So the economies of scale refers to the cost advantage as a result of increased production. It doesn’t necessary account for brand value, or other variables like how well they market, or how reliable that perceived to be (eg Toyota). So the sneaker market as a whole would have become cheaper, but Nike may not necessarily have done the same. Similarly, barefoot footwear will likely become cheaper as a whole, but Vivobarefoot - with its great marketing and brand recognition - may stay expensive or even get more expensive. Hope that helped clarify things a bit 👍
Very well made video :) I didnt even notice you were a small channel until i wanted to type a comment, then i was like "no wayy 17 subs?!?" I have to say you have superb editing, and your on camera personality is very good to watch. You are just so calm. Really enjoyable overall!
You have made my day so thank you, I really appreciate it! I definitely had to record many times in order to not appear so nervous butI am glad that I cam across as calm! 😅 Thank you for the kind feedback, I hope you have an amazing day!
I wish more people would wake up to the fact that modern foot fashion has ruined our feet collectively as a whole. I've recently made the swap to a pair of zero drop Lems that look like skater shoes. Measuring my feet seriously made me realize that I've been wearing a size larger for as long as I can remember just to accommodate the pressure "stylish" shoes placed on the toes. I encourage everyone that wound up here to take a real look at their feet and consider any properly sized shoe with a larger toe box. Best of luck in your barefoot journeys!
Great video Phillip. I have 4 pairs and these Primus Lite 3's are my beach everyday summer shoes. We live on the Isle of Wight. Sadly they also fill up with gravel and sand. The sand then gets through the fabric mesh and gets trapped. They are 5 months old and the fabric now has a small hole under the heel. This is actually a bonus as the sand that gets into the space between the sole and the fabric mesh (all under the removable innersole), now has a exit point to be poured out. Little bumps and lumps form, especially under the fronts of my toes and the hell, which does become a problem. Its like pouring salt our of a bottle. They are also getting small tears in the fabric on the flex point you demoed, where the toe box joins the main foot body. I wont be buying this model again and am looking at what can be my go to beach shoe (I don't want the bloom as its too niche). We have had a grounding mat in our bed for 4 months now. They are the real deal, so I am very much looking forward to how you get on converting the Primus Lite 3 to earthing tings.
Thanks I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! It does seem that a lot of people experience these issues, I was surprised because I didn’t hear many people talking about these issues when I bought the shoe. I don’t think I can give a great recommendation on any shoe at the moment (as my racer knits that I mentioned in the video have already started breaking down!) but I do look optimistically towards vivobarefoot and their ability to iterate quickly! I would love to hear about what you end up going with! No matter what shoes you choose, you always have the luxury of walking on a beach on the Isle of Wight 😅 A grounding may is awesome I’ve heard good stuff about them! I will likely end up getting one for more reliable data if I am to run a solid experiment on it. I have just been going through a move up into a Swedish forest and have now settled in enough to start with the videos again. This earthing one will be up as soon as possible! Thanks for the support 🙏
I think that while it will definitely help to wear hi-tops, there is a certain level of protection one would expect from a pair of €150 shoes that these shoes don’t meet. The sock material in the racer knits are much better here.
Good video. I think the Primus Trails would solve issues that you’ve had around durability and for the most part are better shoes for people new to barefoot as they have a slightly thicker sole but offer the same benefits. I’d also recommend people new to barefoot find a store to try them on as I did to get the best fit. I’m a full size down from previous shoes I’ve had.
This video is exactly what I needed! I’m trying to get into barefoot shoes and have been so tempted by the Vivo’s because they look so cool but I’d rather come back to it once i’m more used to wearing barefoot so I don’t wreck them. Great video!
Thanks I appreciate you! I have had a busy month or so but I’m hoping to get cracking with videos again. I have the ideas I mentioned in the video but I also moved to a house in the Swedish forest so I’m sure there has got to be something interesting there 😅
I know the video is a little older now, but if you utilize the second eyelet at the top and tie a runners knot, it should help you out with that room around the heel where things get in the shoe. Give it a try!
Thanks for that, I had tried it but It didn't help all that much because of the material! They're newer knit shoes are much better though and I am currently using Lomobarefoot which are so much better!
