Minimalist Footwear Thread

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flanker Apr 2021 12:11pm, 8 Apr 2021 19,787 posts	0 flanker I'd rather inov-8 just fixed the quality issues with what they do make. The roclite 295s are a good, reasonably minimal, do everything well shoe. It's just a shame the uppers fall apart after a couple of hundred miles. My latest pair split last night, with an inch long rip from sole to top of the foot. Yes, I'm largely just venting out of frustration, but if they could make the upper more robust they'd probably be my 'do anything' shoe.
Red Squirrel Apr 2021 4:14pm, 8 Apr 2021 21,777 posts	0 Red Squirrel I went for Rocklites after the F-lite 195s were pulled .. and my uppers didn't last very long. I find the grip is nowhere near as good as in the old days also. This includes with the X-Talons.
Red Squirrel Apr 2021 4:14pm, 8 Apr 2021 21,778 posts	0 Red Squirrel Does anyone on here run with Vivo Barefoot and if yes; can they suggest a model please? Ta.
geordiegirl Apr 2021 4:39pm, 8 Apr 2021 14,308 posts	0 geordiegirl I do t run with vivo but bought some for walking. Sadly the men’s size 6 was bigger than women’s size 6 so a bit big. The model I have the sole is quite firm I don’t think I could run in them. They tend to be quite responsive if you’re message them.
geordiegirl Apr 2021 4:39pm, 8 Apr 2021 14,309 posts	0 geordiegirl My replacement vibrams came they fit!! Ordered a spare 2ns pair. Now to sell my slightly too small pair.
PAJ89 Apr 2021 5:07pm, 8 Apr 2021 48 posts	0 PAJ89 Red Squirrel, I do a decent chunk of my running in Vivobarefoot. The Stealth II and III I can personally vouch for, as pure/uncomplicated ride I've ever had in minimal shoes. To geordiegirl's point, the sizing can be a little tricky. They make a point about saying 'it will feel bigger than you're used to' with the toebox shape. I went for a UK 8.0 in my Stealth II and whilst they were great, I did find them just a touch bigger than I'd like (and this is coming from an Altra fan who does like a wide toebox). They had a UK 7.0 in the Stealth III on sale last year so I tried it, and I have to say this is the one rare instance where it's actually been the sensible move to size down. I still have ample space for toe splay but am more confident in footing on anything that isn't easy and flat terrain. They are good with contact and arranging exchanges in my experience (in total have probably worn 6ish different shoes counting both active and lifestyle). I've also heard the Primus Lite (?) is a great option though never worn it. Think it has a slightly softer mesh based upper compared to the Stealth.
AndyS Apr 2021 5:54pm, 8 Apr 2021 259 posts	0 AndyS I had 3 pairs of Vivobarefoots - Stealth II, and am now on my second pair of Stealth III. Thoroughly recommended.
SPR Apr 2021 5:56pm, 8 Apr 2021 33,865 posts	0 SPR I walk around in Vivos, they aren't an F-lite equivalent though. There's no cushioning in them at all. I personally don't do any running training in them.
geordiegirl Apr 2021 9:11pm, 8 Apr 2021 14,316 posts	0 geordiegirl I went on the inov8 site to remind me why I am struggling with them (increase in sole thickness) and see they do a bare xf model now.
SPR Apr 2021 9:39pm, 8 Apr 2021 33,869 posts	0 SPR No F-lite was ever comparable to a Vivobarefoot shoe though.