Comments on: Xero Shoes vs. Vivobarefoot: Which Minimalist Brand Fits You Best?

By: Andrew Cole

Andrew Cole — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 17:44:28 +0000

I’ve run on forest trails with the Vivobarefoot Forest ESC and the Terraflex 2 from Xero and honestly the Vivobarefoot feels great barefoot. You can feel every pebble and the Michelin outsole grips like magic on slippery roots but the price still makes me cringe and you get zero cushioning so it hurts when you hit a rock. Xero on the other hand offer a little bit of trail foam underfoot so you dont trip over every hidden rock and they give a 5000 mile guarantee which feels solid. They’re a little heavier and less ‘barefoot’, but you can tackle mud, snow and all that without feeling like you’re walking on broken glass.

By: Olaf

Olaf — Fri, 24 Jan 2025 20:36:50 +0000

In reply to Marcus. Do you think the price difference between xero shoes and vivobarefoot is justified?

By: Marcus

Marcus — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 20:03:09 +0000

Having been a fan of minimalist shoes for several years, making the switch to Xero Shoes has taken my walking experience to a different level. I have tested Vivobarefoot before, and though they serve their purpose for city use, Xero Shoes are far more practical for outdoor or everyday use. The wide toe box together with the flexible soles increase the overall comfort and freedom of foot movement greatly, thus speeding-up recovery even after extensive hiking. The plants used in these shoes are environmentally friendly and the prices are moderate considering the quality. My Xero Shoes, however, work perfectly for me in all these activities be it trail running, climbing or having coffee out. Being lightweight makes me feel like I’m not wearing shoes, which gives me better ground connection. Honestly, I recommend Xero Shoes for all people who care about functionality, comfort and eco properties of their shoes.