Name Brand Barefoot Shoes vs Affordable Look-Alikes
Is it worth paying a premium for the barefoot name brand? Let’s compare some similar designs from popular name brands to newer entrants to the barefoot shoe market.
The rise in popularity of barefoot shoes has brought a wave of new brands offering affordable alternatives to established names, sometimes with very similar designs. But not all barefoot shoes are created equal, and knowing what sets them apart can make all the difference.
In this article, we’ll dive into comparisons of several popular barefoot sneaker models. From more premium, established brands like Vivobarefoot, Shapen and BeLenka, to more budget-friendly alternatives like Saguaro Shoes and Lono, we’ll explore their strengths, weaknesses, and overall value. Whether you’re a barefoot shoe enthusiast or just getting started, this guide will help you navigate the options and find the perfect pair for your needs.
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Vivobarefoot Primus
Let’s kick things off with the Vivobarefoot Primus. Vivobarefoot is a pioneer in the modern barefoot shoe movement, launched back in 2012. They focus on creating footwear that allows natural foot function, promotes sustainable practices and has a unique design style that makes them easy to spot.
The Primus is Vivobarefoot’s signature barefoot athletic shoe and comes in several versions, including a light mesh, a knit, and a trail version with more prominent lugs. As one of the most popular barefoot shoes today, it has inspired a variety of similar designs from other brands.
Vivobarefoot Primus vs Lono Flow
The Vivobarefoot Primus Knit (the white sneaker in the photos above) stands out with its sleek, original design. The knit upper is both functional and stylish, delivering a premium look and feel. Vivobarefoot is known for its exceptional ground feel; if they’re the right fit, the Primus Knit offers a barefoot experience that’s hard to beat.
The full retail price of $175 may induce some sticker shock, but there are plenty of ways to get these at a lower price. The easiest is to use my code BSG20 for 20% off. This brings it down to $140, which is more in line with other brand name barefoot shoes. Vivobarefoot also offers free shipping, free returns, and a 100-day trial, so you won’t be stuck with an expensive shoe you don’t love. You can also shop the end-of-season sales, or check out revivo.com for a gently used and refurbished pair of Vivos.
Lono is a relatively new entrant in the barefoot shoe market. They launched their flagship barefoot model, the Lono Flow, in 2023. It’s designed for active lifestyles and workouts.
The Lono Flow is a budget-friendly alternative at $98 (the pink sneaker), clearly inspired by the Primus Knit in both design and functionality. You can get 5% off with code KELLY. They were originally priced at $76, so with the price increase to almost $100 (and considering the discount you can get at Vivobarefoot), the gap is no longer quite as big. But it’s enough that I’d want to know if the Lono is just as good as the Vivobarefoot Primus.
Both are barefoot sneakers with a minimalist design, but they differ in price, materials and construction. Let’s break down the details to help you decide if it’s worth spending $175 on Vivobarefoot’s Primus Knit or opting for the $98 Lono Flow.
Compare and Contrast
Design: Both shoes feature a minimalist, knit upper design with a sock-like fit. However, the Primus Knit’s sleek and premium aesthetic edges out the Lono Flow, which feels less polished.
Barefoot Features: Both offer wider, naturally-shaped toe boxes and zero-drop, flexible soles, but the Primus Knit provides a superior ground feel.
The toe boxes feel like they have a similar width, but the Lono Flow appears wider and more bulky. I took out the insoles, and they line up almost exactly for toe box width, though the Lono do feel slightly roomier when wearing them.
The Primus knit has a 4mm outsole that easily bends and flexes in every direction. It works really well as a gym shoe when you don’t want or need thickness or lugs. In contrast, the Lono Flow feels like a hybrid sole, with a 4mm base and 2mm lugs, and noticeably less flex. This can be a positive if you’re looking to wear it more outdoors and on uneven terrain where a deeper lug could be more helpful or comfortable.
