Consult with
Sock Doc Workshops
One of the perks of having a site like this is that companies want to send me free stuff to try out and review every now and then. I’ve turned down several products because I don’t think they’re any good – not just for me – but for any of my readers either. I’ve also received products that I haven’t reviewed because, well, they suck. I think most products are gimmicks, spin-offs, or make claims that are either untrue or come with a price (other than $$) – such as hindering your performance rather than enhancing it (think most footwear out there). So why do I bring all this up now? Because I was very excited and honored that the people over at VIVOBAREFOOT recently asked me if I wanted to try out and review their Evo. Hell yes. Send me one of everything in your product line is what I wanted to say. They’re not just in the footwear business but also the injury-prevention business via natural means (movement), just like Sock Doc.
My three kids have pretty much worn VIVOBAREFOOT shoes as their main footwear over the last year since Dr. Mark Cucuzzella of Two Rivers Treads sent my girls some Pallys and my boy some Rooty shoes. Check out Paxton lugging some stones in them here. 
VIVOBAREFOOT is dedicated to the science and research behind injury prevention, which footwear plays a major part of. Led by their expert running coach Lee Saxby and a whole lot of research (if you’re one of those “show me the research” types), VIVOBAREFOOT debuted in 2003 as “the first minimalist shoe with a patented, ultra thin puncture resistant sole that offers maximum sensory feedback and maximum protection.” Unlike most shoe companies that have jumped on the minimalist bandwagon, VIVOBAREFOOT doesn’t have any footwear with motion control devices, high heels, or supports. They stay true to being barefoot throughout their entire footwear line; it’s all very minimalist and “zero-drop”. Heck, they even tell you to ditch their insoles as soon as you can so you can achieve better proprioception.
Yeah I’m supposed to just be reviewing the Evo – their high performance running shoe. In a nutshell – it’s awesome. I’ve worn it walking and running as you can see in the photos, and it’s as barefoot as you can get without being barefoot. While running, I felt smooth, light, and best of all – quiet. I actually have a whole line of Evo shoes now in my office compliments of Two Rivers Treads so my patients can feel what it’s like to be in a barefoot-style shoe and find their exact size. Obviously if you’re not used to such a minimalist-type shoe you should start by walking in a pair of VIVOBAREFOOTs rather than running, and slowly transition out of your other footwear.
VIVOBAREFOOT has a whole line of shoes including street and dress shoes for both men and women. They sent my wife a pair of the Mary Janes and she couldn’t be happier. She’s used to being barefoot (of course) and running in minimalist type shoes, but these are her first pair of barefoot-type dress/street shoes. 
“They’ve got a wide toebox, they’re flexible, durable, and super comfortable,” she says.
And of course as mentioned earlier, they have a line of kids shoes – ranging from boots to running shoes. What you put on your kids’ feet is vital to their health. It makes a huge impact on their physical AND mental development. No support – no padding – no heel. These are some key points in a healthy kids’ shoe. Check out VIVOBAREFOOT’s info and video on kids’ footwear. And more info on the importance of proper footwear for kids at my DRG site.
So to sum up: Barefoot is best, but VIVOBAREFOOT is second best, (and those at VIVOBAREFOOT make this statement too). Check out their product line as well as their research and training information to enhance not just your performance, but your daily activities.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc"
I'm a board-certified chiropractic physician and clinical nutritionist with a passion for true natural health care. I implement dietary & nutritional therapies, exercise & movement practices, and lifestyle changes along with manual therapy techniques to help the body heal and prevent illness and injuries.
dreed66 says
I have some neo trails that I run in on occasion. They are good in the mud because of the tread.
Sock Doc says
Yeah, those are great shoes. I have the new Breathos (trail shoes) coming soon and will write a review on them.
Cameron says
Doc,
I’m running in VFF and have about 1,000 miles on them. I am going to try some more technical and rocky trail runs this year and am looking for a shoe for that type of terrain. Would you recommend the Evo? I don’t want to lose the strength that I have built up in my feet and legs while wearing the VFF; I don’t want to switch to some stiff or bulky shoe, but I do need some protection from parts of the trail…
Thanks much!
