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Perhaps you’re familiar with my Vivobarefoot Shoe addiction? Keeping true to expand my Vivobarefoot empire and lessen my closet space, I have recently acquired the new Vivobarefoot Primus. The Vivobarefoot Primus is Vivo’s most minimal shoe available – just 3mm separating your foot from the ground and with no insole. It’s super-minimalist, which I love. The Primus is a shoe that as soon as I slipped it on I knew I was going to like.
The Vivobarefoot Primus fits like a slipper, but still gives your foot plenty of room to move as it should. It fits snug, but without constriction. Plus, I love it when I can wear shoes without socks (yeah, Sock Doc really doesn’t wear socks much anymore); there was no ankle chaffing with the Vivobarefoot Primus.
This is actually my only pair of true road running shoes I have other than my aging Vivobarefoot Evo – which are still holding up nicely. The Primus is very lightweight and their V-web mesh-like material makes them super-breathable. The hexagonal outsole keeps the shoe flexible and yes, it does grip well. I’ve worn them on some algae-covered rocks down by our creek and I wasn’t sliding all over the place like I would in many other shoes.
So if you’re looking for an as-close-to-barefoot-running shoe, look no further than the Vivobarefoot Primus. It’s a shoe I’ll be wearing when I decide (or need) to put on a pair of running shoes. The pair of size 42 EUR weighs in at just 12.60 ounces, which is about 180 grams per shoe. That’s less weight than many single running shoes. This is definitely one of Vivo’s best yet!
I don’t get paid any money from Vivobarefoot for my shoe reviews, nor am I an affiliate. I just think they’ve got great shoes. (I do, however, receive the Primus shoes for free.) If you’re interested in injury prevention and optimum health and fitness as I am, then Vivobarefoot will fit your lifestyle. Less shoe is always more!
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.
Kevin says
I need a pair of minimalist running shoes I can wear in the winter, through snow & ice. I have Vivobarefoot dress shoes & vibrams for running between March & October, but I need a pair that can handle running through the Michigan winters. Any suggestions?
Thanks.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Check out the Vivo line of “winter-proof” shoes.
Antoine Troullier says
Hi, I’m used to run with Vivo too, Breatho, Neo, Freak.
Can I use Primus on rocky trails ? or is it designed for road / soft ground ?
Thank you
Antoine
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
It’s really designed for road and hard ground – not so much on trails. But hey – depends on how tough/resilient your feet are.
Chad Cherf says
Hello, I have Plantar Fasciitis in one foot. To make matters worse I have DyshidrodicEczema on both feet. I live in Florida so keeping my feet dry is a constant battle with humidity. I wear Chaco Sandals when I leave the house and Croc sandals when working around the house. Both of these seem to have high arch supports and do alleviate some of pain I was gettting across the tendons on the tops of my feet, pain in my calves, and pain just below the knee. Work has always been a challenge. I currently am wearing a Chaco mesh hiking shoe, due to the high arch support. I have added additional arch supports and I get very little pain from this. I also wear white cotton tube socks to work to keep with the constant eczema battle. I am looking for a shoe that I can leave at the office that is super lightweight and breathable. I was hoping to wear my sandals to work and then slip on these shoes when I have meetings or need to meander around the office. I contacted Toms and Sanuk and they politely told me that because of Flat Feet I should avoid purchasing their shoes because they are not designed for people with this issue. I was looking for a shoe that was super breathable, lightweight, and could accommodate my arch. Something I could wear without socks and just slip into for a short time right from my sandals. What is your feeling on barefoot type shoes when dealing with Flat Foot? Also, any suggestions would be helpful.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Check out this article: https://sock-doc.com/arch_height-weight-leg_length/
Isaac says
I love my EVOs and I just got a pair of primus. I have to say I am very worried that the wide lacing design and round laces are going to cause some pain. I was shocked to see that the lace actually passes under the tongue and touches the top of my foot. I hate that by the time I find out whether this design is no good because of the laces biting into my foot, i won’t be able to return them. What do you think of the lace design now that you have had a chance to run in them for a while?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
The laces of mine goes over the tongue – so you need to relace yours properly!
Peter says
I hope they change the color. It makes you feel like a clown. Definitely not for walking in town.
Mylene stingley says
Hi there!do you have any issues the web mesh tearing (on inner part of shoe)?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Not yet!
ryan says
would these be usable for freerunning/parkour (are they grippy enough)?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
I like the Motus better.
