My 3 Year Experience Running Barefoot | Vivobarefoot Review For Ironman Triathlon

[@duckyluver12]

I had a similar experience with pain disappearing, but in a retail job where I was standing and walking around on concrete floors all day for 8+ hours. I was getting such intense knee and ankle pain by the end of my shifts, so I kept buying more and more cushioned shoes. Then I got promoted to the footwear manager in our store so I had to do some serious shoe research, and found barefoot shoes. Thought hey why not give them a shot? Bought a pair of vivo's and the first day wearing them on an 8 hour shift all my pain was gone and my feet didn't feel dead by the end of the day. Then I had so much trouble selling ultra-cushioned shoes to people in my job because of my experience. I've never looked back.

[@LewisFordham]

It’s crazy how much they can make a difference isn’t it! I’m glad you managed to find some shoes that work for you!

[@BWT599]

I'm now hooked after my first week with my Vivo Forest ESCs. I could actually walk around the house barefoot on hardwood floors for the first time vs needing my decades old Birkenstocks. My feet noticeably changed by day 7 too. Toes were more web like.

[@Trichick]

This is exactly what I’m going through now!!!! I transitioned to Altra escalante. I’m going barefoot now. I wore saucony triumph 14 yrs and destroyed my toenails permanently because of the toe spring. My podiatrist said I couldn’t have toe spring. So I’m transitioning to barefoot shoes. I had reef rover reach flip flop sandal I could walk in them 5 miles. I sell cushioned running shoes and seeing all the BS the running shoe companies are doing it’s pushed me into barefoot shoes

[@jaimecarson2418]

I bought a pair of vivo's last September and have wore them exclusively since to run in. No issues at all I have better ankle mobility and balance. Did a 50k trail run in April and just finished a iron man last month running in them best shoes ever!

[@zsoltkelemen1485]

Once you transition to minimalist shoes there is no turning back, right? I had a similar journey almost a year ago when I transitioned from "conventional" running shoes to barefoot style shoes. I have chosen the Vibram Five Fingers KSO. Since day 1 I am only running in them. My feet got stronger, I have much better mobility and overall my running form has also improved. Recently I have also bought a paid of Merrell Vapor Glove as a daily shoe, super pair also.

[@allhandmade1]

I started wearing Vibram five-finger shoes back in 2008 and loved how they felt (and always got comments from strangers about them.) Great barefoot shoes. The Vivo Barefoot shoes are also very stylish and comfortable.

[@Trichick]

So great to see another triathlete review Vivo thanks for the video

[@grun5848]

biology has developed us for thousands of years as the most efficient runners in the world and along the way we managed to fuck it up, who would have thunk that running barefoot was best?

[@brandonosborn1085]

Pretty sure horses are more efficient at running than us

[@StinkygooberTM]

@@brandonosborn1085 because of our ability to sweat we can run at a “gallop” speed much longer then horses or dogs because they can’t pant or cool down while at a “gallop”. From what I understand this is how humans would have hunted, basically getting the animal at a steady running pace for a long time and eventual the animal will get heat stroke while us humans won’t.

[@brandonosborn1085]

@@StinkygooberTM bet a horse will destroy a man in a mile race

[@BrorEvgeni]

@@brandonosborn1085 Yes, ofcourse. But humans in good shape will beat a horse at a 100-mile run.

[@brandonosborn1085]

@@BrorEvgeni never seen a human run 100 miles straight.

[@juliapiton7695]

AAAAAA YOU CONVINCED ME TO GET MY FIRST BAREFOOT SHOES! THANKS SO MUCH

[@LewisFordham]

Hahaha, no worries! I hope you like them!!

[@DafishpImPlE]

I own 5 pairs of vivos, 3 pairs of Merrell vapor gloves, and 2 pairs of xero sandals. They are all the only shoes I enjoy wearing anymore. I have altras but I now feel they have too much padding and are now uncomfortable to me haha

[@LewisFordham]

Got the whole collection haha, that’s amazing! I might have to try some of those, I’ve only ever used vivo’s, but definitely agree about wearing other shoes... especially when running!

[@JasonFarrell]

Hey - I read that the Vapor Gloves 3 have arch support, which is a barefoot no-no. Is the arch built-in, or is it only in the insole so it can be removed? EDIT2: My mistake, it was the Trail Glove with some arch support

[@DafishpImPlE]

@@JasonFarrell the vapor glove doesn't have any arch support, the trail gloves do though

[@boolas]

I own 3 pairs of vapor gloves 4 and love them. Are they much different than vivos? I'm thinking about buying a pair but they're quite expensive ;) (albo been running in altras escalante from time to time)

[@DafishpImPlE]

@@boolas my vivos are far better than the Merrells in terms of quality and durability. My vapor gloves are starting to rip all around the material, I've had a pair of vivos that I've worn nearly every day for 2 years and they still look new

[@jmdennis1967]

I appreciate the information. I will not be running but walking and using these at work. I know for me it will be better for me.