Thank you for an excellent and informative video. I am ser I informative video. You are a natural. Hope you will continue to make UA-cam videos. I will be buying my first pair of minimalist shoes in the next few days. Really appreciate you saying something about the gaps around the back part of the shoes and the ankles. I am considering the Primus. Trail lll FG. You mentioned that this is not a good first-pair. Can you please suggest other brands and shoes I should consider? I want to re-form my feet/legs and make them stronger. I look forward to watch your other videos. 😊
Thank you I really appreciate your kind words 🙏 I am actually in the process of making a new video now that everything has settled down a little! I have a pair of the Primus trail knit FG’s for trail running and I think they are very good. My mini review is that it is much more fitted around the ankles with fewer rocks getting in (although still a little issue). The trail knits feel a little more plastic in my opinion and not a pair of shoes I would like to wear for longer periods of time (like I do with the Primus lites) but they are great shoes. I would also check Wilding shoes and Xero. And also go out without shoes wherever possible, it feels great once you get used to it!
Thank you 🙏 I can’t say anything about Marks shoes as I have never tried them but I think it is definitely good to experiment. I think for every day use, the Vivobarefoots may be a little more suitable but that is purely personal opinion. I believe in the benefits of minimal footwear and would love to get others to wear them (for their benefit and to get the price down a little for my benefit). I personally think it is less of a leap to convince others to move first to Vivo. Let me know what you end up going for though, it would be interesting!
So I think there will be some advantages there but I haven’t tried them so I can’t say. There seems to be a different material and more padding around the angles which would say to me they will likely be more effective and stopping unwanted materials. The toebox is the same material so I expect the holes to be a problem unless you have adequate dorsiflexion and toe alignment. They have the same sole as my Primus trail knits which are great for trails but in my opinion aren’t quite as comfortable as the Primus lites. Overall I would say they are different and serve different purposes but to some degree they would be and improvement. If you do purchase them let me know how they are 😁
@@theNamesPhillip First of all, thanks for the review! I'm also looking into buying the All Weather instead but just wanted to say that they do not have the same material as the Primus Lite. Or I should say the structure is different where Primus Lite has larger ventilation holes in mesh but the All Weather do not look like a mesh. So, I assume they will hold up better but I'm still skeptical after watching your video. I'm new to barefoot shoes and it will be my first one.
Excellent - OBJECTIVE - insights on this nice shoe. Thanks so much for your video. I would start the barefoot journey with a cheaper shoe - say some Merrells.
Thanks for the feedback I’m glad you found it helpful! Yes starting with cheaper shoes is definitely a good option. In my last video I brought up a common muscular issue that people experience when switching to barefoot shoes and one of my solutions was to have an intermediary zero-drop shoe such as the Altra Escalante 3’s. That way you can develop the adequate muscle strength with less chance of injury. That’s definitely what I would do if I were to start my barefoot journey again!
There are soo many awesome barefoot brands right now that there is no reason to focus on Vivos. Most of their shoes are uncomfortable and look weird because of their low volume toeboxes. They have some super cool designs and innovations but the toeboxes combined with their high prices make most of their models not worth it compared to their competitors. Take a look at the new Freet Vibe for example. No reason to pick the Primus Lites over them. Xero also has some amazing options.
Thanks for the suggestion, I have never heard of Freet but their products look really decent! I do love Vivobarefoot despite the issues but I would definitely agree that the price and toebox issues are a deterrent for sure! Thanks for the comment!!
Good vid. I have some and have a hole forming after about 5 months of it being my main shoe. Thinking about the Primus Light knit jjf due to them being knit and being all black.
I was unable to find the pop-up asking me to scan my foot, did anyone else have that issue? I was prompted to print a size guide out(I printed US sizing) and after printing it 100% to scale/measuring for accuracy, it was off. Traditionally, I’m a U.S. men’s size 11, the chart had me a little bigger. Any help on this is appreciated.
