This is a story of a guy who loves shoes – the colors, smells (of fresh ones just out of the box, that is), and the many interesting and fashionable designs. He loves how they add character to an outfit and have the power to change a mood simply by being worn. While women tend to be the ones who are into shoes more than men, a guy liking shoes is still not much of a story. However, this guy has written a number of posts about the virtues of going barefoot – how it strengthens the feet, making you a better runner. So, how can he encourage people to try going barefoot yet wear stylish shoes himself? Well, a solution that marries barefoot minimalist form with fashionable design now makes this possible.

Ok, the guy mentioned above is me (like you didn’t already know). Until recently, I would have told you that when it came to everyday wear, it would be hard to continue wearing minimal shoes – shoes that promote a barefoot-like walking form. I knew I wasn’t going to get away with wearing my Vibram Five Fingers to the office. They look too casual and even freaky. Showing up as a consultant at a Fortune 100 company looking like I forgot to make the final change after a Halloween party was just not going to cut it. I was concerned that I would have to go back to the high heels and padded shoes because they were the only option in the workplace.

To my delight, I found Vivo Barefoot by Terra Plana. Very hip and stylish shoes that allow me to enjoy just about all the benefits of going barefoot all day, every day, no matter the setting. The great folks at Vivo Barefoot read some of my earlier posts about the virtues of barefoot running or at least wearing minimal shoes and were kind enough to send me a pair of their Aqua shoes to test and review. Full disclosure: Terra Plana sent me a pair of their shoes for free with the understanding that I would write a review and post it to this blog. There were no other stipulations. Here’s my review.

Review of Vivo Barefoot Aqua

Summary: Most of the benefits of going barefoot with all the style of a designer shoe. While Vibram Five Fingers are hippie, Vivo Barefoots are hip.

Specifications

Color: White Tumbled Leather
Size: European 46, UK 12, US 13 (shoes run small)
Materials: Vivo Barefoot Technology™ – Agion® antibacterial lining and removable insole, Duratex puncture resistant layer, and Cosmo Comfort™ TPU abrasion resistant sole
Price: US $150

First Impressions

Summary: Fun and stylish packaging and fashionable shoes with a strong reminder of how much material is recycled, in line with the company’s goals to be completely sustainable.

The shoes came in a plain and simple grey shoe box with the Terra Plana logo on the top. When I opened the box, though, my eyes were met with intriguing grey and green iconography printed on the inside. Each icon explains a benefit of the shoe (Minimum Chrome, Minimum Glue, Light Weight, Locally Sourced, Water Resistant, Recycled, Memory Foam, Flex, etc.). Each shoe comes in its own cloth bag. Laying on top of the shoe bags is a hexagonal tag (the hexagon is a design element used in a number of places on the shoe and in marketing materials), a pamphlet explaining the Vivo Barefoot Technology, and an Autumn/Winter 2009 catalog booklet.

I felt like a kid opening a present on Christmas day. At first I didn’t want to move the booklets or shoes because everything looked so perfect. I quickly got over my hesitance, though, and picked up one of the shoes in its bag. Printed on the grey cloth bag were the the company logo and following words:

“Terra Plana aims to be the most innovative and sustainable designer shoe brand in the world…Our choice of materials include special chrome free leathers, vegetable tanned leathers, recycled materials such as quilts; coffee bags; jackets; shirts; jeans; leather car seat scraps; 90% pure latex soles or recycled rubber soles; 100% recycled foam footbeds and recycled card for shoeboxes.” I suddenly felt like I was doing more than opening a shoe box – I was helping to save the planet.

Other little touches throughout the opening experience remind me how the company is looking out for the environment. A natural string attaches the paper tags (though no recycle symbol on paper tags was present), the shoe box is both made from recycled materials and recyclable, and in the booklet you learn that Terra Plana’s shoes are made with a lot of recycled materials and chrome free leather. The tags on the shoes mention that part of the shoes are made with a “natural antimicrobial” from Cosmo Comfort. I wondered how green Cosmo is, as the sustainability of a manufacturer is dependent upon its partners’ sustainability as well. A quick look at Starensier’s website (manufacturers of Cosmo Comfort) did not turn up any more information about how eco-friendly the company is.

