Where are vivobarefoot shoes made?

Vivobarefoot is not just a footwear brand; it is a movement towards reconnecting with nature and promoting foot health. Founded by Galahad and Asher Clark, the brand has transformed the traditional approach to shoe construction by embracing minimalism and sustainability. Whether you’re running, hiking, or just walking the dog, Vivobarefoot offers a range of shoes designed to enhance your natural movement and overall well-being. With its commitment to sustainable practices and innovative design, Vivobarefoot continues to lead the way in the barefoot shoe industry.

Vivobarefoot is a leading brand in the barefoot shoe industry, known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing practices. This guide provides an in-depth look at where Vivobarefoot shoes are made, the principles guiding their production, and the company’s sustainability mission.

Where are vivobarefoot shoes made?

1. Vietnam

Vivobarefoot is in the process of moving its main production lines from China to Vietnam. This strategic move is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, quality, and sustainability.

Key Points:

• Modern Facilities: Vietnam offers state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities that align with Vivobarefoot’s high standards.
• Skilled Workforce: The country has a skilled workforce experienced in footwear production.
• Sustainability Focus: Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is increasingly focused on sustainable practices, which complements Vivobarefoot’s mission.

2. Ethiopia

Vivobarefoot has a significant presence in Ethiopia, where it focuses on community-based manufacturing.

Key Points:

• Community Development: The Ethiopian operations support local communities by providing jobs and training.
• Sustainable Materials: Use of local, sustainable materials is emphasized, reducing the environmental footprint.
• Ethical Practices: The company ensures fair wages and safe working conditions.

3. Portugal

Vivobarefoot also produces shoes in Portugal, known for its high-quality craftsmanship.

Key Points:

• Quality Craftsmanship: Portugal is renowned for its skilled artisans and high-quality shoe production.
• Sustainable Practices: The Portuguese facilities adhere to strict environmental and labor standards.
• European Market: Proximity to the European market reduces transportation emissions and costs.

Read more here: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/rw/faqs/sustainability/where-do-you-produce-your-shoes-1

Vivobarefoot Overview

Founded in 2012 by Galahad and Asher Clark, Vivobarefoot emerged from a profound desire to reconnect people with the planet. Inspired by the simple yet impactful concept of walking barefoot, the brand set out to create footwear that allowed the feet to move as nature intended. This guide delves into the fascinating story of Vivobarefoot, its commitment to sustainability, and its innovative approach to footwear design.

The Birth of Vivobarefoot

Vivobarefoot’s inception was rooted in a fundamental question: Why should shoes hinder the natural movement of the feet? Galahad and Asher Clark, drawing from their family’s rich history in shoemaking, envisioned a brand that would revolutionize the way people think about footwear. They wanted to create shoes that mimic the barefoot experience, allowing for natural foot movement, better sensory feedback, and enhanced foot strength.

Biomechanical Design

Vivobarefoot shoes are designed with biomechanics in mind. The goal is to allow the feet to function as they naturally would without the constraints imposed by traditional footwear. This includes:

• Wide Toe Box: To allow the toes to spread naturally.
• Thin Sole: To provide maximum sensory feedback and ground feel.
• Zero Drop: Ensuring the heel and forefoot are on the same level, promoting natural posture and gait.

Minimalism and Sensory Feedback

Embracing the principle of minimalism, Vivobarefoot believes that less is more. By reducing the shoe to its essential components, the brand ensures that wearers can experience the world with minimal interference. This minimalistic approach enhances sensory feedback, allowing the feet to feel and respond to the ground, thus promoting better balance and foot strength.

Materials and Manufacturing

Vivobarefoot is dedicated to using sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing processes. The brand’s sustainability mission focuses on four key areas:

1. Efficiency

Vivobarefoot constantly seeks ways to optimize energy and consumption efficiencies in all aspects of production.

Key Initiatives:

• Energy Conservation: Development of new technologies and redesign of existing ones to create cost-effective and energy-efficient solutions.
• Innovative Practices: Collaboration with indigenous shoemakers and modern automated practices to create better, longer-lasting shoes.

2. Materials

The materials used in Vivobarefoot shoes have genuine eco-stories and are chosen for their sustainability.

Key Initiatives:

• Natural Materials: Use of leathers from wild roaming cattle, sustainably tanned hides, cork, and natural yarns.
• Recycled Materials: Incorporation of recycled PET and rubber compounds to minimize virgin material use.
• Durability: Focus on long-lasting materials to reduce waste and extend product life.
• Local Sourcing: Preference for locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions.

3. Product Life

Vivobarefoot aims to create products that are durable both physically and emotionally.

Key Initiatives:

• Product Durability: Emphasis on making shoes that last long and perform well to prevent early disposal and landfill waste.
• Emotional Durability: Designing shoes that improve with wear, making them favorites in the user’s wardrobe.

4. Performance

Every Vivobarefoot shoe is designed to honor the foot first, providing minimalistic protection and maximum performance.

Key Initiatives:

• Thermal and Puncture Protection: Incorporation of a patented puncture-resistant layer (PRO-5) and removable thermal insoles.
• Underfoot Performance: Designing shoes that allow natural movement on any terrain, whether in urban or natural environments.

Production Locations

Vivobarefoot manufactures its shoes in several locations, each chosen for its ability to meet the brand’s high standards for quality and sustainability:

• Vietnam: The main production lines are being moved here for better efficiency and modern facilities.
• Ethiopia: Focused on community-based manufacturing, supporting local communities with jobs and training.
• Portugal: Known for high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to strict environmental and labor standards.

Innovation and Product Range

Vivobarefoot continues to innovate, offering a diverse range of footwear for various activities while staying true to its core philosophy. Some of the notable products include:

• Evo Running Shoe: The most prominent shoe using Vivobarefoot’s technology, renowned for its minimalist design and performance.
• Range of Footwear: From gym and running shoes to hiking, work, and casual wear, Vivobarefoot provides options for every scenario.

A Pioneer in the Barefoot Movement

Vivobarefoot is one of the pioneering brands in the barefoot movement, advocating for a healthier and more natural way of walking and living. The brand’s shoes are designed to mimic the natural movement of the feet, promoting better posture, balance, and overall foot health.

Customer Experiences and Testimonials

Many customers have reported significant benefits after transitioning to Vivobarefoot shoes. Common experiences include:

• Strengthened Feet: Enhanced foot strength and stability.
• Improved Posture: Better alignment and posture.
• Increased Comfort: A more natural and comfortable walking experience.

One user noted, “After more than a year’s use, my toes have spread, and my feet have strengthened to the point where squeezing them back into my old shoes and sneakers is unpleasant.

Future Goals

Vivobarefoot aims to create shoes with closed-loop manufacturing processes, producing no waste, free from toxic substances, and having no adverse environmental impact. The company’s ultimate goal is to make products that connect us to nature and enhance our human experience without harming the planet.

Conclusion

Vivobarefoot’s commitment to sustainability and ethical manufacturing is evident in its strategic production locations and guiding principles. By moving its main production lines to Vietnam, maintaining operations in Ethiopia and Portugal, and adhering to rigorous environmental and labor standards, Vivobarefoot ensures that every pair of shoes not only promotes foot health but also treads lightly on the Earth. Whether you’re looking for high-quality barefoot shoes or want to support a brand dedicated to sustainability, Vivobarefoot offers products that you can feel good about wearing.