Wasn’t familiar with lono. Looking for a new minimal road shoe, this might fit the bill. Just wanna say, been following your channel for some time. Have to credit you for the excellent video production work. Really enjoy the illustrations as well. Is that your handy work?
Thanks, yo! Appreciate the support. Glad you're enjoying the vids. Those are my illustrations, indeed. You can find more of my drawing stuff on Medium fthelines.medium.com
Wait, the Primus Lite used to have a leather footbed? Cool! Must have changed right before I got mine, because they were all synthetic when I bought them in 2027.
@@AndrewFolts sorry not the Primus Lite but the Primus Trio, i always thought Primus Lite was just the super light version of it, to me the Primus Trio are the perfect barefoot shoes for everyday use avoiding muddy or realy dirty ground, i have had no durability issues, recently i almost fell down a stairset i was carying my bike down and hooked with theblaces on the right shoe my pedal on the bike, it ripped two lace loops from the outer leather from the shoe, otherwise i would have fell down, at that pint i was looking for a new pair, sadly their production has not been continued since many years, i just baught one used pair in my size, and soon trying out the vibrams v-trek and v-alpha
I just received a pair of vivobarefoot primus lite IV all weather - and I guess the sizing is the same as their other shoes. They’re too long and too narrow for my feet (which are used to FiveFingers). Do you think the lono shoes might be a better fit for my feet? I want something to run in when the weather isn’t completely dry 😅 Also thanks for your videos - I’ve been watching for years by now 😊
Lono is roughly the same width as Vivo but much more stretchy, so they should work better. They would be more water-resistant than Vibram, although only on the bottom, since the upper is an open knit. FYI the All Weather models do run more narrow than the Knit's, but Lono is still roomier than both.
@@AndrewFolts thank you so much for replying 😃 I don’t think more stretch is enough for me, but the info might still be useful to other people. The all weather are about 1 inch too long and between half and one inch too narrow, so I want a shorter shoe that is significantly wider. I’ll stay with my Vibrams so far. But I really appreciate your input ☺️
Hi Andrew, I really enjoy your content. I currently have the Primus Lite Knits, which have been great, but perhaps a bit narrow. Sadly the upper has broken through at the crimp point on top of the shoe. I am tempted to give the Lino flows a try, but was wondering about the rounded toe box, does it cramp your toes?
It didn't for me, but my feet are medium width. The sizing is the same as Vivo and I usually get a half size up to avoid any width restriction due to the shape of the very tip of the shoe. Overall the Flow's are quite stretchy, so they shouldn't restrict you.
Cool. Any issues with the toe break on primus lite knit? The bottom of the lace weld on mine causes the fabric to fold oddly and pushes on the top of the great toe with every step. I've been wearing them around the house to see if they break in before taking them on any outdoor fun. Otherwise, they're pretty awesome.
Mine seem ok, but I've had that in other shoes. Partly it depends on where you toes are bending. In some cases, it could be due to the wrong size, but not always. You can experiment with loosening the bottom couple laces. Sometimes that fixes it.
What’s the sizing like compared to the Primus Lite? I wear size 11 on Vivos, and curious if that would be the same size to order with Lonos or to size up or down. Would love your input.
Hi, I'm thinking of getting a pair of the Lono Flows but I was wondering if you can help with a question about the sole? Do you find that it's softer than the Vibram soles? I've tried a couple pairs of shoes with Vibram soles and they've always hurt my feet for some reason. They feel very hard/tough for me. For reference I also have the Realfoot winter boots and a pair of Groundies and I'm ok with those soles. Thanks.
@@AndrewFolts I tried the Merrel Vapor Gloves, and the Freet Flex, which aren't actually Vibrams but felt the same to me. I'm also wondering if it might have been the deeper lugs in those soles that were uncomfortable? I had tested them on pavement at the time.
@@serisaurusrex Ah ok, that's why. Actual Vibram FF shoes feel much softer than the Vapor Gloves and Freet Flex. They both have thicker, more dense soles and les flexibility due to the lack of full separate toes. I'd give the V-Trek a try. ruclips.net/video/gN07dkOloU4/видео.html Those are still my all-time favorite barefoot shoes after seven years and they don't feel hard at all on roads.
