Vivobarefoot Stealth II Review

Up until the mid 2000s, it was almost impossible to find a pair of barefoot running shoes.

In a recent report by Wired I read, “Nike’s research lab studied the stride mechanics of Olympic sprinter Allyson Felix to develop the ultra-lightweight track shoe she’ll wear in Rio.” In another article, CNN reported that a start-up company, Enda Iten made special running shoes for the Kenyan middle and long distance runners. These shoes “are light and durable…”

Notice the words “ultra-lightweight”, “light” and “durable”?

I’ve always jogged and race walked with more cushioned running shoes, which were on the heavy end of the running shoe spectrum. So when I tried a pair of Vivobarefoot Stealth II running shoes, although the difference was only a few ounces, I felt like a huge load was shed off of my feet.

Pros

• After wearing a few times I felt the shoes seemed to mold to my feet
• Works well on treadmills, roads, concrete walkways and at the gym
• Breathable and keeps the feet cool even in 90ºF hot and humid summer heat
• Ultra thin and lightweight – ideal for packing in suitcase when traveling
• Comfortable to run in
• Beautiful bright color and design
• Great quality and still looking like new after two months of wearing

I found it easy to adjust from my heavier, cushioned running shoes to these barefoot shoes. I think the fact that I’m usually barefoot, working from home, has given me an advantage over those who wear shoes all day at the workplace.

Fit

The Vivobarefoot Stealth II shoes run a little smaller than my old pair of New Balance running shoes. I chose size 38 (Euro size) which is US size 7.5. My usual size is US size 7 Wide. I suggest going for half a size bigger than your usual shoe size. So, if you are size 9, you would go for 9.5, Euro size 40. Note: I personally prefer shoes that aren’t too tight.

I like to wear Vivobarefoot Stealth IIs with a pair of thin no-show socks. You can wear a liner socks, or even go without socks.

Cons

I needed a few days to adjust and break into the shoes. When I started wearing the shoes, the top of the shoes between the lace and the toe creased and bent as I walked. These creases dug into the top of my feet making them really uncomfortable. After two days of wearing them at home, the shoes molded to my feet and immediately I felt comfortable and never had that issue again.

Note: So if you gave up on a pair of Vivobarefoot Stealth II shoes because they hurt at first, try them on again. Once you break into them, they are the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever run or walk in.

The bright color is an advantage and a disadvantage as well. I have to pack another pair of walking shoes when traveling because the coral color does not match with many outfits especially when I wear yellows or greens.

The Verdict

Prior to the age of modern running shoes, our ancestors ran barefoot. Are barefoot-style shoes better for us? An article on smithsonian.com pretty much sums up what I believe.

Decades of athletic footwear development have led to bigger, more protective shoes— which have only weakened our feet and made us unable to run the way we are naturally meant to.

Where To Get The Shoes

• Get the shoes at Vivobarefoot.com
• Also on Amazon.com
• And on Zappos.com

What do you think? Are you a fan of barefoot running shoes?

The Vivobarefoot Stealth 2 shoes were provided for this review. As always, this Vivobarefoot shoe review contains only the honest views and opinions of the reviewer. Some links found in this review are affiliate links, meaning that we get commission if you decide to make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. This helps to fund the site.