be worn. Primus trail fg are my go to for wet weather or non pavement adventures. Lately I’ve been running lots of miles and have turned to me Altra. While not BF they are minimal and zero drop. This shoe switched has been a major shift in my life as an athletic person. I cannot recommend the change to others enough..I now run outdoors at my home with nothing on my feet…and I feel strong and nimble doing it. An amazing change for me.
Hi! Which Altra’s are you running with?
I made a mistake. Bought my vivos 3 weeks ago. So I walk about 10 miles a day for work, about 50 miles a week on concrete. By day three tha balls of my feet were so tinder I could barely go to the restroom. I had two more days of work and didn’t know if I could make it. Well I didn’t in my vivos. I have had to alternate days between Altra and vivos. But the pain from walking 200 miles a month is getting better everyday. If you walk like I do I suggest you do it a little slower, cause wow the pain was tough.
Everyone considering transforming to any minimalist shoe, should be advised to break your feet and legs in gradually.
Yep! I found out the hard way to 🦶😢
Don't hesitate to have different insoles in the vivos depending of your activity and tiredness I use thikest insoles on hard surfaces and in winter, and remove the insole on soft ground
I've been wearing barefoot shoes for a few years now and can't think of using anything else. Even started running completely barefoot recently. It's probably not any less injury pronenor any better for performance but there's a certain level of connectedness you get with barefoot running that you can't get any other way.
I had bad plantar fascitis 2 years ago which influenced my shift to barefoot shoes. I took about a month to get myself used to barefoot walking before changing shoes.
No more foot issues since then. I'm even getting back to 10k runs again.
Definitely not returning to non zero drop shoes.
Been using Xero Mesa and Inov 8 Ultra 270 though. Vivos are hard to obtain where I am.
I have had no issue with changing to barefoot shoes at 70. Always love feeling the terrain, the cracks in floor and whatever I walked on. I went barefoot at home, loved the $3 white Chinese plimsolls when I found them, and wore the beautifully made now discontinued jcrew biella italian loafers. Hated toes misaligning shoes. My toes have reverted to finger shaped rather than dead grub shape. I started with Merril which I loved, now have heaps of Merrill Vapor glove which are truly comfortable. I have nice arches and always strong pretty feet. I love my vivobarefoot gobi leather boots, joyful for walking. But now in summer am wearing vivobarefoot ballerinas, the Jing Jing in pewter metallic and black which are not so pleasing to walk distance on concrete. I find cushioned shoes horrible, suffocating my body, I like feeling my feet, feeling ground or floor. My body is also flexible. similarly I drive a responsive go fast car which lets me feel the terrain and how the car is driving.
Back in the 80s in South Africa we didn't wear shoes for sport until we started high school. Track and field and rugby was barefoot. The only exceptions were cricket (because of the ball) and netball (which was played on hard concrete). I agree train and do as much daily activities barefoot to strengthen your feet. But the best runners in the world don't run barefoot, Kipchoge, Jornet and Bolt. Although there was one, Zola Budd who competed barefoot. But yeah after race day, put the supershoes away and recover your feet.
Got my first pair of vivos in December, fast forward to mid April. I have sold most of my regular pairs of shoes and own 3 vivos at the moment. I LOVE THE SHOES! My feet feel stronger, relaxed, and dry.
I've been wearing barefoot shoes inclusively (except for weddings and such) for six years now, and i can't believe how i managed to walk with the shoes i used to have. I was so into how they looked and not very interested in how they felt. Now my feet have changed so much that i dont think i could wear pointed shoes or high heels every day, even if i wanted to. I love the feeling of freedom barefoot shoes give you, you feel more connected and aware of your surroundings. Now even some barefoot models feel too thick and "shoe like" to me. I wish there were more options for everyday wear and for making a fashion statement. That's the only thing i miss from my non-barefoot days.
I’ve been wearing BF shoes in some capacity since 2010 (5 fingers), mostly for working out and errands. It was a couple years later that I found Lems and since then I’ve been wearing various Lems and Xero’s 90% of the time. The initial transition was less than fun having a tarsal coalition in one foot but as I wore BF shoes more often the foot pain is nearly gone except in certain situations. I’ve been eyeing Vivo’s for a year or so but haven’t found a style I want to try first. Eventually I’ll get a pair, they appreciate very well made and do have a number of different options. Bottom line….BF shoes have made a huge difference in my foot health and don’t plan to stop now.