Heya Brian! I am not too sure about the issue you’re having as I am not able to replicate it. I would suggest trying the website on your phone to see if it still isn’t working. It could possibly be that your browser is preventing you from granting permission to the camera so is not giving you the option to scan. If it helps, my size in most shoes is EU44 (U.S 11) but for Vivobarefoot, im an EU43 (U.S 10)
Interesting about the issues with rocks and the gap around the ankle. I have not experienced the same issue in mine. However I did have a fall actually slipping on a leaf. I enjoy mine as casual shoes, but found I need lots of cushion when running.
Interesting, maybe it is something that is dependent on specific walking styles, thanks for the input! 🙏 what do you use for running? I’m going to be making a video at some point soon on this topic and in my last video I recommended the Altra Escalante 3’s because they share a lot of barefoot shoe qualities(zero drop, wide toe-box) but have lots of cushioning.
@@theNamesPhillip I am more of a heel to mid foot striker. I have typical daily trainers like Novablast 3, Speed 3, my race shoe has a slightly lower drop in the NB SC Elite v3. I tried the Altra Torin 6 (0 drop) which I found comfortable but too hot, might try some Topos next.
My lingering concern whenever i get tempted to by a VB shoe is the creasing that happens over time at the point where forefoot meets midfoot (i.e. when you are pushing off in your stride). I've seen so many of these shoes where the upper mesh has frayed at the corners where this crease occurs, and yet few people seem particularly bothered by it. For over £100, that design flaw shouldn't exist in the first place, and certainly should have been fixed on newer iterations of their shoes. Is this a problem you've had with your Primus Lites? Are there any models where you think the upper material will hold up better over time to this creasing effect (e.g. knit)?
Thanks for the comment! I do think the knit material holds up better so that is a definite advantage. In relation to the toe box area becoming frayed, I’m actually planning out a video that will go through the muscular deficiencies that lead to this issue being so prevalent in barefoot shoes. It is partially a problem with the shoe design but partially a flaw in the way “normal shoes” have conditioned us to walk.
@@theNamesPhillip interesting, hadn't considered the muscular aspect! Look forward to your video on it. Still, this does seem to be a more persistent issue with VB shoes than others, even the cheapo ones off Amazon. Do you know whether VB's knit material holds up better?
The part about the wide gap around the ankles was really helpful thanks. Do you know if the women's version of the shoe is narrower at that part of the shoe?
Hiya 👋 I’m glad you found it helpful and as for the women’s version, there doesn’t seem to be a difference in the ankle. My girlfriend has the Primus Lite 3’s and they have the same problem.
I am not sure to be honest. It is probably a video I should make but I did the past winter in Vivobarefoot Primus trails and they were ok, especially with winter insoles
It is my biggest gripe and is the main thing stopping me from confidently recommending these shoes to first time buyers! Maybe they have fixed it in the newer Primus models but I haven’t tried yet :)
I got toe holes just under 3 months of just walking and going to the gym. Completely through all mesh layers where yours still has a mesh on top. :((( Which Is disappointing because those shoes are like second skin and incredibly comfortable to the point I am not able to go back go normal shoes. I'll see at a local cobbler if he can reinforce it cause I cba to get a replacement that'll wear down so fast again.
So I will probably make a video about it as I have written it in a few comments but the likely reason for the hole in the toe box is too much big toe involvement in your gait due to poor dorsiflexion muscles. Modern shoes tend to take away the work from us that would actually be beneficial to us. The cobbler is an interesting route, I would love to know if they can do anything! And then in the mean time you can work on dorsiflexion! 🤘 there is an instagram channel called “gait happens”, I’m not affiliated with them or anything but they have amazing information on this stuff!
I got holes in the mesh after just a few months, on both shoes, where the big toes hit the top of the shoes. I didn't really understand where it comes from, can you enlighten me? They are my first barefoot shoes, so I confirm, don't buy these shoes as a first pair.
