This pair was a rare find off Ebay, and one of my very first official barefoot shoes.
First and foremost, Happy New Years!
Introducing you to the Breatho Trail by vivobarefoot. This was my second pair of vivobarefoott shoes – the first being the Stealth 2, in black/red. However, due to a defect issue (insoles constantly slipping out after a few months of wear), I decided to take them back for a refund. (Vivo are excellent in that sense).
Prior to exchanging the Stealth II’s, I fell in love with Vivo that much that I decided to invest in another pair. After browsing on Ebay one day, I found a pair of Breatho trails for $40 AUD delivered to my doorstep. They were in remarkable condition, and I believe the small risk paid off.
About the Brand:
Vivobarefoot Limited manufactures and sells shoes for men, women, and kids. The company offers casual wear, court sports, golf, gym, hiking, indoor sports, lifestyle, road running, trail running, walking, winterproof, and work shoes for men, as well as water sports shoes for women; and play, school, and water sports for kids. Its shoes are available online and through stores in the United Kingdom and internationally. Vivobarefoot Limited was formerly known as Terra Plana international Ltd. and changed its name to Vivobarefoot Limited in December 2015. The company was founded in 1997 and is based in London, United Kingdom.
Galahad Clark, a 7th generation descendant of the Clark Shoes company founded Vivobarefoot with his cousin Asher Clark in 2012. Their mission is to change the footwear industry based on one simple insight—shoes should let your feet do their natural thing. Every shoe features a patented, ultra-thin, puncture-resistant sole that protects the foot and allows maximum sensory feedback.
Initial Impressions:
The aesthetics of the Breatho trail were quite appealing to me. I dress in quite an outdoorsy style, so they go quite well with my wardrobe, unfortunately not so much with my winter wardrobe, particularly jeans.
I’ve had quite a few compliments on them from friends, who were probably more curious if anything. However, I think they’re best designated for casual settings and outdoor activities in the warmer months.
The Breatho are a discontinued shoe and style, so there are no improvements I could even mention. The new trail range from Vivobarefoot, has surpassed the Breatho in all senses.
Technical Specifications:
- Weight: 9.6 oz
- Zero heel to toe drop
- Stack height 10mmAnatomic toe box
- Breathable mesh upper with synthetic overlays
- Puncture-resistant outsole
- VIVOBAREFOOT Off Road Sole: Rubber outsole specifically designed for off road surfaces with directional lugs to maximize surface contact for superior barefoot traction
- 3mm Sole with 5mm lugs: Offering maximum proprioception with protection and ultimate grip
- Removable Insole: 3mm Pressed EVA Insole for additional thermal protection when necessary
- Dri-lex lining: Lightweight, performance lining for moisture wicking and superior comfort
- TPU Toe Guard: Protects the foot and prevents scuffs for additional durability
- Lock-Lacing System: Zigzag webbing eyelets make sure the foot is secure in the shoe
Conclusion:
The Breatho trail is a great shoe for the outdoors, and they’re fairly handsome too. I’ve used them numerous times hiking and for dirtier activities, and they can take some punishment. They aren’t the greatest on wet rock, concrete and tiles but excel on trails, dirt, mud, gravel and train rocks. I’ve used them in urban areas, yet cant say I’m a fan, It wasn’t really a barefoot experience as the lugs were too high off the ground, which reminded me of the feeling you get from soccer shoes.
They come in a variety of colourways, and I’ve had no problems cleaning them when necessary by soaking them overnight. They’re quite wide throughout the midfoot, wider than I expected, which is good, the downfall was the smaller toe box. They’re fairly light for the heavy construction within.
They would’ve been quite revolutionary when first released, and if there weren’t any alternatives they would be my go to trail shoe.
- Alex, Barefootshoereview