The Vivobarefoot Ra II is a stylish barefoot Oxford lace-up shoe. Built for easy transition from work to play. Light, flexible, breathable and featuring an ultra-thin sole, this style is the ideal blend of barefoot freedom and smart-casual style.
Sizing
We've found most customers take their usual European sizing in the Ra II. They are only available in men's EU sizing, which means they are a little wider and more spacious over the top of the midfoot compared to the equivalent women's size.
Vivobarefoot makes two general fit styles, the Ethiopia-made line which fits extra wide with a rounded toe area and then everything else. The Ra II falls into the everything else category, which suits average width feet with a sloping toe shape. The heel area is more fitted around your ankle to hold your foot securely. If you've tried Vivobarefoot's athletic models, yo can expect a similar fit with the Ra II.
Ground Feel
Vivobarefoot is known for their extra thin soles that give you tons of connection and feedback with the ground, and the Ra II is no exception. Our customers who love to feel changes in the texture of the surface they're walking on will enjoy the Ra II, and moreso once the soft leather has broken in to allow for even more movement availability.
For those who are newer to barefoot and minimal shoes, you will want to take it slow with these or wear them at first to occassions when there will be a mix of moving, standing, and sitting. It takes time for your feet to develop the mobility and strength required to wear them all day, especially on concrete where they call for a soft barefoot gait.
Care
You can read our care tips for leather here in our Learn area. You can wipe the soles down with a damp cloth as desired.
Make sure to store your leather footwear such as Ra IIs away from heat sources like radiators, as this can dry out the leather making it brittle over time. It is recommended with any leather shoes to avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row, you want to alternate with a different pair. Taking care of your leather goods this way and with proper maintenance will ensure they look good and extend their lifespan so you get the most out of them.
Best Uses
The Ra II is designed to bring together the function of minimal shoes with the style of a men's dress shoe. For any formal events or formal work environments the Ra II will fit right in, though some find them so comfortable and handsome that they want to keep weaing these through the weekend too. The soft leather with an eggshell finish will pair well with a fine suit, or go smart casual with the Ra II for your next dinner date.
