Xero Shoes vs. Vivobarefoot vs. Shamma: Who Wins the Barefoot Sandal Brand Showdown?

• Xero Shoes
  

History and Origin

Xero Shoes was founded by Steven Sashen and Lena Phoenix, a married couple who started the company in 2009. Sashen had suffered running injuries and, inspired partly by the book Born To Run by Christopher McDougall, he created the company's first designs for minimalist footwear using sheets of rubber he ordered in bulk and laces from The Home Depot.These original sandals were DIY assembled by the user and were called "Invisible Shoes", but the company later introduced ready-made sandals and closed-toed shoes. 

Xero Shoes was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and gained success after the appearance in February 2013. With a rich history rooted in the desire to unleash the full potential of human movement, Xero Shoescontinues to empower athletes and enthusiasts of all ages to embrace their natural stride while enjoying the comfort and performance of thoughtfully crafted footwear. Whether it´s running, trail running, or everyday adventures, Xero Shoes provides a platform for wearers to connect with their surroundings through their feet. You can go for a very minimal sandals with no cushion (Z Trek), or a thicker option (Z Trail) for tougher trails, longer milage, or comfort.

Prices: Genesis: $44.99; Aqua Cloud: $49.99; Z-Trek: $59.99; Z-Trail EV: $79.99; Jessie: $44.99

Design & Style

Xero Shoes makes a variety of practical barefoot sandals at low prices in different strap styles and different thicknesses.Xero Shoes began with their Do-It-Yourself sandal kits (the Classic kit with Vibram rubber soles). Then they improved upon the Vibram rubber when they developed their FeelTrue® rubber. Next, they started making ready-to-wear huarache style sandals, like the Cloud and Venture. Then, they added their sport sandals, the Z-Trek and Z-Trail.

Xero Shoes believes that "Your feet are meant to bend, to move, to flex, to Feel The World". Their patented FeelTrue sole protects your foot while allowing you to “Feel The World.”  Your feet are your foundation and Xero Shoes are designed to allow them to remain strong and function naturally by providing protection, but not artificial support. They offer wide toe boxes to allow your toes room to spread, a zero drop design to encourage proper posture, and super flexible outsoles to allow natural foot movement. Plus, thanks to the patent-pending tension adjustment system, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit in seconds.

Quality (Mateiral & Comfort)

Xero Shoes sandals are made of soft, tubular quick-dry webbing, and nylon made from recycled water bottles. The brand is so certain about the quality of its zero-drop running shoes that it offers a 5,000-mile sole warranty. Xero Shoes sandals is comfortable  which let your feet move naturally, let your body move naturally, and give you just the right amount of protection for whatever you want to be doing.

Their 4-millimeter, do-it-yourself, Connect sandal sole with their  FeelTrue® rubber that just gives you some protection if you’re running on roads, for example, just enough so that you don’t have to worry about the sole of your foot so much. The 6-millimeter sole is 50% thicker. So it’s a little more trail-friendly. If you want a little extra comfort though, you can use their Cloud, which added just a little bit of BareFoam™ in the forefoot so it just gives you some extra comfort.

Sizing & Fit Type

Xero sandals come in an average width that should fit narrow to wide feet well. The women’s are narrower than the men’s and come in different colors, otherwise they’re the same.Each model fits a little differently. They tend to work best for high volume feet, but low volume feet can have success in the Z Trek, Z Trail, and Jessie.

Where to Buy Xero Sandals for the Cheapest?

xeroshoes.com

rei.com

zappos.com（9.5-11.5% cashback）

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• Vivobarefoot

History and Origin

Founded in 2012 by two seventh-generation cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, Vivobarefoot is based on one simple insight -barefoot footwear is regenerative to human health. With a philosophy deeply rooted in promoting foot health and environmental sustainability, these shoes are designed to mimic the natural shape of the foot, allowing for a more natural gait. From their unique design principles to their commitment to using eco-friendly materials, there's a lot to uncover about this innovative company. In 2019, the most prominent shoe using this technology was their Evo running shoe.

