Vivobarefoot's camel leather boot, designed for deserts, can be worn in any location
The British footwear brand Vivobarefoot has unveiled its latest creation, the Desert ESC Boot, a barefoot shoe designed to conquer the most punishing landscapes on Earth. This rugged footwear is part of Vivobarefoot's ESC project, a series focused on creating minimalist, high-performance footwear for extreme environments.
The Desert ESC Boot emphasizes freedom of movement and foot health, making it suitable for various settings, from a cafe terrace in Lisbon to a long weekend hike in the Peak District. However, its true element is the harsh desert terrain.
The boot's design is centred around a barefoot philosophy, mimicking the natural shape of the foot with a wide toe box, allowing toes to splay naturally, promoting balance and sensory feedback essential for rough desert terrain.
Rugged protection is another key feature. The Desert ESC Boot boasts durable upper materials and a protective toe cap that shield feet from sharp stones and debris typically found in desert environments. Underfoot, a dense leather insole and puncture-resistant textile shield offer protection from desert thorns and jagged terrain.
The outsole, engineered in collaboration with Michelin, is thin but offers aggressive tread for excellent traction on loose sand, rocks, and uneven surfaces while maintaining the barefoot feel. A Lycra bellow keeps sand and grit out, ensuring easy entry.
The Desert ESC Boot is breathable, with materials chosen to allow ventilation, preventing overheating and excessive sweating in hot desert conditions. It is also lightweight and flexible, reducing fatigue during long walks and maintaining natural foot movement crucial for comfort and stability on varied desert terrain.
The Desert ESC Boot features a zero-drop sole, encouraging a natural gait and enhancing proprioception during movement over challenging desert landscapes. It is priced at £240 / €275 / $295 and is now available to buy at Vivobarefoot.
The Desert ESC Boot marks the final chapter in Vivobarefoot's Ecological Survival Collection (ESC), a biome-spanning journey years in the making that previously addressed jungle, forest, tundra, and aquatic environments. It is a statement piece for those who appreciate gear with a story, craftsmanship with a purpose, and design that bridges the wild and the urban.
The Desert ESC Boot, part of Vivobarefoot's ESC project, serves seamlessly within both urban settings, such as a café terrace in Lisbon, and extreme environments, like a long weekend hike in the Peak District, due to its lifestyle-centric design. However, its standout aspect is its versatility in the harsh desert terrain it was specifically designed for, where its fashion-and-beauty elements blend with functionality and home-and-garden durability.
