Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Review: The Best Barefoot Gym Shoe for Triathletes
Strength and conditioning is the fourth discipline of triathlon — the work that keeps you injury-free and performing at your best. The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength is purpose-built for the gym, offering a stable, grippy platform for lifting, plyometrics, and functional training that complements your swim-bike-run schedule.
Why S&C Matters for Triathletes
Research consistently shows that strength training improves endurance performance, reduces injury risk, and extends athletic careers. For triathletes, exercises like squats, deadlifts, and single-leg work build the muscular endurance and joint stability needed for race-day performance. The right shoe makes a difference — you want a flat, stable sole that lets you feel the ground during heavy lifts, not a cushioned running shoe that compresses under load.
Key Features
- 2mm base + 1.5mm lugs — Ultra-flat sole provides maximum stability for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts
- KPU overlays — Structural reinforcement locks your foot in place during lateral movements
- 282g weight — Light enough to move freely during circuit work and plyometrics
- Wide toe box — Toes can grip the floor during balance and single-leg exercises
- Ortholite insole (98% recycled) — Removable for an even closer connection to the ground
In the Gym
The Motus Strength truly shines under a barbell. Squatting in these feels planted and secure — the flat sole eliminates the backward lean that cushioned shoes create, and the wide toe box lets you drive through your whole foot. Deadlifts feel connected, with minimal sole between you and the platform. For box jumps and plyometrics, the 1.5mm lugs provide confident grip on rubber gym floors.
It’s also comfortable for circuit-style workouts that combine lifting with bodyweight movements. The shoe moves well enough for burpees and lunges while remaining stable enough for heavy compound lifts. If you do your S&C in a running shoe, switching to the Motus Strength will feel like an immediate upgrade.
The Verdict
At £170, the Motus Strength is a premium gym shoe, but it’s built to last and genuinely improves your training quality. For triathletes who take their strength work seriously — and you should — this is the best barefoot option for the weight room.
Price: £170 | Use code VIVO15MAR for 15% off full price items this March.
Shop Motus Strength on Vivobarefoot
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