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The Mata is Vivobarefoot’s new casual shoe for Spring 2015. It’s a slip-on shoe that is super comfortable to wear. The Vivobarefoot Mata is a leather all-occasion shoe – walking, working, and just an everyday sorta daily activity shoe. Of course, when you need or want to wear shoes.; hopefully you’re truly barefoot as much as possible.
The Vivobarefoot Mata has a stretchy all elastic lining so you can pretty much curl the shoe up in a ball. It’s firm though, which is ideal for a barefoot-style shoe, but not rigid.
The outsole is specifically designed for urban environments, and at only 3mm it’s very abrasion resistant. The elastic panel on the side provides a firm fit and makes it easy to skip on and off. Like all Vivobarefoot shoes, I love how you can feel the ground in them, but they still offer protection when you need it.
I wear size 42 in Vivobarefoot shoes but for the Mata I felt it was a bit snug. So I took the insole/sockliner out and it fits much better for me plus it makes the shoe even more minimalist. The 43 was just too big. The only issue I have with the Mata is that if I wear them too long without socks, then I start to get some irritation under my ankle bones (the medial and lateral malleolus) as the shoe rubs that area. So I have to wear socks with them if I’m going to be wearing the shoes and walking for over 15-20 minutes.
As with all Vivobarefoot shoes, they’re ideal minimalist/barefoot-style shoes – firm, flat, flexible, and a wide toe box to allow your toes to naturally splay. I’ll be wearing the Vivobarefoot Mata along with the Vivobarefoot Gobis often. (I still think the Gobis are the best shoe out there). Thanks for the shoes, Vivo!
*Use code DOC10 to get 10% off your next Vivobarefoot order.
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.
Mrs B says
I have been looking at buying some shoes at I have had a bunion removed and want to ensure that from now on my feet are in good shoes that will give my toes plenty of room and although it seems barefoot is the way to go, I work in an office and wear suits! It seems that Vivobarefoot may be the way to go as the Mata could work.
Thankyou for a well written review, it’s a shame that the company is not quite so good – the checkout added £10 to my basket for no reason and the discount code wasn’t accepted!
Sock Doc says
I’ll see why that happened. Thanks for letting me know.
Jimmy from Vivo says
It should be working now Mrs B … can you try again shortly.
www.Strongility.com says
Dear Soc-doc,
I just discovered your site as a result of you being voted one of the top 10 fitness blogs by Breaking Muscle. Congratulations!
It’s nice to see someone in the medical field advocating something besides cortisone shots and antibiotics!
I have 2 pairs of the Vivo Gobi boots that you mentioned, and I wholeheartedly agree with your assessment.
Sock Doc says
Thank you!
Joshua says
Hello soc doc can your car position when you drive cause lower back pain? Random question but just wonderd
Sock Doc says
I’m assuming you mean seat position (then yes it can).
Nadia says
Hi I had a talus fracture .. Well it happen by playing soccer .. Anyways I have a question and that question is if I take joint supplements can that help my fracture heal faster and also how truth it is if you don’t drink any caffeine the healing process is faster as well??
Sock Doc says
Sure certain supps will help – see the article on this site about GAGS. Caffeine detoxification could use up certain nutrients that are also needed for bone repair.
Barbara McNulty says
I am 74 yr old lady and would give anything if I could go to an appt to see you. I have a recent diagnosis of Spondylolistthesiis,torn meniscus and a bunion which I just started wearing Altrashoes for. Other than that’ my health is good. Of course, the Dr wants me to take pain med and shots’ etc. Is of possible for you to suggest a dr,. Or someone who could help me. Along with all this ..it is also affecting my hip and legs. I am anxious for your consideration in this’ please! Thank you, Barbara McNulty in San Dimas CA 91773. I am using Correct toes,..thank you
Sock Doc says
Sorry I don’t know anyone in that area.