Episode 6: Vivobarefoot Motus II

When I came across a fully enclosed Vivo shoe on sale, at such a decent price (approx. $120 AUD), I instantly snapped it up. Prior to this purchase, I’ve previously owned a few pairs of vivos, and after being extremely satisfied with the range of models I’ve encountered, I was certain that I’d found a bargain I’d be pleased with… Unfortunately, that was not the case with the Motus 2. :(

The Motus 2 is the sequel model in the Motus Range, which was initially designed as a barefoot sports shoe focusing on skilful movement and agility. Due to this marketing, It has become quite popular within the parkour, and crossfit world. The Motus 2 is a unisex model, and is available in two colours – Navy blue & white, and all black. The all-black would’ve been my colour choice of preference, however stock was unavailable. The Motus 2 is still available, however I get the impression that Vivo are attempting to phase the model out, due to witnessing most retailers selling their stock at such a reduced price.

Company Overview:

Vivobarefoot Limited manufactures and sells shoes for men, women, and kids. The company offers casual wear, court sports, golf, gym, hiking, indoor sports, lifestyle, road running, trail running, walking, winterproof, and work shoes for men, as well as watersports shoes for women; and play, school, and watersports for kids. Its shoes are available online and through stores in the United Kingdom and internationally. Vivobarefoot Limited was formerly known as Terra Plana international Ltd. and changed its name to Vivobarefoot Limited in December 2015. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in London, United Kingdom.

Galahad Clark, a 7th generation descendant of the Clark Shoes Company founded VIVOBAREFOOT with his cousin Asher Clark in 2012. Their mission is to change the footwear industry based on one simple insight—shoes should let your feet do their natural thing. Every shoe features a patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole that protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback.

Initial Impressions:

The design of the Motus 2 was quite appealing to me. It does have quite a sporty and aggressive appearance - with its Velcro strap, and gave me a nostalgic feeling of 90’s era basketball shoes. Unfortunately, the nostalgia didn’t end at their appearance; their respective weights were also quite similar…

The shoe was thick, and stiff, once handled, and the elasticated lacing system was almost unnecessary due to the Velcro strap supporting your foot in place, however, they looked quite decent on my feet, and they felt exceptionally well made.

Once on, I wasn’t too impressed. The sole was too thick (even with the insole removed), the volume was too deep, and the toe box was too tight (due to the rubber toe cap). After trying to wear them for a day, or so, I returned them.

Technical Specifications:

“The Motus 2 is a minimalist sports shoe that is made for skillful movement and agility. The v-strap on this sneaker supports your mid-foot, allowing for natural, lateral swing and motion control. Be barefoot while you play in the court, the gym or the concrete jungle.”

· 100% Vegan

· V-strap – to lock the mid-foot in place

· Breathable meshupper - to help keep your feet cool

· Fused TPU and mesh – minimal seamless construction

· PRO5: Patented, ultra-thin, puncture resistant layer. 5x more puncture resistant than a standardsoleof the same thickness.

· Tough rubber 4.5mmsole– for amazing traction and durability when jumping around

· 3mm foam insole

· Weight: 209g

Conclusion:

I desperately wanted to like the Motus 2. However, now that I have an understanding of my footwear requirements, in addition to understanding how expensive barefoot shoes can be, I replaced them instantly...

They didn’t particularly feel like barefoot shoes, and felt more like a stiff shell. They lacked flexibility, ground feel, and my toes felt constricted. They could however, prove useful for people wishing to transition.

TLDR: Don't buy.

-Alex, Thebarefootshoereview