Vivobarefoot Primus Lite

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Vivobarefoot Primus Lite: Review

β€œThe ultimate minimalist shoe for a barefoot running experience.”

Overview


The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is a minimalist running shoe designed to offer a near-barefoot experience. This shoe is part of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite family, known for its lightweight and flexible design.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-thin outsole: The 3 mm outsole provides a close-to-ground feel while protecting the feet from sharp objects.
  • Breathable mesh upper: The upper is made from a breathable mesh material, ensuring excellent ventilation.
  • Eco-friendly materials: Made from recycled plastic waste, this shoe is also vegan.

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize a barefoot feel for daily running. Its lightweight design offers flexibility, making it suitable for road running.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 30% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite


The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite delivers an authentic barefoot running experience, making it a top choice for minimalist enthusiasts. Reviewers highlight its lightweight and breathable design, which is perfect for daily running on roads. However, the shoe's minimal cushioning and support may require an adjustment period for those new to barefoot running. The 3 mm outsole provides excellent ground feel but may not be suitable for rough terrains. While the shoe is praised for its eco-friendly materials, some users find it expensive. Overall, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is a great option for those seeking a true barefoot experience, but it may not be the best choice for everyone.

Comparable Shoes


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The Nike Free RN is a good alternative for those who want a minimalist shoe with more cushioning. While the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite offers a true barefoot experience, the Nike Free RN provides a balance between minimalism and comfort, making it suitable for runners transitioning to barefoot running.

6 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Lightweight and breathable design.
Provides a true barefoot running experience.
Made from eco-friendly materials.

3 Cons

Minimal cushioning may be uncomfortable for some runners.
Expensive compared to other minimalist shoes.
Snug fit may not be suitable for wider feet.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is made from a breathable mesh material, ensuring excellent ventilation. This design helps keep the feet cool during runs, making it ideal for hot weather. The mesh upper also contributes to the shoe's lightweight nature, enhancing overall comfort. Additionally, the use of recycled plastic waste in the upper aligns with eco-friendly practices, making this shoe a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious runners.

Outsole

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite features a 3 mm outsole that provides a close-to-ground feel, essential for a true barefoot experience. This ultra-thin outsole allows runners to feel the terrain beneath their feet while offering protection from sharp objects. The outsole is made from PRO5 puncture-resistant material, ensuring durability and safety during runs. However, the minimal cushioning may not be suitable for those who prefer more support.

Size/fit

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is known for its snug fit, particularly around the arch. Runners with wider feet may need to try these shoes on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit. The shoe's design aims to mimic the natural shape of the foot, providing a glove-like fit that enhances the barefoot experience. It's recommended to gradually transition into these shoes to allow your feet to adjust to the minimal support.

Comfort

Comfort in the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is subjective and largely depends on the runner's preference for barefoot running. The shoe offers minimal cushioning, which can be a shock for those new to this style. However, for barefoot enthusiasts, the lack of padding provides an authentic experience. The breathable mesh upper adds to the comfort by keeping the feet cool, but the thin outsole may cause discomfort on rough surfaces.

Cushioning

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite has minimal cushioning, with only 3 mm of material between the foot and the ground. This design is intentional to provide a true barefoot experience, allowing runners to feel the terrain. While this may be ideal for seasoned barefoot runners, those new to this style may find the lack of cushioning uncomfortable. It's important to transition gradually to avoid potential discomfort or injury.

Breathability

Breathability is a standout feature of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. The mesh upper ensures excellent airflow, keeping the feet cool and dry during runs. This makes the shoe particularly suitable for hot weather and intense workouts. The breathable design also contributes to the shoe's lightweight nature, enhancing overall comfort and performance.

Durability

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is designed to be durable despite its minimalist construction. The PRO5 puncture-resistant outsole ensures protection from sharp objects, while the mesh upper is robust enough to withstand regular use. However, the thin materials may show wear over time, especially in high-stress areas like the toe box. Regular maintenance and mindful use can help extend the shoe's lifespan.

