Head-to-Head
Lems Shoes vs Vivobarefoot
Two barefoot brands compared on specs, scores, and use case. Here's which one we'd buy and why.
USA
Lems Shoes
The US barefoot brand that built its reputation on boots.
Ground feel6.0
Toe-box width9.0
Durability9.0
Style8.0
Value9.0
Overall8.2
UK
Vivobarefoot
The category leader. Defines what barefoot 'looks like' for most people.
Ground feel9.0
Toe-box width9.0
Durability8.0
Style8.0
Value7.0
Overall8.2
Specs
| Lems Shoes | Vivobarefoot | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | USA | UK |
| Category | barefoot | barefoot |
| Drop | 0 mm | 0 mm |
| Toe box | wide | wide |
| Price tier | $$ | $$$ |
| Family-tested | Yes | Yes |
Winner by category
| Ground feel | Vivobarefoot |
| Toe-box width | Tie |
| Durability | Lems Shoes |
| Style | Tie |
| Value | Lems Shoes |
| Overall | Tie |
Which should you buy?
Buy Lems Shoes if: Transitioners and people who need a real boot.
Buy Vivobarefoot if: Buyers who want one brand for the whole family across every use case.
Our take
These two score evenly overall. The right pick depends entirely on which "buy if" line matches you.
Where to buy
Shop Lems Shoes →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.
Where to buy
Shop Vivobarefoot →Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure.