When it comes to the world of minimalist footwear, two brands often stand out: Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot.

Both are renowned for their commitment to the barefoot shoe philosophy, but they each bring unique offerings to the table.

I have tested the two for the better part of the last decade, and this article aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of these two leading barefoot shoe brands, helping you decide which might be the best fit for your needs.

What are Xero Shoes?

Xero Shoes is a prominent player in the barefoot shoe market, known for its dedication to creating shoes that mimic natural barefoot movement.

The brand’s footwear is characterised by thin, flexible soles that offer a close-to-barefoot experience whilst still providing protection from sharp objects underfoot.

The brand has skyrocketed in popularity since its appearance on Shark Tank in 2013, thanks to its excellent customer service and social media presence. We dive deeper into this brand in our article: “Are Xero Shoes Any Good?“.

Xero’s Popular Models

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  Xero Shoes Prio

  This versatile shoe is suitable for a wide range of activities, including running, walking, and cross-training. Its design emphasises comfort and fit, with ample room in the toe box for natural toe splay.

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  Xero Shoes Dillon

  Designed for everyday wear, the Dillon is Xero Shoes’ comfortable and stylish sneaker featuring a breathable knit upper and wider toe box for a natural fit. Its flexible sole provides freedom of movement whilst the low-profile design works well for casual activities.

• 

  Xero Shoes HFS

  This multi-sport barefoot shoe stands out for its performance in both training and running. It combines the benefits of a running shoe with the minimalist design of a barefoot shoe, offering a unique blend of comfort, flexibility, and ground feel.

What are Vivobarefoot Shoes?

Vivobarefoot is another leading brand in the barefoot shoe market, known for designing shoes that replicate the pleasure of unrestricted foot movement, offering premium materials and construction.

Vivo’s Popular Models

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  Vivobarefoot Ra III

  This shoe combines formal aesthetics with the comfort of a barefoot shoe, making it suitable for office wear and interviews. Its wide toe box allows for natural toe splay, enhancing comfort during long periods of wear.

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  Vivobarefoot Gobi III

  A mid-cut shoe with a timeless design, the Gobi III is perfect for casual wear. Its minimalist design and comfortable fit make it a popular choice for everyday use.

• 

  Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG II

  This high-performance shoe is praised for its versatility, performing well in various terrains, from snowy mountains to sandy deserts. Its durable construction and excellent traction make it a reliable choice for trail running.

Key Features of Barefoot Shoes

Barefoot shoes, as represented by both Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot, share several key features that distinguish them from traditional footwear.

These features are designed to mimic the experience of walking barefoot whilst providing some protection for your feet.

Thin Sole

One of the most noticeable features of barefoot shoes is their thin soles.

Unlike traditional shoes that have thick, cushioned soles, barefoot shoes have soles that are thin enough to let you feel the ground beneath your feet.

This can enhance your balance and proprioception (your sense of where your body is in space).

Wide Toe Box

Barefoot shoes are designed with a wide toe box, which allows your toes to spread out naturally as you walk or run.

This can improve your stability and comfort, especially during long walks or runs.

Zero Drop

“Zero drop” means that the heel and the ball of the foot are at the same height.

This design encourages a more natural walking and running gait, where your foot lands flat or your midfoot or forefoot strikes the ground first, rather than your heel.

Flexible Material

The material used in barefoot shoes is flexible, allowing your foot to move naturally.

This can make walking or running more comfortable and less restrictive compared to traditional shoes.

These features are common to both Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot, but the two brands differ in their specific designs, models, and other features.

Let’s take a closer look at each brand.

Xero Shoes vs Vivobarefoot: Key Differences Compared (2025 Update)

When it comes to the best barefoot shoes on the market, both Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot have a lot to offer.

However, the various features, materials used, comfort and the overall barefoot running experience can vary between the two brands.

I will start with the most essential comparison elements and move down from there.

Sole Thickness & Ground Feel

Key takeaway: Vivobarefoot provides a more intense barefoot experience with thinner soles (2-5mm), whilst Xero offers slightly more protection with 4-6mm soles – making them better for those new to barefoot shoes or running on rough surfaces.

Comfort & Fit

Price Comparison

• Xero Shoes: $90-130 (Example: Prio $89.99, Prio Neo $99.99)
• Vivobarefoot: $120-180 (Example: Primus Lite III $140-170)
• Price difference: Vivobarefoot typically costs $30-60 more, justified by premium materials and construction

Warranty & Value

Vivobarefoot: Standard 100-day return policy for unworn shoes. The ReVivo platform offers refurbished shoes at 50% savings, excellent for budget and sustainability.