I pulled one of the shoes out of its bag I was struck by how wide the mid-foot and toe box areas are. To be honest, the first thing that went through my mind was that these shoes looked dorky and out of date because they’re so wide. Over the last several years shoe fashion has trended toward more narrow toe-boxes, so I feared these shoes would look out-dated or worse, like the orthotic shoes I remember kids making fun of in elementary school.

As I continued to examine the shoe, though, my fears that they would look off-trend were quickly laid to rest. Clearly, careful attention had been paid to every aspect of the shoe by a stellar design team. The design – from the cuts to the carefully placed contrasting white, black, and red colors, to the textures and materials used – helped me understand why these shoes have become favorites of trendsetters in London, LA, and other urban centers around the world (they have been profiled in periodicals such as New York Magazine, Marie Claire, Health and Fitness, and Outdoor Adventure Guide, to name a few).

As I held the shoes in my hands I was amazed at how light they are. I instinctively examined the shoe from all sides and stuck my hand into the shoe to see if there was any additional heel or arch support. I was delighted to find a very thin sole and minimal in-sole. I remarked to my wife as she walked into the room, “Look how thin these soles are!” Hearing myself say this made me realize how weird it was that this was a positive asset now. Up until a couple of months ago no padding would have been used as a derogatory remark. I know better now.

Supporting Materials

In the nicely bound booklet is a catalog of all of Terra Plana’s shoes as well as detailed explanations about the benefits of going barefoot. The case for no padding, lots of flexibility, and a wide toe box was accompanied by an array of beautiful graphics (the ones shown below differ slightly from those in the books).

As you can see in the images above, the company is clearly saying that with Vivo Barefoot technology, you’ll land on your forefoot which is better for your foot and overall posture. And with only a minimal sole and in-sole between you and the ground, your foot’s many nerve endings will be stimulated similarly to how they would if barefoot.

I have to say that I’m not a fan of using the label ‘Barefoot Technology.’ When it comes to shoes, most so-called technology is just marketing fluff. Not a single study has shown how any of the added springs, air, padding, shocks, or fill-in-the-blank technologies have helped reduce injuries. In fact, it’s usually this added technology that promotes injury, not protects us from it. So when I see “Barefoot Technology,” it sounds like an oxymoron. After all, going purely barefoot means not using any technology at all. I would argue that to get more barefoot, you need to strip away any technology from shoes. I suppose for some, though, who’ve become accustomed to seeing the word “technology” used to describe a shoe might find its use on a “Barefoot” shoe comforting. Perhaps it makes them feel like they will have protection from broken glass and the like. Personally, I prefer the word “natural”.

Design Features

The shoes have a number of nice design elements that enforce a good overall style aesthetic and reinforce a good design, such as the “V” on the back and the sole of the shoe. The stitching is quite intricate and frequently mirrors the “V’ design element as well.

A black elastic band loops around the back of the shoe and through a pull tab on the heel. Because the pull tab is not attached to the lip of the shoe, it does not prove very helpful in getting the shoe onto your heel.

While parts of the shoe appear to be just mesh, it is just a style element on the outside of the shoe.

First Steps

Summary: Wide mid-foot and attention to design details make for a nice fit yet leave room for the whole foot to feel the ground through a thin sole.

It’s important that you understand that up until this moment, my feet had not been in regular shoes for nearly two months. After I read Born to Run I went barefoot around the house and only wore my Vibram Five Fingers when I ventured away from the house. So my feet had been rather free for a long time. I felt my feet cringe as I slid them into the Aquas. However, my feet and I simultaneously sighed in relief, as there was ample room inside. The wider mid-foot and toe box areas allow my feet to remain their normal size – my toes were not scrunched together like they are in other shoes.