@@AndrewFolts I do still really want to try the Lono Flows, partly because of price. How do you think they compare? I'd only be using them for walking and light jogging.
@@serisaurusrex They're a very solid pick with some great flex and a nice stretchy upper with good airflow. The sole is about 2mm thicker than Vivo's, so there's slightly less ground feel, but overall I really enjoyed them for running and casual.
Hey Andrew! I have a question, I really like the V-TREK as it is the pair of shoes that I feel fit my feet the best. I wanted to know if the V-RUNs are a good option as a shoe with more ground feel. Great video as always and I love how in depth you go on the pros and cons!
Hey Pablo, the V-Run's would def have more ground feel. Wish they made a version with natural upper materials, although if that's important to you, the KSO ECO (hemp) bit.ly/3THqTew also has a very thin sole.
@@AndrewFolts Yeah, when I saw that the upper was made from polyester it was kind of a turn off. I've watched your video on the KSO ECO WOOL and I don't know if it would be better to get the KSO ECO instead because it's pretty hot over here in central California. I'm not sure if the ECO WOOL would be breathable in really hot weather.
@@PabloSanchez-lw9cb Yea ECO wool is medium thick and might be hot. The V-Trek honestly is still pretty good for road running and breathes well due to being thinner. I've even run 400's at the track with them.
Есть kso eco-wool, а есть просто kso eco. Они без шерсти. В них не жарко. Однако, если асфальт горячий, то ступня будет ощутимо нагреваться. И тогда будет жарко. Я бы рекомендовал их носить максимум до 25°C. И да, они с очень тонкой подошвой, чувствуется любой камень.
Thanks for the detailed comparison! In the video, it seems that Lono is more voluminous on your foot. Vivo seems to sit more securely on you, is that a thing?
Yea, that's true. Lono is more stretchy, while Vivo is more structured. That said, Lono does have those side straps, so I found the support to be plenty snug where I needed it in the middle of the shoe.
would you say the toe box of the lonos is wider? i love my vivos, but as i've started to wear barefoot shoes more often my toes are widening and now my pinky toe is painfully pushing up against the side of the vivos
I liked it for sprinting, yea. There was plenty of support for side to side, although the tread can be more slipper on wet surfaces. The main difference is the Flow has a tiny bit of padding, while the Primus Lite is a pure barefoot experience.
Haven't tried it, although I saw customers complain about it feeling stiff in the reviews, which is concerning. It's more similar to the Flow due to having some minimal padding. The Flow or Lite (if you want the best flexibility) would be better options, I expect.
Thanks for your reply. I am living in Taiwan where does not have a chance to try it on. I have a Primus Lite in 45, but I have to go up to 46 with Primus Lite cause I kind feel the space around the ankle is kind of narrow and tight while I am walking with it even when I am seated. Did you feel more elastic around the ankle with the Lono, I am trying to find the best size for mine.
Will put it on my list. Looks good as far as I can see. Extra-wide toebox, thin flexible sole, breathable, like the Dash I reviewed ruclips.net/video/35YNL1iB5mk/видео.html but with a better ankle design.
How did your first pair last 7 years!? I bought my pair in Canada for well over $300 & it started falling apart at 8-10 months 😔 mostly wore in the office too barely ran in them
Where did yours fall apart? For the sole, 90% of the wear comes from having a twist or scuff in your stride, because just rolling down smoothly creates almost no friction. For the upper it did start to tear out after around three years I'd say, but still works fine. Tying the shoe looser can help with that, unless you need it snug for intense cross-training. Here's my shoe last video with more tips: ruclips.net/video/BXO266smEKg/видео.html
Which ones, the Flow's? I don't often use those, since I'm used to running full barefoot and don't need the padding. I use the Primus Lite Knit's quite a bit for road running, since they're thinner. They're my fav road shoes. I do wish Lono would make a 4mm version without the extra 2mm of padding, since the upper's really comfy!
Most likely Lono will keep making solid quality shoes at affordable prices, rather than trying beat Vivo at the premium materials game, which would require them to charge premium prices and lose their customer base.
Very easily, it's just a matter of being mindful not to "twist" or "scuff" the sole as your foot lands, which accounts for probably 90% of the wear. I saw it all the time as a shoe salesman and it destroys shoes much faster. When you land and roll down gently, it actually creates very little friction. Also being careful when lacing/unlacing the shoes and not pulling them too tight helps protect the upper from tear-outs.