Amanda says
Hi there,
I stumbled across your site while looking up vivobarefoot shoe reviews and I’m hoping you can help. I apologize in advance as it is quite long.
My boyfriend and I recently signed up for our first tough mudder. We are reasonable fit as we train and teach Tae Kwon Do, but running for extended periods of time will be new for us. In addition to this, we are planning our first cruise Nov 2017 where we plan to hike in San Juan as well as hike up Mount Liamuiga in St Kitts. My boyfriend SWEARS by walking barefoot everywhere; He actually hates shoes and only wears them when he has to, and usually it’s flip flops. However, since we are going to be in a new country, in new surroundings I have reminded him that going barefoot up Mount Liamuiga is probably not his best idea so we have been searching for minimalist shoes. Myself, my feet are more sensitive. Often when we hike down cliffs to the beach near us I will wear a water shoe so that I can still bend and grip with my toes, and it helps to ease the pain of the hard rocks and ground that otherwise slow me down when I am barefoot. I also have mild plantar fasciitis in one foot so finding a shoe I can wear for extended periods of time has been difficult. I personally love wearing my molded montrails but unfortunately they aren’t suitable for jogging or for our tough Canadian winters ;).
I have been reading about the different vivobarefoot shoes, trying to decide which shoe would be best for us to:
1. Train in for a Tough Mudder. ie: Jogging in town, up hills, on hikes
2. As well as up Mount Liamuiga
3. Are flexible enough that it doesn’t feel like we’re wearing shoes.
4. I could wear at my work (a Hospital) where I am on my feet for 8 to 12 hours, sometimes standing in one spot for extended periods of time).
Which would you recommend for each of us?
I’m concerned about them fitting as my foot is wide. I used Vivo’s measuring system and my shoe size it says I “should” be isn’t listed. When I contacted them they said their sizing system is off and to buy my normal shoe size which is a 6.5. Since there are no stores in Canada I’m worried I will buy something (at over $200 CAD which to me is a lot of money for someone who is just getting into running and mainly trains in Tae Kwon Do) and it won’t fit correctly. How will I know if it fits right? Is there a learning curve to barefoot shoes? I am hoping you can say something to ease my mind…
Am really hoping you can help and am eagerly awaiting your reply!
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
That’s one problem with Vivo. Many buy a few sizes and then return the ones that don’t fit. Obviously, that isn’t convenient, or cheap for you. Check out the articles in Start Here for learning how to transition to barefoot-style shoes.
Blobby says
Glad that your shoes reviews are back.
I have waited some time before adding this comment in order to have a more precise idea how this shoe behave, compared to former Evo Pure model (I’ve never understood why they named this model “Evo Pure” since older “Evo” model (without “Pure”) is quite different…) and VFF Bikila Evo.
They are sensibly more narrow than Evo Pure and laces hold feet more tightly; otherwise, ground contact feel is the same. Feet holding is similar to what Bikila Evo performs, with a slightly less supple heel on Vivos (but any notion of rigidity is very far).
Michael says
How have these held up since your review? And how was the fit for you in the toe box? I’m reading conflicting reviews on Amazon (always challenging to trust Amazon reviews or any reviews for that matter since they can be so subjective). I don’t run but do a lot of functional training, plyometrics in the gym and have used the minimalist Merrill’s for years. Looking for another alternative. I do have other Vivobarefoot shoes that aren’t for exercise. TIA
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Holding up great. They are a bit more narrow than other Vivos.
fran says
just bought a pair of vivobarefoot primus lite shoes , I love being able to go without shoes. Ive just done an ultra walk challenge (66km with just meal stops)and did it in conventional walking boots and my feet are trashed. Ive bought these in the hope I will be able to both run and walk in them. Do you have any tips for the transition from conventional to these , is it just do as you feel ? also how do you recommend cleaning them . ???
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Check out this article: https://sock-doc.com/barefoot-minimalist-walking-shoes/
Zechariah Rogers says
How is the fit? I wear 8.5 US and they only have full sizes so should I size up or down? I measured my foot at just under 26CM.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
Hard to say. A bit more narrow than other Vivos so I’d guess a size up for you. Sometimes you never know with Vivos!
Matthew says
I’ve been researching vivo for a good while and my only question is do you think they would fit okay if I have a high instep?
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc" says
I have a high arch and they’re fine. All depends on how strong your foot is to handle such a minimal shoe.