Vivobarefoot Drake Review

VivoBarefoot has blazed the trail and set the standard for the barefoot shoe industry. It is one of the biggest global barefoot shoe companies. Using technology and combining it with the natural science of the foot has given rise to the advent of these much-loved shoes for so many. Granted, they are not your regular shape. You may need some time to adjust to the way they look and feel. 

Our feet have been reshaped by the regular shoes we wear. But what if you could swap those everyday shoes with a more comfortable version? The VivoBarefoot Drake man’s shoe is an everyday shoe that allows you to have the barefoot experience, a healthy option for your feet.

This shoe has the signature wide toe box, which allows the splaying of your toes. When your toes are splayed, they grasp the ground better.

Aesthetics

The Vivo Barefoot is marketed as an everyday shoe, which means that you are looking for an easy shoe on the eyes. Sure enough, it is comfortable, but if you want to wear it more than just occasionally, it is important that you are happy with the way it looks. This shoe comes in grey and light tan. At first glance, it looks like a mocassin’s better-looking cousin. 

The sole and upper are separate, and the contrast in color makes the shoe stand out a bit more. The white sole has a clean look, and it complements the grey or tan upper. You can easily dress them up or down depending on your style.

The drake has a mid-top, which means that it rides slightly higher than regular shoes. In terms of looks, the drake is almost similar to the gobi, except that it is a bit more flexible and harder to put on.

The Vivobarefoot is made of suede which is soft to the touch. The stitch detailing makes for a very laid back look. This is something that you want especially in everyday casual shoes.

Although a wide toe box is usually not appealing to look at, Vivo barefoot has tried to make this shoe better looking. I am not fond of the design. But this is because, generally, I wouldn’t say I like the mocassin style. But preference is personal.

Sizes

The shoe size for the Vivo barefoot drake generally runs smaller than other shoes from Vivo barefoot. They have a snug fit. This is why it is important to make sure that you try on the shoes before buying them.

Knowing how wide toe shoes fit will also help you know if the fit is right for you or not. If you are not used to it, the shoes can feel like they are too big. 

Remember that they are made to allow your toes to splay the way they ought to, naturally, and grasp the ground. Because of this, it is important to get a size that does not constrict your toes.

The sizes range from a UK size 6 to a UK size 12, and also from US size 7 to US size 13. The shoes come in full sizes, and so if you need a half size, you will need to either scale up or down. 

Feel

These shoes are made of suede which is very soft and luxurious to the touch. They are very comfortable, as is the case with many wide toe shoes made by Vivo barefoot.

The thin, flexible sole allows you to feel the ground and still protects you from the hard city pavements. User reviews say that wearing this shoe feels like something soft is hugging your foot.

Durability

The drake has a 3mm thick flexible sole, which is very durable and great for everyday walking in the city. The sole is puncture-resistant, which adds to the durability factor. However, it is glued and stitched to the upper part of the shoe, and sometimes this can come undone, which is not great for the shoe’s durability ratings.

Price

The drake retails for around $150 depending on where you get it. This shoe has a lot going on it, and this price is fair. The comfort and warmth the shoes give, especially in the winter months, make these shoes a reasonably priced boot, especially compared to other winter shoes. 

Verdict

Just like with other Vivo barefoot minimalist and barefoot shoes, the drake gives you more balance and control. Your feet can react to the ground most naturally.

There is no arch support in these shoes, and so before you switch to wearing any barefoot shoes, it is important to know what your doctor says, especially if you have special foot needs. Gradually ease your way into wearing them. 

Once you think that you are ready, then you can think about buying the Vivo barefoot drake. The shoe is well made and designed if you like the mocassin style. I don’t, and so this is not a shoe I would get. But looks aside, this shoe does all that it needs to do for the wearer.

It is comfortable and warm and fits snug around your fit. You will have the necessary confidence to walk the streets daily in this shoe. If the moccasin style is more your taste, this is a better-looking version. 

Before you buy a pair online, make sure that you have the right size and fit. It is also important to note that you can not necessarily decide on a shoe you only know from pictures. Please go and see it in person before deciding its fate.

Some users say they didn’t like what they saw online but were quite pleased with the product in person. So don’t be quick to judge off a picture. Think about what it is you most want from the shoe and use that as your guide. We give this shoe a thumbs up for functionality and purpose fulfillment. Happy shopping!