@@AndrewFolts Sigh, I got uneven wear on my soles. Something I recently found as a cheap daily use barefoot shoes is Fitkicks. The soles are very wear resistance but its uppers aren't so tough and I am not sure if one would do serious running in them.
Would you recommend the lono flow for walking on concrete all day? I work at a restaurant and I started wearing barefoots at work since last week. I’ve quit wearing orthotic insoles completely🫣
Yea, it's create for road/concrete walking. Thin but still has a tiny amount of padding. The only consideration is the open knit, which could get dirty. The Vivo Gobi boot ruclips.net/video/iS2mgydMN0g/видео.html has the same sole but with a closed leather upper that would be easier to clean if that's an issue. Great working ditching insoles, keep it up! (:
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Wasn’t familiar with lono. Looking for a new minimal road shoe, this might fit the bill. Just wanna say, been following your channel for some time. Have to credit you for the excellent video production work. Really enjoy the illustrations as well. Is that your handy work?
Thanks, yo! Appreciate the support. Glad you're enjoying the vids. Those are my illustrations, indeed. You can find more of my drawing stuff on Medium fthelines.medium.com
i want that 2017 primus model back, with the leather footbead, i am still wearing this shoe
Wait, the Primus Lite used to have a leather footbed? Cool! Must have changed right before I got mine, because they were all synthetic when I bought them in 2027.
@@AndrewFolts sorry not the Primus Lite but the Primus Trio, i always thought Primus Lite was just the super light version of it, to me the Primus Trio are the perfect barefoot shoes for everyday use avoiding muddy or realy dirty ground, i have had no durability issues, recently i almost fell down a stairset i was carying my bike down and hooked with theblaces on the right shoe my pedal on the bike, it ripped two lace loops from the outer leather from the shoe, otherwise i would have fell down, at that pint i was looking for a new pair, sadly their production has not been continued since many years, i just baught one used pair in my size, and soon trying out the vibrams v-trek and v-alpha
Hi i wear vivo primus lite 3 43 but all weather primus lite 44 and i ordered 43 lono is it gonna be small than?
I wear a 44 in Lono and Vivo. They seem to fit the same for me.
I just received a pair of vivobarefoot primus lite IV all weather - and I guess the sizing is the same as their other shoes. They’re too long and too narrow for my feet (which are used to FiveFingers). Do you think the lono shoes might be a better fit for my feet? I want something to run in when the weather isn’t completely dry 😅
Also thanks for your videos - I’ve been watching for years by now 😊
Lono is roughly the same width as Vivo but much more stretchy, so they should work better. They would be more water-resistant than Vibram, although only on the bottom, since the upper is an open knit. FYI the All Weather models do run more narrow than the Knit's, but Lono is still roomier than both.
@@AndrewFolts thank you so much for replying 😃 I don’t think more stretch is enough for me, but the info might still be useful to other people. The all weather are about 1 inch too long and between half and one inch too narrow, so I want a shorter shoe that is significantly wider. I’ll stay with my Vibrams so far. But I really appreciate your input ☺️
@@NeuwDk Bummer. Have you seen the VIbram V-NEOP? Not WP, but like a wetsuit for your feet. ruclips.net/video/LqZ6-sqT7HA/видео.html
Hi Andrew,
I really enjoy your content. I currently have the Primus Lite Knits, which have been great, but perhaps a bit narrow. Sadly the upper has broken through at the crimp point on top of the shoe.
I am tempted to give the Lino flows a try, but was wondering about the rounded toe box, does it cramp your toes?
It didn't for me, but my feet are medium width. The sizing is the same as Vivo and I usually get a half size up to avoid any width restriction due to the shape of the very tip of the shoe. Overall the Flow's are quite stretchy, so they shouldn't restrict you.
Thank you
Cool. Any issues with the toe break on primus lite knit? The bottom of the lace weld on mine causes the fabric to fold oddly and pushes on the top of the great toe with every step. I've been wearing them around the house to see if they break in before taking them on any outdoor fun. Otherwise, they're pretty awesome.
