So I think that there may be minimal shoe designs that take away just a bit more proprioception than it offers in cushioning/protection, and to me this Aqua shoe seems to be that way, but it is not a big problem. Still love the shoes.

The result? The same stuff that was on display earlier that year went on sale that month. The consequence? Roughly only 3 uses my Vivo (Aqua white) shoes disintegrated – literally! The black trim just above the sole started falling off and turned to powder. The sole itself started showing tears just under the ball where the shoe normally bends. The shoe was obviously old stock and the material probably started to decompose.

I had the shoe replaced with the same model but different color and material type (Aqua Grey). While this one held up for almost a month now I could clearly feel the inconsistencies in the quality of construction.

Firstly, just by pinching heel counter’s loop (that thing you used to pull the shoe over your heel) one side (right shoe) evidently felt thinner as if the material used there was not the same as the left shoe.

Secondly, I can see there were subtle wrinkles on the right shoe’s upper toe box. Poking the toe box of my right shoe again gave me the impression that this side of the shoe was made (albeit, lazily) by some factory worker who never bothered to pick the right portions of their raw materials to use in the shoe. Hence, an unbalanced feel.

This current replacement is still under observation.

Steep price aside, the shoe feels very comfortable and I would love to wear this everyday if the questionable quality holds up.

Got them at Two River Treads.  Thanks Mark!

You could also look into Kalso Earth shoes.  Not minimalist really, but they do have a generally wider forefoot and a heel that’s actually lower than the forefoot.  I work in a suit-and-tie office unfortunately, and these are the closest I’ve found to a minimalist dress shoe.

If Merrell put a flatter sole on the Tough Glove, I’d probably buy it. I find the sole of the Trail Glove to be a bit too unstable in the heel for walking around all day every day. Don’t have the Oak or Ra, but in general I love the Vivo shoes.

I think it makes a big difference to keep the Achilles and calf stretched during the day when it comes to running in shoes like the Vibrams. It’s amazing how different it feels to spend the day without a stiff slab of rubber under your feet…

Sorry to hear about the issues. I can say that I’ve been wearing my Aquas almost daily to work for a year and there are virtually no signs of wear.
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I found one company that does custom minimal shoes for 248$…. I wonder when this trend will happen, and why they aren’t doing proper biz shoes, with out a sportish glitch.

Even the Merrel tough glove have that edgy sole @ the front that gives it off-road shoes look/reminder, instead of being committed to fully outwear shoe..

Frustrating..

The heel of the Merrells is my only issue – seems to focus pressure right under the center of my heel bone.

I have become a big fan of Vivobarefoot as well – perhaps my favorite shoe company – and use several of their shoes for various activities: Evo’s to run in, Oak’s and Ra’s for workwear, and Ultra’s have become my camping/canoeing shoe. I’m looking forward to the Neo Trail’s as a possible backpacking shoe, in addition to running gnarly trails. And I agree, they all have amazing ground feel. They seem to want to be a complete shoe company.

Its good to know that while I’m learning about evolution, I am not messing with it.