Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit Review: A Versatile Barefoot Trainer That Surprised Me
I wasn’t planning to get another barefoot shoe. But when I saw the Primus Lite Knit on sale, I thought, “Why not?” A few sessions later, I realised this wasn’t just a backup pair—it was one of my most worn.
After wearing it for everything from dog walks to deadlifts, I think it might be one of the most versatile barefoot shoes Vivobarefoot makes.
My favourite barefoot shoe? Maybe?!
TL;DR: Is the Primus Lite Knit Worth It?
If you’re after a breathable, grippy, gym-ready barefoot shoe that can double for errands or light treadmill runs, the Primus Lite Knit nails it. Lightweight, wide, and surprisingly durable. I now own three pairs… that should say enough.
First Impressions
Right out of the box, the recycled polyester knit upper stood out. It looks minimal and clean, and when I slipped them on, they felt like comfy, protected socks—snug in a good way. The bootie-style design hugs your foot without pressure points.
Underfoot, Vivobarefoot’s 4mm Active Sole delivers excellent ground feel and moves naturally with your foot. There’s a removable insole too, which I’ve used for lifting sessions to get even closer to the ground.
This JJF or white colourway? Like them both
Key Features
Knit Upper: Made from recycled polyester. Breathable, stretchy, and more forgiving than the standard Primus Lite upper
4mm Active Sole: Flexible in all directions, with excellent ground feel. Grippy on gym floors and even wet pavement, but not trail-ready.
Wide Toe Box: Especially roomy around the big toe. Just note that it still tapers a bit near the pinky.
Removable Insole: Adds around 3mm of stack height. Nice to have, but I prefer removing it for lifting.
Slip-On Feel: The stretchy tongue and knit collar make them super easy to get on and off.
Who Should Use the Primus Lite?
I’ve worn these for just about everything: walking the dog, running errands, lifting, HIIT circuits, and light treadmill jogs. They’ve got a more premium look than most gym shoes, and the slip-in tongue design makes them super convenient to slide on and off.
Gym Performance: For strength training—especially squats, deadlifts, and lunges—the wide toe box and minimal sole give you a stable base.
Walking & Everyday Wear: This is where the shoe shines. The upper is breathable and soft, and the fit is generous enough to let your toes relax.
Running: Short runs are fine, but I wouldn’t recommend them for long distances. The upper lacks lockdown for serious running
One versatile shoe!
Fit & Sizing: Finally, Some Room to Breathe
One of the standout things? It fits wider than the Primus Asana, which I really appreciate. No toe squeeze, no weird hotspots.
It does run slightly large, but not in a way that feels sloppy. I can usually slip them on without needing to retie the laces, which makes heading out the door super easy.
The upper feels soft and flexible straight out of the box, with no harsh materials or pressure points. I didn’t need any break-in time—just laced up and went.
Read more: My review of the Vivobarefoot Primus Asana
A great upper there
Upper Materials: Light, Stretchy, and Surprisingly Tough
The upper is a polyester knit, and it’s one of the comfiest barefoot uppers I’ve worn for gym and athletic training. Super breathable—even in the Hong Kong summer. It’s light, flexible, and moves naturally with my foot during workouts. I’ve also found it surprisingly resistant to dirt.
In one of my refurbed pairs, the knit started separating slightly after a few weeks of HIIT. It’s minor, but worth noting if you’re planning to use these for intense training.
Minor wear on my older pairs of these
Ground Feel & Outsole Grip
Vivobarefoot says this has a 2mm outsole, and you can feel it—in a good way.
The ground feedback is excellent, especially during lifts where I want to feel stable and in control. Grip hasn’t been an issue either; it performs well on indoor gym floors and even pavement.
As expected, it’s a zero-drop shoe, and I always feel connected to the floor when doing squats, deadlifts, or lunges—exactly the grounded feeling I’m after in the gym.
Left - pair about 18 Months old. Right - fresh out of the box
Style: Minimalist Done Right
I really like the white and burgundy version—I think they look great for barefoot shoes. Vivo's JJF special colorway is quite nice too. They all look clean and modern.
It’s not a fashion sneaker—but it’s definitely not a five fingers either.
Looking glorious outside
Price & Alternatives
I paid HKD 690 on sale (~USD 90), which I’d say is great value. At full price (AUD 175), it’s pushing it a bit, but still fair compared to the competition.
If you’re looking for a more gym-oriented shoe:
Vivobarefoot Motus Strength – Great for gym use, very well made, but feels overbuilt. I wouldn't wear it out for coffee after a workout—it’s just a bit much for everyday. I’m currently testing this shoe, and first impressions are very good—well-made, wide, but heavy.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite – Another option in the Primus line. This one feels more like a dedicated gym shoe with a stiffer upper. I didn’t like it as much because of that.
For a more budget-friendly shoe:
Lono Flow – Light and comfy, almost slipper-like at first—but the upper feels too fragile for regular gym use and picks up dirt easily. Read my full review here.
Xero Prio Neo – Budget-friendly, but early impressions suggest it doesn’t match the Primus Lite in build quality. Still testing it, so sign up (in the footer) to stay along.
If you want a more casual shoe that can handle low-intensity gym sessions:
Primus Asana – Better as a casual shoe, but I’ve used it for light gym work and it holds up fine if you’re not doing anything too intense. Read my full review
Final Verdict: The Barefoot Trainer I Keep Reaching For
This shoe is the Swiss Army knife of the Vivobarefoot lineup. I throw it on for gym sessions, quick walks, and even the odd run, and it never lets me down. Easy to slip on, no lace fuss, and reliable grip.
Would I buy it again? Already did. Twice.
Want more? Read more barefoot shoe reviews for the gym