Mine seem ok, but I've had that in other shoes. Partly it depends on where you toes are bending. In some cases, it could be due to the wrong size, but not always. You can experiment with loosening the bottom couple laces. Sometimes that fixes it.
Andrew, are you going to review the new Tracker Sandal?
Woah, those look really cool. Sandal with an FG2 sole! They seem more comfortable than the Ultra Bloom. Will put in a request for a pair to test.
@@AndrewFolts Thank you so much! Really interested to hear what you think of the heel cup, and whether it is a help or a hindrance.
What’s the sizing like compared to the Primus Lite? I wear size 11 on Vivos, and curious if that would be the same size to order with Lonos or to size up or down. Would love your input.
I also use 11 Vivo's and the Lono 11 fits the same.
Hi, I'm thinking of getting a pair of the Lono Flows but I was wondering if you can help with a question about the sole? Do you find that it's softer than the Vibram soles? I've tried a couple pairs of shoes with Vibram soles and they've always hurt my feet for some reason. They feel very hard/tough for me. For reference I also have the Realfoot winter boots and a pair of Groundies and I'm ok with those soles. Thanks.
I wouldn't say the rubber is softer, but they do have maybe 2mm of light padding, which should help. Which Vibram's ended up hurting your feet?
@@AndrewFolts I tried the Merrel Vapor Gloves, and the Freet Flex, which aren't actually Vibrams but felt the same to me. I'm also wondering if it might have been the deeper lugs in those soles that were uncomfortable? I had tested them on pavement at the time.
@@serisaurusrex Ah ok, that's why. Actual Vibram FF shoes feel much softer than the Vapor Gloves and Freet Flex. They both have thicker, more dense soles and les flexibility due to the lack of full separate toes. I'd give the V-Trek a try. ruclips.net/video/gN07dkOloU4/видео.html Those are still my all-time favorite barefoot shoes after seven years and they don't feel hard at all on roads.
@@AndrewFolts I do still really want to try the Lono Flows, partly because of price. How do you think they compare? I'd only be using them for walking and light jogging.
@@serisaurusrex They're a very solid pick with some great flex and a nice stretchy upper with good airflow. The sole is about 2mm thicker than Vivo's, so there's slightly less ground feel, but overall I really enjoyed them for running and casual.
Hey Andrew! I have a question, I really like the V-TREK as it is the pair of shoes that I feel fit my feet the best. I wanted to know if the V-RUNs are a good option as a shoe with more ground feel. Great video as always and I love how in depth you go on the pros and cons!
Hey Pablo, the V-Run's would def have more ground feel. Wish they made a version with natural upper materials, although if that's important to you, the KSO ECO (hemp) bit.ly/3THqTew also has a very thin sole.
@@AndrewFolts Yeah, when I saw that the upper was made from polyester it was kind of a turn off. I've watched your video on the KSO ECO WOOL and I don't know if it would be better to get the KSO ECO instead because it's pretty hot over here in central California. I'm not sure if the ECO WOOL would be breathable in really hot weather.
@@PabloSanchez-lw9cb Yea ECO wool is medium thick and might be hot. The V-Trek honestly is still pretty good for road running and breathes well due to being thinner. I've even run 400's at the track with them.
@@AndrewFolts Thanks for the advice!
Есть kso eco-wool, а есть просто kso eco. Они без шерсти. В них не жарко. Однако, если асфальт горячий, то ступня будет ощутимо нагреваться. И тогда будет жарко. Я бы рекомендовал их носить максимум до 25°C. И да, они с очень тонкой подошвой, чувствуется любой камень.
Thanks for the detailed comparison! In the video, it seems that Lono is more voluminous on your foot. Vivo seems to sit more securely on you, is that a thing?
Yea, that's true. Lono is more stretchy, while Vivo is more structured. That said, Lono does have those side straps, so I found the support to be plenty snug where I needed it in the middle of the shoe.
would you say the toe box of the lonos is wider? i love my vivos, but as i've started to wear barefoot shoes more often my toes are widening and now my pinky toe is painfully pushing up against the side of the vivos
Not wider, but it is more stretchy/soft, which does provide extra room without any pressure.
Hi, do you think the logo flow is durable for high-intensity sprinting and maybe a bit intense for horizontal plyometrics?
i mean laternal movement!
I liked it for sprinting, yea. There was plenty of support for side to side, although the tread can be more slipper on wet surfaces. The main difference is the Flow has a tiny bit of padding, while the Primus Lite is a pure barefoot experience.
@@AndrewFolts Thank You!
What about the Xero Nexus knit compared to these two?
Haven't tried it, although I saw customers complain about it feeling stiff in the reviews, which is concerning. It's more similar to the Flow due to having some minimal padding. The Flow or Lite (if you want the best flexibility) would be better options, I expect.
Origo shoes has the divot as well.
Yea, I just saw that the other day, def want to try them!
How does the sizing compare? My primus lite 3s are a 48. Lonos only go to 46, they said 48 is coming.
Hey Alan, sizing is the same. I'm a 44 in both.
Hi Andrew, did you get the same size for these two shoes
Yep, the sizing is very similar, I was 44 in both.
Thanks for your reply. I am living in Taiwan where does not have a chance to try it on. I have a Primus Lite in 45, but I have to go up to 46 with Primus Lite cause I kind feel the space around the ankle is kind of narrow and tight while I am walking with it even when I am seated. Did you feel more elastic around the ankle with the Lono, I am trying to find the best size for mine.
@@james820911 Lono is a bit more stretchy and soft than Vivo, so it should be a problem at all.
thanks for your feedback!
can you do a review of the velocity from belenka?? they are new released
Will put it on my list. Looks good as far as I can see. Extra-wide toebox, thin flexible sole, breathable, like the Dash I reviewed ruclips.net/video/35YNL1iB5mk/видео.html but with a better ankle design.
I usually wear a 10.5 2E, which size would work for Vivo and Lono? 44 or 43?
Sounds like you're my size, I went for the 44.
How did your first pair last 7 years!? I bought my pair in Canada for well over $300 & it started falling apart at 8-10 months 😔 mostly wore in the office too barely ran in them
Where did yours fall apart? For the sole, 90% of the wear comes from having a twist or scuff in your stride, because just rolling down smoothly creates almost no friction. For the upper it did start to tear out after around three years I'd say, but still works fine. Tying the shoe looser can help with that, unless you need it snug for intense cross-training. Here's my shoe last video with more tips: ruclips.net/video/BXO266smEKg/видео.html
Long term review coming? Are you still using these?
Which ones, the Flow's? I don't often use those, since I'm used to running full barefoot and don't need the padding. I use the Primus Lite Knit's quite a bit for road running, since they're thinner. They're my fav road shoes. I do wish Lono would make a 4mm version without the extra 2mm of padding, since the upper's really comfy!
I think when they get the outsole much more resistant, they will beat vivo out the game ,
Most likely Lono will keep making solid quality shoes at affordable prices, rather than trying beat Vivo at the premium materials game, which would require them to charge premium prices and lose their customer base.
Do you run with ghost socks or no socks?
I use Injinji's merino wool Run socks, which are no-show. ruclips.net/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/видео.html
1st primus lite in red color was the best....dont know why now they made just boring blue, white, black
The red one's were indeed pretty rad. Reminded me of a race car!
A Vivobarefoot lasting 7 years and you look like you use it like almost daily. HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE???
Very easily, it's just a matter of being mindful not to "twist" or "scuff" the sole as your foot lands, which accounts for probably 90% of the wear. I saw it all the time as a shoe salesman and it destroys shoes much faster. When you land and roll down gently, it actually creates very little friction. Also being careful when lacing/unlacing the shoes and not pulling them too tight helps protect the upper from tear-outs.
@@AndrewFolts Sigh, I got uneven wear on my soles. Something I recently found as a cheap daily use barefoot shoes is Fitkicks. The soles are very wear resistance but its uppers aren't so tough and I am not sure if one would do serious running in them.
Would you recommend the lono flow for walking on concrete all day? I work at a restaurant and I started wearing barefoots at work since last week. I’ve quit wearing orthotic insoles completely🫣
Yea, it's create for road/concrete walking. Thin but still has a tiny amount of padding. The only consideration is the open knit, which could get dirty. The Vivo Gobi boot ruclips.net/video/iS2mgydMN0g/видео.html has the same sole but with a closed leather upper that would be easier to clean if that's an issue. Great working ditching insoles, keep it up! (: