MY 5 PAIRS OF VIVOBAREFOOT SHOES

Sharing my collection of vivobarefoot shoes, along with my experience with the brand. I hope you find this helpful!
Shirt I’m wearing: troyblyden.com
Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:18 - PRIMUS LITE II
1:54 - GEO COURT II
3:00 - ULTRA III BLOOM
4:19 - PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT FG II
6:08 - MAGNA FOREST ESC
7:54 - MY EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER BAREFOOT/MINIMALIST SHOE BRANDS
8:18 - MESSAGE TO VIVOBAREFOOT
8:27 - CONCLUSION
8:42 - MY BRAND

[@TroyBlyden]

0:00 - Intro 0:18 - PRIMUS LITE II 1:54 - GEO COURT II 3:00 - ULTRA III BLOOM 4:19 - PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT FG II 6:08 - MAGNA FOREST ESC 7:54 - MY EXPERIENCE WITH OTHER BAREFOOT/MINIMALIST SHOE BRANDS 8:18 - MESSAGE TO VIVOBAREFOOT 8:27 - CONCLUSION 8:42 - MY BRAND

[@samcrowther3942]

I love how this guy makes barefoot shoes cool! I always feel super self conscious in mine but this guy has inspired me to be more confident😁

[@TroyBlyden]

I love that 🙏🏾💯

[@Deniot92]

bro just wanted to say that I appreciate your good vibes! thanks for the vid

[@TroyBlyden]

My pleasure 🙏🏾

[@tz12346]

I love it that you're going barefoot shoes and play basketball at a high level. Your feet must be happy! I just got the Magna, too - love it, too. Thanks, and keep up the good work, Troy!

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you for the kind words. My feet are certainly happy :)

[@StrahoKamenov]

Excellent review bro! Thank you 🙏

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks for watching and commenting 🙏🏾

[@MasterKozio]

Nice to see a fellow size 14 big guy showing off some Vivos. Grabbed a pair of Merrels last year to get accustomed to it since they were like 60$ and planning on going in full barefoot with vivos soon since normal shoes aren't really cutting it for me anymore, having a pretty wide foot and all. One thing I did notice was that the wear for us larger folk might be a bit faster which is expected. Loved that you showed off two of the models I've selected, the Primus lite(great that you mentioned boxing training since that's what I'll use them for as well) and Geo court(gonna grab the 3s). Thinking about hitting the Novus model as a third with that sweet michelin sole, but man, there sure are a lot of choices. Pretty helpful vid, much appreciated all in all.

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you for taking the time to comment!! I’m glad this video was helpful. Enjoy those new Vivos 🙏🏾

[@gregaustin8114]

Great review. Thanks for sharing the info about revivo, I didn’t know about that. I’m anxious to get them, this is my first pair of barefoot shoes. I’ve always worn Hoka, but am looking for something natural that will allow my toes to splay. Size 15 here, so I can relate to your struggles of finding shoes big enough.

[@TroyBlyden]

I appreciate the comment 🙏🏾

[@Sharpie951HD]

All your choices are fire

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks 🙏🏾

[@kevinwillis2859]

I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for 18 months. They have helped in stabilizing and lessening foot and leg injuries due to their strengthening aspect. Wearing a size 10 provides me with many more options in shoes. Be Lenka, Barebarics, Lems, & Splay are other brands I have chosen more often due to their wider toebox.🙏🏾👍🏾

[@TroyBlyden]

I love that for you King 👍🏾

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Appreciate the review 🙏🏾

[@TroyBlyden]

Appreciate you!!

[@alexanderbuess290]

I own primus lite 3, 4 pairs of primus trail knit fg and a pair of magna trail fg. I use the trail knits for literally everything (work, daily, gym) and love them. Hiked the inka trail in the magnas. absolutely amazing as well.

[@TroyBlyden]

Love to hear that!

[@JeffMartinelli]

What a great vibe you give off

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks Jeff 🤝

[@Sidcito]

So good to hear this info from a real hooper. Basketball shoes is a different story, I feel like most Nikes are way too narrow so I been rocking with Adidas and Puma. Any recommendations?