[@SammyVista1972]

You summed it up perfectly Lewis! I have a few pairs of Vivo shoes myself. They made my feet aware of what was going on under them, they corrected many issues I was having. Back pain, I was prescribed orthotics, hated them, so I started researching, read Born to Run by Christopher McDougal, less was more seemed to be the mantra. Every shoe I have now is a zero rise with as thin a sole as possible. My only complaint with Vivo is the soles on 2 pairs perished - literally cracking from drying out - from who knows what. Yours, while they look quite worn, still look serviceable. Maybe I got the two pairs with a bad mix of materials for the soles. Vivo customer service could not give a hoot, even after I offered them the shoes with no expectations of getting a new pair or two on the house, I simply wanted an analysis of why the soles perished while soles on my other pair of Vivo's - and other much less expensive shoes I have never had this happen. Live and learn, I had the hightop pair resoled with a thin Vibram sole. Not quite as flexible now but I still get great feel underfoot. Thanks for posting this very explanatory review. I have subscribes!

[@LewisFordham]

Ahh thank you so much dude!

[@dantosinferne]

i ordered some lems shoes about a week ago (not true barefoot but hopefully close enough) should arrive next week, i can't wait. i love being barefoot, and i've struggled with shoes my whole life. even the 'thin' shoes out there felt clunky and i felt unbalanced in them. nearly every pair i've ever had causes some sort of weird foot pain and blisters if I wear them for a long enough stretch (and this goes on for at least for the first couple months). it never felt right, and so i would avoid doing things that required shoes. often if i had to go out, i would just wear flipflops, which were more comfortable than other shoes in spite of getting in the way or still causing foot pain (flip flops require you to 'hold' the shoe on with your toes in a weird way). i love running, but i haven't ran in years because of how weird my shoes felt. i never tried to 'push through' that discomfort, especially not to the point of injury, because i could just TELL it was causing damage even if it didn't hurt at the time. i'm hoping i can start running again. or, if the lems aren't barefoot enough for that, at least let me go to the store feeling more comfortable and sure-footed while i try to find and save up for 'true' barefoot shoes. i've never understood how so many people wear all these weird shoes. big clunky sneakers, pointy toe boxes, tight material against the ankles, i just don't get it. and it boggles me every time someone mentions how 'ugly' barefoot shoes look. apparently after years of struggling with shoes, i just never found their fashionability worth attention, because whenever i see barefoot shoes, all i think is 'huh that looks comfortable'. i mean, some of the designs might be meh, but that's true for tons of 'normal' shoes, and the wide toe box sure as shit doesn't bother me....i don't get it lol

[@julzius6796]

I had knee pain and was suggested by my Chiropractor to try barefoot. I approached it similar to you and just went all in, except I started without shoes. This worked for a bit as I mainly ran about my local park which was clean of litter and such but I eventually found myself getting random bits of glass or metal rubbish puncturing my foot when I ran elsewhere. Stick and stones are fine it's just the man-made litter that causes an issue even with hardened skin (you create a natural barrier of hard skin when running barefoot it's quite amazing). Since I wanted to run without getting splinters or cuts I went and spent $200 AUD on Vivo barefoot shoes, which have lasted AGES. Really worth the money for me and my barefoot-style running journey. Recently I have tried the cheaper Merrell VAPOR GLOVE 5 barefoot-style shoes which have proven really great as well over the past couple of months.

[@paulysci925]

Now you just need bont cycling shoes in double wide and you're set😉👍👌best thing I've ever bought for my cycling coupled with the new wahoo speedplay pedals!

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Posture advantage is interesting.

[@maychan1647]

I bought my first pair of Vivobarefoot on sale to only use as a light, travel running shoes at first about 9 years ago. I have been wearing them on and off for a couple of years for running. I feel really great running in the barefoot shoes and recently decided that I only want to run exclusively in them. I have developed a gnarly callus / blister where I strike between my big and 2nd toe. People who are new to it should know it takes a long time to acclimate to barefoot running. I am glad you shared your experience and pictures of your shoes because when insoles started to get holey, I got really sad and went and bought a new pair on sale. Great to hear you and other people writing about long distances since I wasn’t sure if it was a bad idea to run / train a marathon distance in them. I really like the feedback that I get from the ground when I wear barefoot shoes. I noticed I run extremely sloppy and my feet feels heavy when I switch back to “normal” sneakers. Have you experienced bad blisters when increasing your distances?

[@LewisFordham]

Hmmm, to be honest I haven’t ever really had any blisters that are too bad. I do sometimes get one very rarely on my little toe but that’s very very rarely and so small I don’t notice it. Do you wear socks with your shoes? I know some people don’t, but I do and this might help avoid them! The only other time I’ve got a blister is from running in hot conditions for a long distance on the bottom of my foot but that was only the once!

[@maychan1647]

@@LewisFordham I just watched a bunch of other videos on running in barefoot shoes and realized that I was striking literally at one point at the tip of my forefoot and I tried lowering my heel and now the weight is spread across the entire surface rather than one point.

[@silencioish]

i have merrel vaporglove (trail barefoot running shoes) and I love it .. but only on the trails ... its definitely not for running on the concrete or asphalt.

