I’m reading many ppl complaining about the “commercial” video but honestly, I was looking for some summary of Vivo company and you nailed it. I like to know what I’m buying and trying to avoid brands that are exploiting ppl. Your video put me in the direction of that research so thank you
I've been wearing the primus trail ii fg for about two months now (thanks to your videos recommending them). It's my first pair of barefoot shoes and I got used to them so quick that I stopped wearing my cushioned shoes! I thought it would be impossible to wear in the hospital. I'm a nurse and I'm on my feet for almost 12 hours and it only took a couple of weeks to get used to it but now I can't imagine going back. I keep recommending it to my coworkers and they find it interesting, and some think I'm crazy😅 I've gotten so much stronger and I'm better with my ergonomics esp lifting patients and stuff.
yeah for standing and being on the feet for so long it's a total game changer! Back in the retail days (before barefoot) at aprox. hour 4 I'd get exhausted legs Now 12+ hour mountain climbs are fairly standard! always happy to hear stories! thats for writing!
As some feedback, the title of this video is as if you’re going to make something revealing not yet illuminated for the population, but it was just a generic sales pitch for vivo. Why don’t you outline your lordosis / scoliosis correction journey? That’s some interesting content.
yeah I think that'll come next - my scoliosis and shin splints correction. Had a T3-T4 disc compression and 6 years of shin splints before going barefoot thanks for your feedback - I'll try and improve next time :)
James, I admire you, you have some really good content. Color correction, diction and overall presentation of information are excellent. I hope you get as many subscribers as possible. Subscribed!
For the money James, they are total junk. Had two pairs on which the soles perished (dried out) cracked and lost chunks. I contacted Vivo about this, not at all expecting a freebee, only wishing to know if they had a bad run of material for the soles. They were totally uninterested and basically told me to go pound salt, the warranty was six months. Again, I was only asking for a reason. I also have Xero Toronto, Bearfoot Usurus high tops, Merrell Vapor Gloves and even a pair of Joomra (Amazon $50 specials which look just like the Whiten on the left at 4:53) are a lot more bang for the buck. I have thrown a lot at the Joomra's for example, even on my longboard, aside from some good scuffs, they have little wear on then soles. Vivos did not hold up well on the soles. It is nice Vivobarefoot has all the fancy 'ethical' stuff about where stuff is made, where they get it, education of staff etc, but in the end, it is how they treat their customers with simple questions. OK, to be fair, I have a pair of Vivo Franklin winter boots and they are holding up, albeit a bit beaten, the soles are still pliable. Obviously Vivo had a bad batch of soles for the 'summer' shoes but did not wish to own up. Perhaps they could learn a lesson or two from much smaller companies like Bearfoot on how to treat their customers. Thank you for the review.
it's also good to share the bad experiences because this is what keeps companies accountable in what they offer to consumers - especially when prices get so high. Which Vivo models did you have that failed you? I personally hated the amazon Whitin/Jack Shibo rebranded ones, and kinda liked me Xeros (check my Xero vs Vivo vs Amazon vid for thoughts) which barefoot shoes are your favourite, and how do you like the Usurus?
@@SteRumbelow yes, 10 years is good. My Doc Martens are 25 years old. The soles are pretty worn, but intact, still wearable. Same for some skate shoes, not nearly as old, but the same age as the pair of perished Vivos. Which I got in 2008 (primus is the name). Both pairs of those perished on the soles by 2014.
I just ordered my first pair of vivobarefoots. I’m excited to begin on this journey, but won’t lie, I’m a bit apprehensive. I’ve been in Hokas for quite a while, so this is a complete 180 for me. Like you, I have poor posture, mild scoliosis and I feel that my feet have really weakened with all the foam from Hokas. We will see what happens.
yeah Hoka to Vivo is a giant transition! go slowly and take your time - my bareoot transition took 6 months to 1.5 years for full integration! was definitely worth going slowly!
The reason why their profit margin is so low is probably because of their super expensive market campaign. You don't think about it, but some companies overstretch their budget in advertising, especially when a company is trying to pitch a shoe that costed probably 30$ tops to manufacture in both materials and assembly. If a company cannot make a profit off of that and some Chinese company like Whitin can make a similar shoe, at similar quality, last just as long for 50$, and I assure you they are making profits. Vivo is 100% price gauging their products. The only part of their market they are actually innovating in is the boot category as it's a relatively new concept. They're selling more of an idea than product, and with their many QC issues at the cost regardless of their customer service it just seems a rip off. I don't care if they will send me a new pair if I buy a lemon. If I'm paying 200$ for a pair of what are essentially water shoes, I really think it's not too much to ask they someone made sure every pair going out is diamonds.