So when beginning to go barefoot, you’re starting from a point of wearing normal shoes. These normal shoes tend to push your toes together in order to conform to the shape of the shoe design. Vivo have tried to address this with a different material on the inner side of the toe box but it isn’t very effective in my experience. When beginning to wear barefoot shoes, two things need to change: 1. You need to teach your toes to separate and get them used to splaying. I would recommend toega (toe yoga 😅) for that and buying some toe separators to wear intermittently throughout the day. 2. Your big toe is likely lifting too much when walking because wearing normal shoes have made it less necessary to activate all the appropriate muscles involved in walking. As a result, you are likely lacking strength in the muscles that control ‘dorsiflexion’. Look for exercises to strengthen those muscles. There are plenty on UA-cam and the instagram account ‘gaithappens’ is amazing for this. Sorry for such a long reply but I hope this information helps you out. Good luck in your barefoot journey and remember to take it easy, we are playing the long game 💪
@@Monaleenian no it broke where there is this small circle of mesh without protection in top of the big toe. It's just my big toe always going up when I walk.
Yep I know, it doesn’t help all too much due to the actual material the edge is made from. It is also a feature that has a specific purpose and shouldn’t be necessary :)
@@theNamesPhillip Oh I see well in my particular case it did help me to stabilize my ankle when I tighten that specific hole it made my heavy compounds way more stable than before obviously I wear my shoes with five fingers socks but I understand your point.
I definitely agree that they are expensive, especially right now. I think when it comes to products like this that are going against the grain, it generally requires more R&D and that is a very expensive part of the process. When they price the shoes, those costs and others like it are also going to be factored in so that they can continue making solid products. Granted they are more expensive than many other barefoot shoes but I hope to see that change as more competition enters the market.
I want them to make the first primus again with the leather footbed and the soft low ankle seal (thats not really sealing but its super comfortable and durable, mine are still fine after 8 years regular use
@IchDuForeverExplorering for the past 4 months, I have been testing lonobarefoot and I’m really enjoying them, you should give them a look, they’re cheaper and feel great
@@theNamesPhillip thanks, i remembered my model of vivobarefoot is the Primus Trio, such a nice shoe, i ordered a used one on ebay in my size that looks like not nearly worn as much as mine, for what i use those shoes they are perfect for me, i dont know if i would like that sock opening of the shoe, i just saw the feelground move have a super nice opening
They have served me well, I’m still using them, and I still really like wearing them. As long as you are aware of the issues and can justify the price, I would say yes. However the newer models of the Primus lite may have addressed the issues I mentioned in the video
What a weird take. I bought the shoe, one that lots of people touted to be a great day-to-day shoe. I’m using them in a completely reasonable way. Either way thanks for the insightful comment, you seem like a bastion of knowledge.
Economics of scale? ohhh thats why Nikes are so cheap.
So the economies of scale refers to the cost advantage as a result of increased production. It doesn’t necessary account for brand value, or other variables like how well they market, or how reliable that perceived to be (eg Toyota).
So the sneaker market as a whole would have become cheaper, but Nike may not necessarily have done the same.
Similarly, barefoot footwear will likely become cheaper as a whole, but Vivobarefoot - with its great marketing and brand recognition - may stay expensive or even get more expensive.
Hope that helped clarify things a bit 👍
Very well made video :)
I didnt even notice you were a small channel until i wanted to type a comment, then i was like "no wayy 17 subs?!?"
I have to say you have superb editing, and your on camera personality is very good to watch. You are just so calm.
Really enjoyable overall!
You have made my day so thank you, I really appreciate it! I definitely had to record many times in order to not appear so nervous butI am glad that I cam across as calm! 😅 Thank you for the kind feedback, I hope you have an amazing day!
@@theNamesPhillip i echo what they said. you should have more subs. work harder at youtube mate :)
I wish more people would wake up to the fact that modern foot fashion has ruined our feet collectively as a whole. I've recently made the swap to a pair of zero drop Lems that look like skater shoes. Measuring my feet seriously made me realize that I've been wearing a size larger for as long as I can remember just to accommodate the pressure "stylish" shoes placed on the toes. I encourage everyone that wound up here to take a real look at their feet and consider any properly sized shoe with a larger toe box. Best of luck in your barefoot journeys!
