Merrell’s Pace Glove shortcomings were not improved in the release of the Lithe Glove. As a minimalist shoe, the Lithe Gloves are too narrow to allow the foot to function naturally and the sole has a myriad of issues that make them uncomfortable to walk or run in. The upper isn’t even comfortable as the heel seat digs painfully in the back of my heel. The only things going for this shoe are its added warmth for cooler temperatures and excellent grip.
Barefoot Banter – Episode 1 Episode 39 Originally released November 2nd 2011 Join us in this exciting new show format – our very first Barefoot Banter episode! A new and exciting addition to The Living Barefoot Show, Barefoot Banter is a casual sharing of ideas and important topics between [...]
We interview Michael and find out about the purpose of the new five-toed adidas training shoe. Aimed at professional athletes, the Adipure Trainer is the first adidas product that enteres the minimalist market in our definition. Learn about the shoe, it’s uses, and the future of the Adipure lineup.
Barefoot or Minimalist Running: Not as Simple as Ditching your Cushioned Shoes by Tina Dubois Barefoot and minimalist shoe running is gaining increasing attention from the media and runners alike but is it as simple as ditching your shoes completely or switching to a minimalist shoe with no [...]
Minimalist / barefoot shoes are now being made by most of the major performance brands. How do you know what is really a minimalist shoe and what is just marketing? There are 6 key features to look for. If the shoe you are looking at doesn’t have all 6, then it’s not a minimalist shoe.
Damien was our first guest on The Living Barefoot Show in 2009! We welcome Damien back to see what he’s been up to – and he has been busy. Damien has started a review site called ToeSalad.com and continues to share his experiences on his personal blog. Damien loves the outdoors and joins us today to give us his perspective on proper barefoot technique while Hiking.
The Neo Trail is another phenomenal product by VIVOBAREFOOT. They are extremely comfortable (with or without socks), have fantastic ground feel, and incredible traction on all wet or dry trail conditions including mud, roots, dirt, and gravel. It’s obvious to me that extra thought went into the design of these shoes in the angles of the lugs, the choice of materials, and the added protection for the arch and toes. The hydrophobic properties of the upper are really going to be handy in wet, snowy winter conditions. They are durably made and comparably priced. If you’ve been craving a truly minimalist trail shoe with excellent grip, the Neo Trail delivers.
VIVOBAREFOOT has done it again. Minimalist shoes have been with us for a couple of years now, and yet in the last year VIVOBAREFOOT has put out some of the most innovative shoes I have ever seen. I could hardly be more impressed. The Ultra is yet another winner in a long line of innovations this year. Because of the unique insert, consider the width of your feet and how you plan on using the Ultra before buying. If the fit is right, the Ultra may become your go-to shoes. This is truly a shoe that can work in almost any situation.
VIVOBAREFOOT Achilles Review By Al Gauthier Review of the VIVOBAREFOOT Achilles Sandal – A split toe minimalist running sandal that will blow your socks off! We have always respected VIVOBAREFOOT not only for the high quality shoes they produce, but for the innovative, fashionable, and truly minimalist approach. [...]
Inov-8 Bare-Grip 200 Review By Tina Dubois Review of the inov-8 Bare-Grip 200 – A Light-weight, Grip-galore, Minimal Off Trail Shoe This is the first Living Barefoot footwear review for the UK-based shoe company inov-8. The Bare-Grip 200 is designed as an off trail shoe, meaning across hills and [...]
Review of the VFF TrekSport The TrekSport is a vegan version of the KSO Trek (made of kangaroo leather) with the same aggressive tread designed for trekking and trail running. It is made of a stretchy coconut active carbon fiber material with TPU toe protection. The TrekSport upper also features a number of padded areas [...]
We are very pleased to review the new Evo II running-specific shoe from Terra Plana’s VIVOBAREFOOT product line. They are essentially the same as the Evo but made with a denser nylon mesh upper for increased water resistance and a microfiber lined interior for added comfort. They are spectacular minimalist running shoes made for colder temperatures and/or wet conditions. This review will be similar to the one written for the Evo but with additions to reflect the changes in the Evo II.
Running and Rambling shows us his Run Amocs after 500 miles of running. I like the style of these mocs and it just goes to show that we make progress sometimes by going back and revisiting the technology of the past. Also, if you like these shoes, there is a contest on until August 15th, [...]
Why Barefoot? Because being barefoot is healthy for you! Because being barefoot can feel great! Because being barefoot is how our bodies were designed! Have you ever stopped to think about why we need so much support and protection? The answer is that we don’t. The answer is that the more we wear shoes, [...]
Vivo Barefoot has a long list of stylish environmentally friendly minimalist shoes. We talk to Sabra about how Vivo Barefoot started and where it is going as a brand. We also find out more about the newly announced EVO running shoe, and upcoming Vivo Barefoot Events! If you have any questions for Sabra, call our [...]
This is another strong product from Vibram’s FiveFinger lineup. The Mocs are incredibly comfortable, pleasantly warm, and feel luxurious. They are the most pleasant feeling FiveFingers I have tested to date. They are appropriate for most indoor activities, and offer some protection and warmth in a comfortable package. More than any other FiveFingers model, these are truly gloves for your feet.
Review – Terra Plana’s Vivo Barefoot Leonidas Sandal We are pleased to review our second shoe from Terra Plana’s wonderful Vivo Barefoot series. We are already sold on the quality of the Vivo Barefoot series of shoes and are excited to review a sandal in this series. The Leonidas is another great example of excellent [...]
Maria Coryell-Martin writes a review on the Dundan Boot from Vivo Barefoot. While they are not currently featured on their site, we hope to get our hands on some of these for an extensive review for winter barefooting. I expect that Terra Plana will feature these boots again for the fall season. http://expeditionaryart.com/blog/2009/02/vivo-barefoot/
David Tweney, Senior Editor at Wired.com, agrees that ‘To Run Better, Start by Ditching Your Nikes‘.
The Vibram FiveFingers KSO and Classic have been reviewed by Wired. You can read the review and watch a cool video comparing barefoot, VFF, and normal running shoe running form at: http://www.wired.com/reviews/product/pr_vibram_fivefingers_kso.
Feelmax has updated their website! Check out the new models for 2009 at: http://www.feelmax.fi.
Keith Krone from http://keith-in-training.com answers questions from readers of his blog about Vibram FiveFingers.
Feelmax Shoes Review Note: Feelmax felt our review was unfair and that we did not do our homework during this review. After some suggestions from readers and speaking with Feelmax we were send a new and larger size of Niesa for re-evaluation. Here is the new review: http://www.livingbarefoot.info/2010/05/feelmax-niesa-re-review/ There are three brands that are always [...]
Vibram FiveFingers: Review of the Sprint, KSO, and Classic Styles I could not do justice to the barefoot cause and not give these amazing shoes a chance for the spotlight. Vibram FiveFingers have perhaps received more press than any other shoe, but not because of how great they are. Abandoning all that is common in [...]
While you may realize the health benefits of going barefoot, and may even love the sensation, you may find that your feet are too tender to be barefoot all the time, and you likely have social reasons for not being able to bare your feet as often as you wish. You may live in a part of the world that is too cold during the winter to walk barefoot.
Finally shoe companies have started responding to a growing market that craves a more minimalistic shoe – one that is more healthy, simple, and more like being barefoot. READ ON…
Run Softly, Naturally Can a Gait Makeover Improve Your Running? By Brian Metzler As featured in the March 2009 issue of Running Times Magazine For years, running coaches and elite athletes have preached that good running form is the key to efficient running and faster times. Cucuzzella is sharing what he learned about efficient form [...]
So, I may have fallen prey to brilliant marketing, but I went out and got a pair of the Vibram Five Fingers Sprints. I wore them out and about all day today, and then took them up to the gym and the thrill mill for a little road test. More
Vibram Fivefingers – Almost Barefoot
These innovative new sandals re-create the sensation of going barefoot without the risk of stepping on something sharp. Perfect for anything from kayaking to