Vivobarefoot is on a mission to reconnect people with the planet one barefoot step at a time. Founded in 2012 by seventh-generation cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, the brand is built on a simple yet powerful idea: barefoot footwear can regenerate human health and inspire environmental stewardship.
At a time when cushioned, sedentary lifestyles are making both people and the planet unwell, Vivobarefoot offers a bold alternative. Shoes that strengthen your body, awaken your senses, and tread lightly on the earth.
Image source: Vivobarefoot
Regeneration as a Responsibility
Vivobarefoot's mission goes beyond traditional ideas of sustainability. Instead of aiming to simply reduce harm, the brand is driven by a regenerative philosophy of actively restoring natural and social ecosystems through everything they create.
Their commitment to regeneration runs through three pillars:
Regenerative Business: Building an independent, healthy company that delivers a positive impact for people and the planet.
Regenerative Product: Designing footwear that nurtures human movement and environmental health, prioritising natural, recycled, and durable materials.
Regenerative Community: Creating opportunities for people to rewild themselves through learning, outdoor experiences, and activism.
As a certified B Corporation, Vivobarefoot meets some of the highest verified standards for environmental and social performance, transparency, and accountability.
How sustainability is woven into every step
Vivobarefoot’s sustainable practices are deeply embedded in product design, material sourcing, manufacturing, and the product lifecycle.
Recognising that over 24 billion pairs of shoes are produced yearly, with most of them ending up in landfills, Vivobarefoot created ReVivo. This is the world's first dedicated platform for refurbished barefoot shoes, keeping footwear out of waste streams and extending the life of every pair through expert repairs and responsible resale.
Image source: Vivobarefoot
In terms of materials, Vivobarefoot only uses resources that are:
Natural: Wild-sourced leather, cork, organic cotton, natural rubber.
Recycled: PET bottles and rubber compounds are repurposed into durable, high-performance components.
Durable: Footwear is designed to withstand the elements and last longer, minimising the environmental impact of frequent replacement.
Local sourcing: Materials are sourced near manufacturing hubs whenever possible to cut down on transportation emissions.
Taking the commitment to sustainability one step further, Vivobarefoot developed the V Matrix, an in-house tool to evaluate the environmental impact of every product, from their complexity and durability, to recyclability and material origins. This transparency helps guide both their internal design decisions and consumer choices.
Image source: Vivobarefoot
A culture of barefoot living
Vivobarefoot sees barefoot living as more than a choice of footwear, but a mindset. Through bushcraft retreats, wild swimming events, outdoor runs, talks on regenerative design, and their own documentary, Shoespiracy, Vivobarefoot invites people to rethink not only how they move, but how they live.
Through the Livebarefoot Fund, they invest in pioneering environmental and social impact projects, incubating solutions that aim to heal the systems we depend on. Their vision is to build the world's first regeneration-focused impact fund that empowers innovation at the intersection of nature and humanity.
Make sure to check Reflwan's news page to keep up with brands that are redefining what it means to be sustainable.
What are Vivobarefoot shoes?
Vivobarefoot shoes are designed to be wide, thin, and flexible. This allows your feet to move naturally, build strength, and feel the ground beneath you. They promote natural biomechanics and a stronger connection to the environment.
How is Vivobarefoot a sustainable brand?
Vivobarefoot takes a regenerative approach to sustainability. They actively work to restore health to people and the plant. Their practices include circular design, bio-based and recycled materials, repair and resale through ReVivo, and a transparent supply chain via their in-house V Matrix scoring system.
What is ReVivo?
ReVivo is Vivobarefoot’s marketplace for refurbished and repaired barefoot shoes. Instead of sending worn shoes to landfill, ReVivo gives them a second life, helping reduce waste and extend the lifespan of every product.
What is the V Matrix?
The V Matrix is a in-house system created by Vivobarefoot to score products based on their environmental impact. It evaluates factors like material choices, ease of repair, recyclability, and overall product durability.
