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The VivoBarefoot Review and Benefits
- The Vitallist
- Jul 31
- 5 min read
Discover how Vivobarefoot's barefoot shoes strengthen feet, improve balance, and may support healthy aging. Our comprehensive brand review examines the science behind minimalist footwear and its potential longevity benefits for fall prevention.
Medical Disclaimer: While we do our best to provide you researched-backed information, our articles are just that: informational. Our team consists of members passionate about fitness and wellness, but no doctors at this time. Therefore this article can not and should not be considered medical advice, and we cannot be a judge of whether or not the outlined information is the best choice for you. Consult a healthcare provider before adjusting your daily routine.
Your footwear is what directly connects your body to the ground. It is your foundation and an important part of your posture, balance, and stability. Modern footwear is the culmination of centuries of development and iterative improvement. It is comfortable, supportive and unfortunately weakening your feet. You body becomes accustomed to the support, leaving your feet weaker than before. Fortunately, VivoBarefoot is looking to change this.
During my time wearing the shoes for this Vivobarefoot review, I found myself able to feel grounded and stable more than any other pair of shoes. While the lack of cushion was uncomfortable at first, my feet adjusted and now feel more capable than before.
Contents
Who is VivoBarefoot?
Vivobarefoot is a UK-based company founded in 2012 that makes minimalist shoes designed to mimic barefoot walking. Their footwear features wide toe boxes, thin soles, and flexible construction, the opposite of traditional shoes with thick cushioning and arch support.
The company argues that conventional footwear weakens muscles in the feet by providing too much support, while their barefoot-style design allows feet to function naturally. They claim this approach leads to stronger feet, better balance, and improved overall body mechanics.
Supporting Research
Recent research is backing up what Vivobarefoot has been saying all along. A groundbreaking study found that people who wore minimal shoes for just six months increased their toe flexion strength by an impressive 57.4%. That's a significant boost in foot strength from simply changing your shoes.
Another study showed that foot muscle size and strength increased after just eight weeks of walking in minimalist shoes. When you remove the cushioned heel and arch support, your foot muscles have to work harder. It may take an adjustment, but its all for the benefit of your long-term health.
The research suggests that when your feet can spread, flex, and feel the ground beneath them, several benefits follow: better balance, improved posture, stronger foot muscles, and reduced pain throughout your whole body.
Benefits of Barefoot Walking
Users of Vivobarefoot shoes often reference several lifestyle improvements:
Stronger Feet and Legs
Without artificial support, your foot muscles get a workout with every step. This strengthening effect extends up through your calves and into your legs.
Better Balance
The thin sole and wide base give you better feedback from the ground, helping you feel more stable and grounded during activities.
Improved Posture
When your feet can function naturally, it often leads to better alignment throughout your whole body.
Reduced Foot Pain
Many people find that common foot problems improve when they switch to barefoot-style shoes, though this transition should be gradual.
Enhanced Athletic Performance
Athletes, especially weightlifters, report feeling more stable and connected to the ground during their workouts.
Why Foot Strength Matters for Longevity
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, with over 1 million annual hospitalizations according to the CDC. Falling once doubles your risk of falling again, and 83% of hip fractures result from falls - often caused by lower body weakness, poor footwear, and balance difficulties.
This is where barefoot shoes may offer unique longevity benefits. Research shows that the ability to stand on one leg for 10 seconds is now considered a significant predictor of longevity, reflecting the complex relationship between muscle strength, balance, and body awareness that naturally decline with age.
The connection is clear: research suggests that wearing minimal shoes is more beneficial for postural stability than conventional shoes. By strengthening your feet through barefoot-style footwear, you're not just protecting your lifespan but your healthspan, your ability to continue doing the things you love as you age.
Who Should Consider Vivobarefoot?
Vivobarefoot shoes work well for almost everyone. However, they're particularly popular among:
Weightlifters who want maximum stability
People with foot pain from traditional shoes
Older adults that feel unstable in traditional shoes
Those who enjoy feeling connected to the ground while walking
However, the transition to barefoot shoes should be gradual. If you've worn traditional shoes your whole life, your feet may need time to strengthen and adapt.
Why we Support Vivo
Vivobarefoot represents a different approach to footwear design. Rather than adding cushioning and support, their shoes remove barriers to natural foot function. Current research indicates this approach may offer benefits for foot strength, balance, and potentially long-term health outcomes.
The suitability of Vivobarefoot shoes depends on individual foot health, activity levels, and willingness to adapt to a different shoe experience. Those who transition successfully often report positive changes, though the adjustment period requires patience and gradual progression.
The key considerations include starting slowly, monitoring your body's response, and allowing time for foot muscles to strengthen and adapt. The growing body of research suggests that supporting natural foot function may have benefits extending beyond immediate comfort to long-term health and mobility.
Sources
“Facts about Falls.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/facts-stats/index.html. Accessed 23 July 2025.
Chen, Tsang-Hai, et al. "Effects of Training in Minimalist Shoes on the Intrinsic and Extrinsic Foot Muscle Volume of Runners." Translational Sports Medicine, vol. 2, no. 4, 2019, pp. 191-199. Wiley Online Library, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tsm2.85.
D'Août, Kristiaan, et al. "The Effects of Habitual Footwear Use: Foot Shape and Function in Native Barefoot Walkers." Footwear Science, vol. 1, no. 2, 2009, pp. 81-94. Taylor & Francis Online, https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/19424280903386411.
Franklin, Sam, et al. "Barefoot vs Common Footwear: A Systematic Review of the Kinematic, Kinetic, and Muscle Activity Differences during Walking." Gait & Posture, vol. 42, no. 3, 2015, pp. 230-239. ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0966636215004312.
Hollander, Karsten, et al. "Strengthening the Foot Muscles for Improving Foot Function and Reducing the Risk of Overuse Injuries in Runners: A Systematic Review." British Journal of Sports Medicine, vol. 55, no. 9, 2021, pp. 486-492. BMJ, https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/55/9/486.
Johnson, Aaron W., et al. "Barefoot Running and Walking: The Pros and Cons Based on Current Evidence." Strength and Conditioning Journal, vol. 38, no. 4, 2016, pp. 1-8. LWW, https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/fulltext/2016/08000/barefoot_running_and_walking__the_pros_and_cons.1.aspx.
Menz, Hylton B., et al. "Walking Stability and Sensorimotor Function in Older People with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy." Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, vol. 85, no. 2, 2004, pp. 245-252. ScienceDirect, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003999303006235.
Medical Disclaimer: While we do our best to provide you researched-backed information, our articles are just that: informational. Our team consists of members passionate about fitness and wellness, but no doctors at this time. Therefore this article can not and should not be considered medical advice, and we cannot be a judge of whether or not the outlined information is the best choice for you. Consult a healthcare provider before adjusting your daily routine.
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Affiliate Site we earn a commission from select purchases and links as purchased through this site.
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