Shop 5 of my favorite barefoot shoes featured in this barefoot shoe round-up! Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III: tidd.ly/3KuRZ0n Xero Shoes Zelen: xeroshoes.com/go/thatfitfriend/a3d821e7 Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 V3: fave.co/3ATOwDF Vivobarefoot Primus Asana: tidd.ly/3Rlx3fr Xero Shoes Prio: xeroshoes.com/go/thatfitfriend/fc7dc76c The above are affiliate links; if you buy through these links, I may receive a small commission on the sale. I buy ALL of the products featured on this channel and an affiliate link is NOT a sponsored link. I don't take money from companies and the commissions from affiliates help me buy more products and produce more content. At TF2, you have my promise that every review is performed independently and companies have no idea I'm reviewing their gear until it goes live Either way, use the link or don't! I just want to make sure you find the best workout shoes for your individual needs and wants. Reach out if you ever have additional questions!
Great video! Correction: the splay freestyle is actually $72.99 for adult sizes. The $53 mentioned is only for children's sizes. I have a pair that ripped on day 1, so not super happy with the durability, but they were kind enough to send me a replacement so I will say they're worth a try!
Facepalm. You are so right…this is why I shouldn’t be editing videos past 10 pm. Thanks for the catch 🤝 Also, did yours rip at the boot? I had a pair rip at the boot because I didn’t fully loosen them, but similarly, splay replaced and now I’ve learned to fully unlace before putting them on 😅
I would recommend Wildling shoes for more casual wear if you get a chance to review some of their models. Very comfortable with tons of mobility. Thanks for the awesome vid!
I actually have a pair in my cart that's been sitting there for a week or so, I'm going to pull the trigger and start working on them this week. Thanks for the suggestion!
@@thatfitfriend I just got my pair of Wildling Tanukis and I love them! For casual wear and everyday wear they rock! I’m not sure you would want to work out or run in them though. Great fit and feel.
Yeah...I've made that mistake, LOL. Wore the Vivo Striker model in the snow last year and was sliding + cut the heck out of my heel with them. The issue with barefoot shoes in snowy/slick terrains is their lugs aren't aggressive enough. I feel like it's tough to find a reallllly good trail-focused barefoot shoe with super aggressive lugs due to the lugs taking away from the "minimalist" goal of the shoe. PS - I'm based in Denver, too. If you ever want to hike/link for coffee, lmk!
Thanks for doing this, and nicely done :~) I would not call a shoe 'barefoot' that still has a tapered toe like that green Inov-8 model (in the crossfit and women's segments). Another plus for men of the Splay Freestyle is that they come in up to size 13 (US) (47 EU) Vivobarefoot goes even a couple sizes bigger than that. Also, kids! So valuable to have them growing up in barefoot-healthy shoes. Splay and Vivobarefoot have kids' models and sizes.
Welcome! Thanks for checking it out. Yeah, the inov-8 model is interesting…I don’t get their logic with it sometimes. It’s a good shoe, but could be so much stronger!
Thank you! They run fairly TTS, IMO. I have written review covering them, linking that below! WHITIN: thatfitfriend.com/whitin-minimalist-trail-runner-review/
Thank you! I've heard some folks talk about liking the Xero Shoes 360 for court sports. Motus Strength could also be good, but their price point is supperrrr high especially when risking them with court sport frition
Nice Video, I appreciate your effort. Question: "walking on a carpet, placed on plastic, placed on tiles of rubber" Are the such shoes with 3 flat layers from foot to ground? 1. Soft and strong - so the pebble is hugged a little 2. Hard and semi-bendable across foot length 3. Soft grip surface - for the foot (and have the sole curve up around the foot) (like stepping in foot steps)
I’d love a comparison for the Lems Primal 2 and the Lems Primal Zen. I just bought some Zen’s and I love them. I’ve been going between them and my Prio’s but I find the Zen’s to be better for longer ventures.