Really well said, love it! You might like my next video that I will be recording today then! 🤘
Pretty informative review... thanks.for taking the time, Philip!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thanks for the feedback! 🙏
Great video Phillip. I have 4 pairs and these Primus Lite 3's are my beach everyday summer shoes. We live on the Isle of Wight. Sadly they also fill up with gravel and sand. The sand then gets through the fabric mesh and gets trapped. They are 5 months old and the fabric now has a small hole under the heel. This is actually a bonus as the sand that gets into the space between the sole and the fabric mesh (all under the removable innersole), now has a exit point to be poured out. Little bumps and lumps form, especially under the fronts of my toes and the hell, which does become a problem. Its like pouring salt our of a bottle.
They are also getting small tears in the fabric on the flex point you demoed, where the toe box joins the main foot body.
I wont be buying this model again and am looking at what can be my go to beach shoe (I don't want the bloom as its too niche).
We have had a grounding mat in our bed for 4 months now. They are the real deal, so I am very much looking forward to how you get on converting the Primus Lite 3 to earthing tings.
Thanks I’m really glad you enjoyed the video! It does seem that a lot of people experience these issues, I was surprised because I didn’t hear many people talking about these issues when I bought the shoe.
I don’t think I can give a great recommendation on any shoe at the moment (as my racer knits that I mentioned in the video have already started breaking down!) but I do look optimistically towards vivobarefoot and their ability to iterate quickly!
I would love to hear about what you end up going with! No matter what shoes you choose, you always have the luxury of walking on a beach on the Isle of Wight 😅
A grounding may is awesome I’ve heard good stuff about them! I will likely end up getting one for more reliable data if I am to run a solid experiment on it. I have just been going through a move up into a Swedish forest and have now settled in enough to start with the videos again. This earthing one will be up as soon as possible! Thanks for the support 🙏
Thanks for sharing your opinions bro :) Nice work, and thanks for spreading the word about grounding.
I just bought some Scott IIIs, their walking boot. Also, bought their Tracker Forest ESC too, for more outdoor country camping/hiking.
8:50 tbf, thats what hi-tops are for. These low cuts are really like casual summer flaunting kind of shoes
I think that while it will definitely help to wear hi-tops, there is a certain level of protection one would expect from a pair of €150 shoes that these shoes don’t meet. The sock material in the racer knits are much better here.
The info on the ankle seal issue was appreciated 👍
I’m glad you found it helpful!
Good video. I think the Primus Trails would solve issues that you’ve had around durability and for the most part are better shoes for people new to barefoot as they have a slightly thicker sole but offer the same benefits. I’d also recommend people new to barefoot find a store to try them on as I did to get the best fit. I’m a full size down from previous shoes I’ve had.
This video is exactly what I needed! I’m trying to get into barefoot shoes and have been so tempted by the Vivo’s because they look so cool but I’d rather come back to it once i’m more used to wearing barefoot so I don’t wreck them. Great video!
I’m really glad to hear that, thanks for the feedback! If you start strengthening your dorsiflexion, you will be well prepped for a shoe like this! :)
Proud subscriber nr25 🤘🏻
Looking forward to what else you gave in store
Thanks I appreciate you! I have had a busy month or so but I’m hoping to get cracking with videos again. I have the ideas I mentioned in the video but I also moved to a house in the Swedish forest so I’m sure there has got to be something interesting there 😅
Great first video man!
Super thoughtful review, thanks!!
Excellent and informative video, and your on camera presence is awesome! Love the outtake at the end 😂
Very honest and realistic video, hope would have seen you videos before.
Thanks for the feedback! I will keep trying to be as honest and realistic as possible in my next videos! 🙌
such a well made video! thank you
Thanks I really appreciate that, I’m glad you liked it!
I know the video is a little older now, but if you utilize the second eyelet at the top and tie a runners knot, it should help you out with that room around the heel where things get in the shoe. Give it a try!
Thanks for that, I had tried it but It didn't help all that much because of the material! They're newer knit shoes are much better though and I am currently using Lomobarefoot which are so much better!
