Vivobarefoot Primus Asana III Review: A Stylish Barefoot Sneaker With Some Question Marks
Vivobarefoots sneaker is perfect casual wear, errands, and the occasional smart-casual upgrade. Just don’t take them to the gym.
First Impressions: Off to a Great Start.
At first, I thought I’d found a winner. The Vivobarefoot Primus Asana IIIs looked sharp, felt great, and slotted right into my daily routine. But could it hold up over time?
Read on to find out.
Will this become a great barefoot sneaker?
The Primus Asana shoe is designed to promote healthy foot development and strengthen the feet and ankles, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight, breathable shoe.
With its moisture-wicking cork insole and puncture-resistant finish, the Primus Asana III offers a great balance of grip, flexibility, and protection, making it suitable for various activities, including running, walking, and working out.
Best For: Daily errands, casual wear, light walking
Not For: Sports, gym workouts, intense movement
Comfort Level: Snug but not cushioned
Durability: Lower than expected for the price
How I Actually Used Them
I first picked up the Primus Asana over a year ago and liked them enough to grab a second pair six months later.
It’s a surprisingly versatile shoe. I’ve used them mostly for walking the dog, running errands, as an everyday sneaker, and occasionally when I need something a little smarter without going full dress shoe.
The shoe is not made for intense physical activities. We will go into why these shoes are better suited for less intense activities later on in the review
A very versatile shoe!
Style: Great at First, But Wore Out Too Quickly
Initially, I thought these shoes look great and in my view these are some of Vivobarefoot’s best-looking sneakers.
That quickly turned.
The white pair is quite worn now and has discoloured quickly. Mine turned yellowish, which is disappointing considering how much they cost. Additionally, the wear on the upper is a lot worse than other barefoot shoes I've owned. A lot of fraying on the upper material
Fit & Sizing: Vivo Confusion
So I have two sizes of the Primus Asana.
46 EU (Brown): Feel quite narrow and can feel it squeeze my foot.
47 EU (White): Spot on. Fits like a glove.
I did purchase these without trying on before but my frustration is that size 46 EU on Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit ! I thought buying the 46 EU would fit great.
Not sure what Vivobarefoot are doing here, but I did compare both shoes (and both sizes) and the Asana does seem a little more narrow than the Primus Lite knit. Both shoes have the same Primus insole in my mind should have the same fit but doesn’t seem to be the case. So quite annoying!
The Asana is narrower, so size up if you're unsure. Not the most scientific, but you'll see the difference between the sizes below.
Left - Asana on top and Primus Lite behind.
Right - Primus Knit on top and Asana Behind. Notice you cannot see the Asana!
Left - Primus Asana. Right Primus Knit - both in EU 46. Primus knit is a bit wider
Upper: Breathable and Snug (in a Good Way)
This is where the Primus Asana shines. They’re not plush, but for some reason they are incredibly comfortable. At least for for my size EU 47 (when the shoe fits).
The minimalist design definitely gives the shoe a barefoot feel. The footbed, crafted from organic materials like cotton and cork, enhances comfort and functionality by absorbing moisture and resisting odor. The thin sole provides excellent ground feel and flexibility.
The upper material seems to lightly cups your’e foot and feels like a glove. Nothing to complain about here.
It has to be one of the most comfortable barefoot shoes to slip your feet into that I've ever tried.
The knit upper is breathable and soft. In my mind the upper isn’t suitable for active wear but their website says so. Definitely for casual wear for me. The upper, especially on the 47s, is fraying slightly. For something that lasts longer, the Barebaric’s Zing outperforms it by a mile - check out my full review here
Good looking upper but disappointed on durability
Outsole: Good Grip, Thin Rubber
As part of the Vivobarefoot Primus line, the Primus Asana III features a thin, flexible sole that provides a natural feel and allows for a full range of motion. The shoe’s outsole is designed to provide traction and stability on various surfaces, including rain-soaked roads and trails, ensuring a secure fit and feel.
From my experience, the outsole on the Primus Asana has decent grip. I’ve worn it in dry and slightly wet conditions and never felt unstable.
Durability is quite decent on the sole and what you would expect for this price. No major signs of wear. Expected considering it has not been used for sports.
Very good outsole as expected
Performance: Not Built for Intensity
Tried playing padel in them. Big mistake.
They harsh material on the collar rubbed at the ankle. So I’d skip these for HIIT, or anything dynamic and only use for low intensity gym sessions. Additionally, rougher heel collar and construction makes it not suitable for people who prefer to wear shoes without socks.
Value: Is it worth the price?
I got mine for 955 HKD (approx 123 USD) on sale, but they retail for around 1,480 HKD (approx 190 USD).
That’s a tough pill to swallow when the durability just isn’t there. If they were under 120 USD, I’d say go for it.
At full price? It’s a harder sell—especially with other options on the market.
If you are looking for a casual shoe I would recommend the Vivobarefoot Gobi sneaker (review coming soon) or Barebarics Zing. If you want more of a gym/active shoe then I would recommend the Lono Flow or Vivobarefoot Primus Lite.
Bottom Line: Would I buy again?
The Vivobarefoot Primus Asana III stands out as a top choice for those seeking barefoot everyday footwear that promotes natural movement and wide toe box. Its breathable, flexible, and lightweight design makes it ideal for a variety of daily activities, from running errands to casual walks.
The use of natural materials ensures a comfortable and sustainable fit, aligning with the growing demand for eco-friendly products.
Based on my experience, I can recommend the Primus Asana III for anyone looking to experience the benefits of natural movement and a good balance between a casual shoe and walking shoe.
For looks and casual wear? Maybe if you can grab them on sale on sale. I would also consider Barebarics Zing if you don’t live in Asia (it as awful delivery fees)
For performance or longevity? Nope.
If you are looking for another optionL
Lono Flow may be an option. Much more affordable shoe for performance and sometimes casual wear.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Asana is a great-looking barefoot sneaker that fits like a dream—if you size up. But the wear and tear (especially at this price point) might have you looking elsewhere.
