My First Barefoot Running Shoes Review – Evo Mesh VIVOBAREFOOT
I’ve been running with the Nike Free Run+ shoes since August of 2010. They were my first pair of minimal running shoes (besides the Vibram FiveFingers), and while I’ve really enjoyed running in them, I wanted to try something new. I would say that 25% of my runs are done without any shoes on, but I’ve hurt my feet a few times running this way. I wanted to find something as minimal as possible that still provided some level of protection.
I did some reading and learned that there are shoes that are even more “minimal” than the Free Run+. Enter Evo Mesh (by VIVOBAREFOOT).
These shoes are very minimal – they only weigh 7 ounces. They’re not the best looking sneakers I’ve ever seen – in fact, they’re kinda ugly – but that’s not really what I was looking for here. As I said before, I wanted some shoes that would bring me as close to barefoot as possible without risking damage to my feet. Based on the reviews I read, Evo Mesh were the shoes I was looking for.
The last time I ran barefoot, I had the genius idea of trying to run a 7 minute mile, and I shredded my toes up pretty good. Because of this, I hadn’t run barefoot in probably about a month, so my calves were not prepared for the run that they were about to embark on.
I started off with a very light jog to allow my feet to get used to the new shoes. The first thing I noticed was that these shoes really did seem more minimal than the Free Run+. I could feel more of the ground below me. It almost felt like I was running in socks, except the bottoms of my feet felt protected from sharp objects. Running in these shoes is as close to running barefoot as it gets… Without actually running barefoot. You land on your toes and barely tap your heel at all.
Anyway, I jogged for about an eighth of a mile, then I got impatient and started running. After about a mile, my calves were on fire. As I said, I hadn’t run barefoot for at least a month, and the Nike Free Run+ runs don’t work my calves the way barefoot running does. Clearly these Evo Mesh shoes are closer to barefoot running than the Nikes are.
It may have been the awesome music I was running to, but I noticed myself running faster than usual, with no desire to pace myself or slow down.
But at around 1.75 miles, I had to slow down. Calves! I walked for about half a mile as I headed back towards my house, and then I took off running again, even though it hurt. I don’t mind a “good hurt” – as long as it’s just my calves screaming at me because I’m working them harder than they’re used to, and it’s not pain from an injury, I don’t mind it.
I finished my 2.76 mile run in 23 minutes and 10 seconds.
I think that I run much slower barefoot because I’m always worried I’m going to stub my toe or step on something sharp. With the Evo Mesh, that fear was alleviated.
This run was last Wednesday (May 4th), and I haven’t run since. It wasn’t until Sunday that my calves stopped burning, and I can still feel the soreness today, but I knew to expect that, and I also know that the next time I run in these (hopefully tonight) I won’t be sore for nearly as long – I just need to get my body used to it.
Anyway, I’m clearly not well versed in reviewing shoes, but hopefully I’ve given you at least a rough idea of what these shoes are like. If you’re looking for barefoot shoes that come very close to running without shoes on, I’d highly recommend these.
As far as my online shopping experience with planetshoes.com goes – fast shipping, good customer support. I’ve only ever ordered shoes online from Zappos and Planet Shoes, and I’ve had good experiences with both, so definitely consider them when placing your next order.
Tagged with: Barefoot Running • evo mesh • planet shoes • vivo barefoot • vivobarefoot
Filed under: Barefoot Running • Runner's Gear • Shoes
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Interesting blog. I am a life long runner(NCAA and beyond) and recently gave in to the hype and bought some Vibrams. I know this article was not about Vibrams but it was great to hear someone else talk about the burn these type of shoes put on the calve. I was begining to think I was the only one who had this problem. Everyone else just claims they are the greatest things ever and never mentions the calve issue. Thanks for a good read I will be sure to check back and read some more.
Love reading about those who are taking on better technique and more natural running. A lot can be done by getting rid of that big heel in our running shoes! Keep up the good work and remember to massage and stretch those calves.
I just started incorporating minimalist running into my usual grind too! And I have to say, you’re right – minimalist running shoes sure aren’t real lookers. In fact, they all kind of look like outer-space alien bananas.
Just ran (hah!) across your blog and was happy to see another minimalist shoe review. I’ve been working the Altra Intuitions into my training little by little – I know what you mean about the calf pain (though mine was delayed and only bothered me the next day). It seems worth it, though, as my pace also picked up a good bit and the “freedom” of the shoes feels amazing to me! It’s just hard to have patience working up to it sometimes, though, I feel like I want to run in them all the time, right now.
My husband has been looking into the Frees – I will search your blog for any info on them (personally I can’t wear Nikes since my toes are too wide so I can’t give him much feedback).
i like this very much thank you!!
Hey check out my friends stretching video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYGX7nuz3fk&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL
I got the NB minimus Vibrams and I thought I would go out run and be good to go as well. I did a few short runs in them without too much calf pain but when I did my 11 mile run my calves hurt for a good 4 days. Then next long run I did was not as bad my calves only hurt for a day or 2 and not nearly as bad. I love the NB minimus and they look like they are very similar to these shoes.
Helpful insight! I run quite a bit, but I found that my calves were killing me the first time I ran barefoot. Interesting how our muscles are designed to perform a certain way, but the sneakers we grew up with completely reverse that engineering. I’m looking forward to “rewiring” my muscles!
I have to say that running in minimal shoes that my calves much like Jon’s were often very sore but I am having fewer injuries now and though I have ran any fast races I wonder if my top end speed would be higher as my calves seem stronger
I know that it has been quite some time, but I hop that you are still trying the barefoot running. I have just done a few barefoot runs, but they are really hard, because of all of the small foot muscles needed. Thanks for the inspiration.!
Wouldn’t there be pain associated with footwear like this? I have started using custom Custom Orthotics.
I have fun with, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
I am on a search of barefoot running shoes and it sounds to convince me. I am still reading other reviews that might help me.
I have been running in my Vibram Bikila shoes and have discovered that I don’t have back pain but I do feel the calves getting a good workout. I am interested in trying different types of shoes so I may give these a try.
You should! I’d def recommend you try them out.
Great blog! I am also a runner, your blog is very helpful and informative. In my opinion, it does not matter if the design looks bad as long as your feet are comfortable and it minimize injuries that is good enough for me.
I think running barefoot gives us freedom from the constriction of having normal shoes on. I really like that they offer different kinds of barefoot shoes for people like us who wants to be able to feel under pressure when running. My favorite is always Vibram, but I’d like to take a look at this.
Would love a follow up on this post … how was the experience with the VIVOBAREFOOT in the long term ?
I’m still using them! They’re my main running shoes.