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Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

4.5 
Based on 188 user reviews

Sizing:

67% "Felt true to size"

Based on 21 user reviews

Women's Sizing:

70% "Felt true to size"

Based on 10 user reviews

The Primus Lite III is a minimalist shoe designed to allow wearers to train hard but still tread lightly on the planet.

Most suitable for:

Running,Training,Causal Wear

Minimal Meter:

Excellent minimalist standards.

What does it mean?

Manufacture Short Description

Train hard while treading lightly on the planet. Primus Lite III All Weather’s minimalist design lets your feet move in the most natural way possible, whatever the weather throws at you. Building strength for every run, walk and workout.

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  • Men's
  • Women's
Vivobarefoot logo From 170$ See deals
Vivobarefoot UK logo From 135£ See deals
Amazon logo From 166$ See deals
Amazon UK logo From 95£ See deals
Vivobarefoot logo From 170$ See deals
Vivobarefoot UK logo From 135£ See deals
Amazon logo From 145$ See deals
Amazon UK logo From 95£ See deals
  • Review
  • Description

Review Summary

The Primus Lite III is one of the lightest and most minimalist shoes from Vivobarefoot. It was designed to allow feet to move freely without the limitations delivered by an over-designed shoe.  The third version of the series strengthens feet naturally while still delivering protection and good ground feedback, especially in urban environments.

  • PROS
  • Comfortable
  • Extremely lightweight
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Close to being barefoot
  • Stylish and modern despite the limited colorways
  • CONS
  • Pricey
  • Durability issues
  • No half-sizes
  • Laces come undone sometimes
  • Takes some getting used to (for beginner barefoot-shoe users)

Detailed Review

Check out the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Minimal Vegan Road Running Shoe Review by fitness enthusiast Alvin R Gaela. It’s an older version, however, it has many similarities with the Primus Lite III.

Not a lot has changed with the third version of the Primus Lite. Just like its predecessors, it’s one of the lightest shoes created by Vivobarefoot promising to deliver a close-to-shoeless experience while still being protective when the wearer is on common, hard surfaces. The outsole has been updated and a performance insole has been added.

Specs

The Barefoot Primus Lite III is foot-shaped. Compared to conventional shoes, it follows the anatomy and natural curve of the feet with the forefoot area having enough room for the toes to spread out while moving. 

On the bottom of the shoe, Vivobarefoot’s Active Outsole technology was added. It’s a kind of rubber that provides decent protection on common surfaces, extreme flexibility, and decent durability while maintaining a good amount of responsiveness.

Inside the third version of the Primus Lite Vivobarefoot is a performance insole called Ortholite. Although a third-party technology, this insole offers moisture management, high breathability, lightness, consistent comfort, and, best of all, it aligns with Vivobarefoot’s goals to be more earth-friendly.

The Primus Lite III is part of the (Re)new and Improved program that remakes shoe models with materials that are more sustainable, more specifically post-consumer plastic waste, which reduces the impact the shoes make on the planet.

Performance

A good number of Primus Lite III Reviews say that the shoe feels comfortable right out the box. There’s no need for a new pair to be broken in according to many. 

When worn, plenty of consumers have been surprised at how good the shoe feels despite it only having the Ortholite insert as its minimal cushioning. The insert is removable so those who prefer to want more direct feedback from the ground can just remove it.

Its lightness allowed reviewers to move uninhibitedly. Because of this, the third version of the Primus Lite Vivobarefoot was made as a companion in doing different physical activities – working out at the gym, weight lifting, running, cross-training. On the other hand, many found it to be a good everyday companion with its minimalist design, comfort level, and barefoot attributes.

It’s important to remember that these shoes were not designed for hiking or trail running. Those who would like barefoot footwear that has a decent level of protection from objects and reliable grip on tricky surfaces should look at other options like the Tracker II FG or the Magna FG.

When moving over flat surfaces, however, the Primus Lite III performs well, said users. On the tarmac and other common surfaces, it exhibited good grip.

You can also check out the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Minimal Vegan Road Running Shoe Review by fitness enthusiast Alvin R Gaela. It’s an older version, however it’s has many similarities with the Primus Lite III.

Sizing

With the Primus Lite III, there are no half sizes. Many were disappointed with this. Those who are in between sizes opted for going a full size up. For example, a reviewer who wears a 7.5 usually went for a size 8, whether it was a Primus Lite Men’s Review or Women’s. 

There were those who went true to size but to those who would like to get their own pair, it should be noted that going true to size will be affected by instep height, foot width, and foot shape. 

Fit

There’s enough room in the toebox of the Primus Lite III for the toes to splay naturally while running or walking. Reviewers who were just starting out with wearing barefoot shoes found the fit on the front of the shoe to be roomier but it’s important to take note that barefoot shoes are designed this way. 

Primus Lite III VS Previous Iterations

The first version of the Primus Lite was meant to be a nimble shoe. Although the brand was true to their word, it could be the lightest they’ve made yet, there were issues with durability. Vivobarefoot seemed to have designed the Primus Lite II with better durability and longer mileage in mind, updating the upper design and materials. On the second version, the outsole was retained, but updates to the lacing system and heel padding design were made.

