Vivobarefoot Shoes Buying and Sizing Guide: Here Are My Favorites

The removable insole, a staple for most Vivo models, is a great touch for deploying these as more of a true trainer. I like to take out the insoles to get a more grounded and grippy feel when I’m in the gym. You can also keep it in for extra cushion on shorter runs, walking around town, and the rest of your daily activities.

A word of caution, if you plan on subjecting them to a lot of concrete time or wet environments, the tread can wear down quicker than most and lose traction. Also, while the fit is consistent, the sizing can be trickier, especially if you’re between sizes. I recommend sizing down if you’re usually a half size and have narrower feet.

Final Verdict:

The Primus Lite 3.5 is the best entry-level barefoot shoe from Vivobarefoot. It handles the rigors of training and daily wear and tear with ease. Just don’t expect it to hold up forever.

Best for Lifting & CrossFit: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

If you’re already a barefoot shoe aficionado and looking for something that can go as hard as you can, the Motus Strength is your answer. This is Vivobarefoot’s most rugged and capable training shoe, built with CrossFit-style training and high-impact lifting in mind.

The outsole is more rigid than Vivo’s other models and features aggressive lugs for added grip. That means better ground contact and better durability. It features a tough upper and a high medial sidewall that makes rope climbs a breeze. There’s also a TPU overlay that locks the ankle in and an extended cup around the heel for additional support, a rare feature in barefoot shoes.

This shoe doesn’t feel delicate, and that’s a good thing. If you’re used to training in thicker, more built-up gym shoes, this is a solid barefoot transition option.

The tradeoff for all that added durability is breathability. This shoe can definitely run hot. That tough, reinforced upper? It comes at a cost too. It’s stiffer and heavier, which can limit flexibility for mobility work or extended casual wear.

Final Verdict:

If your training includes barbell work, rope climbs, and high-volume cross-training, the Motus Strength is the most rugged barefoot shoe Vivobarefoot makes. Good luck trying to out-train this one.

Best for General Versatility: Vivobarefoot Primus Lite AW

This one took me a while to warm up to. I really came to enjoy this one for some of the improvements it makes over the Primus Lite 3.5. The All Weather is the best pick if you live in the city and want one shoe that handles training, errands, and especially wet weather.

The upper is water-resistant and super easy to clean, a big plus if you’re commuting or wearing these in all types of conditions. The TPU reinforcement offers better lockdown and lateral support than the regular Primus Lite 3.5 making it a noticeable upgrade for training. And like most Vivo models, it features that removable insole.

There’s always a trade-off somewhere though. With that water-resistant upper comes reduced breathability. This shoe runs warm. And the rigid upper may press uncomfortably on feet with higher insteps or that are wider. If you value a super soft feel or airflow, you’ll want to take that into consideration.

Final Verdict:

The Primus Lite All Weather is your go-to hybrid barefoot shoe if you need one shoe for gym sessions, city walks, and rainstorms. It’s just not the most breathable.

Best for Comfort: Vivobarefoot Motus Flex

The Motus Flex is a booty-style shoe. It is the softer, more flexible cousin to the Motus Strength. For the right athlete, this shoe nails a unique blend of casual comfort and gym performance.

It is a true “do-it-all” barefoot shoe. The Flex is great for bodyweight circuits, mobility days, light lifting, and general cross-training. The flexible outsole has strategic breaks that allow for natural flexion of the foot, really giving you that “the shoe is an extension of the foot” feel. And the booty-style upper is softer and more form-fitting than the Primus Lite Knit. 

It’s comfortable enough to wear all day while still providing enough grip and structure to perform during light workouts.

Like most knit or booty-style shoes, the soft upper can lead to “spillover” during lateral movements. That makes this shoe not ideal for agility drills or quick cuts. I also would caution you against wearing this for extended periods outside. The segmented sole risks breaking down faster in dirty or wet environments.

Final Verdict:

If you want a barefoot shoe that leans more toward comfort without fully sacrificing training utility, the Motus Flex is a great pick. It’s not built for hardcore training.

Best for Daily Wear: Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG

The Primus Trail Knit FG is the most versatile, style-forward option on this list. It’s your “look good, feel good” barefoot shoe for everything from office wear to weekend trails and walks, with enough performance chops for lifting.

Want something that you can hit a quick workout on your lunch break and then jet back to the boardroom without changing shoes? This fits that bill perfectly. This shoe looks clean and can pass for business casual while still sporting a wicked grippy outsole for tackling all terrains. The softer upper and less aggressive toe break give you a very form-fitting and soft feel to the shoe.

For its versatility, I’d argue it’s one of the strongest-performing, well-rounded, happy-hour-ready barefoot shoes in the Vivobarefoot catalog. You can dress it up or down with ease.

If you have narrower feet, tightening the laces can cause the upper to bunch. It doesn’t affect the performance or feel of the shoe, but the aesthetics can be off-putting. Similar to the All Weather, the forefoot can also feel a bit tight if you have a higher instep or thicker foot.

Final Verdict:

If your primary concern is style and comfort, and you still want a shoe that can handle a quick lift or walk, the Primus Trail Knit FG delivers. It’s the most versatile option in this lineup.

My Closing Thoughts

Vivobarefoot is one of the most recognizable names in the barefoot shoe game. They make some of the strongest barefoot shoes on the market for people with active lifestyles.

Yes, their price points are higher, and you can obviously find cheaper barefoot shoes. However, I’d argue that they’re one of the few companies truly trying to innovate and produce shoes with better materials. Whether you’re hitting the gym, walking the dog, or getting a HIIT workout in, there’s a model that fits the bill.

Still not sure which to grab? Drop a line in the comments or shoot me a message.