[@maxmurray8284]

I think it’s a good idea because if you did try to change to shoes with more padding you might get injured instead of feeling any benefits

[@LewisFordham]

Very good point... I don’t think I’ll be trying any new shoes before Ironman haha! Don’t want it to end in a disaster haha

[@rudedog1974]

As a teacher I spend all day on my feet in vivo barefoots and I spend all my time at home without shoes....I found the vivos too firm to run long BUT I think you get the benefit from them ie they work the muscles of your feet, correct your posture etc with the every day use. My fallen arches are 100% better, my back problems all but gone...I now wear altra to long walk/run in as zero drop and foot shaped. This seems to be a great combination that works in my little experiment of one (me). What I would say is be prepared for your feet to be soooooo tired when you first start working them, it made me realise the muscles in my feet had not done a bit of work for years. That goes after a few weeks and your feet feel stronger.

[@triathlonsushi]

I have original FiveFingers and have used for some running too. These look a lot more forgiving. Now I use Astra for long runs mainly. I use the 1st gen Zoom Fly for track sessions and races. I've tried the 3rd gen ones too, but they are slower when I run. Shoes are defiantly individual things. You are lucky to have found the ones suit you so well. I might give it a go too.

[@TheSandkastenverbot]

For those who wanna give it a try: there are good minimal shoes for

[@GingerApe]

Had a pair of vivo’s for a couple of years now and still going strong, use them to walk in mainly, haven’t had the guts to run in them yet cuz getting injured is a concern

[@LewisFordham]

Ahh yeah it can be scary, I’m at a point now where I don’t want to run in ‘normal’ running shoes as I don’t want to injured haha! Maybe just start with a run/walk and see how they go!

[@GingerApe]

@@LewisFordham yeah think I’ll try a couple of little workouts, going from adidas ultra boost 21’s to barefoot would cause problems if I go too hard 😂

[@Alwaysttango]

It will only cause the biggest doms in your calves. If you're crazy enough to ignore the pain and push running barefoot beyond doms then yes, you will get injured but I highly doubt anyone can.

[@benmiller7930]

My take is do your steady effort run workouts in a barefoot shoe to strengthen your foot and work on form. Use a cushioned race shoe for speed work and racing.

[@victoriarios9953]

Thanks for sharing! I’m using Altras. I see the difference now of running in zero drop. Thinking of getting these for payment running.

[@LewisFordham]

No worries at all! I definitely think running / walking barefoot has its benefits and it worth trying if you get a chance. Even on sand or grass completely barefoot :)

[@FatalOnion]

Fellow Altra runner here as well. Been highly considering jumping into a pair of Vivo's myself. Since running in Altra's, it would only seem the transition into a minimalist shoe like the Vivo would be a much smoother process.

[@kulch2008]

Former Altra runner here, now in the 5 fingers. Altras are the perfect stepping stone, go for it, you won't regret it. But take it slow at first.

[@lizaho246]

I am transition....since useing minimal my feet have got wider so any normal race shoe I have do not feel comfy now atall and I've gave to my mum lol.....so I have started doing everything in vibrams or merrells even bough walkinb boots vivio ones ...as I will be running long distances tho I have bought altra race which I've just seen u also run in them...great to see others useing all these type of shoes instead of the space ship shoes that are becoming the fashion

[@user-wc6bl4zs4i]

Barefoot shoes are really expensive. I’ve just been wearing moccasins. I don’t run but at work or running errands. Moccasins. They’re not super wide but they stretch. I love them. It’s basically like wearing slippers out in public

[@willemhaifetz-chen1588]

No issue. 4 time full distance ironman finisher here.

[@LewisFordham]

That’s amazing, good to know it’s even possible haha!

[@willemhaifetz-chen1588]

@@LewisFordham I am training for Ironman Nice - hopefully - finally Sep 22 this year, you?

[@SamanthaHAgastin]

Interesting experience. Got a pair of Merrell Vibram sole, will test it running soon. I usually run with NB minimum drop, great for cushioning, knees/ankles are thankful. Walking they are incredibly light and comfortable. Wasn't sure about your pair, many commented about boosters in the area of the heel... I'm glad to see your review and total satisfaction.

[@johnsands146]

I don't run I walk. Picked up the exact pair you did for 50 quid on Ebay, as new. Two four milers then 14 miles last Sunday with no issues other than slight rubbing on little toe as they seem to crease in one precise spot as the foot bends. Many people buy then can't get on with so there's bargains to be had if you hunt around.

[@LewisFordham]

That’s awesome dude, that’s some long walks haha. I do agree that they seem to bend only in one spot, actually something I realised is that where the rubber sole on my vivo’s attaches/ is glued to the actual shoe has started to peel slightly where the bend on the foot is which is kinda annoying. Great idea looking seconds hand though, I’ve never really looked to be honest!

[@johnsands146]

@@LewisFordham My dog can't run due to hip and knee surgery but 4-7 mile walks is our daily thing. I just wanna be outdoors. Joined up the walks and went round my home city of Portsmouth last Sunday to make a memory with hound face while he's still young and able. Loads of gym bunnies seem to use those shoes for training but sell them on hardly used. Mine were like new and then others don't get on with them from the start. I packed out the little toe area with gaffa tape to stop the fold a bit and used your idea of leaving them very loose. That helped with the minor rubbing so thanks for that. Like your channel mate. Good honest content and you come across well. Cheers.

[@krilin84]

I'm heading this direction because of my flattish feet and plantar faciitis. Liked your vibe and appreciate you base your opinion on your own experience.

[@LewisFordham]

Thanks dude! These definitely have helped my flat feet (I was actually told by a doctor when I was younger I had bad flat feet!) hope this video helped!