Any reason you moved away from 5 fingers? I’m planning to buy the V-runs.
I was looking for something that looked more like a traditional shoe. One thing with VFF is you will get strange looks from people wherever you go. A distant secondary reason was all my VFF smelled something awful.
@@satansujayyeah I was actually planning on getting those 5 finger shoes as everyday shoes
Fantastic overview of Vivo’s. I’ve been researching the transition to barefoot shoes and found this to be very helpful!
First pair of BF shoes were Vivos and they were very good! I was amazed at how sore my legs got as whole muscle groups that had atrophied from typical shoe use were being exercised back into active use...!
I bought a cheap pair of Whitens but I noticed the EXACT same thing!
@@avc448 same here, which ones did you buy?
I've been wearing them since 2020 and my feet have widened and are in much better health, i love that i can spread my toes in them! My usual shoe was converse and vans and i find them really uncomfortable to wear now as they are much tighter on the sides and crunch my toes inwards
I transitioned to minimalist shoes about a year ago and I will not go back to traditional shoes. Before, I had to deal with regular plantar fasciitis episodes and lower back issues which I have not experienced since I started wearing minimalist shoes. I’m avid Tennis and Racquetball player and I wear Vivo shoes for both. I feel more stability and the only issue I have is sometimes coming hard on my heels. For hiking I also wear Vivobarefoot shoes. I’m still in the process of relearning how to walk with minimalist shoes but it is getting better. I have half flat feet and after months on constant walking with this shoes my feet are developing a natural arch. For work and other daily activities I wear Whitin shoes which are nice and less expensive than the Vivibarefoot ones. By the way I’m 63 so age is not an issue when transitioning to minimalist shoes. I was drastic about it. Once I got my first pair, I stopped wearing traditional shoes. It was a little painful at first but now I’m fine.
Hi could you let me know which Vivo do you use for tennis. Thank you
I absolutely love VivoBarefoot PRIMUS LITE KNIT!!! The one and only thing that irks me is that since i run in them often on concrete, the bottoms wear out quickly in 1 area. i understand the reasoning behind this and it is what it is. Day to day wearing or working out in them is amazing! Personally, i have not seen any change in my feet, ankles, or knees, but my feet are no longer smashed inside of shoes.
Toe socks are a must have to get proper toe spread. Have been using them since 2019. Xero, freet and vivos. Vivo are nicest but most expensive, and I have worn through the soles of a few pairs of them at the ball of the shoes, so price is definitely an important consideration
Tabi socks are the way to go, since toe socks restrict the sensoric of the smaller toes, which work together as one unit
@wes7532 Couldn't agree more. I wear mostly Injinji toe socks since they're absolutely the best and most comfortable and I wear Freets because I have wide feet. I can't wear Vivos - they're very narrow. I also think that Freets are more reasonably priced. I tried Lems as well, but they're also too narrow for my feet. I'm still looking for a barefoot dress shoe in my width. There's not much out there.
@@johnatyoutube Dude, Zaqq's, Tomar Creations, and Geo Soles all make some quality dress shoes. Check out their websites. Zaqq's has the largest selection and I own several types from them that I love.
@@jbendix1 Thanks!!!
@jbendix1 I just looked at the 3 brands. Unfortunately, only the Zaqqs look like formal business shoes and they don't come in wide widths. It's very challenging to have wide and high volume feet - even in the regular shoe world. Hopefully, as minimalist shoes catch on, more manufacturers will create shoes for different shaped feet. It's cool that the Geas and Tomar do custom shoes, but they're just not formal enough for some occasions.
Thank You for a well thought out and informative video. I am currently making the transition to barefoot shoes. I found the "work your way into it" strategy best. Just like working out your body needs to adjust. I found running in them less painful due to barefoot forces you to land differently. So I no longer land on my heel. Benefits are fantastic for me.
Great commentary on all the styles. I have been wearing Vivo's from their inception when they were Terra Plana. Still using my first pair because they lightened up my gait, the sole is still intact. I do like my 5 fingers as well. Swapping them around for the conditions is essential. My Asian flat feet now have a functional longitudinal arch and no plantar fasciitis.
- The Vivo Magna Forest ESC’s are the best Winter and hiking footwear for me.
