VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi III, Mens Lace Up Desert Boot With Barefoot Sole

Product Information

The Magna Lite is another remarkably lightweight hiking boot by VIVOBAREFOOT, perfect for spring and summer hiking adventures. The upper is made from a stretchable and breathable thin mesh material, which has been treated with a water-resistant coating. However, it’s important to note that it won’t keep the rain out, but it can handle a bit of morning dew. These shoes are made from 100% vegan materials, and the best way to clean them is to let the dirt dry, brush off the mud, and then wipe them down with a damp cloth. Designed as a slip-on shoe with added laces for better adjustability, you can easily slip them on without extra adjustments each time once the laces are set. The thin and flexible sole offers excellent ground feel, enhancing your overall experience. New VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Boot Winterized is a versatile lace-up boot featuring faux shearling lining. While they might appear tough and chunky, they feel soft and flexible. Although not as soft as their Autumn Gobi boots, they still offer good softness for winter boots (getting even softer with wear) and are gorgeously made. The Opanka Ballerina is a new model introduced in 2023, and it offers the same soft and incredibly light sensation on your feet as their Opanka slip-ons. The upper is made from super soft, high-quality smooth leather in two different colors. Around the top edge, there’s a wider elastic band that ensures a better and more secure fit while also adding a casual touch to the ballerinas. The sole is super thin and flexible, giving you an amazing ground feel. The height of the shoe provides additional ankle support, although personally, we would have preferred a bit more flexibility in this area to reduce any feelings of restriction.

Designed as a slip-on shoe with added laces for better adjustability, you can easily slip them on without extra adjustments once the laces are set. They are built on the Primus sole with a 2mm sole base and 2mm lug height, which is very soft, flexible, and offers excellent ground feel while remaining durable. VIVOBAREFOOT shoes have been our go-to choice for our kids’ barefoot shoes since the beginning. Over the years, they have undergone some changes with new designs, models, and slight variations in fit, but they have consistently remained among the best-designed and long-lasting barefoot shoes for kids. In fact, some of our pairs have been passed down to a fourth child in a row.The upper is made from a combination of smooth and suede leather (or only suede) in various colors. The Michelin sole with deep lugs results in a less intense ground feel, but the flexibility of the shoes is surprisingly good, especially considering how robust the outsole appears. This sole type is definitely great for off-road adventures too, but honestly, I would be afraid to ruin them in a wet and muddy environment. The upper is a soft brushed leather that looks really nice, but the shoe is a little stiff to start. I imagine it would break in well over time, but compared to other boot brands I love ( Drifter, Luks) the shoe is noticeably stiffer. Sometimes that speaks to its durability, and since I’ve never had a pair of Vivos wear out on me, I would expect the same long lasting materials out of this shoe. Sizing & Fit: Addis is available in both women’s and men’s sizes. The women’s shoes, which I’m reviewing here, are suitable for narrow and medium-wide feet. My feet measure 26.3/10 cm, and I find them slightly too narrow for my feet. Addis shoes don’t have as strong of a slope towards the little toe as some other VIVO models (e.g., Geo Court, Novus, etc.). As they slope less, this makes them more suitable for various foot shapes, not just those with the longest big toe. Keep in mind that men’s sizes are wider and have a slightly different toe box shape (more square-shaped). The sole construction, which wraps around the side edges of the shoe, enhances lateral stability during intensive movements. The thin and highly flexible sole provides excellent multi-directional traction for fast and sudden movements. One minor complaint is that the insole may feel slightly too big for the shoe and can wrinkle. However, since we typically wear the shoe without it, we decided to remove it altogether.

