Best Barefoot Shoes For Beginners | Vivo Vs Whitin

When I first got into barefoot training in 2013, transitioning into barefoot shoes was a lot harder than it is today. There weren't nearly as many companies or options and most of them looked absolutely ridiculous.

This video will rate the best barefoot shoe on the market and the hidden gem of a barefoot shoe that is budget friendly.

Get your Whitin Shoes here:

Get your Vivo Barefoot Shoes here:

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[Spuggetti]

This guy's mustache is magnificent

[JumpingCow]

I bought Vivo (Addis Men) for the first time a few months ago, and all I can say, they are fantastic! The most comfortable shoe I have owned. True, I am not crazy about the grip on this particular model, so will be looking for a model with more robust soles. But they are great for walking (at least if you are not on wet inclines). And on top of the feel and fit, they are so well made! For grins, a few days ago I ordered a pair of Whitens, with the same size as the Vivos. I mean, for $42 it was worth a try. They came today, I popped them on, and did a walk of a few miles. I mean, I hardly could tell I was wearing shoes. This is heaven, for me. I've always hated shoes, and used to go barefoot everywhere until society forced me to grow up. Sure, they will not hold up like the Vivos, but to me, they're great, and so cheap.

[anthonyschutz]

My whole life I've hated shoes. When I was about 10 I got my first barefoot shoes and absolutely loved them, which was weird since I always hated shoes. I'll definitely have to give these a try.
I personally don't really care about heat transfer, as I will go barefoot on asphalt in mid summer. So I'm sure these would be just fine


Update: I did in fact get these exact whiting shoes and I love them. Super comfortable and lightweight. I currently use them as my nice shoes for events and stuff since they're black and don't look like normal tennis shoes. I also got another pair for when I go places and they're great too. Overall for the price they're amazing.

[emsantiago]

I’ve been wearing Vivobarefoot shoes for over a decade and really love them.

[billlyon]

I started with Whitin, later I bought a few pairs of Xeros. The Whitins have been my dailies for almost 3 years and I use the Xeros for exercise, running, lifting, Crossfit, etc

[Vegoonery]

I have been wearing that exact same pair of Whitins daily at work for a year now, in wide. They were the only shoes I could stuff my swollen foot in after bunion surgery! I think they've held up well and I can wear some toe spreaders on my feet while wearing these shoes. I've only just noticed some wear on the tread. Completely agree that the outer edge curves in a little more than I would like. For $40, I think they're five out of five stars.

[RJ-Isaac-TSOML]

I bought a pair a whitins and walk everywhere, no car no transit. It's been a year and I am impressed with how well they have held up. There is some tread wear by the ball of the foot and heel but nothing unexpected. The seams have held up very well.

Don't use tue provided insole though. Either re0lace it with a $1thin insole from Walmart of go without. The one they provide has arch support and raises the heel, defeating the whole purpose of a barefoot shoe.

[donnydread]

I absolutely Love Vivo! If they ever stop making them, I’m just going to give up on shoes altogether.

[jamierguillory]

I bought some Whitins because of the price and I was buying about 4-5 different barefoot shoes/styles at the time. I have been very impressed with them, but I did take the insert out for even more ground feel. Overall, I have really loved them and use them for my causal walking shoes.

[fchrisb]

I've been wearing Whitins for a couple of years. I have two pairs and alternate between the two depending on if they are wet or muddy. So far have enjoyed them very well and I even purchased a pair for my son.

[anielyantra]

My all time fav is the Whitin trail. I have 2 other styles of Whitins. For boots I go with Bellville minimalist military boot. I wear the Whitins on my bike with traction spikes and they don't show any wear! It has taken me 6 months of daily use to even show any detectable wear on my trail shoes. Best buy ever!

[robertmorano]

I have those same whitin's. I wear them daily. I cook for a living and wear them in the kitchen every day, all day. They have been phenomenal. I've had them for about 18 months. When they get gnarly, I throw them in the washing machine and let them air dry. I have the gray color way with the gum bottoms and will buy more pairs for sure. I love them so much and get compliments on them all the time. I will say, my recommendation is to measure your feet when you're looking at sizes. I ordered my regular shoe size and they are just a touch long (nothing crazy) but I like to wear them without socks during the warmer months. I really want to give splay athletics a try also.

[chopwoodcarrywater]

I have some whitin trail inspired versions. The toe box is plenty wide. And I have 2 pairs of Xero HFS models I bought when they had their fall sale. The Xero pairs together had a total of around 120ish which is what the original price of one pair is. Whitins we're around 45 bucks. I have no issue with either brand. If you want the brand but don't want to pay, Whitin is a solid option. Or you can wait for sales and get a solid deal on more reputable brands like Xero, Merrell, Vivo, etc.

[nolanpagay]

One thing that I don't see anyone talk about with Vivobarefoot is that they will repair your shoes too

[wiltinrose]

I have the Whitin's and I'm not disappointed. They are actually a little bit too big across the top of my foot but they are comfortable. I'm able to wear thicker socks on cold days and I can't do that with my Xero's.

[GlitchChaos]

I started with Whitin due to price, I agree that they are a great shoe at that price point. I also have Xero's and Vivo's. I find Xero shoes are a solid middle tier shoe, but Vivo's a the GOAT. If Vivo ever lowers their prices, nothing will stop them from taking over the Barefoot shoe world!

[shaggyterrell]

Been wearing these Whitins for everyday use for the last 4ish years. They have actually lasted the whole time, it’s getting close to another pair. Their trail runners are great too, got a couple years on my pair, holding up great, get the ones with elastic top to keep all the rocks/sticks out, no need for gaiters. I do really want to try the new Magna Lite WR for the wet Houston area trails I just wish they weren’t so damn expensive 😂

[childcrone]

Nice, thorough, clear review & comparison! One other consideration is between the two companies; Whitin is an Amazon company and everything that goes along with that. Vivobarefoot is its own company dedicated to their product and with a mission of minimizing what winds up in landfills, and ethical production and sourcing of materials.
I think cost-wise, they're probably less per mile because of longevity (and made to be refurbish-able).
But I can understand and support anyone who needs a lower purchase amount. As Supple Savage said, it's worth them getting into a foot-healthy shoe :~)

[bobsanders]

Love your talking points and review.
But did you say Library as Liberry?

[notquitehim]

Thanks for the review mate! I just bought a pair of WITHINS to try the whole barefoot thing out and staying on the budget side of things. I'm excited to see how it goes