Interesting video, James. I’m a lover of Vivo too - been wearing their shoes since 2010 and would never wear anything else. I guess you’d like to be part of the VivoBiome programme but they’ve limited it to the UK for now - I’ve applied. Just a note - the first Tracker wasn’t launched until 2014 but they had the Off-Road Mid and Off-Road Hi before that, along with a multitude of other shoes - Neo Trail, Breatho Trail, Synth Hiker and more. 👍🏼
Yeah the Biome thing is neat but I fit so fine in all the shoes at 44 so depending how much extra $$$ it is, not sure if I need em or not I think you're right if memory recalls too. They put it in their document it was 10 years since tracker fg release so I just went with that!
@@JamesFromCanada I personally am very excited for the vivobiome depending on their price, as a person with my toes being much wider than the rest of my feet after spending most time possible barefoot, even vivobarefoot shoes, which supposedly have wide toe boxes, don't have quite enough room for my toes to splay properly, so if I can get decent looking shoes that accommodate my foot shape without putting me in debt I'm very excited. I also hope the toe of the shoe isn't raised, as this is my other main peeve with these shoes in basic barefoot shoe principle.
They need more shops, you really need to try before you buy. Knit option is amazing but weird. Good video but try keep focus on the camera than looking away and reading. Keep it up
You definitely did a lot of research on this video and I learned a lot of new things about vivo! Very well done. I was always turned off to the company because I thought they were overpriced and trying to exploit a new trend but this video changed my mind about that. It’s very cool to see how the company originated and were at the forefront of barefoot shoes! You have earned a thumbs up and subscribe from me my friend - keep up the great work!
You mentioned in one of your videos that you had scoliosis and your conditions improved over the years. I have scoliosis too and I am scared of it getting worse. Can you help me with some tips of how to improve it?
Yes! So for me it was a long process. My posture with my mattress, office chair, and walking all had to be addressed. I got a standing desk, firmer mattress, and barefoot shoes. Those all contributed to improving my spine health!
For me, after wearing Vivos for months. I have developed some knee problem, after walking for +20 minutes it just gets odd. Feels like i've twisted my knee or something. No such issues when wearing thicker soles. So idk if barefoot shoes are for everyone.
Part of my transition was also learning to alter my gait. Shorter distance between steps. Focus on placing your weight more towards the middle of your foot and not the heel. It can be quite frustrating for a while. I had similar issues and I thought the same thing. Try a pair of LEMS, Primal Zen. Thicker sole than the vivo but not absurdly thick like Hoka.
@@millone3393 That part did come naturally, first time I wore them I immediately noticed I cannot walk the same way. I started out even walking slower than usual because it felt necessary.
more time - your feet will callous and get thicker skin over time I reckon. Not sure of anything to do to make it go faster aside from going barefoot more and more
I Came here to see a quick review on the company. And you did a fantastic job my friend. My wife and I were Vibram owners back in the day and we really want to go back to barefoot shoes. You have sold me on this company and their products.
@@TheHairlessChimp thats why I disclosed that clearly just wait until you hear how many tens to hundreds of thousands of $$$ youtubers get for hidden sponsored content... I try n be transparent and honest as much as I can.
pls sub for algo gains :)
thanks 4 watching and any questions please drop down below!
I’m reading many ppl complaining about the “commercial” video but honestly, I was looking for some summary of Vivo company and you nailed it.
I like to know what I’m buying and trying to avoid brands that are exploiting ppl. Your video put me in the direction of that research so thank you
I've been wearing the primus trail ii fg for about two months now (thanks to your videos recommending them). It's my first pair of barefoot shoes and I got used to them so quick that I stopped wearing my cushioned shoes! I thought it would be impossible to wear in the hospital. I'm a nurse and I'm on my feet for almost 12 hours and it only took a couple of weeks to get used to it but now I can't imagine going back. I keep recommending it to my coworkers and they find it interesting, and some think I'm crazy😅 I've gotten so much stronger and I'm better with my ergonomics esp lifting patients and stuff.
yeah for standing and being on the feet for so long it's a total game changer! Back in the retail days (before barefoot) at aprox. hour 4 I'd get exhausted legs
Now 12+ hour mountain climbs are fairly standard!
always happy to hear stories! thats for writing!
