Vivobarefoot Sizing and FAQ Information

  1. Have your child stand on a piece of paper and draw around their foot.
  2. Measure the foot from the tip of the longest toe, to the base of the heel.
  3. Match it to the cm measurement in the left column in this size chart.
  4. If they are in-between sizes, we recommend you size up.

Where does the Leather come from, and is it ethically sourced?
The majority of the Leathers are now sourced from Pittards PLC and come from free roaming cows in Africa. 

Are Vivobarefoot shoes puncture proof or puncture resistant?
The shoes have a patented puncture resistant layer that has up to 5x the puncture resistance of other minimal shoe brands out there. Sadly, it is not possible to make them puncture proof and maintain the barefoot flexibility and feeling. 

Vivo’s appear to have less components than regular shoes, so why are they expensive?
VIVOBAREOOT are committed to giving you as little shoe as possible while providing your feet with all the grip and protection you would expect from a pair of VIVOBAREFOOT shoes. Making soft, thin, flexible shoes that last longer and still allow for natural foot function, is our unique challenge.
LESS IS MORE - With less materials, thinner soles and complete flexibility; a huge amount of stress is put on the shoes during wear. This means the best materials are used and the most considered shoe making process possible.
TIME - In the factories, it is common for shoe productions lines to make up to 3500 pairs per day. The Vivo soft, thin, flexible shoes are a lot harder to make which limits them to less pairs per day due to the level of shoe making and craftsmanship in each and every pair. Vivo are a small company, with small orders and it is difficult to make shoes with industry defining quality standards.

Where are the shoes produced?
Currently, they are produced all over the world, from China and Cambodia, to Ethiopia and Portugal. Vivo only work with factories who they believe can offer the best possible construction, but who also follow their company code of conduct on human rights. 

What’s special about the soles?
Did you know that up to 70% of the information your brain needs for skilful movement comes from the 200,000 nerves on the soles of your feet? By maximising sensory feedback as your foot touches the ground, you can exploit the abundance of information available to the brain to help you stand, walk and move with optimal skill. Every shoe we make has a patented, ultra-thin, puncture resistant sole which gives you maximum sensory feedback with protection.

How do I clean/care for my Vivo’s?
We recommend using natural products where possible for cleaning and weather protection. Construction methods and materials vary across styles and we would recommend using soapy cold water rather than a washing machine for our performance shoes. In the interest of increasing the lifespan, and appearance of your shoes, you may like to use a liquid repellent spray. 


Should I wear socks or insoles with my Vivo?
Yes, you can, a lot of this comes down to personal preference. If you are not used to wearing socks, then there is no need to wear them with your Vivos. However, if you do still want to keep them on, we would recommend a pair of lightweight, non-restrictive socks that may stop any friction and can sometimes help with moisture wicking, preventing sweat and stinky shoes.