To say that my feet were comfortable in the Vivo Barefoot Aquas would be misleading, unless you’ve spent a decent amount of time barefoot. When referring to shoes, the adjective “comfortable” usually refers to plenty of padding and a rather snug fit. Wearing the Aquas, or most likely any Vivo Barefoot shoe, redefines what comfortable is. I think “natural” is a better way to describe how the shoes feel on me. Their lightness and very minimal padding in the in-sole, a thin sole, and ample room in the mid-foot actually help the shoes live up to their name – they are quite close to going barefoot.

My first walks around the house and then outside were marvelous. I loved how the shoes felt on my feet. They don’t weigh me down and flex extremely well with every foot position I throw their way.

Stylish Minimal Shoes at Last

To be honest, I feel a bit naughty each time I wear the Aquas. It’s how I would imagine I’d feel if I went commando (I said “imagine” folks). I get to experience the joys of wearing less, but it’s my own secret. No one knows that I have such minimal shoes on! They simply think I’m one stylish dude (at least from the feet down).

Until now, stylish, minimal shoes had been an oxymoron for me. I either had to wear the Vibram Five Fingers in public and draw attention to myself or go back to regular shoes and risk poor posture or even injury. With the Vivo Barefoot Aquas I can have my cake and eat it too, so to speak. I don’t have to give up on style when I choose to treat my feet well and walk how I would if I was barefoot. To be honest, I feel a bit naughty each time I wear the Aquas. It’s how I would imagine I’d feel if I went commando (I said “imagine” folks). I get to experience the joys of wearing less, but it’s my own secret. No one knows that I have such minimal shoes on! They simply think I’m one stylish dude (at least from the feet down).

Why I Like the Vivo Barefoot Aqua Shoes

Summary: Physically, the shoes feel great and promote proper form (thought this can take some time to get used to). They hold up well on all surfaces both walking and running. Emotionally, I feel good because they’re made with recycled materials. Socially, the shoes look good and spark positive comments from others.

I can sum up why I like the Vivo Barefoot Aqua with three types of benefits: Physical, Emotional, and Social.

Physical Benefits

Wearing the Aquas has definitely made me walk differently. Landing on my heel too much begins to hurt, forcing me to land forefoot-first. This is particularly important for me because I had back surgery for a severe disc herniation in my lower back. If I were to walk how I used to – landing heel first with a straight leg – all the force of impact would be transferred right into my lower back where I am still recovering from previous trauma. When I wear minimal shoes like the Vivo Barefoot Aquas I have to land with either a flat foot or forefoot-first.

I must admit that it took awhile to get used to this sort of footfall while walking. This is perhaps the most significant reminder that wearing the shoes is not the same as going barefoot. When I walk completely barefoot I naturally land on the balls of my feet. However, with my Vivo Barefoot shoes or any minimal shoe I’ve tried so far it becomes a bit of an effort to land correctly. I think some of my trouble is due to still having a weak left calf (from a damaged nerve). It just takes some time to get used to.

I like how wearing the Vivo Barefoot Aqua shoes strengthens my foot and leg muscles instead of making them atrophy. Instead of losing muscle while walking, I now strengthen the muscles that will help me become a better runner. This is huge.

I gave the Aquas a running test-spin on the trails and pavement to see how they hold up as running shoes (I had to force myself to get over the fact that I might get them scratched up or dirty). On a nearby dirt trail strewn with small, sharp rocks, acorns, and sharp oak leaves, I took off. While I figured the shoes would protect my feet just fine from these objects, I was surprised at how good they felt to run in. Their complete flexibility allowed me to run naturally. Although plenty wide enough for my foot to flex and spread naturally, I did not get any sense that my feet were moving around in them. When running in them I had no trouble landing forefoot-first. They also grabbed the dry and dusty trail just fine.