[@danielhughes495]

nice video. I have got Altra Lone Peaks to run my first 57k race as a gate way to transition to vivo for the added protection on the trails. I do walk around every day and lift in the vivo stealths. love them

[@LewisFordham]

Thanks dude! 57k race!!! That’s insane, good luck on it!

[@jonathandjing1065]

They are the answer for my painful flat foot

[@God-Almighty]

Which brand are your glasses I like them !

[@christopherbyron8185]

I wore vivobarefoot trainers for a marathon last year. No issues. The previous year I ran the same marathon in reebok Nano's and had hip pain after the marathon. The vivobarefoot forces you to run on the front balls of your feet.

[@MrRampro]

Ran my ultra in them, no blisters or issues.

[@adamsimpson8578]

The lack of cushion forced me to be mindful of my impact on the ground and my form. So like, they forced me to run consciously and that stopped my shin splints, knee pin, and ankle soreness.

[@scotchmist_]

You ran marathon in vivos? Wow, that's inspiring!

[@michaelx7341]

I own a pair of Vivobarefoot shoes. After about 50 miles, the soles cracked and started to fall apart. Vivobarefoot did NOT stand behind their product. Check out the 1 star reviews on the Vivobarefoot website and you will see that many others say that they don't stand behind their shoes.

[@davidmoser6057]

Hi there cool video :) Maybe a video about your diet? Or how you got into sports/marathons...?

[@LewisFordham]

Thanks David! I can definitely do something like that, that sounds like a good idea! I’ll make a note of it haha, thanks again!

[@davidmoser6057]

@@LewisFordham So cool :) looking forward to it! I haven't really seen a lot of your videos but Ill def. watch more because I really think its made professionally, compassionatly and with a good style too :D... I dont understand why you dont have more followers/ views. As I was just recently getting into running, especially barefootrunning I found your content thats why I was interested how you got into this passion of yours and how it developed into what its today.

[@LewisFordham]

Thank you so much! Means a lot man, that’s awesome that you’re getting into running. I’ll definitely have to make a video about how I got into running/triathlon!

[@douglote3419]

At 4:50 in the video I feel the same thing as you. I overpronate when I run because of weak arches and an ankle injury I sustained from another sport gave me very bad ankles. At the time of the injury I didn’t understand how serious it would be and it wasn’t till i started to get knee pain everytime I went out running when I recovered, that I realised how bad my ankle mechanics had become. So I tried running in a water shoe I had laying around because I felt as though my shoes were causing me pain. The water shoes gave me a taste of minimal running and now I have Vivos. Long story short, I feel that when running in minimal shoes because the arch of your foot is being used it’s aligning your ankles when you land because when you tense your foot or make the space between the ball of your foot and your heel smaller, which is what would happen when your foot arch contracts (pretty sure 😂), your ankle aligns correctly if it’s not already. I’m far from an expert but that’s what I think happens! Great video, keep it up.

[@LewisFordham]

I definitely agree with that! That’s exactly what it felt like for me! That’s a good explanation dude, glad you found vivo’s like I did haha!

[@bbetros]

Do you personally think you are able to sprint in them ? Like a quick burst of a 40 yard dash ?

[@LewisFordham]

Absolutely! I think they’re even better for sprinting than they are the longer distances!

[@trevorsanchez91]

@LewisFordham do you plan to run the Ironman in the Primus Lite III? How’s the soles holding up? I was close to ordering some before reading of sole durability issues... separation from the uppers due to creasing and poor glueing. Wondering if I should proceed or jump to the SG lightweight trails, for road/treadmill running. Thanks!

[@matthiross]

Lewis, Great video! As a triathlete, I wonder how this translates to cycling. Does it change anything for road cycling: shoe models, power output or cleat position or whatever? I can't find much useful information on that subject.

[@henrikemppainen2511]

I just got the Primus Lite II Bio. First impression is they don't really match the shape of my foot very well at all. They're quite long and narrow. I'd like to go a size or two down in length and one or two up in width, especially around the ball of foot. It's pinching my foot there (even if I completely loosen the laces; the shoes' tongue is pretty short and doesn't reach very far down the forefoot). It's possible the fabric will stretch with use and wear and that'll make the the width ok. The length might be more of a challenge. I don't mind the extra space per se, but I'm concerned about "stubbing a toe" on asphalt, which happens when the shoe is too long and/or doesn't have enough curvature at the tip to make a clearance. Given the weather, I'll be running on snow, ice, and wet slush tonight and won't know about grabby asphalt anytime soon :)

[@henrikemppainen2511]

Ok, I just ran an easy 7k followed by a couple kilometers of walking. I like the shoe. Initially there was a seam killing me at the outer edge of forefoot, around where the leathery part of the shoe (where the "bottom" of the laces have their first hole) meets the fabric. Half way through I didn't really feel it anymore. And it didn't feel too tight when running. A bit too long; I'd definitely drop down a size if not two if I could choose now. I did have a little bit of that "stubbing toe on asphalt" feel on the walk back but it wasn't too bad, it's not like I was tripping over my shoes. The ducks were loud. Traction was surprisingly good on hard, packed (slippery) snow and I had no trouble in the parts where I'm usually prone to slipping. Slush was tricky to run in and I could hear the runner behind me come closer every time I got in a slushy section, but that's 100% expected from a minimal shoe with not much tread to speak of. I wanted to try some deeper snow but it hasn't been snowing today and the usual patch of fresh snow that I run through had already been stomped down by too many feet to count. As for the weight.. honestly I was expecting these shoes to be a little lighter than they are, but I'm not complaining -- these are the lightest shoe I have and I really like it. Also my feet felt super super fresh at the end, which is not the case with thicker shoes that have more fabric to entrap moisture. I used a normal cotton sock at about zero degrees celsius. It was neither cold nor hot. Just perfect. I saw two rabbits. No jackdaws :( Now I'm a bit conflicted because I'd like to drop down a size but these aren't a cheap shoe..

