As a Weight Lifter, This Is What I Think of VIVOBAREFOOT Shoes

Why I Switched to Barefoot Shoes for Lifting (And Will Never Go Back)

When I first started lifting, I had no idea what shoes I was supposed to wear.

Like most people, I showed up in a basic pair of Adidas running shoes. They were fine for getting me to the gym, but once I actually started lifting, something felt off. My balance wasn’t great, certain movements felt unstable, and I just knew they weren’t the right choice.

At home, I naturally gravitated toward working out in just socks and for most lifts, that felt way better.

Once I started training in a commercial gym full time, walking around in socks just wasn’t it. It felt unhygienic and definitely not something I felt like doing all the time.

On top of that, my feet were getting SO sweaty in my current shoes, I knew I needed an upgrade.

The Moment I Discovered Barefoot Shoes

One random Wednesday evening at the gym, I noticed someone wearing these super minimal, almost “flat-looking” shoes.

They looked interesting, not bulky, not cushioned, almost like a second skin.

We ended up talking, I ended up learning, and then I went home, looked them up, ordered a pair…and I’ve been hooked ever since. Also, I’m not even sponsored by them, I just genuinely love them.

What Are Barefoot Shoes (And Why Lifters Love Them)

Like the name suggests, barefoot shoes are designed to mimic being barefoot. But in a clean, gym-appropriate way. Basically, they let your feet move the way they’re supposed to naturally.

Favorite features:

• Zero drop (no heel elevation)
• Thin, flexible sole
• Wide toe box (your toes can actually spread out!!)

3 Reasons Why Barefoot Shoes Are Good for Weight Lifting

1. Better Stability For Better Lifts

When you’re lifting, especially for movements like: squats, deadlifts, rdls, lunges, etc. you want to feel grounded.

Running shoes have thick, squishy soles that absorb force are great for running but terrible for lifting.

Barefoot shoes keep you close to the ground, offering natural stability, balance and more control in your movement.

2. You Can Actually Feel the Floor

This sounds small, but it’s makes a HUGE difference.

When I switched, I immediately noticed small things such as my foot positioning, and awareness of weight distribution.

3. No More Sweaty, Suffocating Feet

Like I mentioned before, most of the time after a long session my feet were sweaty, and it’s just gross.

With barefoot shoes I notice the difference right away, they are so light and breathable!

Are Vivobarefoot Shoes Worth It?

In my opinion: yes, especially if you are lifting on a weekly basis.

They’re not the cheapest option, but they last AND actually make a difference in your training. So from my perspective they’re an investment in your overall health, and at the end of the day that’s what matters.

And once you get used to them, going back to cushioned shoes for lifting feels so wrong.

A Few Things to Know Before You Buy

• Vivobarefoot is the brand, not the style of one pair of shoes. Make sure you look at the different styles to find what best suits your lifestyle.
• They feel very different at first, and funny to walk in.
• Your feet may need time to adjust, start slow if you’ve never worn minimalist shoes before
• They don’t have a huge amount of arch support (because they aren’t built to).

Shop The Collection