Details
Brand
Vivobarefoot
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• The V-strap support• The Pro5 outsole• Hi-VIZ reflective material
Upper
The upper of the Vivobarefoot Motus is breathable and lightweight. It is made to provide natural movement to the runner and keep them comfortable regardless of what activity they are doing. The synthetic material is flexible and very durable. Although this is an extremely breathable shoe, runners were impressed with who well the upper protected the runner from debris and held up to everyday wear and tear. The upper of the Vivobarefoot Motus also comes with Vivo’s Hi-ViZ Reflective material. This material not only looks cool, it also protects runners in low visibility areas. Another interesting feature of the Motus is the Vlock velcro strap that is found across the top of the shoe. This is designed to keep the forefoot locked down during more extreme movements. Finally, the shoe comes with a removable thermal liner to regulate the temperature and add some warmth when needed.
Midsole
A unique feature of the Vivobarefoot line is that they don’t actually have midsoles. Vivobarefoot believes that by stacking a shoe up with tons of cushioning and support features we are keeping the foot and the muscles in the legs from fulling forming and developing the way nature intended. For that reason, you won’t find the traditional EVA or IMEVA midsole foam in the Motus.
Outsole
The outsole of the Motus is designed to be both lightweight and extremely tough. The Motus even works well for those who do Parcour since the outsole is grippy, making it ideal for the urban adventurer. The material used is a durable rubber compound. The Motus uses a hexagon shape along the underside of the shoe. This design allows water to move around the hexagons to keep the runner safe even on slippery terrains. The hexagons are different sizes which provide superior traction to the runner. The outsole also features the Vivobarefoot’s patented PRO 5 outsole. This is a puncture proof, very thin material that keeps the runner safe from potentially damaging elements in the road.
Breathability
Runners really appreciated the breathable upper of these shoes. Often times, shoes that are designed as both a fashion and fitness shoe like the Vivobarefoot Motus will skimp on the breathability features. The Motus uses a pliable, breathable upper material. Runners love how this shoe keeps your keep cool and dry regardless of the temperature or activity.
Comfort
If you are a runner who is looking for a plush stability shoe, this is not the shoe for you. However, if you are a runner who finds comfort from a minimalist running shoe, then this is a great option. This shoe promotes the natural gait cycle of a runner. Runners liked it because it allowed them to feel the road below them without cumbersome weight and cushioning getting in the way. They also appreciated the breathability of the upper that helped keep their feel comfortable and free of blisters.
Style
The Vivobarefoot Motus has a unique look. One runner commented that they look like “ninja” shoes. They come in three stylish color options: white, red, and navy. The shoe is a versatile shoe that can be worn not only for athletic pursuits but also as a casual wear shoe too. If runners are looking for a brightly colored shoe, this isn’t the best option, but this is a good shoe for the runner who likes more a solid, classic aesthetic.
Durability
These shoes feature a handful of elements that make them extra durable. The most notable of these features is the outsole. The outsole is made from a durable rubber compound and uses the PRO5 design, which is a puncture proof material, to protect the runner from the dangerous elements of the road and to protect the entire shoe from wear and tear. The shoe also features a wide toe guard around the toe box of the shoe. The upper is made from a pliable yet durable synthetic mesh. Runners reported that these shoes looked and felt new even after extensive use.
Protection
The key protection for this shoe comes in the outsole. The Pro5 layer and tough rubber compoud on the outsole is puncture proof and will not prematurely wear down. Another element of this shoe that protects the runner is the toe guard located around the toe box. This is a durable, protective toe box to protect the runner from i njuring themselves. Since this shoe is a minimalistic shoe, it doesn’t have as many protective elements as traditional shoes do.
Responsiveness
This shoe is very responsiveness. To begin with, the 4.5mm drop allows the runner to be closer to the ground. The absence of a midsole and the minimal amount of laters between the foot and the ground below it which provides the runner with an exceptional feel of the road. Additionally, the hexagon pattern on the outsole grips the ground and allows the runner to change speed and direction quickly and efficiently.
Support
The only true support features that runners will find in the Vivobarefoot Motus is the V-strap that is found across the top of the midfoot. This strap is designed to help hold the foot in place so it doesn’t move around too much and cause friction. This also helps reduce the risk of injury. This is an especially useful design element for the runner who is participating in activities that require rapid changes in direction and speed.
Terrain
This is a very versatile shoe that can tackle a range of different terrains. Runners loved this shoe not only for the urban runner, but also for other extreme activities like Parcour, road races, and CrossFit. These are a great shoe to use at the gym for cross-training because they have superior grip. Weightlifters also love the shoe because of the low drop. The foot can lie almost flush to the ground which provides safety to athletes when lifting heavy weights, as it reduces the risk of a rolled ankle.
Price
The price tag on these shoes is higher than some would like. However, Vivobarefoot comes with a 100 day money back guarantee. If you are trying the shoe for the first time, you can return the shoe after 100 days for a full refund if the fit doesn’t work for you. It is also a very versatile shoe. It can just as easily take you on a great run as it can accompany you to dinner with friends. When you purchase this shoe, you aren’t getting just an athletic shoe or a casual shoe, you are getting both.
Drop
The drop of this shoe is 4.5mm. This is a slightly higher drop than some of the other Vivobarefoot shoes, which run all the way down to a zero drop. Although these shoes do have a “higher” drop than some in the Vivobarefoot line up, this is still a very low drop that enables the runner to experience a barefoot feel.
Stability
While there are some great stability road and trail running shoes on the market today, the Vivobarefoot Motus is not one of them. Vivobarefoot is a brand that believes in the power of natural running. It doesn’t want to weigh the runner down with unnecessary cushioning and stability features.
Flexibility
This shoe receives high marks for its overall flexibility. The Vivobarefoot brand believes in moving with the natural gait cycle of the foot, not impeding it in any way. Because of that, the outsole of these shoes is designed to be ultra flexible. They mold to the shape of the foot and support its natural movement. The upper of the shoe is also very flexible. It is made from a synthetic mesh that promotes natural movement as well. There is nothing on this shoe that is stifling and restrictive.
Traction
Due to the unique hexagon design of the outsole, these shoes provide a high level of traction. The purpose of the various hexagon shapes is that water can run through them while still gripping the surface below it. The outsole is made from a durable rubber material and uses the PRO5 material which helps protect the foot from punctures. Overall runners loved the high level of traction this shoe afforded them on urban surfaces.
Bottom Line
Vivobarefoot is on a mission to convert runners to a barefoot running experience one shoe at a time. The Vivobarefoot Motus is a versatile all wear shoe. It is comfortable and versatile and can be used for a variety of activities including Parcour, CrossFit, cross-training at the gym, or even running. This is a lightweight shoe with a minimalist design and a 4.5 heel drop. The Pro5 outsole is durable and lasts far longer than similar shoes. The price is slightly higher than some runners felt comfortable with, but reviewers found that the quality and versatility of the shoe made it worth it.
