Skip to content
Menu
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Running
  • Cycling
  • Drones
  • Travel
  • Shop
Quick & Precise Gear Reviews

VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Casual Shoe Review

Posted on October 15, 2012November 12, 2024

Channeling the styling of the legendary Desert Boot (those worn by British forces in the Western Desert Campaign of World War II), the VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi is one of the most versatile barefoot shoe from VIVOBAREFOOT. The ultimate barefoot desert boot or Chukka boot, the Gobi comes in either luxury full grain leather or classic suede.

The uppers are available in a thick full grain leather or thick suede. My test pair comes in a dark brown suede colorway and weighs in at 10.0 ounces for a EU 43 size. The uppers also include a heel-pull for an easier on and off.

Lacing is traditional with round waxed cotton laces. The collar is unlined for a super comfortable next-to-skin feel! There is a removable 3mm EVA insole with Dri-lex performance material layer for moisture-wicking and comfort.

The sole is made of a soft but high abrasion TPU allowing for maximum sensory feedback on hard flat surfaces. The outsole is made of the thinnest VIVOBAREFOOT sole at 3mm – Lifestyle. Ultra-thin and puncture resistant, the outsole offers maximum proprioception with protection. As VIVOBAREFOOT puts it, “Live barefoot all-day, everyday.”

So how did the VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi perform?

Prior to the Gobi, the VIVOBAREFOOT Aqua Lite is one of my go to office casual shoe. Now I have an alternative but it is also becoming the VIVOBAREFOOT shoe of choice when not wearing a suit – the VIVOBAREFOOT Ra in black leather would be more appropriate in that situation.

The same barefoot feel, super wide toe box, and extreme comfort found on all VIVOBAREFOOT performance shoes is present in the Gobi as expected. The Gobi works great with jeans and dress slacks. With the cold weather approaching, this is a warmer alternative than the Aqua Lite.

I can actually get away without wearing socks (sockless is my preferred modus operandi for running) with the Gobi than with the Aqua Lite or Ra.

Something that I noticed on the outsole in the heel area – the inscription ‘TP’, probably representing the old ‘Terra Plana’ brand… So if you are looking for a Chukka boot, the VB Gobi is it! And it comes with my highest recommendation.

Overall, the VB Gobi is a simple but really comfortable shoe. It is because of the super-soft suede built on a proven barefoot platform from VIVOBAREFOOT. Swap the suede uppers out with low cut leather uppers on the Gobi, you’ll end up getting the VB Ra – the lifestyle twin. If you own a pair of Ra, getting a pair of Gobi is a no-brainer.

The VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi is available in 3 colorways for Men only – Black Leather, Light Brown Suede, and Dark Brown Suede.

The VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi is now available at VIVOBAREFOOT and Zappos.

http://www.vivobarefoot.com

*Product provided by VIVOBAREFOOT (MSRP $150). CMP.LY/1 Review

If you have a product you’d like reviewed, contact me at info@weartested.org

1 thought on “VIVOBAREFOOT Gobi Casual Shoe Review”

  1. Pingback: VIVOBAREFOOT Ra Review | Minimalist Running Shoes

Comments are closed.

Access Newsletter Archives

Minimalist Shoe Reviews

by Brand

Recent Posts

  • Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    Jack Be Nimble, Jack Be Quick. Jack Wore The Altra Superior 7.

    May 28, 2025
  • One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    One for Work. One for Travel. Which KÜHL Pant is Right for You?

    May 22, 2025
  • The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    The new Ruko U11MINI 4K Ultra-Portable Pocket Drone

    May 19, 2025
  • The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    The Altra Experience 4mm Drop Shoe Collection: Flow, Wild, and Form

    May 18, 2025
  • REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    REI Anniversary Sale 2025

    May 17, 2025
  • WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    WTGR Gear Giveaway: LEMs Shoes Switchback Sandals

    May 14, 2025
  • Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    Get ready for Summer with Smartwool Everyday Short Sleeve Shirt & 8-inch Shorts

    May 13, 2025
  • The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    The Switchback Innovative Game Changer From LEMs Shoes

    May 10, 2025
  • Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    Comparison of Xero Shoes Sandals & New Spring Colors

    May 7, 2025
  • LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    LEMs Shoes Tariff Buster - 20% OFF Sale

    May 5, 2025

SPONSORED

Never Miss A Post

Join our mailing list:

Post Archives

  • May 2025 (10)
  • April 2025 (7)
  • March 2025 (11)
  • February 2025 (1)
  • January 2025 (4)
  • November 2024 (16)
  • October 2024 (10)
  • September 2024 (7)
  • August 2024 (6)
  • July 2024 (4)
  • June 2024 (6)
  • May 2024 (4)
  • April 2024 (5)
  • March 2024 (1)
  • February 2024 (1)
  • January 2024 (1)
  • December 2023 (2)
  • November 2023 (4)
  • October 2023 (5)
  • September 2023 (2)
  • August 2023 (2)
  • June 2023 (4)
  • May 2023 (7)
  • April 2023 (1)
  • March 2023 (4)
  • November 2022 (6)
  • July 2022 (2)
  • June 2022 (1)
  • May 2022 (4)
  • April 2022 (2)
  • May 2021 (1)
  • November 2020 (1)
  • September 2020 (1)
  • August 2019 (1)
  • November 2018 (2)
  • September 2018 (1)
  • August 2018 (2)
  • June 2018 (1)
  • May 2018 (3)
  • February 2018 (6)
  • January 2018 (2)
  • December 2017 (2)
  • November 2017 (5)
  • October 2017 (1)
  • September 2017 (6)
  • August 2017 (3)
  • July 2017 (3)
  • June 2017 (6)
  • May 2017 (12)
  • April 2017 (4)
  • March 2017 (7)
  • February 2017 (7)
  • January 2017 (3)
  • December 2016 (5)
  • November 2016 (6)
  • October 2016 (2)
  • September 2016 (6)
  • August 2016 (6)
  • July 2016 (6)
  • June 2016 (6)
  • May 2016 (6)
  • April 2016 (1)
  • March 2016 (11)
  • February 2016 (2)
  • January 2016 (3)
  • December 2015 (8)
  • November 2015 (6)
  • October 2015 (10)
  • September 2015 (2)
  • August 2015 (1)
  • July 2015 (8)
  • June 2015 (8)
  • May 2015 (6)
  • April 2015 (10)
  • March 2015 (12)
  • February 2015 (8)
  • January 2015 (12)
  • December 2014 (12)
  • November 2014 (19)
  • October 2014 (10)
  • September 2014 (6)
  • August 2014 (4)
  • July 2014 (8)
  • June 2014 (6)
  • May 2014 (5)
  • April 2014 (7)
  • March 2014 (5)
  • February 2014 (4)
  • January 2014 (9)
  • December 2013 (12)
  • November 2013 (9)
  • October 2013 (13)
  • September 2013 (7)
  • August 2013 (6)
  • July 2013 (8)
  • June 2013 (7)
  • May 2013 (13)
  • April 2013 (6)
  • March 2013 (14)
  • February 2013 (14)
  • January 2013 (13)
  • December 2012 (12)
  • November 2012 (15)
  • October 2012 (14)
  • September 2012 (5)
  • August 2012 (10)
  • July 2012 (13)
  • June 2012 (7)
  • May 2012 (10)
  • April 2012 (5)
  • March 2012 (20)
  • February 2012 (11)
  • January 2012 (8)
  • December 2011 (7)
  • November 2011 (8)
  • October 2011 (6)
  • September 2011 (7)
  • August 2011 (10)
  • July 2011 (8)
  • June 2011 (6)
  • May 2011 (7)
  • April 2011 (10)
  • March 2011 (15)
  • February 2011 (10)
  • January 2011 (4)
  • December 2010 (8)
  • November 2010 (10)
  • October 2010 (1)
  • August 2010 (1)
  • June 2010 (2)
  • May 2010 (7)

Compliance

Review
WTGR received one or more of the products or services mentioned in our reviews for free in exchange for a full test review article in our blog. Some of the links in the review posts are "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, WTGR will receive an affiliate commission.
Regardless, WTGR will only recommend products or services that will be good for our readers. WTGR is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
  • Minimalist Running Shoes
  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
  • Where To Buy
©2025 Quick & Precise Gear Reviews | Powered by SuperbThemes | Hosting by Host Gator Cloud