That's a great idea! I'm going to order a pair of Primal Zen this week and add them to the queue. Thanks for checking out the vid and dropping a note on what you'd like to see!
@@thatfitfriend The Zen's are great and fantastic for a beginner barefoot shoe. They don't feel like a barefoot shoe at all to me. That said, I actually have one other request. Would you be able to do a barefoot watershoe recommendation video? I was debating on getting a pair of Aqua X Sport from Xero but I don't want to spend $130.00 USD for a pair I'd legit only really wear to a beach or waterpark. I know that's probably a bit out of your wheelhouse, but all the watershoes I have seen on Amazon or at most surf shops have huge heel rises or you can feel all the tread in the sole and it's super uncomfortable.
@@michaelc1541 I can add that to my content list! Tbh, that content may come in the spring/summer next year when it's warmer again here in Colorado. That way I could actually get out and test them more thoroughly. Check out WHITIN on Amazon, they make some pairs that should work in that context, have a good price point, and give that zero-drop/wider construction!
Is there wide toes socks? Without the separate toes? I notice socks are just like everyday shoes. So if I wear Whitin minimalist shoes for casual, I want to wear socks with those. I may try those splay freestyle, primus asama and prima 2 shoes for everyday walking. Now would be nice to find a large toe sock to wear with them everyday.
Casual wear: Tolos Arch 2, Icarus Ascent Gen 2, Primus Asana, Feelgrounds Highrise Winter Boots: I have a pair of Tracker from Vivo and they DESTROYED my achilles, the Denver from Xero Shoes has been solid, tho!
I looked up Splay’s website. They don’t have very good stock (at least not now). Also, I wear a size 14 and they only go up to a 13 men’s. Too bad, as I would have given them a try. Lems has low stock, but they do carry larger sizes.
Hi Jake! Which model would you say has the most space above the foot? (I am thinking of adding an extra insole to balance out a Leg length deficiency so would need the extra room) Thanks!
Current after a good looking casual white sneaker and Ive narrowed it down to 4. Vivo Geo Court III, Origo shoes, Fluxfootwear, and Feelgrounds Luxe. Any recommendations between them? Thanks!
Would be great if you made a video on how to walk with these shoes! I understand tha concept of avoiding heel strikes while running, but walking is a different animal. I can't walk without my heels without looking like a mad man.
Heel to toe is normal walking mechanics, lol! Don’t avoid the heel hitting, if it’s too much impact in barefoot shoes or you’re doing longer walks, rotate shoe!
What would you suggest for someone that wants shoes mostly for lifting but also would use them for general use like walking the dogs/playing outdoor activities in? It’s a shame the vivo brand is always out of stock
Yeah, if not the Vivo Primus Lite III or Geo Racer Knit, I'd reach for the Xero Shoes Zelen due to the them looking the best also performing well for lifting. The 360 from Xero can also work well.
I have been wearing whitin shoes for over a year now (2 models) and I'm looking for something with a sole that will last a bit longer, but still have the same or better feel. How long do the either Xero shoes or Vivo soles last vs the cheaper Whitin?
thank you for making these videos . what shoe would you recommend for my daughter, she is running track and doing ROTC . something warm with the cold weather coming ?
@@thatfitfriend she is doing ROTC and just got a new pair of Converse from her aunt and loves them ! Loves them so much in fact that she hasn't worn anything else since she got them , including during ROTC ! It of course is making her legs and ankles hurt when she runs . I have been bare foot since birth . Hate shoes ! My daughter was a bare footer like me until she hit highschool and she wanted to fit in .. sooo . I'm thinking if I can get her a nice good quality running shoe , ( all the better if they allow her feet and body to move naturally ) she will be just as excited about them as the convers and wear them so her legs stop hurting .
@@justme-gj1wm gotcha! In this context/case, I’d say look into Altra models and see if she likes any of the styles. They typically run wider and should give her a nice wider cushioned ride with a zero drop construction (in most models, I believe)!