On the third version, Primus Lite III, the outsole was updated to Vivobarefoot’s Active Sole. The signature 4mm outsole is reported to deliver better durability, grip, and sensory feedback. Inside, an Ortholite Performance Insole was added to deliver an extra level of comfort without too much cushioning.

Final call

The Primus Lite III is an earth-friendly, vegan-friendly, and versatile footwear that’s mostly used doing different physical activities – running, weight lifting, training, walking, strolling, and so much more. Its colorways and straightforward design also allowed it to be used as daily footwear. 

It won’t be your go-to pair when it’s drizzling outside, but it can be your favorite when it’s sunny and you’re doing your usual activities while maintaining that true barefoot feel. Despite the light materials used, plenty mentioned that a pair of Barefoot Primus Lite III may be too pricey compared to other barefoot shoes. The shoelace could have been more premium at this price point, said some reviews.

Expert Reviews

  by 

Expert reviews

User reviews:

FAQ

Do Vivobarefoot shoes break-in? Will Vivobarefoot shoes stretch?

Most Vivobarefoot that are made of light materials will likely be ready to wear right out the box. A good number of users have worn their pair as soon as they finished unboxing. Vivo shoes that have a mesh upper will, indeed, stretch, with continuous wear.

Can Vivobarefoot shoes get wet?

Yes, Vivobarefoot shoes can get wet. The upper of the Primus Lite III is mostly mesh. It's not ideal in wet weather as your feet will get wet. On the upside, it can dry out rather quickly because of how well-ventilated the shoe is.

How are barefoot shoes supposed to fit?

It depends on your preference and usage. All Vivobarefoot shoes are foot-shaped instead of shoe-shaped so there might be more room in the toebox. It's ideal so toes can naturally spread out while moving. As a general rule, your longest toe should be a thumb's width or so from the end of the toebox.

Where does the Leather come from, and is it ethically sourced?

Yes, the materials of the shoe models that are mainly made of leather, like the Vivobarefoot Ababa Leather, have been ethically sourced and responsibly collected. Vivobarefoot follows three golden rules: Wild stock should be part of a no-waste chain. Animals should be reared by small-scale, independent farmers. Animals should be given the freedom to explore the environment. Other Vivobarefoot Leather Shoes to check out: Opanka Leather Fullham Leather Boots Tracker II FG

Where are the shoes produced?

It depends on the model of the shoe. There are some models that are hand-made in Africa. There are some that are made in Vietnam.

Which barefoot shoes are best?

The best barefoot shoes will be able to address your needs sufficiently. If you need a pair that's going to go well with any outfit, that can be a companion for daily activities and gym workouts, and that is extremely lightweight based on a good number of reviews, then the Barefoot Primus Lite III is a good option to consider.

Specs

Brand Vivobarefoot
Model Primus Lite III
Product Type Shoes
Activity Type Gym, Running, Training
Terrain Urban / Road
Eco Friendly Vegan
Design ,Shoes,Trainers
Materials Recycled Plastic Bottles
Season Warmer Weather
Sole Attributes Enhanced Grip,Puncture-Proof
Water Protection Breathable,Quick Drying
Weight 180g
Heel Toe Drop 0

Manufacture Short Description

Train hard while treading lightly on the planet. Primus Lite III All Weather’s minimalist design lets your feet move in the most natural way possible, whatever the weather throws at you. Building strength for every run, walk and workout.

Manufacture Full Description

FREE TO FEEL AND MOVE

● Foot shaped (not shoe shaped), to let your feet do their natural thing
• WIDE to allow for and natural stability
• THIN to enable you to feel more
• FLEXIBLE to enable natural movement
● Remade with less – Less materials, less process, less waste, more feeling.
● Lightweight and versatile, whether you’re working in or working out, keep your natural connection.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE OUTSOLE

Our signature 3mm barefoot outsole for maximum sensory feedback. A light, flexible, grippy and durable, everyday outsole!

VEGAN

Produced using animal-free materials.

  • Description
  • Review

Manufacture Full Description

FREE TO FEEL AND MOVE

● Foot shaped (not shoe shaped), to let your feet do their natural thing
• WIDE to allow for and natural stability
• THIN to enable you to feel more
• FLEXIBLE to enable natural movement
● Remade with less – Less materials, less process, less waste, more feeling.
● Lightweight and versatile, whether you’re working in or working out, keep your natural connection.

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE OUTSOLE

Our signature 3mm barefoot outsole for maximum sensory feedback. A light, flexible, grippy and durable, everyday outsole!

VEGAN

Produced using animal-free materials.

Expert reviews

User reviews:

Specs

Brand Vivobarefoot
Model Primus Lite III
Product Type Shoes
Activity Type Gym, Running, Training
Terrain Urban / Road
Eco Friendly Vegan
Design ,Shoes,Trainers
Materials Recycled Plastic Bottles
Season Warmer Weather
Sole Attributes Enhanced Grip,Puncture-Proof
Water Protection Breathable,Quick Drying
Weight 180g
Heel Toe Drop 0
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