Train hard while treading lightly on the planet. The Primus Lite III is Vivobarefoot's hero trainer and its minimalist design lets your feet move in the most natural way possible, building strength for every run, walk and workout.
They feature a super thin sole, a breathable mesh upper, and a striking design that does more with less.
Sizing
We find most of our customers take their regular size in this model. The Primus Lite III is unlikely to stretch out over time.
The Primus Lite III has a sleek fit style:
- suits feet that are narrow to average width
- tapers in width to allow space for the toes to move while holding the heel securely
- suits average to low foot volume, and offers some adjustment to volume through the lacing
- suits a variety of toe and forefoot shapes, but those with square or rounded toe shapes may want to go up a size to avoid the outer toes brushing the front of the shoe
- the Primus Lite III is available in European men's and women's sizing: a 41 men's will be about the same length as a 41 women's, but the men's will be slightly wider and higher volume, and vice versa
Note on laces:
The lacing is very secure once they're done up, as the eyelets will grip the laces due to the material's texture. This makes them great for our barefoot runners and for folks who like to put their shoes on in the morning and then forget about them all day. However if you have trouble with lacing already from mobility or pain issues, it could make things more challenging for you to don and doff these shoes. Replacing the laces with elasticated options may help make these more accessible if they're otherwise a good choice for you. Let us know if you have questions about this and we'll help you out.
*Some of our stock has been updated to make the lacing easier.
Ground Feel
The Primus Lite III feels very barefoot with the Vivobarefoot Active Outsole, which measures 4mm thick. You'll feel your terrain easily, and the soles bend and flex so that your feet can too. Like most Vivobarefoot shoes, the soles do not feel cushiony.
If you are new to minimal shoes and used to thick, stiff soles, you may want to take it very slow in this model. It takes time to develop the mobility, strength, and gait required to use these as runners or everyday shoes. If you enjoy when shoes feel as close as possible to being barefoot, you'll likely enjoy the Primus Lite III.
Care
Vivobarefoot provides the following care info:
"When possible, it’s best to use natural products for cleaning and weather protection. Soapy cold water beats a washing machine when it comes to our performance shoes."
We recommend spot cleaning and handwashing in cold water and gentle soap only as needed. Afterwards, lay your shoes flat to dry out of direct sun. Avoid over washing by handwashing just the insoles to refresh in between.
Best Uses
The airy mesh, lightweight design, and sleek fit mark the Primus Lite III as a clear choice for your performance needs. These are very popular with our barefoot runners, weightlifters, and other athletic minded customers. Great as a gym shoe, running shoe, or walking shoe, especially in warm weather.
The second reason the Primus Lite III is so popular is for their style! Plenty of the Primus series fans are wearing these as casual everyday shoes that give you as much interaction with your environment as possible.