I’m looking for a pair of barefoot shoes. I do 1-2 mile runs 3x a week outside rain or shine. I know some can slip on wet pavement. My main training style is powerlifting and I pull conventional. I’m leaning toward Xero but if there’s a better option that’s $150 or below then I’d be fine with that as well.
Hey, I'd go Zelen or 360. IMO, you'll have some slip with them here and there but I find most BF shoes have that issue on damp/humid pavement due to their flatter soles.
@@thatfitfriend I can understand that. They do look different for sure. I have a fairly narrow foot and as far as barefoot shoes go they fit my feet the best. Other brands I've tried either fold a bit or just feel loose on my foot. I do workout in my garage so hardly anyone sees me with my toe shoes.
I had a pair of five fingers years ago. They were comfortable and durable but it took my forever to put them on. Couldn’t get my toes down in there easily. That was a deal breaker for me as I’m generally running out the door and don’t have an extra 20 minutes to put my shoes on. Currently rocking Xero Aqua Clouds and I love them. They are as close to actually being barefoot that I’ve experienced and I just put the center post through my toes and pull the heel strap on. Boom, done, gone.
What do you recommend for basketball shoes? I transitioned last year and am now looking to get out of my tight basketball shoes. I primarily play on hardwood.
Xero Shoes 360/Zelen I've heard work decently well, Tolos Archetype 2.0 could be worth exploring, and Vivo Primus Lite III/Motus (motus may run hot, tho)
i have the vruns just run another 10k today! Its my first and only barefoot shoe. Id never start running if it werent for vibrams. Im now waiting for a lems trailhead. I also like the Primus asana, and the casual ones shown in this video. The low boot one and the converse look alike.
@@thatfitfriend The lems trailhead is a semi-minimalist shoe. The only reason I went ahead and paid +50$ for shipping to europe from US is because I really liked the Mercury Sunburn color pallette.
Just looking into to investing in barefoot shoes. What would your recommendations be on the best way to transition to barefoot shoes? Also any recommends on a dress boot and/or white leather sneakers? Thanks!
I have a barefoot shoe guide on my channel that should help. Essentially, start slow and work your way up. Use them for low threshold activities like walking, then progress to higher threshold as you gain more comfort. I treat the acclimation period like training and use a progressive mindset based on what I'm doing. Check out the Icarus Ascent, I just covered those and they have a white leather option that comes with different insoles which could be great for your transition context!
I would also recommend getting toe spacers. In fact, start with that first since it's much cheaper than a shoe and you can take the time to research which pair you want while training with the toe spacers. Wear them while you're at home. Start at an hour and add time as they become more comfortable. I didn't use them until months after wearing barefoot shoes and dealt with intense pain. Of course I started with really weak feet so your experience may differ but I definitely advocate that toe spacers help make the transition easier.
wow. really great overview of your impressive collection of clown shoes. for me, they feel super comfortable and i can roll them up and put them in my pocket.
Not bad! My only gripe with them is their price for their performance on the trail. I'm not super stoked with their upper/tread for more gnarly hikes. For chill stuff they're fine!
I like them, but they're so dang ugly. Plus, they're not the best for every type of weather so they're a little limited there. I have written review on them on my site :)
I want to start trying out barefoot shoes for the first time. I don't know what to buy? It is Cold weather season and would like to wear them at my work for several hours but, need them to not get water logged during the couple times I walk out to the parking lot in the wet and snow. What brand/style do you recommend?