Vivobarefoot has secured its place as one of the best brands of barefoot shoes which carries barefoot shoes for men, women, and kids, and offers different styles made for hiking, running, the gym, and everyday lifestyle wear. Their marketing describes the walking experience as "as close to going barefoot in the city as you can get."  All Vivobarefoot footwear  is designed to be Wide, Thin and Flexible: as close to barefoot as possible. If you’re looking to improve your foot function in a world where fashion is first, Vivobarefoot is worth the price as they are both fashionable and functional.

Prices: Opanka Sandal: $150; Tracker Sandal: $128

Design & Style

Vivobarefoot has a limited selection of barefoot sandals each year. Now they have two styles barefoot sandals: Opanka Sandal and Tracker Sandal. The Opanka Sandal is designed with a Minimal Sole to give you maximum underfoot sensory feedback. The 4mm sole with the signature Vivobarefoot hexagon tread made from natural rubber blend is ideal for a close-to-barefoot experience.The sandal has a leather covered elastic strap around the heel which adjusts to the shape of your foot. The open design is super breathable, so you'll stay cool all day long.

The Tracker Sandal is versatile barefoot hiking footwear built for all-terrain adventures in warmer climes. Perfect for river paddles, sunny rambles, and epic summits alike – all with plenty of feeling and just enough protection. And a tough Firm Ground 2 sole, customisable Velcro z-straps, and protective rubber toe band mean it performs just as well during overland odysseys on rugged trails.

Quality (Mateiral & Comfort)

The Opanka Sandal is a barefoot women's slip-on sandal made from premium leather. The 4mm sole and signature hexagon tread is made in Portugal with natural rubber blend. It gives your feet that barefoot feeling while keeping you comfortable.  It is perfect if you're looking for the barefoot feeling while still staying comfortable and stylish in urban settings. It offers the lowest possible stack height without compromising on comfort and style.

The Tracker Sandal is an all-terrain, warm-weather hiking sandal which made with vegan* materials and a RISE foam insole created from excess algae biomass harvested from ecosystems in need of algae management. Made from a sticky rubber compound with sharpened hexagon shapes, plus a textured arch for zonal grip (ideal for technical trail movement), this sole will keep your feet firmly planted on multiple terrains — wet to dry, concrete to rocky.

Sizing & Fit Type

The Vivobarefoot Opanka Sandal is expected to fit true to size based on the official Vivobarefoot website.  If you have a wide foot and you're in between sizes, go with the larger size. Otherwise, choose a snugger fit so long as it's not constricting is recommended, because the leather on the shoe will stretch out over time.

Where to Buy Vivobarefoot Sandals for the Cheapest?

vivobarefoot.com （1.5-2% cashback）

vivobarefoot.com.au （8-10% cashback）

• Shamma

History and Origin

In 2013, Josh Stiles started Shamma Sandals. It is a family operation based in Santa Cruz, CA which creates minimalist sandals designed for running. For Shamma Sandals, running is the norm for human movement. This requires speed, agility and coordination. All barefoot sandals by Shamma Sandals are therefore specifically designed for this purpose.  That means they are completely flat, flexible, and with no arch support so your feet are free to move as if barefoot.

Although initially focused on running, Shamma sandals have evolved to suit various activities, including marathons, mountain climbing, and obstacle races. All Shamma Sandals are still handmade and sewn from their small workshop in Santa Cruz, California. The company's commitment to producing high-quality, performance-oriented sandals has garnered a global customer base, whose stories of adventure and success inspire Shamma Sandals to continue their mission.

Prices: Numa Style from $74.95; Elite Collection from $64.95; TrailStar Style from $114.95; Super Premium Leather Collection from $124.95; Shamma Sport Sandals for $74.95; Cruzers Collection from $49.85

Design & Style

Shamma Sandals has several sandal styles. The Numa style  uses a handsfree slip-on lacing system that stretches with your feet as they move. The result is their most comfortable, seamless, and easy to use lacing system yet. This allows all our Numa Sandals to rival flip-flops in terms of comfort without sacrificing convenience.  The Elite Lacing System is the product of 10 years of relentless testing and development. This lacing system is designed with control, comfort, and performance in mind. Three independent adjustment zones - the heel strap, insole strap, and toe straps - give you total control over how the straps are adjusted to your feet. 

