At over £260 (around $340), the VivoBiome Hybrid Wing shoes are among the most expensive shoes I’ve ever bought. With such a high price tag, you might wonder whether they’re worth the investment.
Well, this is more of a concept than a product right now, but could it be the future?
With the promise of a customized fit and even having the shoe made right in front of your eyes, it can solve issues that have long plagued the shoe industry.
And could it solve all our shoe-fit problems of the past? Let’s find out.
The VivoBiome project is part of Vivobarefoot’s push toward innovation with a scan-to-print model. The key feature of this project is that the shoes are custom-made for YOUR FEET!
In addition to promising a perfect fit, Vivobarefoot’s marketing material emphasizes the eco aspect of the project, stating a regenerative approach to shoemaking. However, after searching the material, I’ve yet to understand how this circular approach to manufacturing is achieved. I hope this will be more clear in the future.
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How do they Measure your Feet?
The experience starts by scanning your feet with your mobile phone camera. The website guides you through each step required to gather the foot data, which is then sent away for processing.
When comparing the results with the measurements that I’ve taken in the past, there’s a small 2-3mm discrepancy, which, in all honesty, could be related to my manual measurement or their image calculations. Either way, that’s pretty accurate.
Finally, you’re presented with some personalizations. Simply, do you like your shoes long, short, or between the two? I’m not sure why they decided this should be the only customization they offer, but I decided to stick right in the middle to get the “true” recommendation.
So, is this True Custom Sizing?
Here’s the sticking point. At first, I thought these models were custom-made for each customer.
However, I found the following information after further digging into their marketing material:
“data from over 100,000-foot scans to provide an optimized fit based on width and length.”
And
“38 size options”
I’ve reached out to Vivobarefoot for a comment on the 38 sizes to understand whether this is 38 variations per size or if the number includes all sizes they offer, as that would not leave much variation for customization.
At the same time, we must remember that this isn’t Vivobiome’s end product. In fact, there’s a product coming soon that states a “bespoke fit,” which is more what I’m looking forward to. But the mock-ups seem to show some odd sock-like slip-on, so I have no idea what market they’re aiming at.
IMPORTANT: The knit is not custom either—it is two widths per size.
We’ve already learned that the 3D printed soles are not 100% custom sizing, which is true of the knit upper. However, I’d say this makes sense, considering the highly flexible nature of the material. Put it this way –would you buy custom socks? 🙂
The midfoot feels wider than in other Vivobarefoot models, which I appreciate. However, this wider fit might not apply universally, as the shoes are customized for each user based on their unique foot shape. The same goes for the forefoot and heel—they fit well for me, offering great toe splay and a snug heel, which makes me super confident that they got the measurements exactly right and that technology is doing its job!
Outsole: 3D Printed and Minimal
The 3D-printed outsole is a standout feature mainly for its customized fit, but that’s not where the perks stop. At roughly four millimeters thick, it feels very much like the Primus outsoles I’ve felt in the past. It gives a lot of ground feel yet still feels a little protective when stepping on sharp objects. This material is not as supple as we see from other companies, which likely means we’ll see some good durability stats. But only time will tell.
What I do appreciate is the molding and shaping of the outsole around the foot in key areas, specifically around the midfoot and ankle wrap.
When working with a shoe that uses a knit upper, it’s really beneficial to have a structure and lacing system that can strap your foot firmly onto the sole of the shoe. This is one reason I love the Xero Shoes strapping design and Vivobarefoots’ standard (and stiffer) Primus models.
In the Vivobiome Hybrid wing, we have some very aggressive wrap-around in the midfoot and ankle cuff, which help lock your foot firmly on the base. I feel very little lateral movement, considering this is a knit upper. Normally, this design severely limits the shoe’s fit, as it would only work if it matches the width of your foot. But because we have a semi-custom fit that comes with 3D printing, it opens up the possibilities of these kinds of designs.
There’s still a little work to do to ensure the foot doesn’t slip forward in the shoe on steep descents, but considering it seems to be a concept shoe made for casual and gym use, you won’t see these kinds of terrain too often.
Upper: Flexible but Thick
The upper is a custom-woven knit that fits like a sock and provides great comfort. However, it’s a bit thicker than I expected, and it tends to absorb water, making it less ideal for everyday wear.
I’d recommend these for indoor activities like gym workouts or running in drier conditions. Yes, I took these out on the trails for one run, and they worked out okay. But when I stepped in my first stream, I instantly regretted it as I felt like I had bricks on my feet. 🙂
Toe Room: Improvements for Little Toe Area
A key improvement I’ve noticed is the space around the little toe.
Previous Vivobarefoot models were often too tapered in this area, but the 3D printing process allows for more space where it’s needed. There’s a divot in the outsole next to the little toe, which allows the toe to splay naturally into the knit upper, reducing any uncomfortable pressure. This could be a big plus for anyone with a wider toe splay.
While the ideal would be to have ample room in the shoe’s design, at least this would give the option to those limited by the Vivobarefoot’s little toe space in the past.
The VivoBiome shoes are a great option for anyone looking for a custom-fit, barefoot-style shoe for various use cases.
I will keep pushing these shoes on the road to see how durable the outsole is and whether the 3D-printed material is viable as a standard option.
The highly personalized fit makes them unique and will open Vivobarefoot options to many more people. If you’ve struggled with tight midfoot or little toe areas in previous barefoot shoes, the VivoBiome’s custom 3D fit could be a game-changer for you.
At over £260, the VivoBiome shoes are a significant investment. However, this is a concept, and I hope the solution reduces price over time.
The combination of a data-driven, custom fit, 3D-printed outsole, and improvements in toe space make them a compelling choice for those who prioritize fit and comfort in their barefoot shoes.
I’m also very excited to see this technology applied to other models in the Vivobarefoot lineup, especially regarding trail options. The ability to custom-mold protection up and over the toes and sides of the foot could be an amazing addition to barefoot options for the trail.
Fingers crossed for the future of custom shoes!