Grip

The grip of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is adequate for road running but may not be suitable for wet or uneven surfaces. The outsole design provides decent traction on dry roads and paths, but users have reported slippage on damp bricks and cobblestones. For those who primarily run on well-maintained roads, the grip should be sufficient, but trail runners might need a shoe with a more aggressive tread.

Flex

Flexibility is a key feature of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. The shoe's design allows for natural foot movement, closely mimicking the barefoot experience. The flexible mesh upper and thin outsole enable the foot to bend and flex freely, enhancing overall comfort and performance. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for runners who prefer a more natural running style.

Who should buy the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite?


The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is perfect for runners who are passionate about barefoot running and want a shoe that offers a true minimalist experience. It's ideal for those who prioritize lightweight and breathable footwear for daily running. If you are environmentally conscious, the use of recycled materials in this shoe will appeal to you.

Who should not buy the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite?


Runners who prefer more cushioning and support should avoid the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite. If you are new to barefoot running (running with minimal footwear that simulates the feeling of being barefoot), this shoe may not be the best starting point due to its minimal cushioning. Those who run on rough or uneven terrains might find the thin outsole uncomfortable. Consider shoes with more padding and support, such as the Nike Free RN or the Brooks Ghost.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite: What's it good for?


The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is well-suited for road running and daily training. Its breathable design makes it ideal for hot weather, while the lightweight construction ensures comfort during long runs. This shoe is also great for runners who enjoy a barefoot experience.

5 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite FAQs


Is the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite suitable for beginners?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is designed for experienced barefoot runners. Beginners may find the minimal cushioning challenging and should transition gradually to avoid discomfort or injury.

Can I use the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite for trail running?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is best suited for road running. Its thin outsole may not provide enough protection or grip for rough or uneven trails.

How does the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite fit?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite has a snug fit, particularly around the arch. Runners with wider feet may need to try them on before purchasing to ensure a comfortable fit.

Is the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite eco-friendly?

Yes, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is made from recycled plastic waste and is vegan, making it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious runners.

What is the weight of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite weighs 201 g (7.1 oz) for men and 179 g (6.3 oz) for women, making it a lightweight option for runners.

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite alternatives

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Released
Nov 2017
Jul 2014Apr 2017Apr 2017Apr 2017Nov 2015
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Weight
Weight
M: 201 g
W: 179 g
M: 213 g
W: 179 g
M: 232 g
W: 179 g
M: 235 g
W: 184 g
M: 238 g
W: 190 g
M: 249 g
W: 207 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
3 mm
17 mm
16 mm
16 mm
M: 20 mm
W: 18 mm
20 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
6 mm
8 mm
4 mm
8 mm
4 mm
Heel
Heel
3 mm
23 mm
24 mm
20 mm
M: 28 mm
W: 26 mm
24 mm
Brand
Brand
Vivobarefoot
NikeNikeNikeNikeNike
Strike Type
Strike Type
Fore/Midfoot strike
Fore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strikeFore/Midfoot strikeHeel strikeFore/Midfoot strike
Techs
Techs
Nike FlyknitNike FlyknitNike Flyknit
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Vegan β“‹
Vegan β“‹Vegan β“‹Vegan β“‹
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Vivobarefoot Primus Lite: what the experts say (1 review)

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite: 3 Manufacturer videos

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2002)
TerrainRoad (+1326)
UsagesDaily running (+1102)
BrandVivobarefoot (+8)
Support TypeNeutral (+1563)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1543)
Strike TypeFore/Midfoot strike (+1083)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1490)
Shoe TypeBarefoot (+13)Lightweight (+401)Low drop (+274)Minimalist (+16)Zero drop (+95)
Environmental CharacteristicsVegan β“‹ (+246)
ColorwaysAcid Lime, Black, Black / Green, Blue Tint, Bright White, Burgundy, Flame, Midnight, Navy, Obsidian
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Nov 2017
Measurements
Weight
M: 201 g
W: 179 g
Heel to toe drop
Heel
3 mm
Forefoot
3 mm

Evolution of the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite product family

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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