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks for your comment! Tbh, Nike air prestos fit my feet pretty well. My feet a quite narrow. I really like the new balance 990

[@literallyreal8938]

I trust your opinions Troy! I will cop those boots for sure 👍

[@literallyreal8938]

Also want the shirt when I can lol 🫡

[@TroyBlyden]

Ayyyeee! Let me know how you like them 👍🏾

[@TroyBlyden]

Much respect 🙏🏾 I’ve got an early Black Friday sale going on right now. troyblyden.com

[@rodneyshepherd9120]

Thanks for a great review. I only buy these now, last for years. Sometimes standard laces can be far too long. 👍

[@TroyBlyden]

No problem 🙏🏾

[@nielsroetert]

Just bough the Geo Court III's in bright white, really looking forward to rocking these.

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks for your comment! I hope they are useful to you.

[@jonw1958]

How easily do they dirty? It seems like it would be pretty easy to clean, since its leather.

[@nielsroetert]

@@jonw1958 they clean really easy and have held up very well for me, I’ve only really cleaned them once at the end of the summer. I did get a couple of scratches on them that discolored a bit, but nothing too bad. The soles have kept up very well too, considering I’m a heavy guy. Would recommend them for sure.

[@ToadyWoods]

I got the Magma Escapes as well and they are awesome. I recommend replacing the leases with the lock laces.

[@TroyBlyden]

I’m glad you’re enjoying them. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@joshhoekstra3631]

This is the best vivo review I've ever watched ❤

[@TroyBlyden]

Wow, thanks Josh!

[@ToadyWoods]

I think it’s awesome that you’re a pro basketball player and doing the barefoot thing. If you’re unlucky like me, And you’ve seen LeBron James’s toes (on video) … you know basketball shoes can cram your toes together if you’re not careful. 😂

[@TroyBlyden]

Thanks!! I have seen LeBron’s toes and for some reason I still play in his shoes 😂

[@Druezy]

These shoes changed my life, long story short I was walking in a size 19 for most of my life, when I'm actually around a 12. They helped me slowly develop an arch over about a year. I went from having flat feet to needing mid level arch support in my shoes to nothing now! I still have a long way to go, but I will wear barefoot shoes for life!

[@TroyBlyden]

Beautiful testimony 🙏🏾

[@Mitchy_P5]

Super solid review right here dude! Love that you have got a Vivo for every scenario. I am doing the same right now haha. (casual, I play for the globetrotters and travel the world LOL living the dream!!) Question: Where does your longest toe hit on them? I feel like I am constantly in between sizes. In my primus lite III i am wearing a 46 and my toe hits just past the knit and rubber meeting. If I push my toes to the end of the shoe, i can put a finger behind my heel with ease. Trying to see if would want a 45 to have them fit a bit more snug. Whatcha think?

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you so much, Mitch! On most of my pairs, there is probably less than half a size worth of room left. They all fit very well! I think a lot of it comes down to preference. I personally like some wiggle room. True to size works for me! I hope that helps you.

[@z0uLess]

I am size 45 (EU), but for the Primus Lite III, I had to go down to size 44 (EU) to get a comfy fit, since I use them as a court shoe and need them to sit tight to my feet. I still have a little room infront of my toes. I also use the "runners loop" lacing trick to make them sit tigthly on my feet.

[@Kilcobert19]

I sent my ultras back. Went to Brighton beach and the small rocks got all up in them. Was horrible. The trail knits are fantastic. Genuinely my favourite ever shoe.

[@TroyBlyden]

Glad you’re enjoying them 🙏🏾

[@karimgreen8732]

You really scooped some of the best colorways especially for the Primus Trails and Ultra Bloom III’s. The current gray Blooms look slightly different than yours and don’t have the blue accents on the laces. I hope Vivo bring those colors back. Great channel content btw! 🫡

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you fam 🙏🏾

[@david.leikam]

Just bought a pair of Tracker Forest ESC and Scott III boots. 👏

[@TroyBlyden]

Nice! Enjoy

[@rogerfarrow8650]

When the laces in my lights went I replaced them with para cord without the cord and that worked really well

[@TroyBlyden]

🙏🏾thanks

[@SohoBringt]

I can't confirm that they are true to size. I am acustomed to barefoot shoes, I have wildlings, leguanos, groundies, xeroes , merells etc. I usually have 10 or 10,5 - it it works but when I got my Primus Lites in 10.5 I had like more than an inch of shoe infront of my big toe. I couldn't walk. I went downd to 9.5 which is insane - I never wore 9.5 in my life. I'm now using theses 9.5 for the gym, but they are still too big for running, so I bought another 9! for running. This is insane. I am a 40 year old man - and the last time I wore shoes in size 9 was when I was 10 years old.

