Our sedentary and cushioned lifestyles are making us and our planet sick.
Founded in 2012 by two seventh-generation cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, Vivobarefoot is based on one simple insight - barefoot footwear is sustainable footwear.
A Vivobarefoot product or experience is one that literally brings us closer to nature - regenerating our physical, social and spiritual health and the natural world.
We believe:
The closer people are to nature, the more they will protect it.
The natural world is the only real model of sustainability.
Barefoot shoes are the only shoes that are healthy for us and the planet.
Barefoot
The human foot is a biomechanical masterpiece; when left to its own devices it can thrive doing everything from walking and running to jumping and dancing, but by cramming it in a modern shoe - cushioned, narrow and rigid - negates its natural strength and function. Our feet are our foundation connecting us to the earth, they should not be compromised.
All Vivobarefoot footwear is designed to be Wide, Thin and Flexible: as close to barefoot as possible. They promote your foot's natural strength and movement. Allowing you to feel the ground beneath your feet.
There is a powerful sensory connection between the feet and the brain and thus, our movement and place in the world. A Vivobarefoot shoe reconnects you to the world around you, literally bringing you closer to nature.
Regeneration
Vivobarefoot is a B Corporation™ Certified business for good. B corp™ are for-profit companies that use the power of business to build more inclusive and sustainable economy.
Companies in the B Corp community meet the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.
These values are at the core of Vivobarefoot and everything we do.
But we also know that sustainability is no longer enough. Our sedentary, cushioned lifestyles are making us and the planet sick: we must take radical action to restore and regenerate health and the natural world.
Shoespiracy
The short-term comfort of foam and air is having a long-term effect on our health.
Shoespiracy is a short documentary that sheds light on a 'shoe-shaped' public health scandal.
We speak with footwear innovators, Harvard professors, doctors and medical leaders to challenge the way we think about the effects of footwear on feet and health.
Vivobarefoot FAQ
What is my size and how do I work it out?
Everyone! Our shoes are naturally wider fitting and can accommodate all foot types. If you have an extra wide or extra narrow foot, come say hello or give us a call so we can help advise on a good style for your foot.
As a unisex shoe, there is no distinction between men and women’s styles; we do not make children's shoes.Answer
How do I clean/care for my Vivo's?
When possible, it’s best to use natural products for cleaning and weather protection. Soapy cold water beats a washing machine when it comes to our performance shoes. Products such as Nikwax for leather great too! We’re also partnered with Liquiproof spray, which uses Nano-technology to create an effective liquid repellent coating for your shoes, safeguarding against pesky spills and splashes.
What is special about our soles?
Barefoot shoes are foot friendly and foot shaped! The natural foot is wide, flexible and sensory – with thousands of nerve endings on the soles of your feet providing your brain with all the information it needs for skilful movement. Our soles are stable, strong and ultra thin; precisely engineered to maximize all that useful sensory feedback by minimizing interference between your feet and the ground.
All of our soles (except the Ultra) have a patented Pro 5 puncture resistant layer, with up to 5x the puncture resistance of other minimal shoe brands.
Sadly, it isn’t possible for our soles to be entirely puncture proof without compromising on the barefoot experience, and we wouldn’t to do that!
If all your shoes are barefoot, why do you have different soels?
Because our soles are designed with the true nature of your feet in mind, it's only natural that we make a variety of soles to provide you (and your kids) the barefoot experience wherever you find yourself- from the trail, to the city or the office.
Should I wear socks/insoles with my Vivo's?
It’s all a matter of personal preference. On a cold day, for instance, you might appreciate a pair of our Thermal Insoles. We recommend lightweight, non-restrictive socks, but they aren’t required if you’re sock averse. We believe that the ideal barefoot experience is insole free, but no one’s watching, so the decision is yours!
Our product pages will let you know if a shoe comes with a pair of our performance, thermal or everyday cork insoles, and they’re all available individually.
I have a medical history of injury, can I still transition?
Yes, but it’s best for any transition to be gradual and supervised by a medical professional, especially if you’ve been using corrective footwear. We’d recommend our Everyday shoes as an entry point, for everything besides long walks and running.
Vivo's appear to have less components than regular shoes, why are they so expensive?
Because we pay more for less! Our commitment to minimal shoes that are perfect for feet demands material of the highest quality, and an awe inspiring level of care and craftsmanship is put into each shoe.
Where do you produce your shoes?
We are in the process of moving our main production lines from China to Vietnam. We have offices in Ethiopia and Portugal too. We only work with factories and suppliers of the utmost integrity, and we never compromise our code of conduct or our standards, which are governed by the ILO. We are always striving to improve.