Sizing & Fit: Geo Courts are available for both women and men. Overall, Geo Courts feel slightly wider than most VIVO models. The women’s model is best suited for narrow to medium-width feet but can also accommodate medium-wide feet. The men’s models are wider than the women’s, and if your size falls within the range where both models are available, you can choose between two different widths.The Motus Strength is a completely new and groundbreaking barefoot strength training shoe, available for both men and women. It boasts a special and unique design aimed at improving stability and performance during high-impact workouts. The Motus is designed as a slip-on shoe with added laces to achieve a secure fit. Thanks to its knit design and easy slip-on construction, you won’t find yourself needing to untie them every time you put them on. Sizing & Fit: The women’s Primus Lite Knit is best suited for narrow and medium-wide feet, while the men’s version is ideal for medium to wide feet. While most VIVOBAREFOOT models cater well to skinny ankles and low insteps, this particular model is best suited for those with average insteps and ankles. However, those with shallower feet might not get the best fit, as there can be more gapping around the ankles and the upper material over the instep may crease. VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Asana The Primus Lite Knit is a fantastic minimalist running shoe that can easily double as your go-to gym shoe or everyday footwear to pair with casual and athletic outfits. Its upper is made from breathable synthetic materials, providing comfort throughout the day. The Primus Asana is a wonderfully soft and flexible casual women’s barefoot trainer, made from natural materials to promote natural movement. It’s versatile enough to go with almost anything, from joggers to jeans, and can even be paired with more casual dresses.

VIVOBAREFOOT sizing recommendations and the methods for choosing the best size for you have changed a little over the years, but the internal length of their shoes remains the same. I consistently wear size EU 42 in all their styles, with a foot dimensions of 26.3/10 cm. Most of their models are true to the size chart, unless stated differently under the model description. The interior is lined with a soft, sort of minky material that is new for Vivobarefoot this season (same material is on the interior of the new Gobi Hi). Also new is an algae performance sole. It’s a light, breathable sole, with some squish. The interior is lined with leather and features a cork insole, making these shoes a real pleasure to wear. The padded collar provides extra comfort, and although the sole is thin and flexible, it’s not the softest on the market. However, it strikes a great balance between durability and flexibility, and we find its quality to be amazing. My husband is a heavy tester of Geo Courts, and they hold up incredibly well for him! I’m undecided how I feel about the algae insole. It feels bumpy under my foot and at first I didn’t like it, but then I noticed that it breathed well and felt nice to walk in. I like that it’s a renewable, natural material, and it definitely seems to keep air flowing to my feet. But there’s a good chance I will swap it out for a NorthSole, Naboso, or wool insole when it gets cold. Opanka is perfect for low-volume feet with skinny ankles. They can also work for average ankles and average height insteps, but they won’t be suitable for feet with more volume. The hidden elastic over the instep allows for minimal adjustment in that area. VIVOBAREFOOT Opanka BallerinaVIVOBAREFOOT was one of the first barefoot brands ever available, and we can consider them pioneers in the barefoot shoe industry. They are one of the most well-known, well-designed, and high-quality barefoot brands, making them the perfect starting point for many people who decide to embark on their barefoot journey. Sizing & Fit: The toe box shape of the Gobi III is excellent, and the line at the big toe is perfectly straight. This model tends to run on the narrower side and fits best for those with narrow to medium-wide feet, lower to medium-high insteps, and narrow to medium-wide ankles. With my foot dimensions measuring 26.3/10 cm, I found that a size 42 was a good length, but I would have appreciated a few extra millimeters for my pinky toe width-wide. If you require additional width, keep in mind that the men’s models are generally wider than the women’s models in the same size. VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi HI Novus and Novus Mid are new models introduced in 2023, featuring a unique combination of a rugged outdoor sole and urban upper design, giving them a distinctive and stylish look. The Novus is available in two different heights for both men and women. The Mid version takes a little more time to put on, and the organic laces require a bit more effort to untie. Sizing & Fit: Magna Lite WP SG in women’s sizes is an excellent match for those with narrow to medium-wide feet, while men’s sizes can accommodate slightly wider feet as well. These boots are most comfortable for individuals with low to average instep heights. VIVOBAREFOOT Geo Court If you’re familiar with the iconic VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi boots, which have been around for several years with minor updates, get ready for something completely different. The new Gobi features a completely new design with a sporty look. The upper is made from buttery soft leather, and the top part of the boots is completely unlined, exposing the raw side of the leather. This makes the boots extremely soft and light, avoiding any ankle restriction or digging into your skin. However, keep in mind that these boots are best suited for autumn and spring as they are not lined with warm material like the old Gobi boots.