Thank you for an excellent and informative video. I am ser
I informative video. You are a natural. Hope you will continue to make UA-cam videos. I will be buying my first pair of minimalist shoes in the next few days. Really appreciate you saying something about the gaps around the back part of the shoes and the ankles. I am considering the Primus. Trail lll FG. You mentioned that this is not a good first-pair. Can you please suggest other brands and shoes I should consider? I want to re-form my feet/legs and make them stronger. I look forward to watch your other videos. 😊
Thank you I really appreciate your kind words 🙏 I am actually in the process of making a new video now that everything has settled down a little! I have a pair of the Primus trail knit FG’s for trail running and I think they are very good. My mini review is that it is much more fitted around the ankles with fewer rocks getting in (although still a little issue). The trail knits feel a little more plastic in my opinion and not a pair of shoes I would like to wear for longer periods of time (like I do with the Primus lites) but they are great shoes. I would also check Wilding shoes and Xero. And also go out without shoes wherever possible, it feels great once you get used to it!
Try the runner's knot on primus lite, it would solve the loose edge problem. No more heel slip 😊.
Thanks for that, I’ll give it a try!
Great for packing a few pairs in a small suitcase 😂 Love your review, very detailed and well put together.
I didn’t think about that but you’re right, the perfect suitcase shoe 😂
this is a damn good review very fair
This was extremely helpful, thank you. I’m considering Mark Sisson’s Peluva shoes, but I don’t know!! 😭
Thank you 🙏 I can’t say anything about Marks shoes as I have never tried them but I think it is definitely good to experiment. I think for every day use, the Vivobarefoots may be a little more suitable but that is purely personal opinion. I believe in the benefits of minimal footwear and would love to get others to wear them (for their benefit and to get the price down a little for my benefit). I personally think it is less of a leap to convince others to move first to Vivo. Let me know what you end up going for though, it would be interesting!
Thanks for the review. Do you think the Primus All Weather Men’s is an improvement on the Primus Lite lll?
So I think there will be some advantages there but I haven’t tried them so I can’t say. There seems to be a different material and more padding around the angles which would say to me they will likely be more effective and stopping unwanted materials. The toebox is the same material so I expect the holes to be a problem unless you have adequate dorsiflexion and toe alignment. They have the same sole as my Primus trail knits which are great for trails but in my opinion aren’t quite as comfortable as the Primus lites.
Overall I would say they are different and serve different purposes but to some degree they would be and improvement. If you do purchase them let me know how they are 😁
@@theNamesPhillip First of all, thanks for the review! I'm also looking into buying the All Weather instead but just wanted to say that they do not have the same material as the Primus Lite. Or I should say the structure is different where Primus Lite has larger ventilation holes in mesh but the All Weather do not look like a mesh. So, I assume they will hold up better but I'm still skeptical after watching your video. I'm new to barefoot shoes and it will be my first one.
Great video, thank you
Excellent - OBJECTIVE - insights on this nice shoe. Thanks so much for your video. I would start the barefoot journey with a cheaper shoe - say some Merrells.
Thanks for the feedback I’m glad you found it helpful! Yes starting with cheaper shoes is definitely a good option. In my last video I brought up a common muscular issue that people experience when switching to barefoot shoes and one of my solutions was to have an intermediary zero-drop shoe such as the Altra Escalante 3’s. That way you can develop the adequate muscle strength with less chance of injury. That’s definitely what I would do if I were to start my barefoot journey again!
Also love your humour 😂
There are soo many awesome barefoot brands right now that there is no reason to focus on Vivos. Most of their shoes are uncomfortable and look weird because of their low volume toeboxes. They have some super cool designs and innovations but the toeboxes combined with their high prices make most of their models not worth it compared to their competitors.
Take a look at the new Freet Vibe for example. No reason to pick the Primus Lites over them.
Xero also has some amazing options.
Thanks for the suggestion, I have never heard of Freet but their products look really decent! I do love Vivobarefoot despite the issues but I would definitely agree that the price and toebox issues are a deterrent for sure! Thanks for the comment!!
Good vid. I have some and have a hole forming after about 5 months of it being my main shoe. Thinking about the Primus Light knit jjf due to them being knit and being all black.
Good choice, they are a great looking pair of shoes! I do think the knit material is just that little bit stronger 💪
I was unable to find the pop-up asking me to scan my foot, did anyone else have that issue?
I was prompted to print a size guide out(I printed US sizing) and after printing it 100% to scale/measuring for accuracy, it was off.
Traditionally, I’m a U.S. men’s size 11, the chart had me a little bigger. Any help on this is appreciated.
