The Call of Barefoot Freedom
Slide your foot into the Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01 and the ground stops being a surface—it becomes a conversation. City asphalt, moss‑slick trails, sun‑bleached boardwalks: each replies in its own dialect, and these sandals are fluent in all of them. Made‑to‑order through 3‑D scanning, they match every bone, tendon, and stubborn quirk of your foot, turning the world’s oldest footwear blueprint into a fully bespoke experience.
Split‑Toe Heritage, Grounded Future
Tabi‑style sandals have balanced Japanese artisans and rice‑field farmers for centuries. The Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01respects that lineage with a split big toe that lets your forefoot splay naturally and grip like it was born to. Zero‑drop geometry keeps your heel and toes level, restoring posture, balance, and that long‑lost spring in your step.
Precision Fit Revolution
Forget guessing sizes. Your journey starts in a Vivobarefoot concept store where a quick foot scan captures arch height, stepping points, even the subtle tilt that makes your stride unique. The proprietary VivoBiome system then 3‑D prints a BioCir outsole that mirrors every curve. No straps to cinch, no slip to correct—just a sandal that feels like part of you from step one.
Ready for Streets, Trails, and Tarmacs
Minimalist doesn’t mean fragile. The treaded BioCir sole grips dusty alleyways and damp river stones with equal confidence, while the split toe lets you edge along narrow ridgelines or weave through rush‑hour crowds without overthinking each step. Light hike, urban exploration, after‑surf wander—if you can walk it, the Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01 can handle it.
Sustainability Without the Sermon
Mass production breeds waste; bespoke printing kills it. Each pair is built only after you order, slashing unsold inventory to zero. BioCir—developed with materials pioneer Balena—is a flexible thermoplastic elastomer that’s fully recyclable and industrially compostable. In other words, the sandal treads lightly long after you’ve worn it threadbare.
Fast Facts
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01 |
| Material | 3‑D‑printed BioCir |
| Design | Split‑toe, zero‑drop, minimalist |
| Release Size | 590 pairs (first run) |
| Price | ~£140 / ~$175 |
How to Score a Pair
The first wave is strictly boots‑on‑the‑ground: head to Vivobarefoot’s London, Bristol, or Prague stores for a scan and signup. Once you’re in, the brand emails your invite and prints your Tabi Gen 01 to spec. Miss the drop? A virtual queue opens soon for the forthcoming Tabi Gen 02, so keep your passport—and your inbox—ready.
Final Take
The Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01 isn’t a sandal; it’s an argument for feeling everything beneath you—from rain‑slick cobblestones in Prague to red dirt tracks in the outback—without a millimeter of foam muting the story. If you crave gear that pushes back against disposable culture and invites you to inhabit every mile, this is your next stamp in the passport. Lace‑free, waste‑free, and unapologetically alive, it’s the future of feeling—printed just for you.
Pros
- Bespoke 3‑D‑Printed Fit: The VivoBiome scan‑to‑print system molds the Tabi Gen 01 to every contour of your foot, erasing pressure points and slippage from the equation.
- Natural Movement Restored: The zero‑drop, split‑toe architecture frees your big toe for independent leverage, encouraging healthier posture, stronger arches, and better ground feel.
- Sustainability at the Core: Made‑to‑order production eliminates overstock, while BioCir material is fully recyclable and industrially compostable—minimal footprint from cradle to grave.
- Versatile Traction Pattern: Tread geometry grips wet cobblestones, dusty trails, and slick decks, making the sandal credible beyond casual city use.
- Featherweight Freedom: Minimalist construction keeps weight low, reducing fatigue on long ambles and letting you pack the pair without penalty.
- Limited‑Edition Cachet: With only 590 pairs in the inaugural drop, early adopters enjoy genuine exclusivity and a conversation‑starting design.
Cons
- Restricted Access: Initial purchasing requires an in‑store foot scan in London, Bristol, or Prague, shutting out most of the global audience.
- Premium Price Tag: £140 / ~$175 positions the Tabi Gen 01 well above mainstream sandals, even many performance variants.
- Longevity Unproven: BioCir and 3‑D‑printed construction are promising but largely untested for multi‑year durability under heavy use.
- Split‑Toe Polarization: Some wearers dislike the feel between the toes; conventional socks won’t work, and specialty tabi socks add cost.
- Zero‑Drop Adjustment Curve: Users accustomed to cushioned, elevated heels may experience calf or Achilles strain during the transition period.
- Fit Locked In: No straps or laces means swelling feet on hot days—or minor scan inaccuracies—can’t be fine‑tuned on the fly.
Verdict
Vivobarefoot’s Tabi Gen 01 is less a sandal and more a manifesto: custom‑printed to your anatomy, light on the planet, and unapologetically minimalist. If you crave authentic ground connection, value eco‑innovation, and can reach a scanning hub (or wait for Gen 02’s virtual queue), this limited launch delivers a compelling taste of footwear’s future. Just weigh the premium cost, niche styling, and early‑adopter unknowns before committing—because once your foot is etched into BioCir, there’s no turning back.
$175
If the bespoke-but-hard‑to‑reach Vivobarefoot Tabi Gen 01 feels like a distant mirage, the Peluva Strand Sport Mesh steps in with equal barefoot swagger and far easier access: its five articulated toe slots free every digit to grip cobblestones or gym mats, while a zero‑drop platform aligns your posture and lets foot muscles strengthen with every stride. Feather‑light at 7.2 oz yet armored with strategically placed rubber treads and a touch of EVA cushioning, it blends ground‑feel and protection so you can sprint through slick city streets or scramble dusty trails without flinching. Add a sleek, athleisure‑ready silhouette and a friendlier $139.99 price tag, and you get the same natural‑movement gospel—no in‑store scan, no limited‑edition scarcity, just glove‑like freedom straight out of the box.