- Feelgrounds Knit Highrise are the best looking for casual wear, and the most comfortable for walking.
- FiveFingers V-Trek are the best for daily running hands down, and also the best for starting barefoot running in my opinion.
- Also, my “Skinners 2.0” are slowly becoming the go-to for everything including running as my feet get stronger.
gonna get five fingers
Thanks for having a balanced approach. I see so many people saying either only barefoot or only cushioned shoes and neither completely make sense
2 weeks in with bf shoes, my knee pain when going up stairs has gone and my toes get more flexible by the day. The shoe industry is such a scam, unbelievable.
Do you wear socks while wearing the barefoot shoes?
@@maixchembro4863 yes
Been having big toe pain issue, made a punt on a pair of primus lites at start of new year. Now I own 3 pairs (lites, Ra, and forest esc boots) they are that game changing. Looking to buy a couple more pairs still! I need a better discount than 10% though at this rate…😅
Haha sounds like they've worked out well!
you've bought 3 pairs in 2023??
@@kenny6281 yep!
@@user-yl7lz1hm6rsame here 2 pairs of gobi this year 2 last year
Think Mark Bells power project has a 15% code?
Been wearing Vivo for almost a year and they have been life changing. My feet used to be sore and inflamed/swollen all the time, and ever since using strictly Vivo my feet are rested and at peace. My knees did take a bit of adjusting for the first week.
I’ve been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes since 2010 and reviewed them for 4 years between ‘13 and ‘17. I rarely wear anything else. There’s only really one occasion when I’ll wear something else - and that’s when I need guaranteed waterproofing in hours of torrential rain in the Lake District and the ability to put micro spikes on.
I’ve accrued 28 pairs and they fit every discipline from lifestyle to running to the gym, or hiking. I could never, ever go back to wearing conventional shoes. My feet are stronger and my ankles are stronger - as are my ligaments, connective tissues and muscles.
Then there’s the proprioception you get, which is the main thing I couldn’t do without.
Would I recommend them? Yes, every single time. People just need to understand there is a transition period where things need to strengthen while you adapt to them - I know a lot of people give up too early because they’re used to a big cushion.
Ur rich lol..
@@casanjt8515 i was sent 20~ pairs for free and have purchased 8 over 13 years. So no.
I'm really curious about how durable these shoes are..
@@nobitaadidas they vary. None fall apart quickly, but there are some which really seem to last a long time. It’s usually the sole that wears down, while the upper still looks great - I suppose that’s the same for most shoes! In the past they had some issues with gluing around the sole/upper and it would start to separate around the flex point. Now, I rarely see it mentioned.
They offer a 100 day return policy (when purchased direct) and you can buy refurbished models through Revivo for a decent chunk off, so it’s worth a shot.
Thanks Fergus, i originally found your chanel from the vivo video you did a few years back. Thanks for the honesty. I agree with you i used to do most of my long runs in Altras. I noticed an improvement in my running cadence etc once i started wearing barefoot shoes and yes i did have sore calves when i started, user error: too hard/long too fast. Great advice in this video its what i eventually learnt. And now coming back from almost 2 years of sickness youve reminded me to take it slow. Thanks 😉
I suggest ‘Xeroshoes’ for anybody with a tighter budget. They are basically the same but are cheaper so budget friendly. The also have sneakers (casual), trail shoes and hicking for in the mountains (waterproof), and have crosstraining, running, and multiporpose shoes (the prio). They have the same benefits like; wide toe box, flexible soles, zero drop. Have FUN and succes. 🍀 🎉❤
I have Ahinsa fall/winter Jaya boots and I can't recommend them strongly enough. Warm, light, flexible, and great in the snow.
I used them in the iciest conditions we get in MN and had good luck. We had a couple days of thawing in February and then a re-freeze after a fresh coat of rain. The kind of conditions anyone would recommend avoiding or using spikes if necessary. The roads, paved paths, and trails were all dangerously slick. I slipped once or twice and never fell down. I'm not saying these will make you immune to icy conditions but I'm pretty shocked at how well they performed. I'd imagine it's partly thanks to the material and tread design, partly thanks to not sacrificing flexibility for tread. I think they allowed my feet to do a lot of the work in keeping balanced and stepping carefully.