Heya Brian! I am not too sure about the issue you’re having as I am not able to replicate it. I would suggest trying the website on your phone to see if it still isn’t working. It could possibly be that your browser is preventing you from granting permission to the camera so is not giving you the option to scan. If it helps, my size in most shoes is EU44 (U.S 11) but for Vivobarefoot, im an EU43 (U.S 10)
Interesting about the issues with rocks and the gap around the ankle. I have not experienced the same issue in mine. However I did have a fall actually slipping on a leaf. I enjoy mine as casual shoes, but found I need lots of cushion when running.
Interesting, maybe it is something that is dependent on specific walking styles, thanks for the input! 🙏 what do you use for running? I’m going to be making a video at some point soon on this topic and in my last video I recommended the Altra Escalante 3’s because they share a lot of barefoot shoe qualities(zero drop, wide toe-box) but have lots of cushioning.
@@theNamesPhillip I am more of a heel to mid foot striker. I have typical daily trainers like Novablast 3, Speed 3, my race shoe has a slightly lower drop in the NB SC Elite v3. I tried the Altra Torin 6 (0 drop) which I found comfortable but too hot, might try some Topos next.
My lingering concern whenever i get tempted to by a VB shoe is the creasing that happens over time at the point where forefoot meets midfoot (i.e. when you are pushing off in your stride). I've seen so many of these shoes where the upper mesh has frayed at the corners where this crease occurs, and yet few people seem particularly bothered by it. For over £100, that design flaw shouldn't exist in the first place, and certainly should have been fixed on newer iterations of their shoes.
Is this a problem you've had with your Primus Lites? Are there any models where you think the upper material will hold up better over time to this creasing effect (e.g. knit)?
Thanks for the comment! I do think the knit material holds up better so that is a definite advantage. In relation to the toe box area becoming frayed, I’m actually planning out a video that will go through the muscular deficiencies that lead to this issue being so prevalent in barefoot shoes. It is partially a problem with the shoe design but partially a flaw in the way “normal shoes” have conditioned us to walk.
@@theNamesPhillip interesting, hadn't considered the muscular aspect! Look forward to your video on it.
Still, this does seem to be a more persistent issue with VB shoes than others, even the cheapo ones off Amazon. Do you know whether VB's knit material holds up better?
Yes I have the VB racer knits and the material is way better!
Does Vivo no longer offer the foot scan for sizing?
The part about the wide gap around the ankles was really helpful thanks. Do you know if the women's version of the shoe is narrower at that part of the shoe?
Hiya 👋 I’m glad you found it helpful and as for the women’s version, there doesn’t seem to be a difference in the ankle. My girlfriend has the Primus Lite 3’s and they have the same problem.
@theNamesPhillip thanks for posting about this, hadn't heard it in any other reviews
What barefoot shoes do you recommend in winter/ice
I am not sure to be honest. It is probably a video I should make but I did the past winter in Vivobarefoot Primus trails and they were ok, especially with winter insoles
I have the same top mesh hole problem
It is my biggest gripe and is the main thing stopping me from confidently recommending these shoes to first time buyers! Maybe they have fixed it in the newer Primus models but I haven’t tried yet :)
@@theNamesPhillip the new expensive ones sure look like they have the plastic covering the mesh further where the toe is.
I got toe holes just under 3 months of just walking and going to the gym. Completely through all mesh layers where yours still has a mesh on top. :((( Which Is disappointing because those shoes are like second skin and incredibly comfortable to the point I am not able to go back go normal shoes. I'll see at a local cobbler if he can reinforce it cause I cba to get a replacement that'll wear down so fast again.
So I will probably make a video about it as I have written it in a few comments but the likely reason for the hole in the toe box is too much big toe involvement in your gait due to poor dorsiflexion muscles. Modern shoes tend to take away the work from us that would actually be beneficial to us. The cobbler is an interesting route, I would love to know if they can do anything! And then in the mean time you can work on dorsiflexion! 🤘 there is an instagram channel called “gait happens”, I’m not affiliated with them or anything but they have amazing information on this stuff!
