Vivobarefoot Primus Comparison Review: Lite, Asana and Lite Knit 

Interested in buying a Vivobarefoot primus shoe, but not sure which one? This post compares the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III, the Primus Asana, and the Primus Lite Knit. 

The Vivobarefoot Primus line is one of the brand’s core styles. I’d call the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite the OG, with the other Primus styles serving up variations to the uppers or sole to cater to different situations and terrain. 

In this post, I’ll review three of the most popular Vivobarefoot Primus styles: the Primus Lite III, the Primus Asana, and the Primus Lite Knit. If you’re contemplating purchasing a Vivobarefoot Primus style, but not sure which one, this post will give you the run down on how they compare and contrast. 

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Barefoot Shoes 

Before we dig into the specific details of each style, I’ll note that these are barefoot shoes. That means all of them have a wide, foot-shaped toe box, and the soles are thin, flat and flexible. 

Vivobarefoot Discount Code

You can use code KELLY10 for 10% off at Vivobarefoot throughout the year. This applies to full price items. Occasionally, I’ll get a boosted code for a limited time. In April 2024, you can use code KELLY25 for 25% off.

The Active Outsole 

All of these shoes use the same outsole that is made for everyday wear, working out, or road running. Vivobarefoot dubs this its “Active Outsole.” It provides good grip and durability on hard surfaces like road and concrete. It’s 4mm and very flexible.  

Keep in mind that it’s important that you feel very comfortable walking in thin barefoot shoes for long periods before you start to run in barefoot shoes. If you’re interested in making the transition to barefoot shoes for running, Vivobarefoot has a running course that can help. It will coach you through the transition, teach you good technique, and even provide feedback on your form from videos you submit. 

If you end up purchasing the Primus Lite Knit, you can get 25% off one a VIVOHEALTH online course, like the running course. 

For a trail running or hiking shoe with more grip, check out the Primus Trail styles. The trail sole has a 2.5mm base with 4mm lugs that work well for easy to moderate trails. For rougher terrain, try the Tracker Decon Low FG2. 

Removable Insole 

Each shoe also comes with a removable insole. The Lite and Lite Knit insoles are foam topped with recycled fabric. They’re easy to wash and clean (definitely necessary for a gym or running shoe).  

The Asana insole is topped with cork. It has a great feel, and is a good choice for a summer sneaker as cork absorbs moisture and is odor-resistant. 

The footbed under the insole is finished and covered with fabric, which means you can comfortably wear any of the Primus styles without the insole if you want that little bit more of a barefoot feel.  

Sizing  

I’m wearing an EU38/Women’s US7.5 in all three versions, based on my 23.3cm foot measurement. I look for about 1.2cm ( approximately a thumb’s width) of space beyond my toes. 

Vivobarefoot uses Strutfit to recommend a size based on uploaded a photo of your foot, and it recommended a US7.5 for me, which I found accurate. If you have wider feet and are at least a size EU40, opt for the men’s version as they’re a little wider. Primus shoes tend to fit those with narrow to medium width feet and more of a slope shape to the toes. 

Vivobarefoot Primus Styles

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1 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

Mesh uppers | Lace up | Kids Sizes – Men’s US 15 | $160

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is my ideal gym shoe as it’s made with mostly mesh uppers so it’s very lightweight and breathable. They work well for weightlifting, athletic training and shorter runs.  

Although all of these Primus shoes are built on the same outsole, the Primus Lite feels like the roomiest option to me. The inner material is super smooth, especially on the tongue and around the ankle. These have a separate tongue and lace up, so you can adjust them more than the other versions, which have a sock-like fit. 

The inner lining area on the tongue and around the heel is soft. I never feel anything rubbing, cutting or chafing, so these are a great option if you love to go sans socks. 

Like I mentioned above, these rounder, fatter laces that tend to come untied easily, so I recommend replacing them. 

Mine have been frequently used for about the last nine months and have some yellowing, but it’s easy to wipe them down, rinse out the mesh, and pull out the insole to clean them.   

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, low to high volume feet. Since these have adjustable laces and a separate tongue, they are more accomodating to a range of volumes. 

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2 Vivobarefoot Primus Asana

Wool-blend knit and rawhide leather accents | Sock-like fit | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 15 | $170

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Asana is the sporty casual version of the Primus, and I use these as an everyday shoe. It’s nice to have something that is breathable with really soft and flexible uppers with all the comfort of a gym shoe, but look a little more elevated than a mesh tennis shoe. That said, you could still use these on more low-key days at the gym. The knit is made with Woolmark merino wool, so it has thermoregulating properties. 

I prefer no socks if it works with the shoe, and the upper materials along with the cork insole make these a great option to go without. 

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, medium to high volume feet. Because these have a sock-like fit, there is not as much adjustability for the volume. The uppers are pretty stretchy, and I find that they accommodate my high instep well. If you need more space, you can remove the insole. If you have lower volume feet, you could add a thicker insole to take up space.  

The Asana has a sock-like fit. This can be a pro if it fits you like a glove, but a con if you need more adjustability. As you try to lace the shoe down, it starts to bunch the knit fabric. 

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3 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit

Knitted uppers made with recycled polyester | Sock-like fit | Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 15 | $170

Code KELLY10 for 10% off

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit is another solid athletic shoe that is great for gym workouts, cross-training, and running. Compared to the Primus Lite, the Knit version has swapped out the mesh and synthetic for a sock-like fit made with a recycled polyester knit. This knit reminds reminds me more of crochet vs a tighter, smoother weave. It’s more textured and open, which allows for good air flow over the top of the feet.  

Best fit for: Narrow to medium width feet, medium to high volume feet. Similar to the Asana, these have a sock-like fit which means there is not as much adjustability for the volume. 

I found them to feel a little narrower and tighter over the top of my foot, but still comfortable. I don’t find the laces to do a whole lot for getting these tighter. But, since it is a heavier duty and stretchy knit, these feel pretty secure over my foot that has a higher instep. If you have lower volume feet, you could add a thicker insole to take up space. As you try to lace the shoe down, it starts to bunch the knit fabric. 

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If you’re considering adding a Vivobarefoot Primus to your shoe line-up, I hope this post helped you understand the different styles so you can make the right pick for you!