[@orlog3343]

Great vid man. How’d they hold up in Arizona trails?

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you! They served me really well. I felt every rock lol (in a good way). They are holding up great and I wear them every week

[@roddyk.m2215]

I had the same problem with the laces on the Primus Lite III. Laces untie so easily, other than that it’s a good shoe overall

[@terra_incognita683]

Most people tie their laces the wrong way. Since I've learned how to lace correctly, mine never untie anymore.

[@BeardedSte]

Are the Geo court shoes any good for indoor court sports or is the name just a style thing?

[@TroyBlyden]

I personally see them as a style shoe, but I haven’t tried any sports in them

[@DavidSinanan]

Solid review. Thanks. Do you play ball in barefoot shoes? I know Xero just had a player endorse barefoot for on court use. I got my first pair of Vivos in 2016, the Ra 2s. And I have multiple pairs as well. I've only tried Vivo and Xero myself, but it's been 8 years and at this point I've fully transitioned to minimialist footwear. Very intersted in your take on barefoot shoes in pro sports.

[@TroyBlyden]

Hey David, thanks for the comment! I haven’t competitively hooped in barefoot shoes, but I’m currently waiting on a pair from the brand uncivilized. They have a little bit of cushion because of the impact of jumping and landing in basketball. I defended wouldn’t recommend doing a lot of jumping in standard vivos or xeros, but that’s just in my experience. I’m glad to hear your minimalist footwear journey is going well!

[@DavidSinanan]

@@TroyBlyden Thanks for the reply! I've definitely been curious about barefoot in basketball. I played AAA baseball growing up, and almost made pro. I ended up sustaining an arm injury and that put me out of contention, my throwing arm is damaged and the surgery hadn't been developed at the time. Tis what it is, and I've stayed active. Spend almost a dozen years in the Army and I've done some fun stuff. I can understand needing some cushion in basketball. I'm just getting into court sports barefoot. I still can play less competitive rec softball, and I've been wearing my Vivo Primus SGs for that and other sports on fields. I wear Primus Lite iiis for mountain biking. But MTB is the same as initially starting with barefoots, you need a transition period, and if you exert past exhaustion, until your foot is conditioned, it could lead to injury. I've got Ra 4s now, I actually wore out the Ra 2s I got in 2016 after nearly 8 years. I have Tracker 2 FGs and the Winterized SGs. I love both, I've hiked the beachs of the Northwest Pacific with the normal ones and done 1 Canadian Winter in the winterized ones so far. I had the Xero Z-Treks, but I managed to break them, my fault, not the sandal, and I have the H-Trails now which suit my movement style much better. All in all? I totally love barefoot footwear, I love feeling the ground and after 8 years, I couldn't go back. It's good to see high level athletes talking about minimalist footwear!

[@retardno002]

Adidas have Continental soles, Etnies and Mizuno also have Michelin soles, it's a bit of a trend nowadays to slap a tire manufacturer logo on your shoe sole. One can only hope Pirelli will get in on the action soon, as a Formula 1 fan I'd love to rock some Pirelli soles.

[@OmerEverTzur]

Are your MAGNA FOREST ESC the women's version? I can't find the men's version in black on their site...

[@TroyBlyden]

No they are the men’s. I got them on Revivo.com They will be restocking on vivobarefoot.com in January I believe

[@Sidcito]

@ 6:29, Adidas had Continental rubber on some of their shoes too

[@TroyBlyden]

Bet! That’s good to know, thanks!