Emotional Benefits

I feel better knowing I’m taking care of myself physically. I also feel good knowing that Terra Plana is eco-friendly. Terra Plana shoes have been favorites of the authors of Treehugger.com, a premier website for a green lifestyle, from the beginning and even won a Best of Green award in 2009 for Best of Green Fashion and Beauty. Terra Plana is leading the way in being an eco-friendly and sustainable company. We can only hope that other shoe companies follow in their footsteps.

I feel good about a company that says the following, and puts their hearts and soles into it.

“We want to make and design products with a Total Beauty. Our goal is to create sustainable products and be a sustainable company in all dimensions: people, process, product, place and profits by the end of 2010.” – Terra Plana

Terra Plana rates each of their products on an eco-scale. On their website you can see how every shoe stacks up and how the ratings are determined. Here is how the Vivo Barefoot Aqua shoe is rated:

There is something to be said about wearing shoes that you know support a company doing everything they can to soften their impact on the planet.

Social Benefits

Perhaps the least expected benefit is a social one. The fact is, you look damn good in these shoes. People notice them, and you. A woman at Peet’s who had seen me in my Vibram Five Fingers and had asked about them saw me sporting my Aquas one afternoon. She asked what kind of shoes they were. When I said they were also minimal shoes, with just a 3mm sole and good width, she responded, “These ones get the votes of the women. I think my wife agrees with that statement, too. Knowing you look good puts a pep in your step, which goes a long way no matter what you’re trying to do. I’m not promising these shoes will get you girls, guys, but I am promising that the girls will notice. And I think I’d think a little better of a a girl who I saw sporting some Vivos.

My two daughters and wife offered their thoughts on the shoes:

Coralyne, age 4: “I like parts of them, but there’s so much white.”

Annalie, age 7: “I like them, especially the honeycomb design [on the bottom of the sole and top of in-sole].”

My Wife said I used to be a stylish guy, but then it all went to hell when I ended up at home sick (wearing jeans, hat, and t-shirt every day). She now has some hope for me.

Terra Plana, the Company

Rarely do I come across a company that fits so well with my interests and values. If I were to have started a shoe company, I like to think it would be similar to Terra Plana. With equal focus on proper form that promotes good posture, on distinguished aesthetics and fashionable style, and on creating a sustainable business, Terra Plana is doing right on all fronts.

History of Vivo Barefoot

The story of how Vivo Barefoot shoes came into existence is an intriguing one. As most radical innovations go, play, practice, a good network, and a splash of serendipity lead Tim Brennan, a friend of Galahad Clarke (head of Terra Plana and member of the renowned Clarks shoe family), to create the original Vivo Barefoot shoe. Tim’s father was a teacher of the Alexander Technique, a study and instruction of natural movement and healing harking back to the 1880s. As Tim practiced tennis and the Alexander Technique that espoused the benefits of walking barefoot, he began to prototype a new type of ‘shoe’. Together with his training in Industrial Design at the Royal College of Art and Galahad’s help, the Vivo shoe was born.

Terra Plana, the company that makes Vivo Barefoot, was originally a Dutch shoe company. The Clarks shoe company, still a family business, bought the company in 1998. Galahad Clarke took over the reigns of the company in 2004 and focused on creating eco-friendly shoes, paying attention to the whole manufacturing and distribution process. The same year Ajoy Sahu, formerly of Prada, became the company’s lead designer and created a women’s collection. Today, Terra Plana continues to grow with distribution in over 30 countries around the globe and stores in London, New York, Vienna, and Ljubljiana (Slovenia).

Check out Terra Plana’s full line of Vivo Barefoot shoes now.

Remember to use coupon code “RunQuest” to get 20% off your full order at terraplana.com. They run on the smaller side, so you are probably better off going up a size. There is a sizing chart on the website so you can figure out the right UK size from an EU or US size. I look forward to hearing how they work out for you!