Vegan Barefoot Shoes
Let’s assume that we are in agreement that veganism is a better approach for humanity, and our planet. Over the years we have seen more and more products and companies move away from making products at the expense of animals.
Animal testing, and animal fur products are largely frowned upon, nowadays. In all of this, shoes have been lagging behind. Vivobarefoot are working to combat this. They have some beautiful vegan barefoot shoes. Here are our top 23 picks for women, in no particular order.
All shoes are of the zero drop, minimalist variety.
SHARPEI ECO SUEDE WOMENS: Vegan barefoot winter boots
Let me introduce you to these over-ankle vegan barefoot winter boots. It is winter in the UK, as I write this. We had to start with a pair of boots. The vegan Sharpei eco suede come in two colour shades; chestnut and tan. They are made from recycled PET bottles. In line with their ethos, Vivo are recycling our waste and turning what would have landed in seas into beautiful footwear.
Key Features
- Vegan – No animal material used to make the boot.
- Recyclable – Less plastic in our oceans and landfill.
- Warm Faux Lining – Keep the feet protected from the cold weather.
- Puncture resistant layer
- Thermal insole, 3.5mm. 3 Times warmer than a regular insole.
- Sealed seams, thermal insulated.
GOBI HI 2.0 ECO CANVAS WOMENS: Vegan barefoot shoes
If the number does not already give it away, this is an improved version of the Gobi Hi, which continues to be an incredible success. These winter barefoot boots are a great pick for this time of the year.
In line with Vivo’s goal to lead the world’s shoe manufacturers when it comes to being environmentally friendly, the Gobi Hi 20. are made from recycled vegan material.
Key Features
They are a great fit for everyday use.
- Vegan, no animal derived products used in the making.
- Made from weather resistant, ECO canvas.
- Removable insoles.
- The outsole is made of Sticky Rubber HEX FLEX.
- Very warm, courtesy of the faux shearling lining.
- Recyclable.
- 3.5 mm thermal sole.
- Winter proof!
One criticism that barefoot shoes have previously had is that they are not practical. Most are not designed to fit into our day to day lives. These would fit seamlessly into your life.
Unless you brought it up, most people would not even know that you are wearing zero drop shoes.
GOBI II CANVAS WOMENS
The Gobi range is known as the original minimalist desert boot. It was designed to fit into our day to day lives, like the desert boots do. The upper part of the shoe is made of a very strong textile. It offers you a very lightweight shoe. The upper Eco canvas material is vegan friendly and weather resistant.
Key Features
- Animal Free shoe manufacturing
- Smart Looking
- Durable thin soles (Non-Marking TPU Outsoles)
- Light and Flexible Boots
- Enhanced Grip
- Removable Thermal insoles
- 5 x More puncture resistance
- 3.5mm thermal insole
- Water Resistant
This is a practical shoe, for all day use. Great water resistance, almost water proof.
GOBI II SWIMRUN WOMENS
I never imagined the Swimrun shoes being this way. The design that comes to mind is one that is similar to crocs, or something of the sort. To create a Swimrun shoe that looks amazing, and is equally practical is a massive win for Vivo.
This barefoot desert boot is part of Vivo’s Otillo Swimrun collection. They are lightweight and durable, fitting into running and swimming alike. They are also with vegan Eco canvas.
Key Features
- Stylish
- Easy adjusting laces, with a toggle mechanism.
- Durable / Thin city sole.
- Thermal insoles
- Weather resistant.
- Recyclable, made from PET.
- Vegan.
- 3.5mm Thermal insoles.
- Room for extra socks.
Make use of their size guide to make sure you get the right size.
KANNA WOMENS
If there is a shoe that just says “chill”, this is it. The Kanna is one with the earth, a part of Vivo’s vegan initiative. The upper layer is made of breathable mesh which is incredible for warm days. It is also exceptionally lightweight, and made to fit snugly onto your feet.
The Kanna comes in 3 colours, one to match each outfit. You will find it in black, cordovan and olive.
It is built for those who love to be on the go. The Kanna is great for movement, allowing you feet to be one with the earth, while moving without hindrance.
Key Features
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Great colour selection
- Vegan
- Puncture resistant.
- Elastic Laces
These are great for workout, indoor or outdoor. Think yoga, pilates, dancing and so on.
KANNA HI TEXTILE WOMENS
If you love the Kanna but would like something warmer, perhaps one for the winter? The Kanna Hi Textile Women’s shoe is your answer. It comes with a textile stock that has a fleece, to enhance the warmth. As with the previous version, this is also part of the vegan range, which means that no animals were used/harmed in the manufacturing of this shoe.
