Vivobarefoot Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Size in Barefoot Shoes
If you are wearing Vivobarefoot for the first time, they may initially feel roomier than the shoes you are used to. This is normal. Extra space in the forefoot does not necessarily mean the shoe is too large. It is a key element of the barefoot philosophy.
Performance Store Tip: Start with your usual size and confirm your choice by measuring your foot in centimetres. If you are between two sizes, consider how you will use the shoe and how roomy you prefer the fit to be.
Why do Vivobarefoot shoes fit differently?
Not all feet have the same shape. Some are wider in the forefoot, others are narrower and longer, while many have been restricted for years inside narrow conventional shoes. Vivobarefoot shoes provide more room in the forefoot, allowing the toes to spread and naturally contribute to support, balance and movement.
With a barefoot shoe, you are not looking for the “tight” fit of a traditional sports shoe. You want stability at the heel and midfoot, with enough room at the front so the foot is not compressed.
How to measure your foot correctly
To find the right Vivobarefoot size, measure your foot length in centimetres. The process is simple and can be done at home with a sheet of paper, a wall, a pencil and a ruler or tape measure.
Step 1: Place the paper against the wall
Place a sheet of paper on the floor, with one edge against a straight wall. The paper should be larger than your foot and should not slip.
Step 2: Place your heel against the wall
Stand upright on the paper with your heel firmly against the wall. Distribute your weight naturally across your foot, as you would when standing normally.
Step 3: Mark the longest toe
Using a pencil, mark the point on the paper reached by your longest toe. Hold the pencil vertically and do not place it underneath the toe, as this may reduce the actual measurement.
Step 4: Measure the length in centimetres
Measure the distance from the edge of the paper against the wall to the line you marked. This is your foot-length measurement.
Step 5: Measure both feet
Repeat the process for the other foot. It is very common for the two feet to differ slightly in size. Use the larger measurement when choosing your size.
Tip: Take your measurement towards the end of the day, when your foot is naturally slightly larger. This reduces the likelihood of choosing a size that is too narrow.
Vivobarefoot size guide for women
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.2 – 22.1 | 35 | 2.5 | 4.5 |
| 22.2 – 22.8 | 36 | 3 | 5 |
| 22.9 – 23.5 | 37 | 4 | 6 |
| 23.6 – 24.1 | 38 | 5 | 7 |
| 24.2 – 24.8 | 39 | 6 | 8 |
| 24.9 – 25.4 | 40 | 7 | 9 |
| 25.5 – 26.1 | 41 | 8 | 10 |
| 26.2 – 26.8 | 42 | 8.5 | 10.5 |
| 26.9 – 27.4 | 43 | 9 | 11 |
Vivobarefoot size guide for men
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24.6 – 25.5 | 40 | 6 | 7 |
| 25.6 – 26.2 | 41 | 7 | 8 |
| 26.3 – 26.9 | 42 | 8 | 9 |
| 27.0 – 27.5 | 43 | 9 | 10 |
| 27.6 – 28.2 | 44 | 10 | 11 |
| 28.3 – 28.9 | 45 | 11 | 12 |
| 29.0 – 29.6 | 46 | 11.5 | 12.5 |
| 29.7 – 30.3 | 47 | 12 | 13 |
| 30.4 – 30.9 | 48 | 13 | 14 |
| 31.0 – 31.6 | 49 | 14 | 15 |
| 31.7 – 32.3 | 50 | 15 | 16 |
| 32.4 – 33.0 | 51 | 16 | 17 |
Vivobarefoot size guide for children
For children’s barefoot shoes, the correct fit is equally important. Children need room for natural toe movement, without the shoe being excessively large and reducing stability.
Toddlers
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.4 – 10.2 | 18 | 2 | 3 |
| 10.3 – 10.9 | 19 | 3 | 4 |
| 11.0 – 11.6 | 20 | 4 | 5 |
| 11.7 – 12.3 | 21 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 12.4 – 13.0 | 22 | 5 | 6 |
| 13.1 – 13.6 | 23 | 6 | 7 |
| 13.7 – 14.3 | 24 | 7 | 8 |
Preschool
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14.4 – 14.9 | 25 | 8 | 9 |
| 15.0 – 15.6 | 26 | 8.5 | 9.5 |
| 15.7 – 16.3 | 27 | 9 | 10 |
| 16.4 – 17.0 | 28 | 10 | 11 |
| 17.1 – 17.6 | 29 | 11 | 11.5 |
Kids
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17.7 – 18.3 | 30 | 11.5 | 12 |
| 18.4 – 19.0 | 31 | 12 | 13 |
| 19.1 – 19.6 | 32 | 13 | 1 |
| 19.7 – 20.2 | 33 | 1 | 2 |
| 20.3 – 20.9 | 34 | 2 | 3 |
Junior
| Foot length (cm) | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21.0 – 21.7 | 35 | 3 | 4 |
| 21.8 – 22.4 | 36 | 3.5 | 4.5 |
| 22.5 – 23.1 | 37 | 4.5 | 5.5 |
| 23.2 – 23.8 | 38 | 5 | 6 |
| 23.9 – 24.4 | 39 | 6 | 7 |
Snug, recommended or spacious fit?
Foot measurement provides a reliable basis for choosing your size. However, the final feel also depends on personal preference. Some people prefer a more secure fit, while others want more room at the front and around the toes.
Snug fit
A snug fit remains correct, but leaves less room around and in front of the toes. It may suit those with narrower feet or those who prefer a more direct feel in the shoe.
Recommended fit
The recommended fit is based on your foot measurement and the corresponding size chart. It is the safest choice for most users, especially if they are buying Vivobarefoot for the first time.
Spacious fit
A spacious fit provides more room in the forefoot. It may suit those with wider feet or those who prefer a roomier feel for extended everyday wear.
Important: Fit may vary slightly from model to model. Before purchasing, also check the information on the product page, especially if a model is described as narrower, roomier or true to size.
What to consider when buying Vivobarefoot for the first time
- Do not choose a smaller size simply because the forefoot appears roomier.
- Your toes should have room to spread naturally.
- The heel should sit securely, without significant slipping.
- If you have very wide feet, a roomier fit may suit you better.
- If you are between two sizes, consider the intended use: everyday wear, walking, training, trail or travel.
- For children, check foot length regularly, as growth can quickly affect the fit.
Frequently asked questions about Vivobarefoot sizing
Should I choose the same size I usually wear?
In most cases, you can start with your usual size. However, if you wear very narrow shoes or are between two sizes, it is best to measure your foot first.
Why does the shoe look wider at the front?
Vivobarefoot shoes are designed with a more natural shape in the forefoot. This allows the toes to spread and contribute more effectively to support, balance and movement.
Should my toes touch the front?
No. Your toes should have sufficient space at the front, especially when walking or going downhill. If they constantly touch the end, you probably need a larger size.
What should I do if one foot is larger than the other?
Use the measurement of the larger foot. It is very common for the two feet to differ slightly in size.
Should children’s Vivobarefoot shoes have extra room?
Yes, but not excessively. Children should have room for natural toe movement, without the shoe being so large that stability is lost.
Need help with sizing?
If you are unsure about the correct Vivobarefoot size, the Performance Store team can help. Measure your foot in centimetres, note the model you are interested in and contact us for guidance with your choice.
The correct fit is an essential part of the barefoot experience. When the shoe fits correctly, the foot has room, the body moves more naturally and everyday wear becomes more comfortable.
