After all the hype we have been hearing about Terra Plana’s Vivo Barefoot line of shoes, we decided to add them to our product lines that we promote and talk about. We have yet to review them (coming very soon!) but based on readers testimonials and reviews, we think it’s more than hype that the shoes have become a hit and have their own little cult following.
To give a brief overview, the company Terra Plana’s products are made with all eco-friendly (recycled) products and produced in a way that is environmentally friendly. Their shoes come in all flavors, colors and designs. They make boots, running shoes, loafers and many other styles of shoes as well. The reason they consider themselves, as we do, to be “barefoot style” shoes has mostly to do with their thin (3mm) soles. The soles are made with durable material so despite the thin nature of them, they much be quite tough. The thin soles all you to be “in touch” with the environment by feeling every flex on the shoe, plus the curves and crevices on the floor. To get a better overview of the shoes in general, check out our new Vivo Barefoot section.
Most of the Vivo Barefoot shoes were not created for long distance runners and heavy athletics. Some of them are more geared towards hiking and walking. Many people who we’ve talked to about the Vivo’s love the comfortable feeling. The 3mm soles also provide just enough protection from the environment without lending itself to heel-striking. So I wouldn’t call these shoes barefoot running shoes yet (More like barefoot walking or barefoot lounging shoes). There are reports of Terra Plana coming out with a running shoe called the Evo:
When this shoe comes out we will be sure to review it in detail to see how it performs and endures in long and short distance runs. For now we can enjoy the fresh and unique eco-friendly style that the Vivo Barefoot shoes bring. If they’re anything like the other popular barefoot running shoe brands, you better grab them while you can. These running shoes always seem to have “stocking” issues. Browse here if you are interested in Vivo Barefoot Mens or Vivo Barefoot Womens.
Nice overview of the shoes.
I wanted to give a head’s up to anyone who is considering ordering a set of EVO’s…I am in the middle of a bad experience and I wish someone would have given me the ‘head’s up’, so I wanted to do so for you.
I ordered a pair of EVO’s. It turns out they are sized big, so I needed a smaller size than my normal shoe. I returned the shoe for the correct size and they are so popular that they are out of stock in most sizes. The new ones are not to be delivered to them until the middle of July at the earliest.
The biggest bummer, however, is that the store will not refund the order and does not have any in stock. They only offer a store credit. Here’s the deal, the ‘web’ store lists their return policy as eligible for refunds if the shoes are not worn. (Check. I didn’t wear them.)
I knew these shoes were popular, so when I ordered, I called the phone number provided on the Terra Plana webstore to make sure they were in stock when I ordered. Phil was happy to take the order.
Here’s where it gets tricky, the phone number on the website calls the New York Store directly (without making any kind of distinction between the “web” store and the “New York” store). When Terra Plana shipped the shoes to me they were marked as from the “New York” store, and not the “Web” store, and they stamped on the receipt that they were not eligible for a return, only credit.
Then it got really complicated. They cannot exchange my shoes for the correct size because they don’t have any. They will not refund the purchase because it is against store policy. End result…I have to wait another 10 weeks minimum to get a pair of these (and I’ve already waits 3 weeks trying to get this worked out)
So I am out of my new running shoes and shipping both to me and back to Terra Plana (an extra $22), and then I have to pay shipping a third time for the Correct shoes (another $12) after they arrive sometime in July.
If you are like me and don’t have $175 (and another $30 or so in shipping) sitting around to be held up most of the running season, try to order a smaller size/or at lease ask if they have they next smaller size available. If not, you may get into a bind where you will have to wait a few months just like me.
This sucks because I have heard so many good things about the company. I just cannot believe they are being zoo stubborn. I’ve even emailed (and received responses from) Sabra, the US Director, and they just don’t seem to care.
Like I said at the beginning, I wish someone would have tipped me off about this so that I would not be in this position. Order carefully!