Good stuff
As some feedback, the title of this video is as if you’re going to make something revealing not yet illuminated for the population, but it was just a generic sales pitch for vivo. Why don’t you outline your lordosis / scoliosis correction journey? That’s some interesting content.
yeah I think that'll come next - my scoliosis and shin splints correction. Had a T3-T4 disc compression and 6 years of shin splints before going barefoot
thanks for your feedback - I'll try and improve next time :)
James, I admire you, you have some really good content. Color correction, diction and overall presentation of information are excellent. I hope you get as many subscribers as possible. Subscribed!
awww thanks!
For the money James, they are total junk. Had two pairs on which the soles perished (dried out) cracked and lost chunks. I contacted Vivo about this, not at all expecting a freebee, only wishing to know if they had a bad run of material for the soles. They were totally uninterested and basically told me to go pound salt, the warranty was six months. Again, I was only asking for a reason. I also have Xero Toronto, Bearfoot Usurus high tops, Merrell Vapor Gloves and even a pair of Joomra (Amazon $50 specials which look just like the Whiten on the left at 4:53) are a lot more bang for the buck. I have thrown a lot at the Joomra's for example, even on my longboard, aside from some good scuffs, they have little wear on then soles. Vivos did not hold up well on the soles. It is nice Vivobarefoot has all the fancy 'ethical' stuff about where stuff is made, where they get it, education of staff etc, but in the end, it is how they treat their customers with simple questions. OK, to be fair, I have a pair of Vivo Franklin winter boots and they are holding up, albeit a bit beaten, the soles are still pliable. Obviously Vivo had a bad batch of soles for the 'summer' shoes but did not wish to own up. Perhaps they could learn a lesson or two from much smaller companies like Bearfoot on how to treat their customers. Thank you for the review.
it's also good to share the bad experiences because this is what keeps companies accountable in what they offer to consumers - especially when prices get so high. Which Vivo models did you have that failed you? I personally hated the amazon Whitin/Jack Shibo rebranded ones, and kinda liked me Xeros (check my Xero vs Vivo vs Amazon vid for thoughts)
which barefoot shoes are your favourite, and how do you like the Usurus?
This is the REAL review 🙌
The Franklin boot you mention is 10 years old now, so I’d say that’s pretty good going! What are the two models that had cracked soles?
@@SteRumbelow yes, 10 years is good. My Doc Martens are 25 years old. The soles are pretty worn, but intact, still wearable. Same for some skate shoes, not nearly as old, but the same age as the pair of perished Vivos. Which I got in 2008 (primus is the name). Both pairs of those perished on the soles by 2014.
@@SammyVista1972 I don’t think anyone expects a pair of shoes to last that long when they’re being worn. Sure, some definitely do, but most won’t.
I just ordered my first pair of vivobarefoots. I’m excited to begin on this journey, but won’t lie, I’m a bit apprehensive. I’ve been in Hokas for quite a while, so this is a complete 180 for me. Like you, I have poor posture, mild scoliosis and I feel that my feet have really weakened with all the foam from Hokas. We will see what happens.
yeah Hoka to Vivo is a giant transition! go slowly and take your time - my bareoot transition took 6 months to 1.5 years for full integration! was definitely worth going slowly!
The reason why their profit margin is so low is probably because of their super expensive market campaign. You don't think about it, but some companies overstretch their budget in advertising, especially when a company is trying to pitch a shoe that costed probably 30$ tops to manufacture in both materials and assembly. If a company cannot make a profit off of that and some Chinese company like Whitin can make a similar shoe, at similar quality, last just as long for 50$, and I assure you they are making profits. Vivo is 100% price gauging their products. The only part of their market they are actually innovating in is the boot category as it's a relatively new concept. They're selling more of an idea than product, and with their many QC issues at the cost regardless of their customer service it just seems a rip off. I don't care if they will send me a new pair if I buy a lemon. If I'm paying 200$ for a pair of what are essentially water shoes, I really think it's not too much to ask they someone made sure every pair going out is diamonds.
Such a nice video!
Would like to try Vivo's but I can't afford them. I prefer Lems instead cause they're a bit more affordable.
Interesting video, James. I’m a lover of Vivo too - been wearing their shoes since 2010 and would never wear anything else. I guess you’d like to be part of the VivoBiome programme but they’ve limited it to the UK for now - I’ve applied.
