Iffley Road X Vivobarefoot Elite Team Kit
Introducing the Vivobarefoot elite kit, our exclusive collaboration with British running brand, Iffley Road. Featuring the Cambrian Tee Shirt and Lancaster Vest, our design focus has developed with simplicity and freedom in mind. Using premium quality materials and an unpretentious, loose fitting design, our running kit allows you to move without restriction, however far you run.
Made by runners, for runners.
Iffley Road clothing was founded by a British husband and wife team, who met through a shared a passion for running. Together, they have created a small but carefully refined collection of elegant, high quality performance-wear that works equally well in the park as in the pub.
“We wanted to create something completely different. Running gear that looked sharp and felt wonderful to wear, but didn’t compromise on technical performance. Scratchy, sweaty and shiny were out; soft, subtle and stylish were in.” Iffley Road founders, Claire Kent and Bill Byrne
The name Iffley Road originates from the Oxfordshire track where, in 1954, the four-minute mile barrier was broken. The Iffley Road founders are inspired by the inclusive, community spirit of athletics in the 1950s, and love the understated aesthetics of runwear at that time, reflected in every garment they make. Under-engineered apparel with a matte finish, subtle colours and minimal logos on display; made for the joy of running, designed to stand the test of time.
Why Iffley Road?
When we met the team at Iffley Road and started testing their products, it became clear that this was our kind of brand. Not only do they fit in with our production and design values – the use of high quality, performance tested, sustainably sourced materials, but they design clothing that’s built to work in tune with your body. Vivobarefoot shoes let you move with natural freedom. We wanted our kit to do the same.
Vivobarefoot Creative Director, Asher Clark, talks the ethos at the heart of the concept...
“This is a collaboration between two British born companies aligned in mutual respect for movement and design simplicity. Iffley Road remain connected to an era before marketers conjured up to idea that you need fancy underfoot technologies and spandex running lycra in order to run or compete. Inspired by Bannister’s 1954 achievement of the impossible, the miracle mile, their values sing true to why we’re all here – we were born to run. We took their kit off road and tweaked the design to achieve our now team endorsed VIVO red tops that won’t get in the way of you achieving your full natural potential, providing uncompromised quality and refined aesthetic – no frills necessary.”
How does it fare in the wild?
The running vest and t-shirt are made from high-performance fabrics, woven in a distinctive piqué finish. The whole kit is made to give you unrestricted movement, without feeling baggy. Soft to the touch yet moisture wicking, its designed to hold up against sun, rain and sweat, no matter how far or how frequently you run.
It was essential that our running kit could hold up against an elite level training schedule. We called upon the Vivobarefoot elite team, and the clean new apparel was quickly thrown into the thick of things, on the unforgiving terrain of rural Sweden. After months of off road trails, boggy mud sections and relentless movement through rain and shine, our elite off-road testers finally gave us the nod of approval – the new Vivo running kit is built for the long haul.
“The material is comfortable, easy to maintain and the shirts hold their shape and colour very well after lots of washes. It stays cool and breathable and most importantly it doesn't seem to smell, (….even when I do!) “ - Darryl Ball, Vivobarefoot elite team
What’s next for our collab?
Our collaboration with Iffley Road is just beginning. Keep your eyes out for Winter accessories and a very special Iffley Road edition of the Primus Lite, due to land in Autumn this year.