After a few years of wearing barefoot shoes, my feet and body are more aware, and a bit more picky with what I have on my feet. The Lono Flow are zero-drop, but I do feel a slight toe spring.
Durability: Durability can vary a lot from user to user, but generally I’d expect a similar lifespan from these shoes. The Flow has a microfiber suede around the toe and sides which can be more durable than the mesh, but I think it makes it look more like a budget-shoe.
Fit and Sizing: The fit and sizing is similar on both. They both feel geared towards those with narrow to medium width feet, and low to medium volume. I wear an EU38 on both the Primus and the Lono Flow based on a 23.3cm foot measurement. I need to remove the insole on both to have enough space for my higher volume, medium width feet.
Which Should You Buy?
Overall, if I was trying to make things feel as natural and barefoot as possible, place a high priority on sustainability, and price wasn’t an issue, I’d opt for the Vivobarefoot Primus Knit. If I didn’t mind a little extra stiffness and stack height and wanted a more affordable option, the Lono Flow is a solid choice.
BSG20 for 20% off
KELLY for 5% off
Other barefoot shoes inspired by the Vivobarefoot Primus
Groundz: The Groundz BIOS lifestyle sneakers also look aesthetically similar to the Vivobarefoot Primus. Their unique feature is that they’re grounding or earthing shoes, which means that they have conductive technology in the sole to keep you connected to the Earth’s electrical charge. They feel very well-made with high quality materials. The uppers are made from nubuck leather and a wool blend knit. The soles are 5mm with a 2mm removable insole. They are similar in width to Vivos, though they feel a bit lower volume. I have 23.3cm feet and wear an EU39, and need to remove the insole to accomodate my higher instep.
These retail for $200, so I’d recommend these for people who are looking for a barefoot grounding sneaker. Use code KELLY5 for 5% off.
KELLY5 for 5% off
Xero Shoes Kids Prio vs Saguaro Shoes Sneakers
Xero Shoes (grey sneaker above) is another major player in the barefoot shoe space, and their popular Prio sneaker comes in kid’s sizes. It’s a popular choice for parents looking for a sporty and practical, with a reasonable price point of $65. They also have several large sales throughout the year (usually a 20% off sale for new releases at the start of the season, and a clearance at the end of the season). For example, right now these kid’s Prios are on sale for $46.
Saguaro Shoes (blue sneakers above) is known for affordable barefoot shoes and often look to other barefoot shoe brands for their designs. Most Saguaro kid’s barefoot sneakers ring up between $40 and $50. You can use code KELLY15 for 15% off at Saguaro Shoes.
Since the price differential isn’t as much here, it’s less of a question if the name brand is worth the higher price, and more just about which one is a better fit for your child.
Design: The design is very similar and both brands manufacture in China.
The Xero Shoes feel like they have better enough materials that it’s worth pointing out—the mesh feels thinner and lighter (a plus when you want a breathable athletic shoe), and the edging is made with more durable synthetic leather, compared to the suede microfiber on the Saguaros. I do like corded elastic laces on the Saguaros; the Xero Shoes laces tend to come untied often.
Barefoot Features: The toe box has similar space, and the flexibility is very comparable, with a slight edge to the Xero Shoes. The Xero Shoes are also a bit thinner. They both have removeable insole, but the Saguaro Shoes have an exposed foam midlayer underneath, so you’d experience a lot of wear on this if you didn’t wear them with the included insole.
Durability: Like I mentioned before, durability can be hard to gauge, especially with kids that can be really hard on shoes. We’ve had great experiences with both Xero and Saguaro Shoes. I think the synthetic leather, especially around the toes, gives the Xero Shoes Kid’s Prio the leg up here on durability here.
Which Should You Buy?
Overall, these ones come out close in fit, feel and price. I think the Xero Shoes Prio feel lighter, with better, lighterweight materials, while the Saguaros feel bulkier with the same design. Note that sometimes Saguaro will sell out of a particular style and remove it from their website. Sometimes they bring it back, but sometimes they don’t. This one isn’t currently listed, but hopefully will come back as we move into spring 2025.