The enhanced warmth does not come at the cost of comfort or style. Fortunately! The Kanna Hi Textile Womens is still lightweight, and form fitting.
It comes in two main colours, black and the daring fog!
Key Features
- Vegan
- Warm Fleece lining
- Thin and durable outsole
I’ll challenge you to find a more stylish shoe.
LOTTE ECO SUEDE WOMENS
We have all see this sort of design our our cities and town. It is the go to shoe for most ladies, and the gents as well. It fits in well with most of the things that you could wear. It would sit well under a skirt, shorts, a dress and trousers as well.
You can get the Lotte Eco Suede in two feminine colours, blue and flint.
The shoe is made up of recycled PET and polyester. This is a great move from Vivo, as we have previously highlighted. Less pollution in our oceans and less fill. More pretty shoes on our feet.
Key Features
- Environmental Friendly.
- Stylish
- Lightweight
- Vegan
PRIMUS LITE WOMENS
Our world is desperate for us to care for it as much as it has cared for us. The Primus Lite womens connect us to the earth, by virtue of being a barefoot shoe. They also allow us to care for the earth, by ridding it of plastic that would otherwise ended up in landfill or in the oceans. Each pair is made of recycled PET plastic bottles.
The shoe is lightweight, vegan and breathable. It is sleekly designed, to be fashionable and subtle, if need be. It comes in white, black, mesh grey and mesh navy.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Breathable Mesh
- Recyclable
- Patented Ultra Thin puncture resistant soles
They are great for running even on hard surfaces. Did I mention the elegance that they put under your feet? Have a look at the photos above. For the planet!
STEALTH II WOMENS
The name should already get you excited. It is a fitting name for an impressive design and build. The Stealth II Womens is made to fit seamlessly into your day to day activities. It is a great companion for a good day’s jog, as it is for just getting on with life.
The upper layer is made of hex mesh, which adapts to your foot’s movement and stretches to let your foot be. With a 3mm sole, that is built to allow your feet to feel stimulation, while also protecting them from dangerous objects.
It comes in black/red, indigo, cordovan and black.
Key Features
- Very light (119 grams).
- Breathable
- Puncture resistant sole
- Vegan
- Made from recycled pet plastic.
It is a minimalist shoe, that requires low maintenance. It is good for the city, for a run, for jump and climbing. The mesh means that this Stealth II Womens is built for the warmer days, as it will allow free flow of air and cool you down.
You may get the thermal insoles to go with them if you would like.
STEALTH II OTILLO SWIMRUN WOMENS
Although aesthetically similar to the Stealth II, the Stealth II Otillo Swimrun is made for what it says in the name. It is a shoe that is more geared for multi sport lovers. It is a lightweight minimalist shoe that is geared with cutting edge hexagonal webbing and vegan mesh to make it breathable.
You will be kept cool as you move about in the heat. The flexibility of the mesh means that your feet will have the room to move, with support, and not the usual hindrance that comes with other shoes.
You will also get the signature 3mm sole that affords you sensory stimulation through the sole, and protection. It is made for swimrun activities and sporting events such as triathlons.
They do well in the gym, and on the day to day trail of life.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Breathable Mesh
- Removable performance insoles
- Puncture Resistant.
- Water tolerant.
MAGNA TRAIL WOMENS
This is one for the outdoor lovers, for the hikers. The Magna Trail is a high performance shoe designed to take on hiking terrain. The upper nylon is one piece and engineered for durability.
No sewing went into making the Magna Trails, which is surprising at first instance. The laces are speed hook and wing. As you would know, hiking comes with rain and other elements. To combat this, the Vivobarefoot Magna Trail has water repellent nylon.
The ankle sock provides 360-foot movement and flexibility. This is done without losing the grit on the trail, which is of course a must have when hiking.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Water Repellent
- No-sew construction
- High abrasion rubber sole, for added grip.
- 5 x More puncture resistance
- Made with Recycled PET
- Comes with removable thermal insoles
PRIMUS TRAIL FG WOMENS
This review would not be complete without the Primus Trail FG. It embodies everything that vegan barefoot shoes should be. This is a shoe that is sustainable, as it is made from recycled PET bottles. Less plastic in our seas is a great look.
Primus Trail FG features a strong sole that is great for the outdoors. It is made for traction, and to with stand trails and rocky terrains. There is an emphasis on durability and flexibility in the manufacturing of the shoe. It offers you versatility off road and on road.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Fast drying time
- Breathable
- 3mm firm ground soles
- Quick secure mountain laces
- Lightweight 136grams.
- High Performance insoles.
- Stylish
It is available in black/charcoal, cordovan and indigo.