9:20 You mention overweight runners and barefoot shoes. Mark Lewis is a big guy, 6'6 220 lbs I believe, and he's run in zero drop shoes for years.
Vivos are great and barefoot style definately makes sense. Saying that, I will still buy zero drop wide toe shoes with some cushioning for walking on concrete.
I am glad for the bare foot craze as now I can buy comfortable shoes that fit all of my fingers.
I've been a fan of Vivos since Galahad Clark and his brother launched the shoes back in 2012. Before then they had a brand called Terra Plan made of sustainable materials besides United Nudes which are more in sculptural fashion high end and with heels you can stand on your toes. I'd been in Vivos on fitness, on running, on walking and hiking since then. And to the parties in United Nudes. Love the brands.
A note; the Altra shoes he mentions using for longer road runs is also a barefoot type brand with natural foot shape, zero drop, and no toe-spring. Their trail runners were my first pair of 'barefoot shoes' about 5 yrs ago as 'everyday' sneakers and road/trail walking. I have 'outgrown' them as my feet changed :~)
Last spring I got a pair of the Vivo Forest ESC boots, for yard/property chores and hiking, including mud/snow. I've used them in all those conditions now and loving 'em more every time I use 'em.
I recently grabbed a pair of Splay canvas sneakers in a timely sale for an 'everyday', erranding replacement.
I think they're a great choice for an inexpensive 'try-it-out', as long as someone doesn't need some cushioning for transition.
I just never really liked most shoes, this is probably the fix.
My toe box is quiet wide and it feels better to not wear shoes.
I never wear shoes at home.
So i think barefoot shoes will help me be more comfortable when i'm outside and in shoes for long periods of time.
Exactly same for me. I hate wearing regular shoes and now i know why. So close to purchasing
I am of both camps as well but I do lean a little heavy to minimalism shoes. As for Boots I wear 1 of four options: Bellview Min Mil Boots for all year around in and out of uniform, Dewalt Plasma boots for safety toes (stiff but still zero drop and wider toe box), or a Japanese Safety boot that are even more barefoot but still safety toes, and uppon occasion traditional double leather soled moccasin. All but the dewalts have slight ankle support but are in general very soft boots.
Super reasonable points. Barefoot shoes are a training tool. Traditional shoes give you short term performance benefits at the expense of long term atrophy. Use the right tool for the situation. Day to day errands? Barefoot. Once in a lifetime hike of Half Dome? Reasonable to choose traditional.
I bought some Vivo Primus Lites a month or so ago… it coincided with an increase in mileage in my running as I’m training for the London marathon. I wore the Vivo’s when I wasn’t running and a combo of Asics for road & Salomon for trails. I over did the mileage increase. I’ve since suffered with what I suspect is Achilles tendinitis / plantar fasciitis… this means I now struggle to comfortably wear the Vivo’s as my heels are very sore especially in the mornings. In this case I think I transitioned too fast to barefoot & ran too far (was clocking 100k weeks from 60-70k)… just something to be aware of so you don’t do the same ✌️
I think one of the most important things that so many proponents of minimal footwear gloss over is zero drop vs minimalist footwear. If you're trying to help guide people to get more in touch with natural movement, you should suggest zero drop shoes first. Personally I think that most health benefits from barefoot shoes are posture related. If someone is really searching for a solution to back or joint pain, then a more natural posture can really assist with that. However, those people won't have the muscles built up in their feet to really benefit from something like vivos. Instead, they'll be in even more pain. I would like to see more people guiding newbies to Altra. I believe all of their shoes are 0 drop. However, they offer cushion and support in their shoes that people would still need during transition. Heck, maybe Altras would be all they need if it's just a posture issue they're looking to solve. Obviously, building stronger feet, better balance, and more range of motion in your feet is great as well, but that takes time.
I've been wearing minimalist shoes with relative frequency since I was 17 or 18, and I'm 29 now. Currently, I wear minimalist/0 drop shoes nearly 100% of the time. I only wear 0 drops at my job because steel toes are required. Other exceptions are due to needing something nicer for special occasions. So, I'm coming from a place of experience. I love hearing people talk about minimalist footwear and natural motion. I just think we should also hype up zero drop focused companies as well
I've been wearing vans and they're the most comfortable shoes i've ever worn. I'm convinced 90% of that reason is because they're zero drop shoes. Vans are a good mainstream starting point but they don't have a wide toe box which is one of the reasons I'm looking into barefoot right now.