KELLY15 for 15% off
Shapen Frosty vs Saguaro Shoes Puffer
Both brands offer these boots in adult and kid’s sizes, but they have different designs depending on the category. First, we’ll cover the adults.
Adult sizes: Shapen Frosty vs Saguaro Shoes Puffer
Shapen is a standout for more stylish designs in the barefoot shoe world, and this applies to their boots. The Frosty is a cute, but utilitarian slip-on short boot with leather edging, nylon uppers, and cross straps that allow you to tighten and secure the boots. I love all of my Shapen boots for how lightweight and flexible they are. The soles on these are 4mm with improved Grip. The adult shoes are $189, but are currently on sale for $151. Use code BFSHOEGUIDE5 for 5% off.
The Saguaro Shoes Puffer boots are clearly taking some inspiration from the Shapen Frosty, though they don’t feel quite as fashionable with the toe outline sole. The materials also don’t feel as high quality—instead of leather edging its microfiber suede, and the nylon feels a lot thinner and like it could easily rip. These do have a very warm and cozy lining. They retail at $68 (so $58 with the KELLY15 code), and are perfect for a practical, easy boot to throw on when you need to run out the door.
These are similar in idea, but with the design details, Shapen is more fashion-focused, and the Saguaros are practical and more affordable.
BFSHOEGUIDE5 for 5% off
KELLY15 for 15% off
Kid’s Sizes: Shapen Frosty Mini vs Saguaro Shoes Kid’s Puffer I
I’m reviewing the kid’s sizes separately as these boots have a different design for both brands. They do both use similar materials, so the comment above regarding Shapen using better materials holds.
For the kid’s sizes, the Shapen Puffy Mini boot (in green above) uses leather edging and nylon uppers. The Saguaro kid’s Puffer boot (in black above) design varies more in that the bottom half of the Saguaro boot is all microfiber suede, and only the shaft is nylon material. While the Shapen boot isn’t completely waterproof, my son wore these in light snow, and his feet were still dry after a few hours. The microfiber suede on the Saguaro boot doesn’t do as well with moisture.
The Saguaro boot also has a velcro strap around the top of the foot and an elastic pull around the top, whereas the Shapen has an elastic pull around the top of the foot to secure. Both work fine to secure the foot, and the boots don’t feel floppy.
For my thicker-footed toddler, neither boot is the easiest to get on as the opening isn’t adjustable, but the Saguaro is noticeably harder.
Saguaro doesn’t adjust the price on the kid’s sizes—they’re still $68 (or $58 with the code). The Shapen boots are $99 for kids, but they’re currently on sale for $84. Both feel expensive for kid’s boots, but the Shapen boots have been my 3-year-olds favorite boots to wear this winter, so he must find them warm and comfortable. While I wouldn’t rely on the Shapen Frosty if you need a fully waterproof boot, the water-resistant nylon will keep you covered in a lot of weather.
BFSHOEGUIDE5 for 5% off
KELLY15 for 15% off
Conclusion
So, are name-brand barefoot shoes worth the splurge, or can affordable look-alikes do the job? It really depends on what you’re looking for. Premium brands like Vivobarefoot, Shapen, and BeLenka tend to shine when it comes to quality materials, durability, and original designs. They’re a great choice if you want something that lasts and feels amazing on your feet.
But let’s not overlook budget-friendly options like Saguaro Shoes and Lono. They’re a fantastic way to dip your toes into the barefoot world without breaking the bank, especially if you’re just starting out or need an extra pair for casual wear.
At the end of the day, it’s about finding what works for you. Whether you go for the premium splurge or stick to a budget, stepping into barefoot shoes is always a win for your feet. Trust me, once you find the right pair, you’ll never want to go back!