Not sure if you’ll see this as it’s a year old video, just curious to know your thoughts: I’m wanting to get into barefoot shoes for lifting and casual wear, but not quite ready to drop the money for something like the Vivobarefoot Primus Lites. I have an old pair of Metcon repper DSXs, and can tell they’re a much lower profile shoe than the Metcon 9s or most other cross trainers now. Do you think these are a good secondary option to lift in (for squats, deads, basic compounds) for a lower profile lifting option, as well as to get a little closer to that barefoot-style footwear? I’d love to grab a pair of Primus Lites eventually, but wondered if you think these will do for now. Thanks! @thatfitfriend
I need a good shoe for cross training. I usually workout barefoot but the new gym, this is not possible. What would you recommend for someone who does HIIT and lifting Thanks
I'm thinking about getting the Asana for powerlifting. What are your thoughts on that? I can get them on sale for like €80,- euro's, thats half the price of the Lite 3's...
@@thatfitfriend Hey Jake! Wanted to give a heads-up of the Primus Asana's. They are GREAT for working out. Lifting in them for about a month now, and they are awesome. Only think to consider is that they aren't as breathable as the Lite 3's, but I take that for granted. The Asana's are great for working out, very happy with them! 😎
Which training shoe is best in which category bro Nike flex tr4 and elevar hyperflo and adidas v trainer (AKA adidas dlux trainer) Can you recommend me a good shoe as i am in a great confusion on the above shoes for home workouts(No equipment) and recently I had bought a pair of dumbbells also and i am planning to start some dumbbells exercises also (full body) . I am from India bro
I haven't tried the Elevar or Nike Flex TR4, unfortunately! I can try to work through them in the next few weeks, though. The adidas Trainer V would be fine for you, IMO.
@@thatfitfriend thanks for the reply bro . It means a lot . Are there any better shoes than adidas v for me ?what's your thoughts bro ? Have a look on these shoes for a video bro .
@@thatfitfriend I dont mind so much on the Splays given what I paid for them ($70 shipped) but for the price of Vivos I would be less than happy. I am trying to find a shoe with a wide toe box that isnt a 3-5 month shoe. I am going to give Altras a try next since they are more geared toward trail use.
You had any issues with durability with the Vivobarefoot shoes? Seems to be hit and miss with reviewers if they fall apart easily or last for 50000miles
The soles can fade around 6-8 months if you're going hard in them everyday and using them for everything, but if you're rotating them in with other models or for specific things like working out, then you should be fine! They also do a decent job at replacing models, too, which can be a perk in some cases. TBH, it seems like their quality as a whole has went down a bit over the last few years, but impossible to know if that's true or if we're just having more data points than before.
@@thatfitfriend thanks Jake. Currently using a pair of vibram FiveFingers I got in 2012 for the gym. Stopped wearing them so they're still in good shape. Got a bare of vivos (rai something) for work and now I want something to wear on the day to day. Living in cold wet England, think I'm gonna risk the all weather primus vivos and see if they last.
Check out the Motus Strength, Tolos Archetype 1.0, Xero Shoes Zelen/Prio Neo, or Primus Lite III. All of those models work exceptionally well for different training asks!
@@thatfitfriend Nah man I'm 168 and my 1rm is only 3 plates :( I have a lot of imbalanced that I'm working on: anterior pelvic tilt and flat feet - which lead me to researching root causes and cures, eventually found your channel on this vid. Thanks for the info.. Gonna pull the trigger on Vivo Lite III as soon as a sale hits!
@@juangherardi6664 I like their sole better it has a flatter feel on the ground and feels less thick when you take the insole for deadlifts/lower body days. I also like the breathability better :)
@@thatfitfriend sory to keep bothering you, but which has better grip (which is less likely to slip) and what about other xero shoes, like prio neo or forza trainer, they are more expensive than the prio, but are they any better?
@@mikeo.1963 You're talking about the Feelgrounds Luxe model, right? I have a review live on my site covering them! Haven't had time to build out the video, yet.
Depends on a lot of factors. But in general, no, if you have a pair with good materials/wear socks on days where you know you’ll be sweating a lot (if you know you’re prone to stinky feet)!
What is this obsession that you have with LIFTING. no one cares about a shoe just for lifting. Most of us want either a running shoe or an everyday shoe - Walk, jog a little, run even less - go to the Jim do whatever......
