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The VIVOBAREFOOT Motus is Vivo’s newest “all around” shoe. They designed it to be versatile, and that it is. Wear it while running on the roads or on the tennis court. Wear it while doing some parkour or some urban free running. Or just wear them while traveling and hiking. The Motus really is a neat design and it’s super comfortable and of course very minimal – only 4.5mm between your foot and the ground. Speaking of the outsole – it’s got good traction, (older models like the Evo were much more slick), and Vivo says the hexagons allow water to pass through them so you don’t aqua plane on a surface. (Okay, if that’s even possible.)
The VIVOBAREFOOT Motus has a toe guard for a bit more protection which is always a nice feature when you accidentally kick something you wish you didn’t. It also has this velcro strap that in my opinion is completely useless. Vivo says it’s there for medial and lateral hold but it doesn’t matter how much you pull it over, it’s not going to snug you up any. Plus, isn’t the whole point (or one major point) of a minimalist shoe is to allow your foot to move freely? You don’t want to lock yourself in. But really, it’s just kind of a silly feature that I don’t see the point of. But it’s not a reason to not get yourself a pair; they’re well worth the $150. Check out the VIVOBAREFOOT Motus here.From Vivo’s site:
From the hot clay tarmac to the urban concrete jungle, Motus lets your feet move completely naturally. Basketball, rock hopping, tennis or parkour; whatever your discipline, our ultimate movement shoe will keep you on your game.
With a 4.5mm, ultra-flexible, puncture resistant sole, you’ll feel inspired to move, safe in the knowledge that your feet are protected from the elements. The V-Lock strap helps medial and lateral hold, allowing you to jump, twist and flex with poise and confidence. Move like never before; move with Motus.
You may find this shoe slightly larger than other Vivos. Motus is made to be wide and spacious, with room for lateral movement and space for the great toe to control natural motion. We would recommend you stick to your regular Vivo sizing.
Firm enough to feel the ground and stay protected
Sticky enough to climb a tree
Thin enough to keep your balance
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.
Miro says
Hello Doc,
How would you compare these to Merrell Vapor Glove 2 shoes? I think I saw somewhere you mentioned you found the Merrell shoes narrow. Are Vivo Motus on wider side? Thanks.
Sock Doc says
Yes the Motus is much wider.
Adolfo Neto says
Thanks for the review. Steve, can you wear them comfortably without socks? I have a pair of Ultras (also by VivoBarefoot) and my feet get too hot when I don’t wear socks (because of the material inside the shoes).
Sock Doc says
Yes I can with the Motus.
Jamie says
What are your thoughts on lems shoes vs vivos?
Sock Doc says
I like Lems a lot too. My kids wear them.
Blobby says
I’ve received a pair yesterday (in white colour).
Compared to Evo pure, and without removable inside sole, I find that Motus is slightly tighter at heels and seems longer (with a more pointed shape axed on big toe); it is definitively less supple (I think mainly because of the toe guard which is quite rigid).
With inside sole and socks (medium thickness tennis socks), the shoe upper is not up enough to for my feet to be really comfortable; but I find that shoe without insole already offers sufficient protection (feels just a little harder than Gobi with insole).
As usual with Vivobarefoot, tongue is a little short.
Shoes look far greater than in pictures.
JerseyGuy says
Thanks for a terrific website!!! I usually wear a shoe size of 9.5. Motus is not produced in that size. My feet measure 10 3/8″ = 10.375″ = 26.3525 cm. Vivobarefoot chart recommends size 8.5 for a 26.5 cm foot. Does it make sense for me to order a Vivobarefoot size 8.5? (Vivobarefoot size 9 is recommended for a 27 cm foot). Their size chart is here: http://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/customer-services/size-guide. Thanks again!!!
Jamie says
I finally ordered the vivo barefoot motus but had to return them because the shoe was a tad narrow for my right strong bigger foot and it bothered my foot a bit. Do you know if there’s another vivo barefoot shoe I can try ? For gym use and regular casual wear and jogging. Thanks
Sock Doc says
Well I just got the Drake and the Aqua II in and they’re both great. But I’m not sure if they’re any more wide for you. Did you take the insole out? That can a lot of times help with even width issues.
Jamie says
I didn’t have insoles in when I tried it on. It’s always my right foot that has problems with shoes. My last toe the Bony area scrapes on the shoe and my foot a tad wider than the left. I’ll try out some of their other shoes though. Thank you !
cameron says
Thinking of getting these–couldn’t I just cut that strap off? Don’t like it for practical and aesthetic reasons.
Thanks!
Sock Doc says
Sure. Cut away.
John says
Are the Lems wider then Motus?
Sock Doc says
Not sure as I haven’t actually measured but I think so.
Andy says
In the half year or so since this review was written, how have the shoes held up to use? I’m considering using them for a multi-month trip in India. Are the soles quite durable for weeks and weeks of walking?
(I’m used to VFFs and love the longevity of their soles)
Sock Doc says
Still awesome.
Niels Kunzel says
I am using the Motus now for about a month, running and daily use and it is a very comfortable shoe with a wide toe box. I ran in Evo pure but to my opinion this one is better.
The strap maybe useless but put your laces underneath and they will never get loose.
Rolfen says
Hi there and thank you for the review!
Since you have tried many shoes, would you have a tip for me? I would like a minimal shoes (maybe with a little padding) with a wide heel as well. Vibrams are the worse on that matter, unfortunately. So I’m back at square one.
I thought the Motus would be a good candidate because the sole seems to wrap the heel, which – I guess – would also help a lot for my condition. I should try it maybe.
My quest is proving very time consuming and expensive – these shoes are only found in specific places.
Thank you!
Anthony says
Do you wear insoles or no insoles with these shoes.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Insoles when it’s cold out!