Shoe Feature: Terra Plana Vivobarefoot Neo

Here is another shoe for barefoot runners.  Terra Plana expands their with line up of shoes for barefoot runners with the Vivo Barefoot Neo.  The Neo is billed as a “new multi-terrain footwear innovation”, and was designed in conjunction with Lee Saxby, a distinguished barefoot running coach who has the endorsement of none other than a certain Born to Run author – Christopher McDougall.  Check out the specs and photos below.

The Neo is a lot different from the Evo which I also featured last year.  It looks more classic and the design is simple.  It uses a different upper material which is softer to the skin but makes the Neo slightly heavier by 1.5 oz compared to the Evo.   The puncture resistance sole is still there to protect the feet while giving a good barefoot experience.

Here are more details on the features.

Breathable AirMesh. Neo uses a different fabric for the upper of the shoe.  Instead of the TPU microfibre mesh fabric found in the Evo, the Neo uses a more conventional fabric called Airmesh.

  The upper material is made of a breathable Airmesh.

Puncture Resistant Sole.  The Terra Plana Neo retains an identical sole based upon a 3mm thick, highly flexible puncture resistant sole that has minimal cushioning.

The Neo still carries the patented puncture resistant soles

AntiBacterial Lining.  The entire sockliner has a sweat-absorbing antibacterial lining to maintain comfort on long runs.

The shoe lining is anti-bacterial and comforatble for the feet. 

Lacing System.  Uses traditional eyelets instead of the fabric loops used on the Evo, which makes lacing the Neo smoother with an improved distribution of tension across the top of the midfoot.  I personally like the neat and clean execution of this design. 

The stitched eyelets reminds me of elementary days.  Luv it.

I wore this once for a 5K run this week.  I would run a little bit more and give a shoe review on the Neo by next month.

The Terra Plana Vivo Barefoot Neo is now available in the Philippines at Terra Plana Stores in SM Mall of Asia, Ayala Center – Cebu, Alabang Town Center, and Trinoma.