PRIMUS TRAIL SG WOMENS
The Primus Trail SG is another shoe that takes recycled PET plastic bottles and turns them into these wonderful shoes. The first thing you would notice about it when you first look at it is the size of the lugs underneath the shoe. They are more prominent and ever so slightly elongated, when compared to Primus Trail FG.
The shoe is breathable and lightweight. No one needs to be dragging any excess baggage around. For a day out in the water or if you are one of the lucky ones that get caught in the rain, it is also quick draining!
You are given a stronger grip to handle muddy terrain and loose terrain. The high profile lugs will do the job. Even with the added grit, your mobility is not restrained.
Key Features
- Lightweight
- High profile grit
- Breathable
- Puncture Resistant
- Vegan
- Made from recycled PET plastic
- Removable performance insole
- Sticky rubber outsole
- Weight 144 grams.
It comes in red/black as well as olive colours.
PRIMUS TRAIL SWIMRUN WOMENS
While we are still talking sustainability statements shoes, let us throw the Primus Trail Swimrun into the ring. It looks similar in design to the previous two shoes that we have looked at. There is a focus on making this one for endurance over both land and water.
As with the other sustainable shoes, this is made from recycled PET plastic. As a shoe that is made for the water, it is made to be quick draining. This is done by the use of the mesh over the top. Quick draining means that swim runners, and triathletes do not have to carry the added water weight along the way.
High profile lugs are also used on this one to ensure that there is grip for the road, and off road traction. A Neoprene ankle collar is used to make sure that grit does not make it into the shoe. That is one of the last things you need when out on a run.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Quick draining/drying
- Water visible
- Water Repellent
- High profile tugs for added grit
- Weight 141 grams
The Primus trail swim run is perfect for triathlons. It comes in ink blue and black/orange.
PRIMUS SWIMRUN BOOT SG WOMENS
This is a collaborative effort between Vivobarefoot and Otilla. For the laymen, like me, Otilla are the ones who started the Swimrun world championships.
With that in mind, the goal would have been predictable. Create a shoe that is just as good on ground as it is in water. The emphasis should be on being about to transition from using it in water to being on land, with no hassle. Seeing as you would be competing with a few other people making shoes, or at least the soles visible.
The result is the Primus Swimrun boot. It is a vegan barefoot boot suitable for off-road activities.
The upper part is made to be water repellent. The quick drain zones are made to make sure that there is no water logged within the shoes.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Breathable Mesh
- Recyclable PET
- Sticky Rubber outsoles
- Quick Drains zones
- Foot shaped interior.
The soft ground soles are have tall tugs to enhance traction while walking or running.
Vivobarefoot ULTRA III WOMENS
The Ultra III is an upgraded version of the Ultra II, which we have previously written about. It is made to be amphibious, to be equally competent on land as it is in water. As a third version of a great idea, it brings continued improvements from its two predecessors. Vivo have taken feedback that they received over the years and implemented it to deliver the Ultra III. Expectations are high.
The upper design is made to be lighter than the previous versions of the shoe. As with the previous version, water draining is an essential element. Traction has been improved by adding the new hexagonal grip. More than the predecessors, the Ultra III has further enhanced the barefoot feeling.
If you are a water sports enthusiast, this is a great pair of shoes for you. The sticky rubber soles allow you to have good grip even in water. The same sole is geared to take on rougher terrains as well, such as concrete and pavement.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Quick and easily adjustable laces
- Enhanced grip in and out of water
- Brilliant pick for water sports.
- Quick draining
You can get them in white, black and navy.
ULTRA III BLOOM WOMENS
This sees Vivobarefoot collaborate with American performance material manufacturer, Bloom. BLOOM uses algae biomass from freshwater sources. Another massive win for the environment. By using algae biomass, BLOOM ensures that there is less algae in our water sources. This means there is less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There is more freshwater for all of us.
Need we mention that this is a vegan shoe? In case you missed the title. The shoes manage to provide much needed space for the foot, while making sure that they are not loose.
They are a great vegan shoe to have on a beach holiday. You would be able to take them in the water with you, as well as walk on the sand and concrete afterwards. The rubber sole will mean that you get a few squeaks here and there, but I will take that any day, if it means I am comfortable and less likely to take a tumble.
They are great for hot weather, for rainy days, and for a good run. The added advantage is how easy they are to put on and to remove.
MOTUS II MESH WOMENS
The Motus II Mesh is a vegan sports shoe with a mesh upper layer. It has the usual minimalist construction that is associated with vivobarefoot shoes. It continues to hold emphasis to the core of Vivo which is giving our feet the freedom that they were made to have. They also provide protection for your toes, with their “toe-guard”.
