Be Lenka Velocity Review

The Be Lenka Velocity has been one of my favorite slept-on barefoot shoes that I’ve reviewed lately. A viewer from my YouTube channel turned me on to these, and I’m super hyped that they did.

To set the stage, the Velocity is a barefoot shoe built for training and daily wear, so if you’re looking for a shoe to fill those two asks then you’re in the right place. Lately, this shoe has also been one of my favorite travel options.

The model I bought was the white and blue colorway, which — I’m going to be honest, I didn’t love — however, it’s been the most commented on barefoot shoe I’ve ever reviewed regarding people asking what they are and expressing how they like them.

Who Should Buy This Shoe?

1. Strength & Hypertrophy-Focused Lifters: If you’re focused on strength training and need a stable, super flat shoe, this is an excellent choice with a good grip for machine and free weight sessions.
2. Wide-Footed Athletes: This shoe has an awesome width and feels wider than models from Vivobarefoot and Xero Shoes, so if you’re constantly battling those models, then you’ll enjoy the Velocity, IMO.
3. Daily Wear Needs: This shoe has a stylish appearance, and it’s comfortable, making it ideal for people who want a shoe that can transition between the gym and casual outings.

Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?

1. CrossFit Enthusiasts: If you’re looking for a barefoot shoe for CrossFit and more serious cross-training sessions, then you’ll want to consider options with uppers to accommodate this style of training, like the Motus Strength from Vivobarefoot.
2. Long-Distance Runners: Long-distance runners or those looking for a barefoot shoe that is more optimized for running will want to pass on this model. The upper and the flatter outsole can feel a little limiting — read clunky at times — in this context.
3. High-Volume Feet: Individuals with high insteps might experience some discomfort due to tongue friction. The mesh tongue can rub a little when breaking these in. Pro tip: opt for longer socks out of the jump in these if you can (that’s why I’m wearing them in my pics!).

Specs to Know

• Price: $139.99
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 10.45/.29 kg (size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Good Alternatives: Primus Lite III or Knit

Sizing and Relative Sizing Advice

Sizing Tips

• Most people will find the shoe true to size.
• The shoe’s upper can accommodate a range of foot widths, making it suitable for those with wider feet. For those with high-volume feet, the tongue may cause friction, as mentioned above, so wearing longer socks and breaking the shoe will help alleviate that.
• Even if you have a wide foot (3E or 4E), the upper volume will allow a comfortable fit, IMO.
• Relative Sizing Thoughts: Go the same size as your Vivobarefoot, WHITIN, and Xero Shoes in these.

Performance Assessment

For my Be Lenka Velocity performance testing, I pushed this shoe in various strength and cross-training sessions. I also ran in them to assess if they were comfortable for doing so, and used them for daily wear contexts like traveling and being on my feet all day.

	Test Thresholds	TF2 Rating
Deadlift	455 lbs x 5	9/10
Lunge	205 lb Barbell	8.5/10
Box/Broad Jumps	Max Length / 36″ Inch Height	8/10
1-Mile run	Curved Treadmill	7/10

Lifting Assessment: Great for Strength Sessions

For lifting, the Velocity is exceptionally solid. My biggest lifts in this shoe include a top deadlift set of 455 lbs for five reps and reverse lunges with 255 lbs. My goals with these tests were focused on the ground feel, grip, and how flat the sole feels.

• The 5mm stack height of the sole is great for getting you close to the ground. For deadlifts, RDLs, and other lower body workouts, you get a nice degree of ground feedback in these.

• I also like the flatter sole of this shoe. If you love or want a barefoot shoe that has a flatter feel to it, and not the rounded soles that models like the Bare-XF and Lems Primal 2 have, then you’ll enjoy the Velocity.
• The rubber outsole grips different surfaces well, and the upper locks down the feet to a good degree. Even for sumo deadlifts where you’re pressing hard into the lateral upper, this shoe locked my feet down well.
• The insole isn’t removable in this shoe, but I don’t think that will be a deal breaker for most. You still get ample ground feel, and even for powerlifters who are super-dialed with their deadlifts trying to get as close to the ground as possible, you should be fine in these.
• This shoe also has good flexibility throughout its sole, so for lunges and split squats, it moves well with the feet. Despite having a flatter feel, I was impressed with the ability of this shoe’s sole to articulate.