Just a note - the first Tracker wasn’t launched until 2014 but they had the Off-Road Mid and Off-Road Hi before that, along with a multitude of other shoes - Neo Trail, Breatho Trail, Synth Hiker and more. 👍🏼
Yeah the Biome thing is neat but I fit so fine in all the shoes at 44 so depending how much extra $$$ it is, not sure if I need em or not
I think you're right if memory recalls too. They put it in their document it was 10 years since tracker fg release so I just went with that!
@@JamesFromCanada I personally am very excited for the vivobiome depending on their price, as a person with my toes being much wider than the rest of my feet after spending most time possible barefoot, even vivobarefoot shoes, which supposedly have wide toe boxes, don't have quite enough room for my toes to splay properly, so if I can get decent looking shoes that accommodate my foot shape without putting me in debt I'm very excited. I also hope the toe of the shoe isn't raised, as this is my other main peeve with these shoes in basic barefoot shoe principle.
I did not expect this to be a shoe commercial....im out
I thought the video was very fair. Would a commercial mention quality control issues?
They need more shops, you really need to try before you buy. Knit option is amazing but weird.
Good video but try keep focus on the camera than looking away and reading. Keep it up
yeah try before you buy is extremely necessary. Even after a dozen pairs I still need to size properly.
You definitely did a lot of research on this video and I learned a lot of new things about vivo! Very well done. I was always turned off to the company because I thought they were overpriced and trying to exploit a new trend but this video changed my mind about that. It’s very cool to see how the company originated and were at the forefront of barefoot shoes! You have earned a thumbs up and subscribe from me my friend - keep up the great work!
You mentioned in one of your videos that you had scoliosis and your conditions improved over the years. I have scoliosis too and I am scared of it getting worse. Can you help me with some tips of how to improve it?
Yes!
So for me it was a long process. My posture with my mattress, office chair, and walking all had to be addressed. I got a standing desk, firmer mattress, and barefoot shoes. Those all contributed to improving my spine health!
thumbs up for the intro disclaimer, and a comment to commend. hope my interaction helps the site put you on peoples feeds!
thanks!
they are expensive, because there are suckers that pay that price for 1/10th of a normal shoe...
For me, after wearing Vivos for months. I have developed some knee problem, after walking for +20 minutes it just gets odd. Feels like i've twisted my knee or something. No such issues when wearing thicker soles. So idk if barefoot shoes are for everyone.
Part of my transition was also learning to alter my gait. Shorter distance between steps. Focus on placing your weight more towards the middle of your foot and not the heel. It can be quite frustrating for a while. I had similar issues and I thought the same thing. Try a pair of LEMS, Primal Zen. Thicker sole than the vivo but not absurdly thick like Hoka.
@@millone3393 That part did come naturally, first time I wore them I immediately noticed I cannot walk the same way. I started out even walking slower than usual because it felt necessary.
My feet are good, I can walk and run barefoot, but my skin does not get harder. Any Idea what would help?
more time - your feet will callous and get thicker skin over time I reckon. Not sure of anything to do to make it go faster aside from going barefoot more and more
Thanks!
Good stuff
I Came here to see a quick review on the company. And you did a fantastic job my friend. My wife and I were Vibram owners back in the day and we really want to go back to barefoot shoes. You have sold me on this company and their products.
thanks! I'm very thoroughly impressed by their operations and products (mostly)!
can someone suggest me a first pair of barefoot shoes?
vivobarefoot is the best but most expensive. I recommend them tho
LEMS are great to start with. They have different widths and are usually a little thicker in the sole.
They need to be wider.
Yep. I have to up a size for that reason which leads to them being noticeably too long.
Still manufacturing in the global south and part owned by a shady BVI shell company LOL
global south? portugal ain't global south and many vivo shoes are made here! Hell, thailand, vietnam aren't even in the southern hemisphere :P
Pay 200 to be able to walk normally... What a world we live In
Or pay for Nike's and walk incorrectly
@@jimmyb1476 Or walk barefoot/sandals and get weird looks :D
@@Acenis haha add them dad socks too
Besides the reliability issues and high price.
"The truth about vivobarefoot" by someone suckling from their teat. Seriously.
well, I couldn't dig up any dirt, and I really tried. Find any dirt, let me know!
@@JamesFromCanadaNor have I but it's hard to listen to an affiliate and believe that it's an unbiased viewpoint.
@@TheHairlessChimp thats why I disclosed that clearly
just wait until you hear how many tens to hundreds of thousands of $$$ youtubers get for hidden sponsored content...
I try n be transparent and honest as much as I can.
at 3m 37s thats a woman with severely flat feet that is wearing shoes not designed for all that pronation.