Vivobarefoot: Pioneering Regenerative Footwear

Vivobarefoot stands as an industry pioneer, reshaping the narrative of footwear with a profound commitment to regenerative practices. Established in 2012 by seventh-generation cobblers, Galahad and Asher Clark, the brand embodies a holistic philosophy that extends beyond fashion, emphasizing the regenerative potential of barefoot footwear for both human health and the planet.

Regenerative Business Practices

Vivobarefoot distinguishes itself through a regenerative business model, aspiring to achieve profit with a net-positive impact on societal and environmental well-being. As a certified B Corporation, the brand adheres to the highest verified standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. In an industry notorious for exploitation and waste, Vivobarefoot is pushing boundaries, steering away from unsustainable growth and embracing a responsible approach. Their journey involves the meticulous replacement of transactional, degenerative supply chains with additive value chains.

Regenerative Product Development

At the heart of Vivobarefoot's mission is the creation of regenerative products that revive human movement and replenish planetary health. Recognizing the human foot as nature's masterpiece, with 28 bones, hundreds of muscles, and thousands of nerve endings, Vivobarefoot footwear is a stark departure from conventional models. Their designs, wide, thin, and flexible, are aimed at regenerating feet and revitalizing natural movement.

Product Goals

Vivobarefoot sets ambitious product goals, driving their commitment to sustainability:

• Achieve 100% transparency over the value chain.
• Design all products for circularity, ensuring a life cycle that minimizes environmental impact.
• Preferentially use bio-based materials over synthetics, whenever possible.

Materials and Sustainability Scoring

The brand employs the VMatrix, an in-house tool developed in partnership with Made2Flow, to assess the environmental impact of their footwear. This tool measures key metrics like complexity, material type, durability, repairability, and future recyclability. The resulting sustainability score for each style reflects Vivobarefoot's dedication to transparency and continuous improvement.

Regenerative Community Building

Vivobarefoot's community is not just a customer base; it's a growing network of individuals, including employees, ambassadors, and value chain partners. The brand is committed to empowering everyone within this community to embrace a more human and natural way of living and working.

Nurturing Innovation - Livebarefoot Fund (LBF)

The Livebarefoot Fund (LBF) is a testament to Vivobarefoot's commitment to nurturing innovation. This fund supports social and environmental impact projects, along with innovative endeavors within the business. Vivobarefoot provides resources, time, and energy to realize good ideas and aims to scale the fund, unlocking additional funding each quarter, based on financial performance.

In essence, Vivobarefoot is not merely a footwear brand; it's a trailblazer in sustainable and regenerative practices. By prioritizing transparency, circular design, community empowerment, and holding B Corporation certification, Vivobarefoot has positioned itself as a beacon of responsible business in an industry seeking a transformative approach to sustainability.