Vivobarefoot shoes and boots come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but most have thin soles, in keeping with the brand’s ethos of keeping you as close to the ground as possible. However, thin soles don’t offer much insulation – so what happens if you want to wear Vivos in the middle of winter?
Introducing the Gobi Hiber, the brand’s newest shoe featuring a thermal insole and Primaloft faux shearling lining that will keep your feet warm in any weather. I’ve been wearing a walking shoe/hiking boot hybrid all December, and they’re probably my favorite cold weather barefoot shoe.
What’s more, the Gobi sole is stitched on the sides rather than glued, so the boots can be returned to the company and re-flashed using Revivo. Is the Vivobarefoot Gobi Hiber the ideal walking shoe for barefoot lovers? Let’s find out.
Price and availability
(Image credit: Matt Kollath/T3)
Gobi Hiber was released in 2024 and is already available for purchase on the website Vivobarefoot UK And VivoBarefoot USA RRP £190/$210 – Australian price and availability TBA. It’s available in a variety of colorways for women (five in total), but only one for men: Obsidian (aka black). Sizes range from UK 6 (US 7) to UK 14 (US 15) for men and UK 2.5 (US 4.5) to UK 9 (US 11) for women. I tried the men’s UK size 10 version.
Specifications
(Image credit: Matt Kollath/T3)
- Best for: City walks, light hikes, walks in cold weather.
- Weight: 447g/15.8lb (Men’s UK 10/US 11)
- Upper: 90% Recycled Polyester, 10% Recycled Spandex.
- Sole: n/a
- Waterproofing: The upper is made of water-resistant material.
- Sole: Gobi outsole with side stitching (22% natural rubber, 58% synthetic rubber, 20% additives).
- Insole: Thermal insole (removable).
Design and materials
(Image credit: Matt Kollath/T3)
The Gobi Hiber is Vivobarefoot’s winter take on the beloved Gobi boot. To make them more suitable for cold weather conditions, the brand has improved the design by adding a soft, water-resistant upper and innovative thermal insoles. Elastic laces have also been added to make the boots easier to put on and take off.
While the Gobi outsole remains unchanged – with a 2.4mm base thickness and 1.3mm tread depth – it is as minimal as ever, making the boots incredibly easy to disassemble and restore using Revivo’s proprietary all-round service. The addition of a removable thermal insole adds a sense of depth while still keeping your barefoot feet close to the ground.
According to Vivobarefoot, the thermal insole includes temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores and releases heat as needed. In keeping with the brand’s ethos, this thermal layer adapts to your feet’s natural temperature changes, keeping them cozy or cool depending on the conditions.
Further enhancing comfort, the Gobi Hiber features a faux fur lining that provides extra padding and warmth. The water-resistant (but not completely waterproof) upper effectively repels light moisture and is surprisingly easy to clean. Retaining Vivobarefoot’s signature flex, the boots are highly flexible, allowing for greater activation of the small muscles in the feet and lower legs.
Regarding Vivobarefoot Revivo program (link to seller), this is worth highlighting. This underrated initiative allows you to purchase professionally refurbished shoes for a fraction of the cost while being eco-friendly. Vivobarefoot designs its shoes to be easily disassembled and rebuilt, so even refurbished pairs appear practically new.
Performance and comfort
(Image credit: Matt Kollath/T3)
Gobi Hiber immediately reminded me how thin the company’s soles can be, especially compared to Vivoboned Pilgrim The boots are probably the thinnest soled shoes I’ve ever tried. However, the Gobi Hiber strikes the perfect balance for urban winter walks, providing warmth without sacrificing the coveted barefoot feel.
These boots are incredibly comfortable. As a fan of barefoot shoes, I often put them on the shelf when the temperature drops, but the Gobi Hiber changed that. They’re warm yet breathable, and the outsole flexes beautifully for that signature Vivobarefoot flexibility.
Elastic laces, while practical, take some getting used to. They’re great for getting in and out quickly, but their springiness makes them tricky at first. During my first wear, one of them escaped my grip and struck me; An unexpected lesson in proper handling of laces! Despite this small feature, these laces are a welcome upgrade for comfort.
Although the boots are not waterproof, they are sufficiently water-repellent for everyday use. The lack of full waterproofing can even be a good thing, as it contributes to the boot’s impressive ventilation. Even with their thermal performance, I never felt overheated or suffocated while using them.
The upper is also very easy to clean – a nice surprise for a winter shoe. While I wouldn’t recommend these boots for heavy rain, they do great in all but deluge.
It’s no surprise that the Gobi Hiber is as flexible as you’d expect from Vivobarefoot. If you’re new to barefoot shoes, the slightly thicker thermal outsole makes these boots a great gateway, providing more insulation while still encouraging natural movement.
Verdict
(Image credit: Matt Kollath/T3)
After years of lusting after Vivobarefoot winter shoes, the Gobi Hiber seems like the perfect answer. This insulated walking/hiking shoe hybrid is suitable for just about anyone, from seasoned barefooters to beginners.
However, it’s important to note a couple of caveats: the boots are not completely waterproof and come with a higher price tag than standard insulated boots. However, the investment pays off. Gobi Hiber is built to last and ensures your winter footwear needs are met for many seasons to come.
And when the inevitable sole wear occurs, you can send the boots back to Vivobarefoot to be refinished, adding even more life to your favorite winter companions. It’s a win-win situation – great for you and even better for the planet.
Also consider
Vivobarefoot Decon FG 2 tracker: Designed for tougher outdoor adventures, the Tracker Decon FG 2 features a fully waterproof upper and grippy off-road outsole, while the Gobi Hiber is better suited for city walks and light treks. While the Tracker Decon FG 2 sacrifices flexibility for durability, the Gobi Hiber prioritizes comfort and versatility for everyday winter wear.
Alpine boots Xero Shoes: Xero’s Alpine Boot matches the Gobi Hiber’s waterproof rating but surpasses it with full waterproofing and extra insulation for harsher climates. However, they are a bit bulky, making the Gobi Hiber a better choice for those who prefer lightweight shoes.
Winter sandals Be Lenka: These boots share Gobi Hiber’s emphasis on cold-weather comfort with insulation and a water-resistant upper. However, the Gobi Hiber comes out ahead thanks to its flexibility and thinner outsole for a closer-to-the-ground feel.