As with others shoes on this list, the Motus II Mesh uses the mesh to ensure that there is a free flow of air and keep your feet cool. For added stability it comes with a strap over the laces. No need to worry while on the go, your shoes will do their bit.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Breathable mesh
- Thin Puncture Resistant Layer
- Tough Rubber sole
- Strap over the laces
It is ideal for the gym, sports and general day to day activities as well. Comes in black and in navy. Oh, it is also made from recycled PET plastic bottles.
PRIMUS HI-VIZ WOMENS MESH
The Primus Hi-Viz Womens Mesh has a visually striking look, that is somewhat subtle as well, if that is possible. The spots layered across the mesh on the shoe are a great touch. These mesh is not just benign, it is a great feature of this shoe, as it give it visibility. It is reflective.
As someone who love to take a jog after a long day at the office, this is one of the best things that could have happened. The alternative is of course being one of those annoying people who jog with a light on their forehead.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Breathable Mesh
- Seamless design
- Hi-viz
- 5x Puncture resistance
- Thermal Insoles
- Lightweight (176 grams)
Vivo’s goal was to create a light movement facilitating shoe, with very little interference. After all shoes are made to aid, not to hinder. In my book, they got a winner with the Primus Hi-Viz. It is seamlessly constructed.
ABABA CANVAS BIRDIE WOMENS
These are straight out of Africa, in homage to the people Rift Valley. Each shoe is handmade in Ethiopia. Vivo partnered with Soul of Africa for this beautiful creation. They are an organisation that creates opportunities for jobs and training on the continent.
The beautiful print is done courtesy of another collaboration. This time it comes through Akaso who did the printing. The Kara painters from Ethiopia were responsible for creating the design. At face value it looks like a leaf, or a feather perhaps. Judging from the name “birdie”, we can say it is a feather. The pattern flows elegantly across the face of the shoes. The Kara painters’ designs are unique and authentic.
Key Features
- Tough Rubber soles
- Vegan
- Canvas upper with authentic, unique Kara painters’ design
- Puncture Resistant
- Profits go to Soul of Africa Trust
Each shoe is hand stitched, and made to last. All for an incredible cause. They are priced to go as well. Not to mention that they are very comfortable and lightweight. It is available in black and in a natural canvas colour.
ABABA CANVAS DOTS WOMENS
This is part of the Ababa range, in homage to the original people of the Rift Valley. The design has the impression of dotted paint brush strokes. The colour of the paint brush is alternate to that of the canvas, which make the dots more prominent. Vivobarefoot, Soul of Africa and Kara painters are all involved in this collaborative effort.
These are shoes that make a true difference to all parties involved. The manufacturers, as well as the beneficiaries of the profit generated from the sale. I love to walk on a pair of shoes knowing I have positively impacted someone’s life.
The design has that funky look and feel to it, nothing overly serious. They are dependable, easy going shoes that require minimal maintenance. The overall look of the shoes is one that is similar to shoes that we have long loved and used. This time, it is a barefoot alternative that connects us to the earth.
Key Features
- Tough Rubber soles
- Hand Stitched
- Vegan
- Canvas upper with authentic, unique Kara painters’ design
- Puncture Resistant
- Profits go to Soul of Africa Trust
Available in black and in natural canvas colour.
ABABA CANVAS SWIPE WOMENS
The final one in the Ababa collection. As with the other two, this comes out of Ethiopia, where the shoes are hand stitched. The designs on the top of the shoes are also done there, with the profits being invested for the benefit of the people of Africa.
It is truly refreshing to see businesses work together for a common good in our hyper-capitalist world. The Features are similar to the ones of the other two Ababa designs.
You will note that the pattern is more subtle on the Ababa Canvas swipes, when compared to the other two. It comes in black, and in white.
JING JING II ECO SUEDE WOMENS
To finish this off we go to a pair of vegan barefoot shoes that was inspired by the classic ballerina pumps. It is a minimalist design, offering simplicity and elegance. It is an obviously versatile shoe, which will fit into the work place, just as it would fit on the dance floor.
If you are on your feet a lot, this shoe may just be revelation your feet have been waiting for. The upper part is made of eco-suede, with a comfy cotton footbed to rest your feet. The sole is made of that sticky rubber that gives you extra grip as you get up and about.
Key Features
- Vegan
- Cotton footbed
- Sticky Rubber outsole
- Made from recycled material
- 5 x more puncture resistance
Come in vapour blue.
We have exhausted all 23 options, each with its own virtues. If you have or when you do get to experience one of these, we would love to hear what you think. In my book, all of these get the vegan barefoot shoes stamp!
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