Vivobarefoot Women's Lace-up Barefoot Shoes | Minimalist Footwear for Natural Movement | Perfect for Running, Hiking & Everyday Wear

I ordered the man’s size 9. It was too big for me. I ordered the womens size 8. Waiting for my delivery now.First off, these shoes are made in Vietnam. That information isn't listed anywhere on Amazon. It seems that all of their shoes are either made in Vietnam or Ethiopia. That works for me.I had been looking for a pair of barefoot shoes that are NOT made in China for a few months with no success and I gave up the search. Then after watching a You Tube video on bunion treatment, I found this brand. I'm glad I did and I will remain a loyal customer as long as they continue to do that.Okay, enough international relations and more about the shoes. I like the feel and look of these shoes. My toes have a lot of room to move around, even with a single toe spacer in there (bunion). There is a patch of stronger material over the big toe. This is helpful since my toe nails slope up a little and would break through a weaker material. This is my first pair of barefoot shoes, so I have nothing to use as a comparison except my minimalist running sneakers. In that comparison, you can tell that the sole is much thinner and you do get a better feeling for the ground under your feet. My only negative thought is the price. Although, it was my choice to spend the money or not so I can't blame a business for charging what they think is fair. The only importance that has is that had other companies manufactured in different countries (as per my comment above), I may have chosen them first to save a few bucks. I'm glad I didn't though. I already feel like these shoes are a part of my foot when walking around. The weight of both shoes together is 1.2 lbs. They are very light.I can't speak toward the durability of the shoes, since I have only worn them for a day. If they fall apart unexpectedly, I will try and update this review.Note on sizing: I wear a size 11 sneaker. I went to the Vivobarefoot website and used both their printed page and their smart phone process to size my larger foot, as instructed. The printed page, after recommended adjustments, was about a 10 to 10.5 (which is my normal shoe size--I size up for sneakers). The phone picture sizing method said I was a 10. Close, but the website also recommended I size down to a size 9! I thought that was a bit much, but figured with that recommendation I should go with a lower size and not my sneaker size. So I went with a size 10 and they seem to fit perfectly. If I went with the 11s, they would have probably been clown shoes on me.I'd like to give a shout-out to the "Exercising Health" You Tube channel for recommending this brand of shoe.I found these shoes while looking for a new pair of gym shoes. I wanted something that was minimal, but still looked good and wouldn’t fall apart. I have tried several minimalist style shoes and liked them for lifting and running on treadmills.Shipping was quick and everything showed up without any problems.As soon as I tried these shoes on, I knew I was going to enjoy wearing them. I have worn them for several months now and have put quite a few miles on them running, and haven’t noticed any wear. Much like any minimalist shoe, there is an option for no insole or a minimal insole to add a slight padding. Personally, I choose to use the insole, and love them. In addition to running, I also lift in these shoes, and love that they don’t have a drop from the heel to the toe.In addition to the function, these shoes look great. They are a very simple design, that allows for smooth aesthetics and breathability.Overall I am hugely happy that I purchased these shoes. I will be continuing to do business with this company and would recommend them to others.Felt a little large but I have now run three times in them and the size seems right. I have been running for five years and about two or three years ago I started to experience left Achilles tendon pain. After a run I would walk with a limp for two days. By the third day I was usually ok to run again. Also had PT and did a lot of stretching of the Achilles before and after runs. I have run in these shoes four times. I was skeptical at best when I got the shoes. I have four pairs of different running shoes. Beside the Achilles issue I had difficulty of get the step speed over 160 steps per minute.NO! Achilles Tendon Pain! None!. Step speed 185 plus - easy. After a run legs feel energized, not tired. My chronological age is 69.5 by bio age is 55.I will run a 5K race on Saturday. Will they the pass the race test? Will see on Saturday - Crescent City Fall Classic.I purchased these shoes to wear out for my Mom's Birthday dinner. On this night I opened the box and put them on, and the shoes fit perfectly, like a glove. However, when tying the left shoestring snapped in half. I wore the shoes anyway with the left shoe untied. The shoestring issue is the only reason these get four stars, otherwise I love these shoes and they are the coolest looking shoes on the block, dress up or down, and they are unbelievably comfortable.Ordered these in November but due to the colder weather/these not being cold friendly I’ve only really consistently worn them the past 3 months, for maybe 3-4 days a week of casual wear. Today when I was tying the shoes the eyelet for one of the shoelaces ripped in half—making the shoe pretty much useless since I can’t have one foot supported/laced properly and one that’s imbalanced (kind of goes against the whole mission of the company...). As I mentioned, I have used these VERY lightly for a short period of time; plus I was not vigorously pulling on the lace to rip the eyelet, so there’s no reason for it to be so easily damaged. I’m hoping Vivo will reach out about replacing the shoes because they are very expensiveUPDATE (June 19, 2019): NO RESPONSE from the company. Shoes have deteriorated even further as expected since it can’t be laced/worn properly and definitely impacts my walking pattern. Definitely related to the ankle injury I sustained in that foot since my first review. Unprofessional and disappointing that a company pretends to care about your physical health then ignores its customers issues with their faulty productHave had these for a month now and have walked, run and yesterday did a 400m interval session with them. They are excellent, and while taking some time to adjust, for me in particular, as I came from Hoka One!My feet are stronger and this has made my base more stable when squatting and deadlifting (I’m also wearing them for that too).You do feel the quality of the surface you’re walking on and when running, some large stones are felt.The fact there is no support in the sole, means you have to change your running gait to land on your forefoot or risk slamming heel on the ground if you don’t.I have been interested in barefoot shoes for a long time and this has been my first 'normal looking' pair (Vibrams ahem). They look the part and are suitable for any day to day activities. I use mine mainly for gym based exercise as the very very low profile and width of the forefoot are perfect when unable to go skin to ground.Sizing wise I followed the guide on Vivobarefoots website and would advise anyone else to follow suit. I sized a 45m which they claim is an 11 and it fits my extra wide foot perfectly......apart from, and this is my only gripe, the lacing system has a plastic trim that would cause blisters to my little to when walking due to compression at the toe joint. Easily fixed with some no show socks and to be honest I would advise socks with these shoes to prolong the longevity of use. I have also cleaned these in the washing machine on a very cool wash with no problems as they do get grubby being white. Vivobarefoot do no advise this but I have had no problem. Would recommend highlyAmazingly comfortable and light. I wear these all day for work no problem. Great if your starting out as they also come with a removable insole for extra support.These look really nice too, I thought the picture makes them look abit plasticky but not at all in the flesh. The look very neat and well made. Great company too, sustainable, eco friendly and promoting good physical health.If you have a wider foot, ie I had to buy 9.5 / 10 UK for normal shoes, the smaller size seems better, 9 UK is s perfect fit for me.Side note: if your thinking of starting minimalist footwear I've found these to be the best and most practical over vibrams. However I did start with NB minus which are also great.These are great for training and lifting and I wear them at the gym (only) every time. I don't run, so not used them for that, but doing circuits, rowing and lifting they're great. Very well made and they look like they'll last, but time will tell. They're expensive, but you get a top shoe. I've had a few different barefoot type shoes and these are proper minimal. They've replace my adidas toe shoes, which have worn out, they'll be a big change if you're moving from a normal shoe, but pretty close to the toe shoes.I'm trying to get into wearing barefoot shoes and Vivobarefoot seems to be the market leader.I gave these a shot and they look great, feel great on my feet and are certainly barefoot feeling!I'm still working on getting used to wearing them all the time, I am currently doing short stints.Would definitely recommend these if you're looking for that barefoot feeling with an everyday shoe.