Vivobarefoot Men's Primus Lite Knit

$175.00

The Primus Lite Knit combines a good-looking and sleek appearance with functionality. If you need a barefoot shoe for casual wear and wearing to the gym, these work great.

COLOR • Obsidian
Heel to Toe Drop 0.0mm

Premium Knit Upper: Low-profile knit upper offers a premium and breathable feel.

Wide Toe Box: Allows for ample toe splay, enhancing stability during lifts.

Primus Outsole: Primus outsole increases ground feeling, gettig you as close to the ground as possible.

Lightweight Construction: Flexible and lightweight. Easy to wear all day, every day.

Non-Marking Sole: Primus outsole has good traction and doesn't mark.

Ortholite Insole: Removable Ortholite insoles gives you a variety of comfort options.

Read: My Review

These Size Similar To

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III run a little long and size similar to barefoot shoes from Be Lenka and TYR. You'll want to make sure you read That Fit Friend reviews and other review comments about sizing these correctly.

How I Suggest Sizing These

These have a wider forefoot and a low-profile upper construction. They should work for a wide range of foot anatomies, but again, they do run long for most. They don't come in half-sizes sans the 12.5...lucky 12.5ers.

If you have narrow and medium-width feet, size these true to size. If you're in-between sizes, go down.

If you have EE+ width feet, size these true to size. If you're in-between sizes and typically close to the end of your toe box, then go up. If not, and you like a snugger-fitting shoe, then go down.

If you traditionally don't have much room at the end of your toe box and you in-between sizes, then you'll want to automatically go up a half size, too.

Check Out: Vivobarefoot's Sizing Chart

I always recommend spot-cleaning barefoot shoes and using a three-pronged approach to do it thoroughly.

I would suggest NOT putting your barefoot shoes in your washing and drying machines. Instead, follow the four steps below for properly cleaning cross-training shoes.

  • Step 1: Grab your barefoot shoes, a clean washcloth, a soft soap void of harsh dyes and fragrances, and lukewarm water.
  • Step 2: Get your washcloth wet with lukewarm water and dab less than a dime-sized amount of soap on the damp washcloth.
  • Step 3: Remove your barefoot shoe’s insoles and spot clean areas on the shoesthat need a little attention. Do not soak your shoes. Repeat this process of dampening your washcloth and rubbing trouble areas until your shoes look noticeably cleaner. If you have bright colorways, rub softly
    to avoid ruining your shoe’s colorway.
  • Step 4:Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of your shoes, place them by a vent or dry area in your house and remove their insoles until thorougly dry.

All returns and exchanges are accepted for unworn, like-new shoes within 30-days. I cover your return costs!

Read more here.

Features worth knowing

The core construction details that I think are worth knowing before you buy!

1. PREMIUM KNIT UPPER

Love comfortable and breathable barefoot shoes? The knit upper in this model is built with sustainable materials and provides a nice degree of breathability and functionality.

2. PRIMUS OUTSOLE

Known for its cross-functionality, the Primus outsole has a low-to-the-ground feeling and provides adequate grip on most surfaces. For the gym and casual wear, this outsole is great.

3. BOOTIE-STYLE CONSTRUCTION

Prefer your shoes to have a secure and sock-like fit? You'll enjoy the bootie-style construction of the Primus Lite Knit. This book also doesn't rub aggressively like other bootie-style shoes.

4. GOOD MIDFOOT LOCKDOWN

Despite having a nice stretch and breathability to it, the knit in this model locks the foot down adequately well when training. The laces also don't dig into the top of the midfoot.

Lifting Thresholds and My Assessment

This shoe can work well for recreational lifting and power-focused training. I've pushed them hard to assess where their stability starts to fall short.

Below are a few of the core and top lifting tests I've done in them.

  • 475 lb deadlifts. Really great ground feel. These are awesome for deadlifts, especially for strength enthusiast.
  • 335 lb squats. These can be great for squats, but keep in mind, like with most knit shoes they may not gives you as much "structure" as other models.
  • 225 lb reverse lunge. Great articulation and
    flexibility, and I appreciate that the boot doesn't move much when hitting stressful points.
Cross Training Assessment

These work great for the individual who wants a sporty and athletic-feeling barefoot shoe for cross-training. The blend of the breathable upper, lightweight construction, and flexible sole give these a nice edge for cross-training.

For cross-training, these will be best served for sessions where you're doing some jumping and dynamic movement. If you're regularly tackling box jumps, jump rope, and plyometrics, then you'll enjoy the performance of the Primus Lite Knit.

Running, Walking and Comfort

For running, these can work for a variety of distances. I prefer to use mine for short intervals or runs that are around 1-2 miles on the curves treadmill, but I know some athletes who SWEAR by these for longer runs. Dealer's choice!

For walking and daily wear, I've really liked these. They're a good do-it-all shoe and have made them my training shoes for travel fairly often. They're a good option for someone who wants a single shoe for training while traveling and they work exceptionally well for warmer months.

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