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Barefoot TJ

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Mar 5, 2010
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Are they one of our advertisers? I need to get some new work shoes and probably another pair for clinic.
 
Hi Mig,

No, they're not at the moment, but as there is now a demand, I'll ask them if they would like to have one :)

Cheers,

Paul
.
 
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I have several shoes with vibram soles. My shoes don't stink. I do wear socks, and I wash my feet daily. In the past, I have always bought two pairs of shoes and alternated days. I also use a Peet boot dryer to dry out the shoes, and I think this reduces any odors.

I currently wear the Runamocs at work, and I find them much more comfortable, flexible, lightweight than any other shoe that I've worn. I prefer them over the Vivos. I put on the Runamocs when I get to work, and leave them in the office overnight. I don't use the boot dryer on the Runamocs, and smell has not been an issue. My Runamocs have a 2mm Vibram sole.

Hope this helps someone! :)
 
Sorry to be contrary but Vivo is a ripoff. Most minshoes are. Fewer materials, cheaper construction, lower demand... $120 to $150???

I used to wear Dr. Martin's. Not cheap. Price or construction. They would last 6 months before the soles started to separate.

I'm on my first pair of Vivo Ra. Its been over a year of everyday wear. The leather uppers have just gotten softer, and the minimal sole has held up. I don't believe these are constructed "cheap"ly.
 
I used to wear Dr. Martin's. Not cheap. Price or construction. They would last 6 months before the soles started to separate.

I'm on my first pair of Vivo Ra. Its been over a year of everyday wear. The leather uppers have just gotten softer, and the minimal sole has held up. I don't believe these are constructed "cheap"ly.
I would also assume most min shoes aren't being mass manufactured in China, which explains the difference in cost. My Ra's have seen about 6 months of everyday use. Other than the cat's claws scratches, they are holding up nicely. They would probably look better with proper leather care too.
 
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To be fair the trail freak is ridiculously comfy running on trails but not in the urban environment on tarmac, concrete, etc. Have to agree about the Ra as well I've worn mine for a year now and have only minimal wear on the sole and they feel better every time I wear them.
 
I used to wear Dr. Martin's. Not cheap. Price or construction. They would last 6 months before the soles started to separate.

I'm on my first pair of Vivo Ra. Its been over a year of everyday wear. The leather uppers have just gotten softer, and the minimal sole has held up. I don't believe these are constructed "cheap"ly.

I'll see your "I've seen worse" and raise it "I've seen much better."

Best minimal shoe I've ever owned is Firefly Influence, a chukka-style sneaker manufactured in Europe with 4mm sidewalled outsoles, no midsole and a disposable 1mm insole, with suede leather uppers and an imported US retail tag of $55. They lasted 18 months of daily wear on concrete and other abrasive surfaces.

If you're going to make a shoe with no midsole or "support" structure, you're going to save big money on raw materials, period. I don't believe for a minute that Vivo's production costs justify the price no matter how long they last. There are two reasons they get away with it:

1) their target market doesn't really know any better, and
2) nobody else is making a better product yet.

The reason for 2) is that there's little overlap between those who want an honest minimally-constructed shoe, and the suckers who want a "barefoot" shoe. The second group being inherently foolish, they don't mind high prices because it helps them believe in the product's supposed magic. Those of us who know there is no such thing as a "barefoot shoe" and no justification for the absurd price are a small minority, so legitimate shoe manufacturers aren't interested in making anything for us.

I've tried to get Firefly to sell me another pair of the Influence, but they are out of production and their representatives can't seem to recall ever having manufactured or sold them. I just looked up the Vivo Gobi on amazon, which lists product origin, and they are indeed made in China. They've got the unpopular colors on sale for $75, but that still can't beat the Influence which was exactly the same shoe but with a better outsole, cheaper, and manufactured in Europe not China.
 
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I'll see your "I've seen worse" and raise it "I've seen much better."

Best minimal shoe I've ever owned is Firefly Influence, a chukka-style sneaker manufactured in Europe with 4mm sidewalled outsoles, no midsole and a disposable 1mm insole, with suede leather uppers and an imported US retail tag of $55. They lasted 18 months of daily wear on concrete and other abrasive surfaces.

If you're going to make a shoe with no midsole or "support" structure, you're going to save big money on raw materials, period. I don't believe for a minute that Vivo's production costs justify the price no matter how long they last. There are two reasons they get away with it:

1) their target market doesn't really know any better, and
2) nobody else is making a better product yet.

The reason for 2) is that there's little overlap between those who want an honest minimally-constructed shoe, and the suckers who want a "barefoot" shoe. The second group being inherently foolish, they don't mind high prices because it helps them believe in the product's supposed magic. Those of us who know there is no such thing as a "barefoot shoe" and no justification for the absurd price are a small minority, so legitimate shoe manufacturers aren't interested in making anything for us.

I've tried to get Firefly to sell me another pair of the Influence, but they are out of production and their representatives can't seem to recall ever having manufactured or sold them. I just looked up the Vivo Gobi on amazon, which lists product origin, and they are indeed made in China. They've got the unpopular colors on sale for $75, but that still can't beat the Influence which was exactly the same shoe but with a better outsole, cheaper, and manufactured in Europe not China.

Can you give more examples kozz? One example of a shoe that you apparently can't get doesn't really mean much to someone looking to get a shoe. I for one like my VB Ra, but yeah its expensive. For an office shoe though, its not nearly as expensive as the other shoes walking around me. And I dont think a thick midsole adds up to much any cost, what a dollar or two for some injected EVA foam? My favorite min shoe is the Soft Star Dash and they are as pricey as VBs. But at least they're a small business, handmade, and supporting my fellow Americans here. Drop me some links to better products that are cheaper, preferably hand made by small family business, and I might order some this week.
 
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