[@itsOneL]

curious how the width is on the magna esc's some of vivos newer shoes seem to have narrower toe box

[@TroyBlyden]

In my experience, the Magna ESC have a very wide tie box. Still my favorite pair of barefoot shoes

[@doejohn6197]

Do you think you can do an update video on the ultra bloom on how they held up? I’m really unsure if they last long thank you

[@TroyBlyden]

I will keep that in mind. They’ve held up very well. I use them whenever I’m going somewhere with water

[@doejohn6197]

@@TroyBlyden thank you sir I appreciate it! 👍

[@usedblazers]

Curious….does the Magna run longer/shorter than the Primus Trail Knit, or do they run the same in length?

[@TroyBlyden]

About the same

[@AllisonSweetman]

I'm torn on sizing- I am an 8.5 (39.5) and want to buy the Geo Court. I just bought a pair of trail runner Altra but in a size 8 (39) and they fit perfectly. So it really depends on the shoe. Do the Geo Courts fit really true to size?

[@TroyBlyden]

The Geo courts have a little bit of extra room for me. This has not caused me any problems as I still buy my normal size. Hope this helps :)

[@AllisonSweetman]

@@TroyBlyden Thank you- that is very helpful!

[@KOSPokololol]

My problem with the Bloom is that when hiking in like a riverbed or on sand, i was getting a lot of small rocks or sand stuck in the shoe. This caused a lot of rubbing and inevitably cut up my feet from the abrasion

[@TroyBlyden]

I definitely noticed a lot of sand and small rocks getting in there when I was at the beach

[@KOSPokololol]

@@TroyBlyden Yea sand was just uncomfortable, it wasnt until we were walking up a river when the larger, sharper rocks came into play lol. Looking into the Court III for office wear though

[@eeymanjones]

I’m looking to starting my barefoot journey, walking mainly to start off. They have the primus lite 2 for $115 never worn on revivo and they have the primus lite 3 for $144 after discount on the regular vivo site. Which would you prefer?

[@TroyBlyden]

I’d go for the Primus lite 3 since vivobarefoot’s main website has a 100 day return policy regardless of condition

[@eeymanjones]

@@TroyBlyden will order tomorrow. Appreciate your help!

[@TroyBlyden]

@@eeymanjones no problem! Let me know how they workout for you !

[@eeymanjones]

I was curious about the blooms and brought me back here lol. I got the p lite 3 but started to get a hole in them. So I think I’m going with the p lite knit jjf version for the all black look. But might pick up the blooms as well.

[@T--T]

you got a great beard and hair. nice video thanks

[@TroyBlyden]

Thank you 🙏🏾

[@PGBlanks]

Have you tried using barefoot shoes for basketball? Any recommendations?

[@TroyBlyden]

Not yet. The uncivilized sneaker version 2 will be the first ever barefoot inspired basketball shoe made for competition. I look forward to trying that.

[@PGBlanks]

@@TroyBlyden Thanks for the reply and love your work! What have you been hooping in in the meantime? I hear the Xero 360s are meant for more court-style activities but I assume at your level that won't cut it haha

[@TroyBlyden]

@@PGBlanks I’ve been playing in the LeBron 20 for majority of the year. I can’t recommend them enough for on court!

[@victordub]

just bought some primus trail in size 12 and im about the same hieght as you. you got some boats my dude. lol

[@TroyBlyden]

Hahaha I do 🤣

[@TroyBlyden]

Enjoy those shoes!!!

[@supracurious]

Any updates on your vibes and shoes?

[@TroyBlyden]

Still going strong with my Vivos 👍🏾

[@KhirHenderson]

Would you hoop in any of the barefoots?

[@TroyBlyden]

Nah

[@danielcielmaee3642]

What would you play basketball or tennis in

[@TroyBlyden]

I play basketball in the Lebron 20

[@danielcielmaee3642]

@@TroyBlyden thanks for the reply. Is there a barefoot shoe you’d recommend for basketball or tennis at a recreational level.

[@TroyBlyden]

@@danielcielmaee3642the uncivilized sneaker

[@NotEmilyInParis]

size 14. That's vivo skis!

[@TroyBlyden]

Hahahahaha