Increased security from over the foot style lacing is the hallmark of TrailStar. The Shamma TrailStars Sandals have a forefoot strap and toe loop, and velcro closures over the arch and heel. This makes them fully adjustable and they fit securely even on your low arches and skinny ankles. There are also a few options for the soles and footbeds so you can cater to your activities and comfort level.  They come in a range of sole thicknesses from extremely minimal (6mm) to fairly thick (15mm).  The Warriors sandals are the lightest with the thinnest sole, but still provide a lot of traction. The total thickness with tread is 5mm-6mm. The Mountain Goats offer the thickest sole at 11mm-12mm, though that’s still incredibly thin compared to most hiking sandals.

Quality (Mateiral & Comfort)

The Numa, Elite, TrailStar models use Vibram® Newflex sole coupled with your choice of  UltraGrip or Tobacco Brown Goatskin Leather footbed. Vibram® Newflex is a blend of rubber and EVA that forms a durable soling material with an aggressive tread for superior traction on the trail. The Sport models feature an all-new Walkbase 10mm sole with a naked top footbed. Made from a custom EVA material, the Walkbase soles are ultralight while still providing significant abrasion and puncture protection. 

The Super models use Vibram® Morflex sole with a matching 1mm German aniline leather footbed. A blend of rubber and EVA, the Morflex compound is known for being lightweight, with a firm but cushioned feel. Morflex is also known for a quick break-in time, molding to your feet quickly. Only Super models'  lacing system feature high-quality German aniline leather which create a perfect fit that is unique to every sandal. Other models' Lacing system features a specially made forefoot strap made from Toray® Ultrasuede and a nylon mesh. The result is an extremely comfortable material with the strength properties of webbing. All Shamma sandals' lacing system can  help you adjust to your foot shape for maximum comfort and make sure they’re stay securely on your feet.

Sizing & Fit Type

Shamma Sandals have a wide forefoot and are great for most foot types, even extra wide feet. Each strap is easily adjusted, and they fit securely both on low and high volume feet. Thanks to the adjustable straps, these barefoot hiking sandals fit a wide range of volumes and narrow to wide feet.

Where to Buy Shamma Sandals for the Cheapest?

shammasandals.com

ebay.com（1.62-1.86% cashback）

Bottom Line

Xero Shoes vs. Vivobarefoot vs. Shamma: Who Wins the Barefoot Sandal Brand Showdown?

With no doubt all the four Barefoot Sandal Brand performances are excellent which are ready fortrail running, thru-hiking, wandering through forests, or wading streams. However, it is a matter of opinion as to which of them is better.

Xero Shoes makes a variety of practical barefoot sandals at low prices in different strap styles and different thicknesses. They focus on natural movement, lightweight materials, and customizable straps for a personalized fit. Plus, Xero Shoes sandals often weigh less than 1/3 what traditional sandals weigh… making them perfect for travel. And they have a 5,000 mile warranty to boot, so you can expect them to last! If you have an affinity for flexible soles that let your foot bend and flex naturally like me, you’ll love your Xero outdoor sandals! 

The Vivobarefoot  Sandal is great for barefoot wanderers. These shoes aim to promote natural movement and improve foot health. Stripped-back soles for barefoot living — so you're never too far from nature, even in the city.  If you’re looking to improve your foot function in a world where fashion is first, Vivobarefoot is worth the price as they are both fashionable and functional.  Or if you're looking for the barefoot feeling while still staying comfortable and stylish in urban settings, the Vivobarefoot Opanka Sandal is also your way to go.

Shamma Sandals is a long time favorite barefoot sandal brand of mine. They not only feature comfortable, secure and very adjustable strapping system, but also offer large range of sole options. Their lacing system is adjustable in 3 places which allows you to easily adjust the sandal to your specific foot shape. The sole have a full range of thicknesses, from very cushioned to very minimal. And even the thickest ones are flexible enough to roll up into a ball for serious barefoot feel. Shamma Sandals are a great choice for someone wanting easy-to-wear sandals that look and feel great. 

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