Sock Doc says
Interesting you ask this as I just received the VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho trail shoes and will be writing a review of them next week. They’re great; check the out. The Neo Trail is sweet too.
cody says
hi, new to the site, it’s awesome btw…
anyway, no sure where to comment on this, so i guess while it involves the subject, i’ll ask away…
my dad screwed up his knee, and had some surgical repairs on some ligaments, and with the cartilage.
he’s off the crutches, and been working out at the gym, he got the surgery….i think 5-6 months ago…
now he’s been told he can’t run anymore, at least for now
i think he could get back to running if he goes barefoot, and of course, transition really slowly
he’s always been in thick boots for his job and not really physically active since his 20’s
would going barefoot help him properly, or would it really not be a good idea? I think it could help, and i hate people saying I can’t do things, or in this case, my dad
thoughts?
p.s. my brother and i have neos and they’re awesome, use them for track, and barefoot other wise, only wearing them because college says so…
Sock Doc says
Thanks, glad you like the SD site. I think barefoot is one of the best ways to rehab any area of the body, especially the knee. Obviously you have to be smart about it, and if the person has always worn traditional footwear and/or orthotics then they just can’t start walking barefoot all day long – the muscles, tendons, and ligaments won’t be ready for it. So you start a little bit at a time – maybe even in some minimalist shoes first if the person is not just ready for a zero-drop like the VIVOs. Yes I think zero-drop is best and barefoot is even better but you have to “earn” your way there and that can take time for some. So if he can walk and stand and move about barefoot in the house for a period of time, start there, resting or putting some footwear on before he fatigues too much. If he’s not ready for barefoot then try a VIVO shoe like the NEO or EVO or new AQUA LITE and if not ready for that yet try a transitional shoe.
cody says
thank you, he’s a tough nut to crack, and the hardest person i’ve had to work on to convert, i’ve helped many many more people, people tell me my compassion for it really works,
but him and a friend of mine are TOUGH for different reasons, maybe i can trick my dad into it…
thanks for responding Doc, appreciate it
Daniel Kelly says
Hi Soc Doc,
Firstly I would like to thank you for helping me overcome a decade of shin splits. I have been running pain free now for over twelve-months and your articles and philosophy to health and training have greatly contributed. I can now complete local triathlons having done some run training before the race, rather than suffering through the run to simply finish.
I just have a question about shoes. I have been running in Nike Free’s for twelve-months and really like them. I also do at least one barefoot run per week at my local beach for about 30 minutes (time constraints prevent me doing more on this day). I am considering transitioning to some Vivobarefoot Evo’s. Would you consider these appropriate for a half-marathon and beyond? I have entered a local half-marathon that is in six months. What would you recommend?
Many thanks,
Daniel
Sock Doc says
Great to hear Daniel. You can definitely run in Vivos but you have to work your way towards them. Running barefoot on the beach isn’t a great way to develop the foot to run barefoot. It’s a great workout, but your foot won’t be ready for the road. You need a hard surface. Going from the Nike Frees to the Vivos might be too much of a transition for you, but it can be done. If they’re the 3.0 then that’s more minimalist than the 5.0 or + models that are now out. But the Nikes are much softer (more cushion than the Vivos). I wouldn’t recommend someone go from the Nike Free + to the Vivo. I like the NB Min shoes for a transition – others too. Or you can start some barefoot running on the road (or in the Vivos) 10-15min a few times a week.
Don’t set a time limit for when you want to be 100% in a Vivo or zero-drop. It’ll happen – maybe in 3 months, maybe in 12.
Daniel Kelly says
Thanks for the advice.
Patti Dupont says
Thank you for being here! FInally! I am 73 and have been barefoot most of my life but could never find the right shoe. Best I could do for 40 Years was birkenstock. Now they are not made very well. So, have buying shoes like a nut case. A company called Bulb head sells what they call a in between shoe. IT has a sole similar to vivo, with a mesh top. IT’S more like a slipper. Like a water or pool shoe. I love it. Have worn it all summer. NOW I need a shoe like this fore iceland, and post hip replacement sugery. I think I will get the desert boot. With wool socks it should be great. The only other thing I can wear are sketCher air walks. THANKS so much for all the info!!!!
Mukasa says
Hall I am Uganda runner I run 220km a week barefoot at 2:55/km how long for this shoe to lasted me? Thank you I love your website and great day sockdoc
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
This show is no longer available – see the Vivo Primo. Thanks. Happy running!