Design & Style

• Xero Shoes: Athletic, sporty aesthetic. Praised for functionality and comfort, adored by athletes. Recent improvements include more casual-friendly models like the Glenn. Prioritises barefoot philosophy over fashion.
• Vivobarefoot: Street-friendly and professional. Comprehensive line from formal to athletic. Wide range of styles suitable for office wear and social settings. Best for those prioritising appearance alongside function.

Sizing Comparison

The size of your barefoot shoes is crucial for comfort and performance.

Both brands offer a wide range of sizes, catering to different foot shapes:

Always refer to the specific sizing guide for each model before purchasing. Check our detailed Xero Shoes sizing guide for model-specific advice.

Barefoot Running Experience

When it comes to barefoot running, both brands offer models designed specifically for this purpose, but the experience differs:

• Vivobarefoot provides a more intense barefoot running experience with thinner soles (2-5mm), offering maximum ground feedback. Best for experienced barefoot runners who want authentic feel.
• Xero Shoes offers slightly more protection with 4-6mm soles, beneficial for those new to barefoot running or running on rough terrains. The FeelTrue® rubber provides excellent durability.

Upper Materials

The upper material significantly impacts comfort and breathability:

• Xero Shoes typically use lightweight mesh material for uppers, providing excellent breathability and a sock-like fit.
• Vivobarefoot often uses leather or premium vegan materials, offering a more formal look. Many models feature eco-friendly materials and sustainable construction.

Sandal Options

If you’re looking for a sandal option, Xero Shoes excels in this area.

They offer a variety of barefoot sandals that provide the same minimalist, zero-drop experience as their shoes.

These sandals are perfect for warm weather or beach activities, offering excellent breathability and comfort.

Barefoot Options for Different Activities

Both brands offer a variety of barefoot options for different activities.

Whether you’re looking for running shoes, hiking boots, casual wear, or even formal shoes, both Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot have you covered.

For instance, the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is an excellent option for running, whilst Xero Shoes‘ hiking boots are perfect for outdoor adventures.

For utmost comfort and laidback style, check out our guide on the best barefoot slip-on shoes where both Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot are featured.

Shoe Range & Versatility

In terms of shoe options, Vivobarefoot may have a slight edge over Xero Shoes. Vivobarefoot offers a wider range of styles, including more formal options, whilst Xero Shoes tend to have a more sporty, athletic aesthetic.

Head-to-Head: Prio vs Primus Lite III

Let’s compare the most popular models from each brand directly:

Sustainability & Environmental Impact

For environmentally conscious consumers, here’s how both brands approach sustainability:

🏆 Sustainability winner: Vivobarefoot leads with B-Corp certification and comprehensive circular economy initiatives. However, Xero’s extreme durability focus (5,000-mile warranty) means fewer shoes in landfills, which is inherently sustainable.

Similar Brands & Alternatives

If you’re exploring barefoot shoes beyond Xero and Vivobarefoot, several other brands offer quality minimalist footwear:

• Lems Shoes: Known for wider toe boxes and casual styles. Similar price range to Xero ($90-140). Great for everyday wear and travel.
• Merrell Barefoot: More mainstream option with better availability in retail stores. Slightly less minimalist than Xero or Vivo but good for beginners.
• Softstar Shoes: Handmade in the USA, ultra-flexible soles. Higher price point ($130-180) but exceptional craftsmanship.
• Feelgrounds: European brand similar to Vivobarefoot in style and price. Good alternative for EU customers to save on shipping.

For a comprehensive comparison of Xero Shoes with other brands, check our guide on Lems vs Xero Shoes.

User Reviews: What Real Customers Say

User reviews provide valuable insights into real-world performance. Here’s what customers consistently report:

Who Should Choose Which Brand?

Final Verdict: Which Brand Wins?

The choice between Xero Shoes and Vivobarefoot largely depends on your personal preferences and needs.

If you prioritise budget-friendly options, wider fit, and have deeper feet, Xero Shoes is your best choice. The 5,000-mile warranty and excellent customer service add tremendous value.

If you prefer maximum ground feel, more stylish design, and are willing to invest in premium materials, Vivobarefoot is worth the extra cost. Particularly good if you need shoes suitable for professional environments.

Ultimately, both brands offer high-quality, durable, and functional barefoot shoes that cater to various preferences and activities. Many barefoot shoe enthusiasts own pairs from both brands, using each for different purposes.

The best choice depends on your individual foot shape, style preference, intended use, and budget. Once you’ve leaned towards one brand, practical considerations like shipping costs, return policies, and potential import fees come into play. For a detailed breakdown of purchasing Xero Shoes, Vivobarefoot, and many other brands within the UK, be sure to check our comprehensive guide to buying barefoot shoes in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions