Opinions on vivobarefoot shoes?

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?80766-A-quot-Camp-Shoe-quot-option

Rif has me interested in the Ultra Pure, at least for off trail training.

I have a pair of the Vivobarefoot Evo II shoes that I got last year. I have not had any durability problems with them. The shoes have the thinnest outsole of any shoe I have and when I have taken them trail running, you definitely feel the sharper rocks – it certainly makes you more careful! This shoe also has a larger toe box than my Merrell Trail Gloves and my Innov-8 Road-X 155.

Thanks.
I have a pair of vivobarefoot ra's in black, which are basically a minimalist black leather work shoe. It keeps my feet feeling good if I have to dress up. Even with the insoles out, they don't seem that thin to me. They are also pretty uncomfortable considering I have only worn them a few times, very stiff and digs in my heal. I need to break them in better.
I have been using a pair of van's that I did surgery on to remove the massive insole/midsole and the sole is very thin, definitley less than 5mm. I put in a really thin vivobarefoot insole. They pretty much mold to the surface that I am walking on, it's nice. Those have worked for me for quite a while but they pretty much have imploded and have gaping holes in the canvas. And now those same shoes are now being made with thicker soles… so I need a change. I was going to get the aquas in brown suede leather with the red fleece lining as a street shoe.

I have a pair of Evos which I love. Really light weight and great groundfeel. I did try taking the insoles out to make them even thinner, but that was a bit extreme for me as it was literally like walking barefoot. Mine were a little weird to start as they folded in the wrong place on one foot, so were a little painful, but that has eventually softened and now they are really comfortable.

I mostly use them for walking around town etc, although I have done about 8-9miles on dirt tracks and they were fine. Maybe a little too thin for trail running for me though.

Hi
I really like vivo barefoots, I have sone Ras some Dharmas and some Oaks, which are relatively smart and I wear to work.
I did have to wear the Ras half a dozen times before the leather was soft and comfortable, but now they are great.
I also have some Evos which I just bimble around in and some Neo Trails which I run and walk in. I size up and wear sealskinz in cold weather.
If I were you I would suggest that you look at the new breatho trails as the only issue I have with the Neos is that when they get wet they take along time to dry out and they hold alot of water.
James

I have the Ultra M with the removeable liner for casual wear and especially for the beach in the summer. They fit my wider feet just fine and can be worn with the liner, or with the liner removed and a variety of socks to suit the days need or barefoot for stream crossings, etc….

I liked them so much I ordered the Breathos and should have them tomorrow.

Tony

my size 13 (maybe 46?) weigh 7.9oz for the pair, and they're super comfortable.

Thanks guys, good to know. I will get some soon.

Please post your thoughts after you get them. I'm considering the Neo Trails.

How is the toe box width?

Some sites suggest getting one size up, others do not. Is this just on certain models or the entire vivobarefoot line? Anyone's experience? I would love to order some online but I'm not sure which size I should go for.

Okay, here is my experience with the mens sizes at least. I sized up one size on the Ultra which is the "Croc" like rubber model. With the insert is is just a tad snug in length, and without the insert is it a bit long. With light socks it is perfect.

based on this I tried the Breathos and the Neo Trail. The Breathos felt nice one size up, plenty of width but the angled outer toe box side did squeeze my toes inward a bit. The Neo Trails have a heavier wrap around rubber toe guard and squeezed even more. No bad but not great either. This is simply a foot shape issue though becuase of the curve/angle of the forefoot. Another persons foot may be just fine in them.

For reference the MB Minimus MT10s are un-wearable for me as the entire forefoot angles inward. I also tried the Merrell Trail Glove in a wide size. These felt perfect with so much toe room and no pressure on the sides of my toes. After wearing the Trail Gloves around the house for an hour both the Neo Trails and the Breathos were packed up and on their way back to the dealers. Great shoes, well made and probably very usable even for my feet but when we are dealing with shoes at $100 a pair the Merrells were just so much more comfortable for me.

So, each shoe model, even within a single product line varies. Clearly the Ultras are made to a different last as they feel great while the others squeezed a little to a lot.

While not sturdy enough for real hiking or backpacking the Leming Primal Origins are super comfy. Sort of a cross between a cushy running shoe and a slipper. Butter soft uppers, a super ground feel and an ultra wide, rounded forefoot and toe box.

I know Leming has taken the difference in foot shapes between women and men into consideration and would think Vivo has too. Try a pair from Zappos or Planet Shoes, wear them for an hour inside and if not right you get free postage for the return. Most of these are hard to find in person to try on so mail order is my only option to judge fit.

Hope this helps.

I just received some aqua's in suede leather. It took me a very long time to find these, they aren't made in suede anymore. I love them!
I will probably get some neo trails soon, I just really liked the aquas for an everyday shoe… but I will try these out hiking. They have the perfect amount of flexibility for me and they are super comfy. No need to wear socks with the liner and the mesh is closed off by the comfy liner, which means it breathes better but is still more closed off. With the laces tightened down, they fit perfectly and with them a little loose, there is plenty of room to fit in a wool sock.

I ended up purchasing the Breatho Trails. After a disappointing experience with the Merrell Trail Glove, I was really hoping I'd like the Breathos as they were the only other shoe that had the combination of features I was looking for.

Thus far, I've only worn them on one hike. I'm really pleased with them…the fit, comfort and particularly, the traction. I'm not keen on their looks but that's a minor gripe. As long as they work, I don't care. Another point I'd make is that in my humble opinion, the quality of materials don't look as solid as the Merrell Trail Gloves. These materials may turn out to be just as long lasting though. Time will tell. Can't wait to put some more miles in them!

EDIT: Re the sizing, I typically wear a 9.5 mens and some times a 10. When I ordered, I got two sizes: a 42 (9) and 43 (10). The 43 felt too sloppy for me so sent them back (Zappos has free shipping both ways!)