Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Review – Barefoot Shoes

Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Review Contents

1. Introduction
2. Scores
3. Unboxing
4. Functional Wearing
5. General Wearing
6. Aesthetics
7. Comfort
8. Durability
9. Price
10. Summary

1. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Introduction

Launched in 2023, the Motus Strength is arguably the biggest barefoot shoe innovation we’ve seen from Vivobarefoot since the Primus Lite III hit the scene. Every aspect of the shoe from its cool visual design to its functional purpose and technical evolution is different class.

Heralded as the first of its kind, a zero drop strength training shoe, it’s being held up as the poster child of the Vivobarefoot performance range – and having worn (and trained) in them, I can understand why.

This barefoot shoe is for those of you whose workout regime covers CrossFit, throwing weights around the place, battle ropes – you get the picture! What this is NOT is a trail running … in fact any kind of running… trainer or sneaker.

I’ll cover off why it’s so perfect and adequate for strength training in the functional review – but what also has to be recognised is the visual deliciousness of the footwear, It just looks next level in terms of the design. And to compliment how good it looks – it’s also available (at time of writing) in 4 different colorways.

2. Scores

3. Unboxing Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

We’ll come onto price further on in this review, but I have to say, one of the things I feel that Vivobarefoot are GREAT at is giving you that all round premium experience.

From the moment my new pair of Burgundy Motus Strength’s arrived, to taking them into the gym for my first workout (more on why I wear them to the gym below), it just felt like such a treat! And it truly all began with the unboxing. You see Vivo take care when they send you their shoes, to ensure, whether you’re a seasoned barefoot pro, or this is your first foray into the barefoot, minimalist shoe movement, that you’re given all the knowledge you need – and the way they do this, whilst not revolutionary, shows conscious thinking.

No needless waste of paper or materials – no – everything you need to know is accessed via a QR code on the box – from here you can access video guides on the basics of barefoot wearing and running – and if you’re reading this and thinking of buying a pair (and do end up buying a pair) I really recommend you follow that QR code because it’s bursting with a wealth of information, getting right down to the nitty gritty.

4. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Functional Wearing

Okay, let’s get on to the super power of the Motus Strength – this is the shoe that in my opinion has been missing from all the barefoot brand’s staples – this is THE barefoot shoe if you do CrossFit or any description of weight lifting.

I felt like I was moving very organically with the shoes and the extra ankle support made such a difference to my confidence while wearing them. It was as though I could try things I hadn’t attempted before. I do really think they’ve increased my range with weights and I can’t be without them now at CrossFit. It’s hilarious how many other people I’ve noticed wearing them to class now as well, the influencers became the influenced…

5. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – General Wearing

With regards to just everyday use, I pop my Motus Strength’s on just to head to the shop and literally forget I’m even wearing them. They look super cute with a variety of outfits – I’ve worn them with trackies, jeans, all the usual casual attire I’m always sporting – they’re unbelievably versatile and the color really pops. 

It sounds cliché but I just feel more naturally ‘me’ when I’m wearing them, as though my gait and style of walking comes with ease. I really don’t think twice about the shoe once it’s on because they are totally part of my foot and feel really light. Literally forgetting until I catch a glimpse or receive a compliment. Oh yeah, you’ll get comments from people all the time. Such a little conversation starter because they’re so striking. 

6. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Aesthetics

I’ve touched on it slightly already but these barefoot shoes are definitely very visually pleasing. The burgundy are probably my favorite but the Sunbaked are so gorgeous and then black and white are the most ‘go-with-everything’ versatile. I do have them in a couple of colors now but the Burgundy was certainly my gateway drug into this style. I prefer the more unusual colors, Vivobarefoot are very good at the more unique options. But mark my words, once you get one pair you’ll likely end up adding to the collection of this style. 

Wearing these out and about certainly turns heads and it’s nice when people come up to you and want to know more. It’s all about spreading that good barefoot news!

7. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Comfort

Comfortability wise the Motus Strength shoes are wildly enjoyable. Your foot is beautifully snug with the sock like upper that hugs your foot perfectly. The ankle support is unexpectedly high but completely welcome. The laces are strong and thick and everything you want from a lace – I shan’t bore you to tears with going to any lengths to describe those, just know, they certainly do the job and the adjustability for different activities is awesome. I do them up really good for in the gym and less so if I was just heading to hang in the park. 

8. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Durability

The mixture of materials on the shoe adds to the durability. You’ve got your knit ‘collar’ around the ankle which is elasticated and shows no signs of slacking. Then there’s the natural rubber soles – thin but not too thin – these allow for that foot flex that we love but you’re not going to get tears or holes because they have been crafted excellently. 

Laces and insoles can be replaced along the way but mine show no signs of stopping so not sure I’m even going to get to that stage. Cleaning wise I just scrape off any really tough spots then go over with a damp, clean cloth or a cleaning wipe and pick up any smudges easily and effortlessly. The smooth lines on Vivobarefoot shoes lends itself nicely to cleaning without damaging and therefor increasing durability. They have the ability to literally bend in half without any problems, not that you’d necessarily be doing that to your shoes on regular basis but it just goes to show how strong and flexible they are. The Motus Strength’s are scoring high on durability for me, not sure I can really fault them. 

9. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Price

This particular style across all colorways is priced at $200 / £170 per pair. This is a fairly standard price for a Vivobarefoot trainer – boots come in higher and others sit below this point but this price is reflected in the quality and they really can’t be beat on that. They are a structurally sound and functional shoe that’ll have years of wear in them. This is a great shoe with a fair price tag for the amount of use and joy you’ll get from them. 

10. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Summary

So 5 months on from getting my pair of Vivo Motus Strength, I feel in a good place to give a reasonable summary of how these shoes stack up.

Let me preface this by reiterating these shoes are NOT for running – they’re not designed for running and whilst I have done a few 5km runs in them without any issues (due to circumstance rather than planning), I wouldn’t want to do anything more arduous than that.

What the Motus Strength IS designed for is chucking weights around in a gym environment, and whilst I’m not a massive gym bunny I have done some lifting in them, and they are more than fit for purpose.

The additional support built into the design does wonders, and gives you the confidence to go for those big lifts without your foot suddenly giving way. I think they really come to life in CrossFit, and that’s where I see the most other people wearing them too.

For complete transparency – the Motus Strength has more become my go to shoe for day to day with a little wear and tear. If i’m popping to the shops, going for a long walk or heading into the city for a day – I’ll more often than not throw my Motus’ on. The reason – simply they look great and that support that comes into its own in the gym environment, is also pretty nice to have when you’re just generally on your feet a lot.

The colorway and design make these ideal shoes to wear with jeans, with shorts and with more Summer designed trousers.

I’ve done well in excess of 200 miles wearing them, and they’re still in great condition, a little wear on the sole, but no more so than any other shoe – and from a Barefoot perspective, you do get that sensation that barefoot and minimalist footwear is all about.