@@AranelEruvyreth that's awesome! If you're looking to go with a barefoot shoe with a vans look, there are some options out there. I think Xero released a slide that has a bit of a vans look this year. Splay athletics also have a bit more of a casual look to the, as well. I will say, make sure you're going easy with barefoot shoes starting out. These shoes only have a few millimeters of rubber, and they're very flexible, so your feet will be working a lot. Don't overdo it when you start out. My personal close toed shoe of choice right now is the Merrell Vapor Glove 5. It's a great shoe at a great price. It doesn't have the ultra casual look though. In the sandal department, I'm rocking Earthrunners. They've been a dream, but they require a bit of effort to get them fitting right.
@@jaysonmoore5166 So I'm actually someone who wears sk8 highs cause i need more ankle stability so i was looking into barefoots with more support. The ones im eyeing right now are the Vivo Decon Tracker FG2's. They're made with leather and wool uppers which has been confirmed by Rose Anvil and I like that about them too. I need something with a bit of body like that for work. Do you have any thoughts on the Vivos? I'll definitely check out your recs too.
@@AranelEruvyreth those Vivos look really nice. I've considered nabbing then off and on, but I'm not too frequently in need of boots where I live. I think Vivo sounds like an excellent company, bit I've never had the opportunity to try on their shoes. I think there a solid choice though. I personally think the ankle support offered by most midcut footwear is more of a placebo than an actual solid support. Some people really just like that secure feeling though, and I get that
Also, Lems has a new boot that Rose Anvil did a video on. Those sound pretty nice as well. They may have a 4mm drop though
Could you tell me zero drop steel toe brand you are wearing please? I also have to wear steel toed shoes at work and find the selection quite limited in that department.
Been considering barefoot for a while this video was great for clarity! Thanks
Thank you. I am experiencing crippling pain from Plantar fasciitis and I read about barefoot shoes. Like you, I have seen the comments from the 2 camps and I was so confused. Thanks to your clear and honest explanation, I have decided to buy a pair of VivoBarefoot to try. In fact I have been looking at their website before I saw your video. I am going to get the Primus Lite IV All Weather. I think this may be a good first pair to try out barefoot shoes. I am hoping the pain will go soon. I am doing exercise to release the fascia and to stretch my calf muscles, also toe spreading exercise etc to strengthen my feet. And with wearing barefoot shoes hopefully I will have better overall foot health, better balance and healthier feet. Thank you.
I use a combination of Merrel Vaporglove and various Altra shoes and boots as well vivo shoes but I have to say my favourite by far are my Vivobarefoot Tracker FG, hiking and daily use in them is great. If I go back to 'normal' shoes for any reason my feet object.
1 year and a half with merral barefoot shoes and I love them, I will shop vivo one day. Thank you
But why are these shoes so expensive? A minimalist shoe should be far cheaper than cushioned shoes
I buy from 2 local brands in Chile. Both cost 40-80 dollars while vivo goes 140 - 200 dollars.
Basically VIVO has the Apple strategy, overspending on marketing and I+D.
And also, sadly, most barefoot shoers are into the category of ambientalists doomers, which makes them pay for sustainability logos that exists only as an excuse to ask for higher margins, just as "not tested on animals" and "cruelty free"products are.
@@erickmoya1401apart from the outsole, my shoes have no plastic in them 🤗 and I have a person who fix it up for me for a reasonable price for 6-7 years... Yea 200€ isn't that much for that
@@erickmoya1401what are they called, do they ship?
@@erickmoya1401 What brands in Chile do you buy from?
That's not how supply, demand, and volume sales work. If it was Nike that was making them, you would be correct, but it isn't. It's not a huge market. Materials are a small, small part of the cost anyway.
I have just started a 30 day barefoot challenge and switched all my shoes for VivoBarefoots, but have been using minimalist shoes more and more or walking barefoot around the house as much as possible before switchin. I've got the Knits, one pair of walking boots and the soul of africa shoes. And safe to say I've already noticed some benefits. I really appreciate your intake after wearing them for 3 years, and having a very neutral opinion on them.
