Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Review: The Ultimate Barefoot Training Shoe for CrossFit and Weightlifting

By Alin Ciocan | October 3, 2024

vivobarefoot motus strength product photo

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength is a premium barefoot training shoe designed for serious strength athletes and CrossFit enthusiasts. Combining a wide toe box, ultra-thin sole, and durable construction, it offers exceptional stability and ground feel for weightlifting and functional fitness. While pricey, its versatility and quality make it a top choice for those committed to barefoot-style training.

$200.00 at the time of review

Barefoot Comfort

5/5

PRICE / VALUE

4.5/5

Style / Design

5/5

durability

5/5

Last Updated on October 8, 2024

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Vivobarefoot Motus Strength: Redefining Barefoot Training

As a barefoot shoe enthusiast and fitness junkie, I’m always on the lookout for footwear that can keep up with my diverse training regimen.

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength has not only met but exceeded my expectations, offering a unique blend of barefoot feel and functional support.

Pros and Cons of The Innovative Motus Strength

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength was launched in 2023. It represents a significant innovation in Vivobarefoot’s product line, arguably the most substantial since the introduction of the Primus Lite III. Since enough time has passed since it’s release I think we can put together a conclusive review of this model and it’s Pros and Cons

Pros and Cons


Pros

Excellent stability and grip for strength training and weightlifting

Wide toe box allows for natural foot movement and toe splay

Suitable for casual wear as well as gym use

High-quality, durable construction with reinforced areas for longevity

Comfortable fit with a breathable upper for intense workouts

Cons

High price point (around $200 USD) may be prohibitive for some users

Limited cushioning, which may not suit all users or be ideal for long-distance running

Not ideal for those who require arch support

May run slightly large, requiring some users to size down

Limited color options, especially for women’s sizes

Innovative Features for Serious Athletes

While the wide toe box and zero-drop sole are standard fare for barefoot shoes, the Motus Strength brings some innovative features to the table:

motus strength from the front showing the wide toe box
Motus Strength has a wide toe box
  • Active Sole Technology: The 3.5mm outsole incorporates a unique lug pattern that enhances grip without compromising ground feel. This is particularly noticeable during lateral movements and quick direction changes.
  • Reinforced Toe Guard: A subtle but crucial feature for CrossFit enthusiasts, providing extra protection during burpees and other high-impact movements.
  • Adaptive Materials: The upper uses a combination of mesh and TPU that molds to your foot shape over time, creating a truly personalized fit.
image of motus strength showcasing the sole of the shoes and their lug pattern
The Motus sole with the unique lug pattern

Key Features of the Release

  1. First of its Kind: The Motus Strength is heralded as the first zero-drop strength training shoe. This makes it a unique offering in the barefoot shoe market.
  2. Performance Range Flagship: It’s being positioned as the poster child of Vivobarefoot’s performance range. This indicates that the company is putting significant emphasis on this model as a key product in their lineup.
  3. Specialized Design: The shoe was specifically designed for functional fitness, powerlifting, and CrossFit. This marks a departure from Vivobarefoot’s more general-purpose barefoot shoes.
  4. Innovative Features: The Motus Strength introduced several new design elements, including:
  • A 2mm outsole with 1.5mm raised lugs for grip
  • Rubber sidewalls and overlays for durability
  • A knitted mesh and TPU rubber upper for breathability and support
  1. Market Gap: The release seems to address a gap in the barefoot shoe market for a specialized strength training shoe. It caters to those who engage in CrossFit, weightlifting, and other high-intensity workouts.

Performance Insights

After putting the Motus Strength through various training scenarios, here are some specific performance insights:

Olympic Lifting

The stability during Olympic lifts is remarkable. The wide base and grippy sole provide a solid platform for snatches and clean and jerks, allowing for confident movement under heavy loads.

a woman wearing motus strength while lifting weights

Plyometrics

The Motus Strength shines during box jumps and other plyometric exercises. The minimal sole allows for excellent proprioception, enhancing your ability to stick landings and transition quickly between movements.

A man and a woman in the gym doing plyometrics. The man is wearing Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

Rope Climbs

The reinforced sidewalls provide surprisingly good grip during rope climbs, a feature often lacking in barefoot shoes. This durability extends the shoe’s lifespan, even with regular CrossFit workouts.

A woman rope climber emphasizing that the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength are great rope climbing shoes.

Barefoot Benefits Beyond the Gym

One unexpected benefit I’ve noticed is improved foot strength and posture even outside of training sessions. Wearing the Motus Strength for everyday activities has led to noticeably reduced foot fatigue and better overall body alignment.

Sustainability Factor

vivobarefoot motus strength from the side

Vivobarefoot’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the Motus Strength. The shoes are made with eco-friendly materials and are designed to be easily repaired, extending their lifespan and reducing environmental impact.

Sizing and Break-In Period

While the shoes may run slightly large, I found that this extra space is beneficial during workouts as it allows for natural foot swelling. There is a short break-in period of about 1-2 weeks, after which the shoes mold perfectly to your feet.

motus strength from the front

Value Proposition

Despite the higher price point, the Motus Strength offers excellent value for serious athletes. The durability, versatility, and performance benefits justify the investment, especially when compared to the cost of multiple specialized shoes for different activities.

Vivobarefoot Motus Strenght Youtube Review

Here’s a quick youtube video from Jake at thatfitfriend that showcases the Motus Strength

Final Verdict: Our Thoughts on the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength is more than just a training shoe; it’s a tool for enhancing your overall athletic performance and foot health. While it may not be for everyone, particularly those new to barefoot shoes or requiring significant arch support, it’s an exceptional choice for athletes looking to maximize their training potential.

Whether you’re a CrossFit enthusiast, a weightlifter, or simply someone passionate about barefoot movement, the Motus Strength offers a unique combination of features that could revolutionize your training experience. Just remember to transition gradually if you’re new to minimalist footwear, and always listen to your body as you adapt to this new way of moving.

Have you incorporated barefoot shoes into your training regimen? How has it impacted your performance and overall foot health? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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