[@LewisFordham]

Love that dude! I’m glad you gave them a shot, I’m sure everyone has a different experience running in them. They are a very odd running show to go for haha, but it sounds like you had a fairly good one and definitely experienced some of the benefits I feel when running in them. But as you say, they’re not exactly a cheap shoe to be experimenting with haha. Maybe try and introduce a couple runs here and there in your current ones, and if you feel like it’s something you want to stick with, or even run more in and could invest in another set a size down? With my ones I tend to wear them VERY lose, to the point I never undo the laces, just slip them on. This helps me not feel too restricted in them, I do find the first few runs in a new set can feel a little tight around the mid foot but once they’ve moulded a bit I suppose, they feel much better!

[@henrikemppainen2511]

@@LewisFordham Yea, I'll probably run them for at least a couple months and then decide if I want to buy another size. Thankfully running is a fairly cheap sport even if you end up with a few pairs of shoes that aren't the perfect fit. And I guess that's almost inevitable. Even if I could try a shoe on at a store, it is my experience that no shoe feels perfect right off the shelf.. and the ones that feel comfy for five minutes in a store don't necessarily feel that good two hours into a run.

[@LocalYokel01]

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[@adamsimpson8578]

I just wanna see if anyone has ever done ultramarathon distances in barefoot style shoes or if after a certain distance is that cushion something most people would probably prefer

[@eagleironic5815]

Lewis, thank you for this video, very informative. I’m only just diving into the rabbit hole that is barefoot shoes. You’re the first triathlete I’ve seen talk about them here. I only started running ~4 months ago, and am already on my second pair of (padded) shoes. I’ve been lucky and haven’t had any injuries, but safe to say the shoes I’ve had so far don’t blow me away. I’ve heard some people say they have trouble going back to regular shoes after barefoot ones. How do you find the feeling of cycling shoes now? Especially as they’re traditionally quite restrictive.

[@LewisFordham]

No worries at all, I’m glad it helped a bit haha. I think the biggest thing I don’t like with more transitional shoes is feeling like there a lot of shoe around my foot if that makes sense? I don’t like the heavy feeling and not being able to feel the ground under me, or feel what I’m standing on etc. I usually wear slip on vans and converse outside of running which are quite minimalist themselves, but with cycling shoes I think because my feet aren’t on the ground, I don’t need that feeling of ‘feeling the ground’ if that makes sense? As your fixed into one position is a completely different feeling all together. But I have to admit, I don’t think that I can’t wiggle my toes around in the shoes, that is annoying and something I don’t like!

[@eagleironic5815]

@@LewisFordham It’s very helpful! I totally get what you mean, outside of sport, I get around in sandals, or barefoot if I’m at home. Funnily, I quite like the “stuck to the pedal” feeling of cycling shoes, it can be re assuring. Though I agree, not being able to wiggle my toes sucks!

[@Zivojinovic50]

Hi Lewis, how did you find the road version of vivo holding up in wet surfaces when running in the city, like the level of grip on wet footpath as well as grassed area like in a park? Im not sure if i need to get the trail version or road version for winter road running. The road ones don't seem to have lots of treads. Cheers

[@PrimeWeedy]

Most people don’t like it because they have become dependent on shoes for cushioning. I noticed the exact same issue with striking the ground causing knee and ankle pain. Did my first 5k in Tom’s! Vivian Barefoot 🦶🏾 is on the list of purchases in 2021

[@LewisFordham]

Exactly that, it never felt right running in cushioned restrictive shoes, for me it’s kinda like wearing thick gloves and trying to tie a knot in some string, it becomes frustrating because you can’t feel what you’re doing! If you do get some vivo’s, I’m sure you’ll love them!

[@PrimeWeedy]

@@LewisFordham well said. My body requires that instant feed back. For the correct stride length and striking point I am rewarded with no pain. For a misstep, I am instantly corrected.

[@iulianpop3062]

very interesting!!!

[@ochoyoga]

I am from Mexico and was always walking with tyre wheel sandals for a long time (and now I got deformed feet) nah just kidding. I can rely on barefoot shoes and they do a really good job. I would recommend a slow transition, short walks and increase. So far, they are amazing shoes and I really like them.

[@Trichick]

Would you suggest the primus lite or their trail shoes as your first barefoot run shoes?

[@jgsk78]

I switched to barefoots about 5 years ago.. After a lot of research, I was the usual foot and knee pain case.. so first for walking and casual, but then some 3 years ago after a terrible ankle sprain in traditional basketball shoes I dumped them and started playing ball in barefoots too.. Lighter, faster no join pain, no sprains! I'll never wear anything else.