It’s so cute that your foot fits on a piece of paper…. 😂👍
🤣
Yo where is the grounding video idea that you had?
Heya, it’s in the works! I’m just finishing up the editing. 😁
I got holes in the mesh after just a few months, on both shoes, where the big toes hit the top of the shoes. I didn't really understand where it comes from, can you enlighten me?
They are my first barefoot shoes, so I confirm, don't buy these shoes as a first pair.
So when beginning to go barefoot, you’re starting from a point of wearing normal shoes. These normal shoes tend to push your toes together in order to conform to the shape of the shoe design. Vivo have tried to address this with a different material on the inner side of the toe box but it isn’t very effective in my experience.
When beginning to wear barefoot shoes, two things need to change:
1. You need to teach your toes to separate and get them used to splaying. I would recommend toega (toe yoga 😅) for that and buying some toe separators to wear intermittently throughout the day.
2. Your big toe is likely lifting too much when walking because wearing normal shoes have made it less necessary to activate all the appropriate muscles involved in walking. As a result, you are likely lacking strength in the muscles that control ‘dorsiflexion’. Look for exercises to strengthen those muscles. There are plenty on UA-cam and the instagram account ‘gaithappens’ is amazing for this.
Sorry for such a long reply but I hope this information helps you out. Good luck in your barefoot journey and remember to take it easy, we are playing the long game 💪
@@theNamesPhillip thank you for your detailed answer 😁
The shoes were probably a bit too small for you if your toes burst through the top of them.
@@Monaleenian no it broke where there is this small circle of mesh without protection in top of the big toe. It's just my big toe always going up when I walk.
@@mrcookie3724your feet are probably hypermobile. Like me. My big toes can go up at a 90 degree angle. Because I gave hEDS. All of my joints di that.
You have an extra hole for your laces in order to tighten your ankles .
Yep I know, it doesn’t help all too much due to the actual material the edge is made from. It is also a feature that has a specific purpose and shouldn’t be necessary :)
@@theNamesPhillip Oh I see well in my particular case it did help me to stabilize my ankle when I tighten that specific hole it made my heavy compounds way more stable than before obviously I wear my shoes with five fingers socks but I understand your point.
Fundamentalists are wary on either side of life.
Not understand the hype over primus lite...i prefer merrell vaporglove, same shoe from major brand, and price is twice cheaper...
They are a great looking pair of shoes as well and the vibram soles are supposed to be really good. I haven’t actually tried them but I really should!
They look great but why are so damn expensive lmao, little to no material and is even recycled is so sad they re charging too much like for niche
I definitely agree that they are expensive, especially right now. I think when it comes to products like this that are going against the grain, it generally requires more R&D and that is a very expensive part of the process. When they price the shoes, those costs and others like it are also going to be factored in so that they can continue making solid products. Granted they are more expensive than many other barefoot shoes but I hope to see that change as more competition enters the market.
9:27 bro you need to get a new pair. You’ve literally worn them out. Congrats. There’s implied learning. Now keep your feet protected.
I want them to make the first primus again with the leather footbed and the soft low ankle seal (thats not really sealing but its super comfortable and durable, mine are still fine after 8 years regular use
@IchDuForeverExplorering for the past 4 months, I have been testing lonobarefoot and I’m really enjoying them, you should give them a look, they’re cheaper and feel great
@@theNamesPhillip thanks, i remembered my model of vivobarefoot is the Primus Trio, such a nice shoe, i ordered a used one on ebay in my size that looks like not nearly worn as much as mine, for what i use those shoes they are perfect for me, i dont know if i would like that sock opening of the shoe, i just saw the feelground move have a super nice opening
worth your time ?
They have served me well, I’m still using them, and I still really like wearing them. As long as you are aware of the issues and can justify the price, I would say yes. However the newer models of the Primus lite may have addressed the issues I mentioned in the video
You bought the wrong shoe. Using it the wrong way.
It’s more of a gym show/trainer, not hiking and walking around in gravel. Really bad review my guy
What a weird take. I bought the shoe, one that lots of people touted to be a great day-to-day shoe. I’m using them in a completely reasonable way. Either way thanks for the insightful comment, you seem like a bastion of knowledge.