The VIVOBAREFOOT EVO is an excellent minimalist shoe in the Terra Plana range designed specifically for running. I tested the EVO's wearing them to work several times with my physiotherapy & pilates clients so that I could walk them in a little before trying to jog in them. I feel it is always best to transition slowly to walking & running in barefoot shoes to give your calves and achilles tendons time to slowly lengthen and adapt to barefoot gait.
The EVO’s felt great on my feet and fit beautifully across my forefoot with a nice wide toe box allowing my toes to spread naturally which is vital for proper foot function. I did get small blisters on the top of both big toes from the rubber/mesh upper when not wearing socks to begin with so I would recommend wearing thin socks initially if you are prone to blisters. After a few weeks of walking them in I took them for a little test run out on the trails.
I was instantly impressed. The EVO is a great running shoe for those who want a low profile barefoot style runner. It has a super thin 4mm puncture resistant sole which is nice and grippy for the trails and road. The EVO’s weighed in at 192g which compares nicely with my training and racing shoes (178g and 135g) respectively. The upper is made of TPU breathable mesh material which accounts for the ever so slight increase in weight and importantly helps make the EVO a tough, more durable and longer lasting shoe which is a big positive in the long term for both feet and bank balance!
When running in the EVO’s you immediately feel fantastic proprioceptive feedback from the ground and the shoe design naturally facilitates a mid-foot strike which several studies have shown to be the ideal foot strike for efficient injury-free running. The VIVOBAREFOOT EVO is an extremely lightweight minimalist running shoe when you compare them with the majority of running shoes on the market.
I would highly recommend the Terra Plana VIVOBAREFOOT EVO’s to people looking to transition to barefoot running. The grippy barefoot sole, 50% recycled antibacterial lining, highly breathable mesh upper, wide toe box and snappy looks make it a fantastic choice for runners of all abilities looking to improve their foot function and running biomechanics. You can check out their full range at http://shop.terraplana.com.au
Happy Running :-)
Karen Barlow
Physiotherapist & Australian Marathoner
Winner Melbourne Marathon 2006
Winner New Orleans Marathon 2010
Winner Denver Marathon 2010
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