Cross-Training Assessment: Overall Decent, But Not Perfect

When it comes to cross-training, the Velocity performs well in most scenarios. It’s especially suitable for activities like kettlebell flows, jump rope, and box jumps, where a combination of stability and light dynamic movement is needed. However, during fast or explosive lateral movements, the shoe can feel slightly clunky, making it less ideal for intense agility drills.

• I’ve liked this shoe for cross-training for the most part. If you’re a lot more recreational with your cross-training, then you’ll be well-suited in this shoe.
• For sessions where I was doing things like blending box jumps with my trap bar deadlifts, this shoe worked great. It also worked for exercises that are less intensive, like box jumps and jump rope.

• The upper security walks a good line of being secure enough while also providing space for your toes to do their things when hitting lateral jumps or broad jumps when your feet may be more prone to sliding forward.
• My only concern with this shoe for cross-training revolves around how flat it can feel for that athlete who loves more rounded soles like what’s in the Bare-XF. In this specific case, this shoe can feel a tad floppy regarding its sole.

Okay for Short Runs, Not the Best for Longer Bouts

For running, the Velocity falls a bit short, particularly for longer distances. The slightly platform-like sole makes the shoe feel bulky during extended runs, which might not be the natural, barefoot feel many expect. However, it’s acceptable for short runs or sprints, especially on treadmills.

Where It Can Work for Running:

• Suitable for short sprints or treadmill runs
• Lightweight enough for quick movements
• Good for distances ranging from 400m-2ish miles

Where It Falls Short for Running:

• Subpar for long-distance running (longer than 2-3 miles)
• Feels clunky compared to other barefoot running shoes
• What I’d Use Instead: Xero Shoes Zelen, Inov8 Bare XF, or Xero Shoes HFS 2

My Most Asked About Barefoot Shoe for Daily Wear

In my opinion, the Velocity excels in daily wear. It’s comfortable, stylish, and durable enough for extended periods of use. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the gym, or just taking a walk, this shoe fits a variety of casual settings.

Why I’ve Liked It for Daily Wear

• These have a good low-key appearance to them and some colorways even give them a Jordan-esque vibe, which multiple people have brought up to me — and I agree.
• The full rubber outsole has done a good job with all-day wear durability. Whether I was traveling or on my feet all day on concrete, the rubber on this shoe has held up well. For example, these have shown fewer signs of wear compared to some of my favorite Vivobarefoot shoes, which also have low-profile tread patterns.

• I mentioned this above, but if you enjoy getting comments on your shoes, then go with one of the brighter colorways. I kid you not, and this is coming from someone who’s quite literally reviewed hundreds of shoes. I have had so many comments about these, asking what they were and expressing that they liked them.
• The width and breathability of these are great, and that’s why I’ve quickly adapted them as one of my go-to barefoot shoes for travel and wear in warmer settings.

Construction Details

Outsole

• ActiveGrip NEO rubber outsole. This outsole has a low-profile tread patterning and has a good thickness to it for prolonging durability for daily wear and training.
• The outsides of the sole is stitching to try and prevent lipping, and thus far in my testing, it’s done a good job with this.

Upper

• The upper materials are a blend of textile and TPU materials. The TPU sits lower on the upper to promote durability and all-around security.
• The lining of this shoe is also built with a textile material and it’s decently breathable and has done a good job with sweat and odor as I regularly wear this shoe with and without socks.

Laces and Tongue

• There are six core eyelets on this shoe with tubular laces. The security of the laces does a good job across the board and I like that there’s no material overlap at the bottom of the midfoot.
• The tongue is gusetted and is built with a thin padded mesh. The tongue can rub at times on the top of the foot, so high-volume feet may want to use longer socks when breaking them in.

Insole

• The insole features a tin foam and is built with a recycled PU and polyester. The internal part of this shoe isn’t finished but I don’t think that hinders this shoe’s ground feel in the gym.

Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?

I would, epsecially if you can find these on sale.

I bought my pair at full price, and now I’m seeing them on sale for around ~$90 USD. If you can get them for that price, then I think they’re definitely worth it.

From being apprehensive about these to begin with to truly enjoying their perofrmance in the gym and for casual wear, I’ve become a fan of these. If you’re wanting a wide barefoot shoe for training and day-to-day wear, then I’d rip it on these.

As always, if you have additinoal questions about these shoes, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram!