Vivobarefoot shoes and boots come in many shapes and sizes, but most of them have thin soles, in line with the brand’s ethos of making sure you stay as close to the ground as possible. However, thin soles aren’t good for insulation – so what happens when you want to wear your Vivos in the middle of winter?
Enter the Gobi Hiber, the brand's latest footwear, featuring the Thermal Insole and faux shearling Primaloft lining to keep your feet toasty no matter the weather. I’ve been using the walking shoe/ hiking boot hybrid throughout December, and it’s probably my favourite barefoot-style shoe for cold weather.
Better still, the Gobi Outsole is side-stitched, not glued, so the boots can be returned to the company and re-soled via its Revivo programme. Is the Vivobarefoot Gobi Hiber the perfect walking shoe for fans of barefoot-style footwear? Let’s find out.
Vivobarefoot Gobi Hiber review
Price and availability
The Gobi Hiber was launched in 2024 and is available to buy now at Vivobarefoot UK and Vivobarefoot US for a recommended price of £190/ $210 – AU price and availability TBC. It comes in a variety of colourways for women (five in total) but only one for men: Obsidian (a.k.a. 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 UK size 10 men’s version.
Specifications
- Best for: City walks, light hikes, cold weather strolls
- Weight: 447g/ 15.8lbs (men’s UK 10/US 11)
- Upper: 90% Recycled Polyester, 10% Recycled Spandex
- Midsole: n/a
- Waterproofing: Upper made from water-resistant material
- Outsole: Side-stitched Gobi outsole (22% Natural Rubber, 58% Synthetic Rubber, 20% Additives)
- Insole: Thermal Insole (removable)
Design and materials
The Gobi Hiber is a winterised reinterpretation of Vivobarefoot’s much-loved Gobi lifestyle boots. To make them better suited for cold-weather conditions, the brand has enhanced the design with padded, water-resistant uppers and their innovative Thermal Insoles. Stretchy laces have also been added, simplifying the process of slipping the boots on and off.
While the Gobi outsole remains unchanged – featuring a 2.4mm sole base and a 1.3mm tread depth – it’s as minimal as ever, making the boots incredibly easy to break down and rebuild using the brand’s circular Revivo service. The addition of the removable Thermal Insole introduces a touch more depth, but it still allows for that close-to-the-ground barefoot feel.
According to Vivobarefoot, the Thermal Insole incorporates temperature-regulating technology that absorbs, stores, and releases heat as needed. True to the brand’s ethos, this thermal layer adapts to the natural temperature changes of your feet, keeping them cosy or cool depending on the conditions.
Further enhancing comfort, the Gobi Hiber includes a faux-fur lining that adds extra padding and warmth. The water-resistant (but not fully waterproof) upper effectively repels light moisture and is surprisingly easy to clean. Staying true to Vivobarefoot’s signature flexibility, the boots are ultra-bendable, encouraging better activation of the smaller muscles in your feet and lower legs.
As for Vivobarefoot’s Revivo program (retailer link), it’s worth highlighting. This underrated initiative lets you purchase expertly refurbished footwear at a fraction of the cost while championing sustainability. Vivobarefoot designs its shoes for easy disassembly and reconstruction, so even refurbished pairs feel practically new.
Performance and comfort
The Gobi Hiber immediately reminded me how thin the company’s soles can be, especially compared to the Vivobarefoot Pilgrim boots – arguably the thinnest-soled footwear I’ve ever tested. That said, the Gobi Hiber strikes an ideal balance for urban winter walks, offering warmth without compromising that sought-after barefoot feel.
These boots are supremely comfortable. As a fan of barefoot shoes, I often find myself shelving them when temperatures drop, but the Gobi Hiber has changed that. They’re warm yet breathable, and the sole bends beautifully, delivering the trademark Vivobarefoot flexibility.
The stretchy laces, while practical, took some getting used to. They’re excellent for quick entry and exit, but their springiness makes them tricky at first. During my initial wear, one snapped out of my grip and lashed me; an unexpected lesson in proper lace-handling! Despite this minor quirk, these laces are a welcome upgrade for convenience.
Though not waterproof, the boots offer sufficient water repellency for everyday use. The absence of full waterproofing might even be a blessing, as it contributes to the boots’ impressive ventilation. Even with their thermal features, I never felt overheated or stifled during use.
The uppers also clean remarkably easily – a pleasant surprise for winter footwear. While I wouldn’t recommend these boots for torrential downpours, they perform admirably in everything short of a deluge.
Unsurprisingly, the Gobi Hiber is as flexible as you’d expect from Vivobarefoot. If you’re new to barefoot-style footwear, the slightly thicker thermal sole makes these boots an excellent gateway, offering more insulation while still encouraging natural movement.
Verdict
After years of longing for winter-friendly Vivobarefoot shoes, the Gobi Hiber feels like the perfect answer. This insulated hybrid of walking/hiking shoes ticks nearly every box for both seasoned barefoot enthusiasts and newcomers.
That said, it’s important to acknowledge a couple of caveats: the boots are not fully waterproof and come with a higher price tag compared to standard insulated footwear. However, the investment pays off. The Gobi Hiber is built to last, ensuring your winter footwear needs are covered for many seasons to come.
And when the inevitable wear and tear on the sole occurs, you can send the boots back to Vivobarefoot for resoling, adding even more life to your favourite winter companions. It’s a win-win situation – great for you and even better for the planet.
Also consider
Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG 2: Designed for more rugged outdoor adventures, the Tracker Decon FG 2 features a fully waterproof upper and grippy sole for off-road conditions, whereas the Gobi Hiber is better suited for city walks and light hikes. While the Tracker Decon FG 2 sacrifices a bit of flexibility for durability, the Gobi Hiber prioritises comfort and versatility for everyday winter wear.
Xero Shoes Alpine Boot: Xero’s Alpine Boot matches the Gobi Hiber's water resistance but takes it further with full waterproofing and added insulation for harsher climates. However, it’s slightly bulkier, making the Gobi Hiber a better choice for those prioritising lightweight footwear.
Be Lenka Winter Barefoot Boot: These boots share the Gobi Hiber's focus on cold-weather comfort, featuring insulation and a water-resistant upper. However, the Gobi Hiber edges ahead with its flexibility and thinner sole for a closer-to-the-ground feel.
