To be honest, when I first tried these Gobi sneakers on, I really wasn’t sure that we were going to get along. But over the following couple of weeks I slowly warmed to them to the point that now, I’m actually quite disappointed when I have to wear something else! However, that doesn’t mean I think they’re perfect and so I hope that this Vivobarefoot review, in which I document my honest experience of these innovative shoes, is helpful to anyone in search of the latest trends in minimalist footwear.
Pros
- comfort
- improved posture
- sustainability
Cons
- cost
My experience of wearing Vivobarefoot
Luckily, I have (so far) escaped painful bunions and corns and my toes still point in roughly the right direction. Astonishing considering the years I spent crunching up my calf muscles in high-heeled shoes that squashed my toes into ridiculously unnatural shapes – all in the name of fashion, vanity, and corporate life.
But I do have pretty wide feet and am noticing my big toes starting to pull inwards. And whilst I try to find wide-fitting shoes, vegan choices often use materials that don’t soften in the same way that animal skin does. Consequently, my toes can still get squished together causing uncomfortable blisters. Pair that with my dodgy knees and I’m a bit of a sight after a long walk!
So when people started talking about ‘minimalist’ footwear, I was very curious. Then Vivobarefoot asked me to review their vegan Gobi sneakers and I wondered whether this type of shoe really could be the answer toe all my problems – yes, that was a deliberate spelling and I’m sorry. Anyway, my expectations were high.
But when they arrived, I wasn’t immediately convinced. For the first few days I wore them round the house and found the canvas material a bit unforgiving where it rubbed just underneath my ankle bones. And although I could see the toe box was wide, for some reason the shoes felt tight across the top of my toes (specifically the big toe joint), and uncomfortable where the canvas creased when I flexed my foot. However, what I didn’t have a problem with was that feeling of walking barefoot. In fact, that was an instant hit.
So, I persevered and realised that part of the problem was that I had them tied too tightly. (Note to self: in future, loosen laces when taking new shoes out of the box and adjust them to suit my feet because that’s actually the point…)
Once I had that sorted, I wore them more so the material softened enough to stop rubbing my ankles (socks helped too) and the discomfort across the top of the toes had been alleviated just by lacing them correctly. But what I really, really like about them is the minimal padding on the sole and being able to feel my calf muscles stretch as my heel makes contact with the ground. And having now worn them a lot in the last couple of months, I find my knees are more comfortable when I’m walking in barefoot shoes too.
I also think they look nice, despite what some people have said about natural footwear in general. With some shreds of vanity still left, I didn’t want to look like I was walking round with a pair of flippers on my feet and fortunately, I don’t! These Gobi sneakers are a contemporary design and look great.
I’m still not completely convinced by the width of the toe box though, and think it could yet be more generous. Whilst they’re not pushing my toes together like conventional shoes, it certainly feels like they could spread further if given the room and for me, that’s partly why I want to wear them. But I know that I have wider feet than many and it’s not an issue that I’ve seen in other people’s Vivobarefoot reviews.
So overall, I am really pleased with my vegan-certified Gobi sneakers. And if I hadn’t been, their amazing returns policy means you really have nothing to lose anyway!
I find Gobi vegan sneakers comfortable
After an initial breaking-in period, I now find Vivobarefoots so comfortable and it feels like second nature to walk in them. Not only do I enjoy the way they enable me to walk – a connected feeling with the ground that makes me feel steadier and more balanced – but now the canvas has softened it can feel like I haven’t got them on!
And whilst I still think my toes could have more room to spread with an even bigger toe box, they don’t make my feet feel squashed or restricted like most conventional shoes can (OK, with the exception of crocs, but I guess they’re not classed as ‘conventional’ anyway!)
So, it didn’t take me long to get used to wearing barefoot shoes, but bear in mind these are sneakers for everyday use. If you want to run in barefoot shoes, it could take longer – read this brand’s help page on that topic for more information.
My posture has improved
Since wearing my Vivobarefoot shoes, I have noticed an improvement in my knees which were pretty temperamental, particularly after squat day at the gym! And over time, my calf muscles are feeling less knotty too.
These were small, slow changes at first which have accelerated since I bought their Motus training shoes that I use for the gym. I’m also noticing less lower back pain which may or may not be due to the way I now walk – I don’t know, but it certainly feels better. And I like that my toes aren’t getting squished either.
And I’m a complete wimp when it comes to walking along the edges of things in case I lose my balance – even pavements! But wearing these shoes I am much more secure and in control of my grip which is a nice feeling.
There is a lot of science behind barefoot walking shoes which might explain all this, and experts describe the many benefits of wearing them. Their view is that by increasing the contact between your feet and the ground that you walk on with thinner soles, and by giving your toes room to spread inside more generous toe boxes, over time you increase the strength of your feet and ankles and become more resilient to injuries and falls. You can read more about this on Vivobarefoot.
But what are the negatives of barefoot shoes? Well, there are experts who are more cautious, so to try and give a balanced view here are a couple of references that put forward a different perspective:
Vivobarefoot are working towards sustainability
This brand will tell you that they are not sustainable – yet – and I really like their honesty. So many companies greenwash us consumers and talk about how sustainable they are, and I am often deeply suspicious about some of those claims because it’s so easy to make something look ‘green’.
Vivobarefoot do seem to be more honest in that they are working towards sustainability in everything they do including their materials, supply chains and manufacturing processes and they are certified as a BCorp.
They also:
- take back old sneakers and trainers to recycle where possible, and that includes those from other brands as well as their own
- offer a repair service (although not suitable for all Vivo shoes)
I appreciate them using natural materials over virgin plastics too, and I hope that they continue to expand their vegan range in order to minimise the impact of global, intensive cattle-rearing on the planet too.
These shoes are expensive
Yep, a pair of these shoes is going to cost you between £100-£200 for most of their range (with a couple of products sneaking into the £200’s). The good news though is that the 98% natural, vegan-certified Gobi sneaker is – at £160 – cheaper than the leather version by £20. Hooray!
So, it’s a fair amount of money to be paying out. However, in my experience their shoes are well-made, they last, some can be repaired, and in comparison to many similar products, they are just more sustainable.
You can get 15% off your first order if you sign up for their mailing list though, so make sure you scroll down to the bottom of their page to find it.
My verdict on this Vivobarefoot review
So, do you go for the science behind barefoot shoes, or are you happy to stick with your faithful old trainers? Certainly when I look at the cost, I can understand why people may feel reluctant – even deeply suspicious – about the claims made by minimalist footwear brands, not just Vivobarefoot.
But I can only speak from my experience of trying this specific product from this particular brand and whilst I wasn’t immediately impressed by the shoes, I have grown to really like them. I can honestly say that they have improved my stance, the way I train in the gym, and have made me feel stronger and steadier when I’m out walking. I have comfier toes too!
The cost might be prohibitive and it is definitely possible to find some cheaper barefoot brands out there, so it comes down to what’s important to you. For me, I think this brand is more sustainable, I like their vegan range, the quality is good and although they are pricey, you can get your money back for up to 100 days – no questions asked – providing you bought from their online store.
So, like me, you could see these as a personal investment and if you do, I’m with you – every step of the way!
I hope you have enjoyed this Vivobarefoot review. If so, you might find other vegan clothing articles of interest including my Vegan Outfitters review. Alternatively, you can find more of my Lifestyle blogs below.
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