Vivobarefoot Primus Lite IV All-Weather Review

Performance Overview, How I Tested

As a model that I anticipate others using to train in and use as their daily driver, I pushed this model in tests that would reflect their key use points. That’s at least how I’ve used this shoe, so if you’re similar, this section is for you.

Some of the Things I’ve Done to Test These Shoes

• Lifting Tests: Deadlifts, lunges, split squats, pendulum squats
• Versatility Tests: Box jumps, sled pushes/pulls, skater strides
• Walking/Daily Wear: 2-3 miles of dog walking, all-day wear on dry and wet days

These Performed Well for Lifting

I’m not shocked that this shoe performed well when lifting. The Primus shoes have gained a lot of popularity amongst avid gym-goers, so I figured this shoe would be just as solid as the Primus models I’ve reviewed and tested.

The Primus outsole does a good job of blending articulation and ground feel. I’ve deadlifted up to 585 lbs in my shoe and never had issues with slippage, and the low-to-the-ground build of this shoe is awesome for giving you a maximal ground feel.

This shoe’s outsole also has a lot of pliability, which is great for lower body days where you’re wanting more articultion through the toe box and midfoot. I never felt like the IV AW was limiting my foot’s ability to move freely when hitting legs.

I also appreciate that you can remove the Ortholite insole to get even closer to the ground. The internal construction is finished, so I don’t think you’ll have breakdown issues there. At least, I haven’t yet, or in my other Primus models, when training without the insoles.

My main complaint with this shoe for lifting is its toe break, which is NOT the most friendly to break in. For example, on my first few leg days, I seriously debated taking these off and training shoeless because of the pressure from the upper on the top of my foot.

However, I’m glad I stuck it out because it does subside — it’s just an annoying process. That said, I think it’s worth it for those wanting this shoe primarily for its all-season use. It’s almost like a right of passage to get the most out of this shoe year-round. If that’s not you, you can find better options for working out that will break in easier.

They’re Not Too Bad for Cross-Training

You better believe I’m starting this section with the toe break comments. I pair plyometrics with most of my leg days, and yep, you guessed it — this model is not going to be your most comfortable option.

I’m also nervous about the TPU layer on this shoe and its longevity for high-stress cross-training workouts. If there’s any activity that causes the TPU to lip, it will be when doing cross-training workouts, in my opinion.

Don’t get me wrong, these performed well for most of my cross-training sessions once broken in, but for the price, I thought they were so/so. Will they work? Sure, but they’re expensive, annoying to break in, and they don’t breathe the best.

Again, I think it comes down to your “why” for buying them, which will dictate if these knocks on their performance are worth it. There are multiple shoes that outperform this model for cross-training, but they don’t have the upper to fare for all-season use.

If you take anything from this section, it’s that this shoe will work for cross-training, but it wouldn’t be my first recommendation for most athletes. There are too many little things that bother me with this model for the price, especially if you’re not buying them first for their all-season functionality.

Good for Damp Climates, Wear Socks to Break Them In

I feel like I’ve been alluding to this for the whole article, but when you’re breaking in your Primus Lite IV AWs, you will want to wear socks. I’m a guy who loves rocking barefoot shoes with and without socks, and this is NOT a pair that is sockless and friendly.

This is due to the harsher toe break and lack of breathability through this model’s upper. Trust me because I’ve made this mistake before with similar models — if you want this shoe to smell less long-term — wear them with socks. This is not a good sockless barefoot shoe.

For general comfort, I do like this model and the Ortholite insole gives this shoe a little more cushion for all-day wear. It’s also nice that this insole is built with 98% recycled materials. I think this is a nice touch for the higher price point of this model.

If you wear Vivobarefoot shoes now, then I think you’re safe, assuming these will feel the same on your feet. For example, they have the same amount of width and ground feel as models like other daily wear shoes like the Geo Court III and Primus Asana.

Construction Details

Outsole

• Primus Outsole is built with a rubber tread pattern and features minimalist lugs. This outsole is similar to every other Primus model.
• The outsole wraps around the entirety of the shoe and it comes up slightly on the lateral and medial midfoot and heel.
• This model’s stack height sits around ~5.5mm, which is the same as the other Primus models.

Upper

• This shoe features a  Pro5 Puncture Resistant finish, which helps it with abrasion resistance and protects the foot a little more than the looser mesh and knits used in other barefoot shoes.
• This shoe has water-resistant components, and it does a fairly good job with this component. Even when purposely putting my pair under my sink, they deflected water pretty well.
• There’s a pretty aggressive TPU around the toe box, midfoot, and heel, which gives this shoe a little more structure. The boot does not have a rigid cup or padding.

Midfoot and Laces

• The mesh tongue is thin and wide with an additional loop for security. There’s a low gusset that also helps it stay in place.
• There are four core eyelets that utilize a traditional lacing system, and there’s a fifth eyelet for lace-locking.
• The laces are thicker padded laces that run a little longer; however, this is honestly a nice thing compared to the short laces in the older Primus Lite III that constantly came undone.

Final Verdict, Would I Buy These Again?

Probably not — unless I moved back to a wetter city and was commuting.

While these shoes have grown on me, and I don’t necessarily think they’re bad shoes, they just don’t deliver a performance that I think justifies their price for most.

They’re a niche model with a specific functionality. If you keep that in mind and buy them for that reason, then yeah, they’re worth it. Otherwise, I think most will be better suited opting for other models that breathe better or cost less.

If you have additional questions on this model, drop a comment below, and I can help you out!