Info

FAQ

We’ve aimed to answer most questions but if we haven’t do get in touch.

Below are some of the questions we are most frequently asked. If you can't find the information you are looking for feel free to e-mail us at VIVOBAREFOOT Customer Service or phone us on +44 (0) 1458 449069.

General Questions

Online

Coupons & Competitions

Payment

Miscellaneous


General Questions

Why, (if you really believe the healthiest way to be is barefoot) do you make shoes at all?

After a barefoot run in New York, Damian, Ben and Galahad got kicked out of a café for not wearing shoes! It’s cold if you don’t live on the equator and modern cities are full of unnatural obstacles, let alone festering muck that you wouldn’t want squelching between your toes. We are the missing link between barefoot health benefits and the protection afforded by normal shoes. In addition, they look good.

Back to top


What do you say to people who might call this a fad?

If it is a fad, it is one that has been around for millions of years. In our opinion it is cushioned heels, arch supports and more recently toning shoes that are the real fads. VIVOBAREFOOT is not about gimmicks. It is about allowing your body to move as evolution intended -- barefoot.

Back to top


What do you think is the future?

There will be increasing demand for minimalist shoes as more and more research is published to support the health benefits of being barefoot and more people have first-hand experiences. In addition, with the recent backlash against toning shoes, consumers are looking for a more common sense approach to being healthy. Good, honest science to support barefoot health is increasing and will continue to grow the category.

Back to top


How is VIVOBAREFOOT different from other shoes?

In 2004,we became pioneers of the barefoot movement by launching VIVOBAREFOOT, the first minimalist shoe with a patented, ultra thin puncture resistant sole that offers maximum sensory feedback and maximum protection.

70% of your brain’s information for movement comes from the nerves on the soles of your feet. The more you can feel the ground, the greater your body’s understanding of its surroundings and natural movement.

The VIVOBAREFOOT difference is in the sole. We make a series of constructions specifically designed for varying elements, terrains, and activities. From high performance off-road and trail running shoes, to work and kids shoes, VIVOBAREFOOT offers a total lifestyle solution for the whole family with options for transitioning from walking to sports.

Back to top


What makes a good barefoot shoe??

There are many products on the market that claim to be barefoot -- in reality they are anything but. It is important to understand what makes a true barefoot shoe -- heel height, lift, weight, and flexibility. The real difference is the thickness of the sole. Any shoe with a thick sole and pitch cannot claim to be a barefoot shoe as it masks sensory perception.

Back to top


How is VIVOBAREFOOT eco?

VIVOBAREFOOT footwear is produced sustainably using recycled, locally sourced materials, with efficient and eco-friendly production techniques in independently monitored ethical factories. We use minimum components where possible and favour stitching and vulcanized production methods over glue. We aim to make our shoes extremely durable so they spend more time on the feet.

Back to top


How can you make eco-friendly shoes in China?

We are interested in making lightweight anatomically correct shoes from the minimum number of components and China is the best place to do that. All the component makers and advanced material suppliers are based in China and considering that most shoes contain 30 different components we minimize our production miles that way. We work directly with all our factories and they are independently audited to the highest international labour and environmental standards..

Back to top


What is VIVOBAREFOOT’s connection to the social enterprise Soul of Africa?

VIVOBAREFOOT’s chairman, Lance Clark, set up Soul of Africa and VIVOBAREFOOT have helped its development over the last two years. Soul of Africa has raised over $2m for the Soul of Africa trust to date and provided hundreds of jobs in a destitute area of South Africa. This year we are launching a Soul of Africa using Vivobarefoot technology product and excited about the future of this important project.

Back to top


What plans do you have in the pipeline?

We want to lead the barefoot revolution – so watch out for many new and exciting barefoot products

Back to top


Online

If your problem or query cannot be answered from our online help section then please feel free to contact us: +44 (0) 1458 449069 or customerservices@vivobarefoot.com
Do I have to create an account?