I've been using my primus lite's for a little over 4 months now and I'm loving them. Looking to buy some more barefoot shoes soon too
One question about boots, specifically winter boots - as temperature drops to -15C or even lower where I live and we get quite a bit of snow normally thicker sole provides protection from the cold. You can get warmer insoles but they always quickly get flat and useless in terms of fighting the cold. As I've seen the soles are very thin even in boots. The question is - what option can one have in terms of protection from the cold from the ground with ANY barefoot shows?
Vivos are prettier but I find Xeros decidedly more comfortable. My two cents :)
I'm tempted to get a pair because I'd be interested to see how they compare to the flat pumps we all wore as kids in the 70s.
Probably main difference would be toe box width.
I bought a pair of the tracker forest ESC boots a couple of years ago, the comfiest walking / hiking boots I've owned, cannot fault them. I generally walk about barefoot most days, even in the garden on warmer days, I even noticed my toes had naturally spread out a little more during 2020 where I barely wore footwear at all 🤣 will deffo consider getting a gym shoe too 👌🏻
If you walk around your garden barefoot then you definitely look after your garden especially grass haha.
Great video, most informative one I've seen. One question - what about slippers in the house? It's cold here and I want to protect my feet cooking & carrying kids on stairs etc currently wear Crocs which have good toe box but some drop. Any thoughts?
Great video. I may train in barefoot shoes but I race trails in the best shoe for the terrain. I raced a 9 mile race in barefoot shoes all to find out 6 miles was on sharp gravel-no fun but no damage took 1st in age group
just got a pair from a charity shop brand new £10 😳 thanks so much for the info man, already loving them
At 20:04 what are the “dress sneakers” that you mentioned? You made a great review video on Vivos. Do you have any thoughts on XeroShoes shoes and sandals?
1.5 years ago I bought a pair of XERO brand shoes and began rotating them into my work footwear. I work on my feet. It was odd feeling the floor like I did. But over the course of a couple of months I found myself wearing them more and more until I wore them every day to work. Then about a year later I bought a new pair for work and a pair for outside of work. Just this morning I ordered a pair of Vivo fg2 hiking boots and I can't wait for them to arrive! I'm so excited to have a wet weather/cold weather hiking style boot. I still occasionally wear "normal shoes and boots" when necessary or appropriate. But, for me, with wide flat feet, my feet have never felt better day to day. My lower back is much improved too.
I have the Hykes Pinnacle and love them, best shoes I've ever owned and I will never go back to restricted regular shoes. After only a couple months my feet feel so much stronger.
Great vid with all the info. Many thanks, fella!
Does anyone know how these shoes do for people who struggle with plantar fasciitis?
My first pair were some primus shoes that I got solely for the purpose of rolling them up and putting them in a bag when I cycle around since I wear cycling shoes/cleats, and they were so comfy that I wound up getting a few other styles that have all been really good shoes. I'm someone who tends to be a forefoot walker even with conventional shoes so there wasn't much of a transition period for me. It definitely makes going back to conventional a noticeable difference when it comes to your toes getting squished.
Reducing stride 😮makes sense as I injured my foot dancing in wrong sport shoes oh!
nice Vivo commercial. thanks, bro.
Probably my love of walking in socks at home prepared my feet for such shoes as I haven't noticed much discomfort when I change my working snickers into barefoot shoes. Now after a few months of using them I've bought winter barefoot shoes... It's a bit more intense of a change and I feel it in my calves 😅
Yeah, walking in socks or barefoot definitely helps. The transitioning period is necessary for most people who have been wearing rigid narrow toe box shoes for many years. Similarly to you, I was wearing Vibram Furoshiki at home for years before trying Vivobarefoot. There was a slight transition period in form of pain in my calves and buttocks after walking for 10 or more km, but apart from that no other issues. My stability, foot and leg strength have improved. No more back pain. I cannot and will not wear any other shoes again.
Just ordered a pair of the Primus Lite IVs. I try and go barefoot as much as I can around the house and in the garden. Looking forward to getting shoes that will let me do the same.
I've got walking boots on right now and my little toes are so squashed and misshapen from years of shoes that are too thin.
Yes I love mine. I've used them for 7 years and I'm still learning new things about my foot
Started running around 40 with shoes to compensate for over pronating. Switched to VFF's 10 years later and have improved my PR's on every distance, even being 10+ years older. Had to get used to the ground feel, now I love it.
What you are looking for is Altra. They have the zero drop / wide toe box that gives the most benefit, but with some cushioning.
For running, yes (I run in Altras). But cushioning removes a significant amount of the walking benefits which are the most reinforced scientifically.
Vivos are not a gimmick
They have literally changed my life and health for the better
My first pair of BFS (for running) are Merrell Trail Glove 6's. There's a bit of arch support built in that I hope will help the transition to BFS without too much trouble, but we'll see. Definitely looking at Vivo's for more casual wear, as I dig the style of some of their shoes.
How’d it go
@@mr.keating4743 I LOVE them. I didn’t ever have foot pain in cushioned shoes, it these just feel better. They have my endorsement as a random man on UA-cam 😂😂
We've been wearing VivoBarefoot since 2012 and our daughter started wearing them since about 3 year old or so.
VERY GOOD: about transitioning slowly!! that 8 ml drop will make the insertion achilles tendon and middle achilles work alot harder. definitely will cause injury if not dont progressively like physical therapy
Barefoot shoes tought me how to adjust my gait while running. And after relearning how to run i can now run properly in just about any shoe! Switching up depending on the surface.
I started running in my cloud shoes at about 220 lbs and now I’m running in vivo’s at 180 lbs. My cadence was shit and I assumed I was overstriding. On my first run in my vivos I quickly realized I was right so I laughed around 9:30 when you mentioned exactly that.
I am a Physical Education teacher and I am on my feet for eight hours. Any recommendations please? Love the video, excellent information.
I wear them all of the time and love them .
I have two pairs of their boots and they are amazing.
Hi Fergus great video! I was wondering which vivo shoes you would recommend for wearing with chinos and a shirt when working in an office environment? Thank you!
One thing I’ve found with recent vivos is the sizing is sometimes a bit off. In particular the Primus trail knit FG seems very long, so I ended up going down a size (although they’re slightly narrower than I’d like because of that)
I'm a convert and exclusively wear Vivobarefoot footwear now, for the last 2 years and I am not a runner.
I am an artist/musician and arts promoter. (PLIII, RAIII, GBIII) 🥸👍
I use to wear exclusively Oxford style shoes for about 30 years. I don't wear heels anymore, except for the rare formal attire engagements. I'm also a big barefoot walker around the house for decades too so transition was rather minimal when converting to zero drop footwear.
How comes the wintering series never happened? Was well pumped for it
It’s ongoing, but practical challenges are innumerable at the moment (for reasons I won’t bore you with) so needing to do what we can rather than what we’d like to be doing essentially.
Plus, focus is currently on casting a wider net on UA-cam because channel growth is needed to continue to sustain the investment into videos that are demanding like gritty wintering videos - hope that makes sense.
I just bought my first pair of Vivo bare foot shoes , trail light all weather shoes. I wore them for the first time at work No running yet, just waking around the the building . Then I change back to my regular shoes after work.
I’ve Been warring a pair of baresteps barefoot shoes for several months now. Been walking on the trendmill with them. Besides for being a a little flimsy there quite comfortably and have had no problems with them and they fit well. After watching your video I have decided to try the Vivobarefoot shoes. I was going to order the Primus Trail Knit FG but they’re out of stock. I’ll have to order later.Two questions do the shoes fit true to size and can you were socks white them? Right now I’m wearing the Baresteps barefooted.I bought some Merrill barefoot shoes several years ago but they ran a bit small my toes hit the end of the toe box so I never continued warring them. I don’t want to run into the same problem. Thanks for a great review!
i love my Lems, they have been my daily drivers for 3 years now i have noticed soo much change in my feet and ankles
I spend most of my days in vivos so when im off work im fine and then when i have to use my work boots i end up getting chronic foot pain, these shoes then help to relax my feet over the weekend. Its amazing how many people shit on these types of shoes but my balance has improved so much, to be fair i don't think they're great on concrete but hiking they are fantasitic. I genuinely think it's good for some and not for others its really down to the individuals build and preference. It's so 50/50 with people but i think in general the consensus seems to be people with wide feet prefer flat shoes
I'm thingking buying one Ra I will try it! But on the other hand, I'm how about making for winter times I don't think it's a good idea to wear that on a cold winter days isn't it? It's to freeze my feet. I will appreciate if they could design for winter weather. It's only good for summer. Thank you. Looking forward to a winter days shoes but barefoot one.