[@LewisFordham]

That’s amazing! So cool to know that others have had a similar experience to me, still surprises my how much of a different barefoot shoes make!

[@jgsk78]

@@LewisFordham yeah cheers, although you don't seem to be a typical case, you say you hit big mileage almost from the get go. Transitions usually take longer. Maybe cause you're younger but also I think your a bit gifted with great alignment, strong feet, good ankles, good genes. When I put first barefoot shoes in Vivo store years ago I went like.. "and you can run in this???!!! Lots of happy miles!!!

[@emmacheetham2403]

Great video, Ive been wearing barefoot shoes for nealry 4 years now and I love them but only for walking Ive never tried running but may give it a go now! Ive never tried the brand vivo, which is your favourite model of shoe from this company? :)

[@henrikemppainen2511]

What is the advantage of a barefoot shoe over a bare foot?

[@LewisFordham]

Honestly... probably not much, or even none! I think it offers a bit more protection if terms of if you step on a stone etc. it doesn’t quite hurt so much haha. Apart from that though, I don’t think theres much difference!

[@henningratjen4364]

Its mostly for protection against sharp objects etc. Also, they can keep your food a bit warmer and dryer, in winter you can combine them with socks. From a social standpoint, being barefoot looks a bit unusual, so people might feel more comfortable wearing light shoes.

[@ANUMPA1]

Has anyone ever gotten stress fractures from these? I did a few years ago using five finger shoes but want to give these a try

[@GingerApe]

I’ve tried running in my barefoots for a couple of weeks now and I’ve noticed my form and gait completely changes and my body forces me to run softer, I guess it’s my bodies way of protecting everything so no issues so far but as I say, I’m pretty new to running in them, been walking in them everyday for a while though

[@LewisFordham]

I haven’t so far dude, I don’t know if I’ve just been lucky or not... but so far I’ve had no injuries in them!

[@sweatyredbull]

Hey, with a video like this it would help to put chapter timestamps.

[@n_bld]

im super curious to try but so worried ill spent my running shoe budget and end up with pain due to lack of cushioning, what if I just can't run on the balls of my feet continuously. One way to find out I suppose.. benefits seem to outweigh the risks overall

[@ListenToPumpkinMusic]

It will definitely hurt at first, especially if you don't prepare your body properly. Less so in the balls of the feet and more in the calves, which you will be using way more when you transition to this type of shoe and running style. I recommend shortening the length of your usual run significantly for the first few weeks otherwise you'll be forced to stop to avoid injury. I've run a half marathon in minimalist/barefoot running shoes (original New Balance Minimus) and the soles of my feet were absolutely fine, zero pain or discomfort throughout or afterwards. The problem was my calves, which completely shut down towards the end because I hadn't prepared them properly. For reference, my usual race distance is 10 - 12 km.

[@rasmusmalgerudbjorgell7329]

Thanks for a lot of inspiration! Will try to find a pair of my own now 🥳 What is your opinion on size? I have EU 42 in almost all casual shoes. What size have you found working for you - same as usual or smaller/bigger? Thanks in advance 🙏🏻

[@LewisFordham]

So sorry for the late response, I run in a size 9 and wear normal shoes in a size 9 also and that feels about right for me!

[@megaclem07]

I start running barefoot a few months ago and I just love it ! Do you wear only barefoot shoes for ur everyday life?

[@LewisFordham]

That’s awesome! I actually don’t tend to wear barefoot shoes much else other than running, I do wear converse and vans quite a lot which are like zero drop but obviously have a bit more cushioning!

[@megaclem07]

@@LewisFordham Ok, I use them daily now. I wanna try various days trekking with my primus trail so I try spend as much time as possible in these : )

[@markthomasson5077]

Actually better to start barefoot on smooth hard surfaces rather than grass. It really forces you to have a good form

[@tesserwithpaul]

I have 2 pairs of of vivobarefoot shoes - primus lite ii & Gobi ii. Love them. Been using them for everyday walking and life for 1.5 years now. But I still am running in 4mm drop or less Nike and/or saucony trainers. Suffered a tibia stress fracture this winter. Still kinda in recovery. Not sure minimalist shoes will help with +40km/week running. But thinking of trying a little harder with the vivobarefoot shoes for running soon :)

[@LewisFordham]

Ahh you should definitely give it a go dude, it made a world of difference for me! Maybe just start with a walk run to see if you like it. I’m currently running around the 40km a week mark and finding them great so you might absolutely love them!

[@AtypicalPaul]

Do the vivo run small, large? Say compared to Nike?

[@tesserwithpaul]

They are going to feel roomy or even to the large size but they are true to size. They don't wear anything like Nike shoes.

[@dust-7software]

what would be a good way to work up to wearing vivos? (I'm usually barefoot/socks around my home but in public I wear converse/vans/nike)

[@LewisFordham]

I’d say lots of walking in them, around the house and maybe some longer walks outside and then just really slowly transitioning into running in them, maybe with run/walks etc. and just building up into them!

