Summary
We spent 6 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:
6 reasons to buy
- The Vivobarefoot Kanna was immensely praised for the comfort it delivered to a vast majority of owners.
- Many training enthusiasts loved the minimalist feel offered by the sole unit; they got excellent ground feedback without worrying about objects harming their feet.
- Numerous buyers enjoyed the roomy toe box as it allowed their toes to spread and feel steady.
- The footgear was considered versatile by plenty of gym-goers who used it not only for workouts, but also for daily walks, running, and even in the work environment.
- The lightweight and breathable nature of the shoe was appreciated by several testers.
- A couple of commenters liked that the product rolls up and can be easily stored in any bag for travel.
4 reasons not to buy
- The stitching inside the product chafed the back of the feet of more than a few wearers.
- A minority of reviewers with wide-set feet and high insteps complained about the narrow toe box and tight midfoot.
- A handful of fitness aficionados noted that the upper material used was thin and did not provide ample support and protection against changing temperatures.
- The sole unit did not offer any shock absorption, which caused foot and knee pain when used on concrete pavements, said several purchasers.
Bottom line
The Vivobarefoot Kanna impressed a ton of female consumers with comfort and versatility. The minimalist construction and the spacious toe box were both highly praised by consumers. However, there were several issues which included the inconsistent sizing, a seam that caused chafing, and the flimsy upper material. The sizing also confused some people. But overall, it was still a highly recommended product because it was stylish and worked well for many types of activities.
Facts
Expert Reviews
Experts are training geeks, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
Are you an expert? Apply to contribute here.
91 / 100 based on 5 expert reviews
All in all, if you value breathability, versatility, and packability in your shoes, this is one of your best options.
All in all, if you value breathability, versatility, and packability in your shoes, this is one of your best options.
Once you get used to it, walking in barefoot shoes actually feels really good. It’s such a different sensation. As ridiculous as this sounds, I actually felt closer to nature in them because it was as though there wasn’t any barrier between my feet and the ground.
The style alone of these shoes is great for travelers as they can be mixed and matched with different outfit types. And if you want to help correct your posture and walking stride, the “barefoot” feeling does help.
Because of their barefoot style and the fact your feet are so connected to the ground, it can take a little while to get used to wearing the Vivobarefoot Kannas. But once you do get used to them, it can feel weird to wear anything else.
- The Vivobarefoot Kanna is designed as versatile minimalist footwear that is ready to take on the challenges of the urban jungle and workout studios. It is made of a lightweight mesh upper that keeps the inside well-ventilated. It features a roomy toe box that allows for spreading of the toes.
- Inside the shoe is a Vivobarefoot Performance insole. It absorbs shock and keeps the foot comfortable during workouts or walks. It also adds another layer of protection.
- The sole unit is made of the V-Sense thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) outsole. It features a layer of Pro5 which made the underside five times tougher and more puncture resistant than regular minimalist shoe rubber.
The Vivobarefoot Kanna is designed only for women and comes in US sizes 5.5 to 11.5. Widthwise, it is only available in a B - Medium profile. However, the roomy toe box allows for toe splaying and also accommodates the natural expansion of the foot throughout the day. The slip-on style delivers a snug fit while the panels connected to the lacing system offer enhanced lateral support.
Vivobarefoot equips its shoes with activity-specific outsoles. For the Vivobarefoot Kanna, it employs the Exercise outsole which is made of the V-Sense TPU compound. This technology is engineered to be hard-wearing and slip resistant. The hexagonal tread pattern aims to deliver multi-directional flexibility and traction.
The underfoot also features the Pro5 layer. This proprietary element amplifies the durability of the underside, making it five times more resistant to puncture than other rubbers used in minimalist trainers.
Vivobarefoot’s Performance insole serves as this model’s midsole. This element keeps the inside of the Vivobarefoot Kanna comfortable by acting as a shock absorber. It also keeps the feet cozy during workouts, city walking, or whatever activities the wearer participates in.
The upper of the Vivobarefoot Kanna utilizes mesh. This fabric is lightweight, pliable, and breathable, allowing it to move with the feet and keep the inside aerated.
A leather overlay forms a cage-like structure that wraps around the heel, providing a way to enhance the snugness of the upper as it integrates with the laces. When the laces are tightened, the structure is drawn closer to the foot, amplifying the locked-down fit at the back and the midfoot for all-day support.
The slip-on construction makes for a quick and easy on-and-off action. There are pull tabs on the collar and the tongue which serve as leverage when the shoe is being put on. The lightly padded tongue and the collar prevent chafing and irritation.