I tried the primus lite knit - I guess they are not designed for walking. I did about 3-4 miles on them and they tore up the top of my foot. I have used min shoes for about 3 years now so my feet are used to it. I returned them, might be fine for working out but not for long distance walks.
4:34 the walking speed is no joke. My sister and brother commented on my walking quickly, even though I wasn’t putting out any extra effort.
Thank you for creating this video. I've been on the fence about getting a pair of barefoot shoes and found this video extremely helpful.
Thanks for your perspectives on the Vivos! Appreciate the effort and thoughts. My husband and I just started with barefoot shoes (after watching many reviews etc - bought primus all w for outdoors and some geo courts for work).
I see you have a few of the knit versions and I found these the most comfortable when trying pairs on but we did not buy them, as we were worried about how they you fare in water/ mud etc, so went with the more water-proof and grippy option. What is your experience going walking outdoors with the knitted types in wetter conditions and mud? It rains a fair bit here (and in Scotland!)...but I saw you used yours on trials etc as well, so curious on your opinion/ experience. Do your feet get wet?
Been a Vivo wearer for 6+ years.
Great shoes and generally last me for 2 years or more.
Never had issues with breaking in my foot when getting away from main stream footwear but decades worth of sports activities and gym time have given me strong feet and ankles.
Great video here and well sorted.
Expensive footwear yup they are but worth every penny for what they do.
When I'm not at work, I am predominately barefoot unless I have to go out to dinner or something.
Would like to get a pair for work as I don't enjoy wearing shoes, but it is a requirement for work.
What pair is good for gym but good walks in all weather ( waterproof ) ? as I’m in Scotland 🏴
Living on an island, we always wore thin slippers or go barefoot. The only time I started getting leg pains was when I moved off the islands to the US and was told by non islanders that lots of support and arches in shoes were scientifically better and was the only thing I should do.
Are those prototype canvas Tracker Forest ESC's fully waterproof with a membrane? That's one thing the leather ones don't have. Pretty much a requirement in wet and muddy places like the UK.
I need a durable pair for backpacking. I don’t throw out shoes until the holes in the soles start letting rocks through that usually takes about two years for me, I walk a lot
I found walking round tescos slapping my feet and smashing my heels on the floor but got use to them use them every day at the gym helped balance big style but most of the time im in safety boots or safety trainers on site so these are a nice refresh
15:25 vivo are adamant on their website to handwash their shoes vs putting through a washing machine (I guess because of the glue used for the soles instead of seams). Have you had a lot of experience doing that without any issues? I'll probably start doing it if so - handwashing the uppers thoroughly is a pain
Enjoyed the video but you didn't really go into the studies. I'm curious to hear the science against wearing BF shoes as you mentioned it existed to the point of balancing out the positive science behind it. The links below are overall positive on BF shoes.
I would like to ask what socks to use with Vivos, thanks! very nice video
I love my Vivos. I have the Oxfords and the Primus. Oxfords for work (though not with a suit) and Primus for gym and day to day life. For running though I wear Altras which have the same zero drop and wide toe box but have more cushioning which at 100kg is needed for over 5km for me.
Great video, Fergus! I disnt catch it in the video. Would you recommend running in the Vivos? I saw you wore Hoka recently on a run, and I'm wearing ON. Just curious on your thoughts on BF shoes for running?
I also do long distance running in Altras :). Ran my first marathon in them and I totally love them. I don't think I'll ever buy running shoes from another brand. For my everyday usage, I'm wearing Xero Shoes and they're fine as well. Need to give Vivo's a try as well.
Good video. Which of these do you recommend that I could wear without socks? I typically wear leather deck shoes (i.e., Sperry Topsider, Bass) sans socks in the summer and am looking for a zero drop alternative to them. Thanks!
The minimal shoe industry claims they encourage improved/good foot health but, doesn’t make products in half sizes. Seems incongruous to a proper fitted product.
What am I missing?
You know I thought this same thing. I wear an 8 1/2 womens shoe so I bought an 8 and a 9 in each barefoot shoe that I tried to see which size fit better. Realized that the arch in my left foot was not exactly in the same place as my right foot. But in barefoot shoes there is no arch so you only need to fit the length of the foot! All my barefoot shoes are size 8 and they fit perfectly.
love this video because i was thinking where i should start with a pair of barefoot shoes