You are not required to create an account if you wish to place an order with us. However, account holders are able to benefit from the following great features:

  1. Faster shopping – quickly proceed through the check out as we will have all the details relating to the delivery of your order (with the exception of your card details which you will have to enter each time you order)
  2. Track your order status – log-in to your account to check if your goods have been despatched
  3. View your order history – check what item/size you previously purchased via your vivobarefoot.com account.
  4. Sign-up to email updates – be the first to hear about special offers and new products with our email updates.
Creating an account

You can create an account at any time, you don’t have to be placing an order. Simply select the “My Account” at the top of the screen and follow the process, completing the information as requested. You will need to supply the following information; Your name, address, email address and contact telephone number, you will also need to enter a password of your choice. There is also some additional optional information.

I can't remember my password to login to my account, what should I do?

If you cannot remember the password you chose for your vivobarefoot.com account click here and submit the form and a new password will be sent to the email address provided when you set up your account. Once you have logged in with the password we have provided you can re-set your password to a password of your choice.

How do I change my account details?

You can update the personal details on your vivobarefoot.com account, such as address, email address and contact telephone number by logging-in to your account and heading to the Account Dashboard.

I haven't received my order, what should I do?

All goods sent within the UK are sent via Parcelforce and are trackable. Your tracking number is contained within the email we send you when we confirm your order has been despatched. You can track your order at www.parcelforce.com. If you have difficulties tracking the order please call us on +44 (0) 1458 449069 and we will be happy to help.

Can I have a different delivery address to my billing address?

Yes, there is an option in the checkout to add a different delivery address.


Payment Option

If you order via our online you shop you can to pay by debit or credit card. We take the following types of card;

  1.  
    • MasterCard
    • Visa
    • Maestro
    • Visa Electron
    • Solo
    • Delta
    • Visa Debit

You can also use the card types listed above when ordering by phone.

Your card will be charged in the currency you have selected (you can change the currency of the site using the currency selector on the top right hand side of the screen).

Who is Foot Shop Ltd?

Foot Shop work on behalf of VIVOBAREFOOT, processing your orders and queries and despatching any goods ordered.

Back to top


Coupons & Competitions

Do I need a vivobarefoot.com account to use a discount code/coupon?

Yes, you will need to register for a vivobarefoot.com account in order to claim a coupon promotion. You may well receive a promotional coupon if you subscribe to our VIVOBAREFOOT newsletter.

How do I redeem a promotional code/coupon?

In order to redeem your promotional code enter it at the ‘shopping bag’ stage of the checkout. There is a box on the left-hand side of the page where you should enter your code.

What products can I redeem a code/coupon on?

Coupons can be redeemed on any of the products that are listed on vivobarefoot.com website, unless otherwise stated.

Can the coupon being used be redeemed against more than one product on the same order?

Coupons can be redeemed on any of the products that are listed on vivobarefoot.com website, unless otherwise stated.

What are the expiry dates on the coupons?

Expiry dates are used because many of our promotions are seasonal, such as Christmas or Easter. The expiry date will be listed on the coupon email if an expiry date is applicable.

What can I do if I've forgotten to apply a coupon to an order I have already placed? Depending on the type of coupon you have been sent we may be able to apply the promotion/discount after you placed the order. We suggest that you contact our Customer Support team who will be able to discuss this with you further. Call them on +44 (0) 1458 449069 (between 8.30am and 5.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am and 1pm on Saturdays).

Back to top


Payment

What type of Payment should be made?

Payment for goods is to be made by credit/debit card.

Please note should your credit or debit card have insufficient credit, we reserve the right to invoice you for the costs incurred in making requests for payment.

Ownership

Goods remain the property of VIVOBAREFOOT until payment has been received in full.

Back to top


Miscellaneous

How do I clean/care for products?

We recommend using standard cleaning products such as Nubuck cleaners/protectors.

Can I return old shoes to you for recycling?

You can return any pair of old shoes to one of our stores where you would be given a 10% discount off your next purchase. Unfortunately we don’t currently offer this service through the website.

Back to top

Research

barefoot-researchFind out more