I tested the 10 best barefoot shoes for wide feet, and the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III were the most impressive when it came to comfort, durability, and affordability. Here's my hands-on review.
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
Vivobarefoot - Primus Lite III Low-Top Sneakers For Men and Women
Highlight: Wide, thin and flexible; as close to barefoot as possible.
Helpful review: First off, a few words about myself. I test and review shoes for a living, and this is my first pair of Vivo Barefoot, and actually it’s the first pair of minimalistic shoes I’ve bought in over a decade. I have to say I genuinely feel Vivo is spot on with this model. They sure got the pattern right. The fit is truly incredible, the materials are top notch, and the comfort is above my expectations.
WIDE TOE BOX:
These shoes offer a wide toe box that provides ample room. I’m not kidding. This wide toe box is a real game changer. The shoes feel natural, and keep telling everyone how they saved my life. I can walk and jog without any knee or sole pain. I really think it’s thanks to that wide toe box. I can’t recommend it enough.
CAUTION:
Start slowly. Don’t push yourself. Make the transition gradual. If you do, I guarantee that these will feel better than shoes by other brands, such as Feelgrounds, Altra, Bedrock and Anatomic. You really do feel naturally barefoot, and it’s amazing, but you do need to take it slow.
AFFORDABILITY:
Vivo Barefoot shoes, generally speaking, are not cheap. However, they are affordable. I don’t think you can find a better quality pair for the money. They are reliable and durable, and will last for at least 18 months. They’re usually cheaper on Amazon than at shops and department stores.
SIZING:
I’m normally a 10.5. I ordered an 11, which is 44 in the UK. This model, and Vivo in general, is supposed to be longer and wider than your actual foot. You have to feel comfortable and natural, as if you’re wearing slippers.
SHIPPING:
Shipping and delivery were incredibly fast.
OVERALL:
The fit was perfect. I’m walking on clouds, almost literally. So if you're looking for barefoot shoes, these are an amazing start.
A FEW WORDS FROM A NEIGHBOR:
You might get those in your size and think they are way too big, but don’t throw in the towel. Give it a chance. Try them out for a few days. The toebox is VERY wide on purpose. It’s designed to allow you to lengthen your foot when stretching, walking or jogging. I know they might feel too large, but that’s the way they’re supposed to feel. You need to have a lot of room for your toes to stretch if you want to get rid of foot pain and feel ‘barefoot’. You’re supposed to have enough room to wiggle your toes freely. I do recommend taking an easy start with Vivo, especially if you’re a first-timer. For the first two weeks, your calves may hurt. It takes some time to strengthen your feet. But it’ll be worth it, I promise. You’re going to have so much support for your feet, even if you have a high arch, like I do. The funny thing is that my brother, who has a flatfoot, also loves this model. I don’t know how to explain it. We can’t imagine going back to any other brand. I got myself some different colors for different seasons.
MY FRIEND’S REVIEW:
I’ve always been concerned that minimalist shoes would be brutal on my feet, but with Vivo - I was worried for nothing. I mean it. These shoes make me feel like my feet are behaving and feeling the way God intended them to. Let me tell you, I have VERY wide Flinstone feet, so most brands are not a good fit for me. These embrace my feet naturally and allow my toes to move, splay, thrust and spread. It’s an incredible feeling when I’m jogging. It’s like a feeling of getting good feedback every time you take a step. This is a purchase you will never regret. Mark my words. — Ray Campbell
Get it from Amazon now: $129.99 & FREE Returns
