“A seven-ounce shoe offering the many health benefits of running barefoot” Karen Day (author) from Cool Hunting.

Here’s what Karen Day said in her article featured on Cool Hunting.

“A pared down approach to running, the ultra-lightweight Evo performance shoe allows the foot to fully flex, freeing it from superfluous padding while still offering strong support. Part of Terra Plana’s VivoBarefoot collection, the brand based the design on the biomechanical benefits of running barefoot—a method believed to strengthen the foot and ankle muscles while realigning the body’s natural posture.

We recently put the Evos to the test, tasking a runner with wearing them while training for NYC’s half marathon. While she reports that the initial barefoot feeling seemed slightly strange, overall she found the shoes extremely comfortable, even helping to alleviate an old foot injury.

Without the interference of a thick sole, the foot’s 2,000 nerve endings stimulate senses all over the body from the tonsils to the kidneys, making for a healthier and more complete workout. The structure compels the foot to land on the ball or mid-range area instead of the heel, not only reducing the impact on the foot (and potential injuries) but also allowing the runner to use energy stored in the Achilles tendon and longitudinal arch.

A collaboration between Terra Plana owner Galahad Clark and head designer Asher Clark (seventh-generation shoemakers of the renowned Clark’s family)”

The Evo is availible to buy online.

The Cobbler’s Child, and Terra Plana’s very own Galahad Clark, is featured in an article about small businesses around the world and the entrepreneurs that keep them going.

Definately worth a read, for the full article go to the Time website.

The VivoBarefoot Dharma was featured in Tim Ferriss’ Random Episode 8 – 2010 Resolutions with Kevin Rose.

Read the blog or watch the video (skip to 26:45 for the Terra Plana feature)

“Vivo Barefoot”

Minimalist footwear

As you might guess, minimalist footwear means just what the name implies: the absolute minimal covering you can get by with short of leaving your feet naked. Typically, the underside of this style of shoe is very thin and flexible, made of some kind of fabricated (and usually puncture-resistant) rubber just a few millimeters thick. There’s no heel, no midfoot cushioning, no arch support, and nothing to give the shoes structure; in fact, most shoes of this variety can be rolled upon themselves like a sleeping bag.

There’s a lot of variation in this category of footwear, however, with some models designed for running, and others for everyday use. Some of the more prominent players are:

Vivo Barefoot: A small subdivision of Terra Plana, which is itself an eco-friendly offshoot of the very successful Clark brand footwear. They emphasize socially responsible manufacturing and have the most extensive product line among minimalist shoemakers. Some of their styles are formal enough to be worn to church or at the office, while others are perfect for casual get-togethers. They don’t have a running-specific model yet, but are developing a line of performance shoes scheduled for release in spring of 2010.

To read more please click on link below:

http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/09/natural-minimal-or-plain-ol-naked.html

VivoBarefoot as seen in NYTimes.

To read the article please click on link below:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/business/30shoe.html?_r=2&pagewanted=2

VivoBarefoot Aqua Red

& Root White as seen in NYTimes

Benefits of Barefoot: Special Offer for Huffington Post Readers

By Hillary Newman

I’ve always been a runner- or at least I was until I ‘ran’ into knee trouble a few years ago. Now, you could call me an elipicalist. While VH1′s I Love the 90s always gears me up for a sweaty workout, there is nothing I crave more than opening my front door and taking off. So when I learned about a new shoe technology developed to help runners, I did a little investigating.
Terra Plana, an ethical shoe company, created Vivobarefoot – a shoe line that is designed to achieve the benefits of walking and running barefoot. Upon hearing about these shoes, I immediately thought about my childhood, a time when I embraced a shoeless lifestyle. However, after a bit more research, I discovered that the benefits of being barefoot might surpass the freedom I has as toddler. Join me on my quest to learn more about Vivobarefoot and Terra Plana as I interview the owner, Galahad Clark.

In a nutshell, what is the argument supporting the Vivobarefoot technology?
Quite simple actually – walking barefoot is good for you.
Vivobarefoot has an ultra thin puncture resistant sole that gives the protection of normal shoes and all the benefits of walking barefoot – including the natural alignment of one’s posture.

How do you describe the person who wears Terra Plana shoes?
They might not know where they are going, but they know the way.

What are some or your favorite eco-friendly materials used to produce Terra Plana shoes?
Mesh from recycled pet bottles
Vegetable tan leather
Quilts from the swami tribe in northern Pakistan
Recycled e-max – ultra lightweight abrasion resistant soling material
Duratex in the Vivobarefoot shoes

Terra Plana has stores all over the world, including New York, Vienna and Ljubjilana to name a few. How has living and breathing in so many diverse places influenced Terra Plana?
Sustainability is a global issue and we learn so much and are inspired by different areas and partners around the world…

In your opinion, how can the retail industry produce more sustainably?
Produce less, but also more consumer education and training of staff to engage with consumers.
It is a very complex issue with many angles and layers (1000 ways to skin the eco-shoe)
Ultimately there should be a labeling system that creates transparency inspired by life cycle analysis. This will either be led by a government body or an industry group.
Companies like Nike and Timberland are leading the way at the moment in the shoe industry, but not many people truly comprehend the efforts they are making yet.

Any words of advice for the novice designer?
Keep things simple.
Create concept and identity.
Try to make a product beautiful from the inside and out.
Sustainable design is really just good design: The products function, are beautiful, efficient, relevant, durable, timeless.
(just like a successful part of the eco system if a product is none of the above then it won’t survive long and will go extinct)

Please click link below to go to huntingtonpost.com:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/hillary-newman-/benefits-of-barefoot-spec_b_264792.html