[@brendanwoods5925]

Anyone else having issues with sizing? I ordered a US 12 which I am in normal shoes.. they feel big, but I’m not sure if that’s just how they are? Anyone else experience this? I doubt that I am a size 11. In US shoes, the smallest I could ever go is 11.5 and vivo doesn’t do 1/2 sizes

[@DevelopingNL]

How fast can you run a 5k or 10k i vivos?

[@jackrolfe7361]

I use a rang of Nike running shoes but it’s about comfort personally. If they help you to consistently run then that’s what matters right 🏃‍♂️

[@LewisFordham]

Couldn’t agree more! Comfort and consistency is definitely key, especially for Ironman haha!

[@DevelopingNL]

How long is your longest foot in cm and which size did you get?

[@gainde1137]

What about barefoot shoes for races (10k, marathons)?

[@LewisFordham]

I’ve raced in evening from 5k to marathons in barefoot shoes, if you build up safely to the distances then they’re great!

[@saxy1player]

What shoes are you using on your bicycle? I have wide feet and all the cycling shoes are stiff and narrow and my feet don't feel too well after longer rides.

[@LewisFordham]

I’m currently using fizik tempo shoes (think that’s what they’re called) they are quite skinny and I do find that my small toe can feel a bit squished in them though! Yet to find a wide cycling shoe

[@hendryys]

Bro, should we use socks while using barefoot shoes? 🙏

[@LewisFordham]

I do just because I hate wearing shoes and no socks haha, but a lot of other don’t! Just personal preference I suppose

[@nxel2]

How's running with the sg version on hard rocks, mountains and so?

[@LewisFordham]

As I live in East side of the UK, there is absolutely no mountains etc. unfortunately. So I’ve only really used them in muddy and stoney trails, but they do feel great when I do use them!

[@slavasss2189]

So you run on concrete in minimalistic shoes with stack of 4mm? What is max distance?

[@LewisFordham]

I do! My furthest run is a marathon in them, on concrete

[@Jon-hb6gx]

You get about 500 miles out of cushioned running shoes so you got 3x the use from your barefoots, not 10x. Still great but you can buy running shoes for £40 if cost is a real issue, which is a third of the cost of vivos. Barefoots look good but I'm considering them for all the reasons you mention, not to save money.

[@AtypicalPaul]

Do you find they fit smaller or larger then say nike?

[@jakeblaze7663]

Mine is taking lightyears to arrive lol.

[@davegball]

Sounds like you may have overdone it in those early days?

[@LocalYokel01]

Do cushioned running shoes really last only 120-150 miles?

[@LewisFordham]

Well, that is on the lower end of the scale but I have heard a lot of people say that after 150ish miles (sometimes more, sometimes nearer 300 miles depending on your build etc.) cushioned shoes, especially ones with a large amount of cushioning start to lose their responsiveness and then probably wouldn’t be a shoe you’d want to race in. I haven’t tried them myself so I don’t know for sure but that’s just what I’ve heard and seen haha!

[@KeithTharp]

"This is just my experience" = Drink!

[@jeffagostinelli]

Any tips on sizing?

[@LewisFordham]

Might be a bit late… but I go true to size, so I wear size 9 every other shoe and went for size 9 with vivo’s and they were spot on for me!

[@danielfreeman649]

"a set of these" but what model vivo is it

[@grahammckinney5705]

Looks like Primus lite. 👍

[@LewisFordham]

Thanks Graham, that’s exactly what it is! 😁

[@rigo.acosta]

You run faster and more efficient barefoot, Like how a local Tarahumara woman won a 50km in barefoot sandals and a dress, and how the best runners in the olympics are africans who grew up running barefoot.

[@LewisFordham]

Exactly my thoughts, it does make sense doesn’t it!

[@MH3GL]

These must be wizardry shoes - Harry Potter is advertising them. (I'm sure you've never heard that before)

[@SlicedSlappy]

Why bike or run when you can fly ‘Arry!

[@LewisFordham]

Hahaha! 😂

[@mackjenkins7721]

Great video man. I wish I could wear these shoes. I have big very very wide feet sz15 6 EEEEEE wide with very fat wide toe that are equally straight across making my foot very very extremely wide. With my foot being 6 1/2 inches wide from my big toe to my little toes they do not make it a shoe , sock, or boot that is wide enough for my foot. The only thing that barely fits and I mean barely fits on my foot is flip-flops which barely fits because my toes are wider than the flip flop strap. So there is a lot of times which is 95% of the time I am barefooted 👣. I wish they would make a shoe that is wide enough for somebody who has a foot that is 6 1/2 inches wide. I wish my toes were at a 45 degree angle like everybody else's toes instead of being equally straight across maybe I can find some shoes that will fit my foot. It really really sucks having a very extremely wide foot with fat wide toes that are equally straight across. Great video thank you for sharing it.

[@LewisFordham]

Ahhh dude, that sucks so bad!! That must be soooo annoying, I don’t envy you at all. I wouldn’t even know where to start to look for a shoe that wide, I suppose you’d have to look at a getting a shoe built for your foot but that’s probably just ridiculous money!

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@LewisFordham yes it is so annoying but that's only half of the problems that I have. When it's 20 & 30 degrees or snow outside I still have to wear flip-flops & people look at me like I'm crazy. When I'm at the store I constantly have people talking about my feet , when I walked by somebody they stare twice at my feet , standing in line I just have people staring down at my feet , just the other day I was in Walmart in the grocery section a guy walked up to me and asked me did i need him to buy me a pair of shoes. I explained to him my situation to him he couldn't believe how big and wide my feet and Toes were. Five minutes later I see the guy again in the clothes section kneeling down underneath the clothes rack I didn't pay no attention I hear a camera go off on a phone I turned around and asked him why did you just take a picture of my feet. He said sorry I just never seen a foot that wide with big fat wide Toes that hang off the footbed of flip flops. I was more embarrassed than mad. I was even trying to buy a sit inside kayak ain't got my foot stuck inside the kayak barefooted 👣 in front of the salesman. One salesman ask me how big and how wide my foot was. Another salesman asked me where these my flip-flops. I said yes they are mine. The salesman who asked me was these my flip-flops he had flip flops on and had wide feet too and said this dude's foot is wider than mines he only has 4 worn down toes footprints on the footbed of the flip-flops. You want to talk about so embarrassing. They almost called 911 to come cut my foot out of this brand new Kayak. So yes I do have a lot of problems with having a very extremely wide foot with fat wide toes.

[@mirabellegoldapfel6256]

@@mackjenkins7721 There are some small barefootshoe brands that make shoes to measure. I only know german manufaturer ZAQQ from the top of my head, but I am sure there are more. Especially the ones that have local production and shoemakers. Maybe they can help you without being crazy expensive. But considering socks... I have knitted some before and most knitters should be able to make some for you that fit nicely- you can even knit those with a seperate big toe www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/top-down-easy-tabi-or-split-toe-socks to use in your flip flops. Or sew some: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2axlKKOnLp4aM0 I do reanactment and know a lot of people who make their own soft leather shoes like these beginner friendly ones kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV6WmIOjatNrh68 from the bronze age or have a look in other medieval styles or stuff like mokassins. Any cobbler can glue rubber soles underneath these. And they are what we call barefoot shoes today :)

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@mirabellegoldapfel6256 hello thank you for this information. I have to go check the website out and hopefully they can do something for me and my son since he just last week outgrow socks and it'll probably be just a matter of time for it would be his shoes.

[@zodoGames]

Skip 2 mins in a bunch of waffling. Good video❤

[@Knotdead73]

Humans were not made to wear 2inch thick shoes. Nowadays people wonder why they have ankle, knee, leg, hip, back pain and injuries. Once you understand this, you are cured.

[@CptAngelKGaming]

I wish I could like this amazing video but you being so totally dismissive of the very shoes that helped you was frustrating. It's almost like you don't wanna admit how good they are. They promote natural form which makes so many weird issues disappear. You should be promoting them not saying " they're amazing but don't get them". They literally change people's lives. Old and young.

[@LewisFordham]

I wasn’t dismissive of the fact they helped me, I just didn’t want to come across like I’m an expert in what shoes people should buy, I’d rather people make their own decisions on what shoes they should buy instead of me telling people to buy them promising they’ll help and they make things worse or don’t help, as that’d be unfair. I was just putting out what they did for me to help people make a decision for them 👍🏼

[@CptAngelKGaming]

@@LewisFordham You literally said that they're not worth buying in the end, as if what happened to you was just a random thing and not because they're a great option. You kept presenting them as a weird option that just happened to work for you. It's one thing to put a disclaimer there a couple of times and another thing to basically tell people not to buy them every 2 minutes. Promoting natural movement is not a matter of opinion. It should be the default choice over weird "technologies" that have 0 scientific proof of being good for the body.There is a very small percentage of the public that maybe shouldn't get bf shoes because of very specialized health problems, but that's all there is to it. Everyone else should at least give them a try.

[@LewisFordham]

@@CptAngelKGamingappreciate your comment and feedback, not sure you understand the video, I said I don’t think everyone should go out and spend a fortune on barefoot shoes and do all their runs in them as it’s a high chance of injury, I also said I do think everyone should incorporate some sort of barefoot running in their training (doesn’t mean you need to spend hundreds of pounds on shoes)! Hopefully that makes sense

[@elizabethsheridan8496]

Made in China

[@hammill444]

Well, that's one experience. My experience? I hurt myself seriously using merrell barefoot shoes. Never again.

[@LewisFordham]

Ahhh really? They are a very different shoe so I don’t imagine everyone gets along with them, sorry to hear you had a bad injury though! Hopefully it didn’t put you out of running for too long

[@hammill444]

@@LewisFordham Thanks, but I was only using them strictly for walking. 3 plus years with no resolution yet. But I'll certainly never step foot in bare foot shoes again, that much i do know

[@sayin234]

@@hammill444 what happened, did you develop a severe injury? How often and how much did you walk in them? It's the first time I read a negative experience from walking in barefoot shoes after using it for years. I consider switching to barefoot shoes for walking and day to day activities, so your comment might help

[@henningratjen4364]

@@sayin234 You can hurt yourself with any shoe, doesn´t mean its the shoes fault. If you need time to adjust to the very differen't form of barefootshoes you might do to much to fast and injure yourself. I wouldn´t be to worried.

[@hammill444]

@@sayin234 only for a short period of time-- hours at most a day, just light walking. But developed intense pain in the side and top of the foot. Which I’ve not really resolved to this day, nearly 4 years later. So yes-- never again with the barefoot shoes