Customer Reviews Vivobarefoot Ra

I just got these shoes and like them a lot. My feet where my toes are are kind of square, so I wish the toe box didn't taper narrower by the pinky toe. I wear a 9 and got the 43s. If the toe box didn't taper I'd probably get a 42. (But I don't know European sizes, only US.) About the previous clown shoe comment, while I respect everybody's right to an opinion, I'm a therapeutic bodyworker, Structural Integration, and I can't tell you how many people have smashed in pinky toes from shoes that are too narrow. Narrow shoes might look more fashionable, but are hell on your feet and you ll notice it when you hit 50 or 60 and start having foot problems. And from what I've seen, not being able to walk right sucks. This shoe is designed to fit and feel great, and to be wonderful for feet, ankles, knees, pelvis, back, etc. It s designed wide to promote foot health. (And the Merrell Barefoot's are too narrow for me.) Once I started wearing barefoot shoes the challenges I'd had with my adductor and knee stopped. I wouldn't go back to cramped shoes with a heavy sole and heel if you paid me.

Excellent shoe. This is one of the best shoes I've ever had. Very comfortable. I've been using minimalist shoes for one year and have 2 pairs of Ras, one Black and the other Dark Brown. Would recomend them to anyone.

These are unique dress shoes. I like them. The only issue is that if your pants were sized to regular soled shoes than the pants will be dragging on the ground. That is something to think about when wearing these.

Stylish shoe that can be worn to the office, with Chinos, or around the house. Very pleased with construction, materials, and fit. Easy to walk in. A real minimalist, barefoot concept, so be sure that's what you want. I'm delighted with their elegant simplicity.

Very well made and comfortable shoes. Similar in fit and feel to other VivoBarefoot shoes.

I have a very high instep and have to buy 8.5 4E in most sneakers and shoes to be able to get my foot in. After spending a summer in Vibram Five Fingers going back to sneakers and shoes was painful. I ordered size 8 (D) Ra's and found not only do they fit my foot itself better but because they are tied I can adjust them to fit my instep properly. I'm finally comfortable in the office.

These are my first impressions, as I have not owned these shoes for long. Firstly, if you're going to buy shoes on the internet, buy them here. Zappos has a massive reputation for great customer service, and I can confirm first hand that they are uncommonly awesome. I had originally ordered the dark brown Ra in a size 41 (size 8 US) as that is the size I wear in all my other "regular" shoes. When I received and tried them on, they were way too big. I called CS and the rep (Kevin, I believe) walked me through the whole process of getting a replacement pair. He put forth genuine effort to make the conversation personal throughout the whole interaction, asking me how my fourth of July was, talking about children, etc, while he was processing everything. Once he finished all the processing, he told me that he would have the shoes shipped ASAP. Much to my surprise, the replacement pair showed up at my home the very next day (not mentioning I called CS around 5pm EST)! I wish all businesses, and people in general for that matter, embraced your culture and values. The world would be a much better place. Now for the shoes. I ordered these as an alternative to a pair of FiveFingers, as I needed a new dress shoe for work, and unfortunately no matter how classy looking, shoes with individual toe pockets would never be accepted by my executives from the "baby boomer" generation. So far, no one has really noticed the shoes, which is exactly what I wanted. I will say that the shape of the shoe is noticeably different than other dress shoes, but isn't obscene. The leather is reasonably soft for a brand new shoe, and I can only expect that situation to improve over time. The heel cup is at a pretty sharp angle, and I can see why some would find it uncomfortable, but has caused me little to no grief. The shoe is shaped very well, is comfortable and gives reasonably good ground feedback (especially with the insoles removed). The ground feel is not the same as in a pair of FiveFingers, but I think that is an unreasonable expectation for a "normal" looking shoe. It is still a huge difference compared to traditional dress shoes I've worn. Great shoe, not perfect, but still great. TL;DR - Zappos Customer Service = awesome, shoe is great and performs as advertised, order the same size as you would order in FiveFingers.

They help me deal with my foot problem but quality is marginal - eye grommets popped out the leather on both shoes with 2 weeks.

These are poorly made shoes. I love barefoot shoes and own other pairs that I wear for running and work. I no longer wear these. Every time I wear them the bottoms soak with sweat. It's grossly visible on the outside of the shoe! I don't even exercise in them (I work at a school). This has never happened on any other shoe I've ever owned. I don't consider myself a sweaty person. They have NO VENTILATION! Because of it the sole is coming off the shoe and there are sweat stains on the outside of the shoe. To make it worse customer service won't return my emails or calls to return them. Buyer Beware!

These shoes were quite comfortable from the start; however, after about 8 wearings or so, the insole started to creep back toward the heel in both shoes to where my toes were hanging over the cliff created in the front. When I called Zappos about the defect, they rectified it with another pair. Unfortunately, the new pair is starting to do the same thing, although not as bad. The insole is very thin and forms to your foot after a few wearings so it is impossible to push the insole back into place as it slips right back to where it is formed to your heel. If it weren't for this problem, I would be loving these shoes.

I bought these because I was looking for a minimalist black dress-shoe. After owning Evo-II's for a while, these seemed like a good option. I have the right size. However, the back of the shoe cuts into my heal, even after much wear. The leather is too low and too stiff at the back. I cannot wear these with thin socks, as it is too painful and I end up with skin missing on the back of my foot after a few hours. I either put band aids on the back of my feet, or wear thick socks, to make them wearable. As to wearing them at work, they do look a bit too much like clown shoes for my taste, and do not look good with a suit. I won't be buying another pair of these.