Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea Review
Affiliate Link: Buy Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea
Discount Code: VIVOBRIT10
Also available at Happy Little Soles: Happy Little Soles (Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT)

Introduction
The Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea represents a sleek, barefoot twist on the timeless Chelsea boot design. This reboot brings back the features I loved from the discontinued Geo Chelsea, with some notable updates and enhancements. Designed to offer a truly barefoot experience, the Gobi Chelsea allows your feet to move freely while keeping you stylish, whether you’re navigating city streets or strolling in the countryside.
Design and Materials
One of the standout features of the Gobi Chelsea is its sustainably produced, metal-free Wild Hide leather. The material is soft, flexible, and allows for natural foot movement, which is essential for those of us who prefer a barefoot feel but still want to look put-together. The handcrafted quality is apparent, and knowing that the boots are made with a focus on regeneration is a big plus.
Another significant feature is the sidestitched outsole—a notable improvement in sustainability. This construction technique allows the boots to be easily repaired or recycled at the end of their life, contributing to Vivobarefoot’s ethos of reducing waste. They can be sent to Vivobarefoot’s Revivo programme for repairs, prolonging their life further. The outsole also feels flexible and non-restrictive, delivering a fantastic ground feel with every step.
Barefoot Experience
Much like the Geo Chelsea, the 4mm sole of the Gobi Chelsea is thin and highly flexible, offering excellent ground connectivity without compromising on protection. You feel every contour of the terrain beneath your feet, which is something I love in a barefoot shoe. This sole, though thin, is durable enough to handle year-round wear. Forget the clunky and bulky feel of traditional winter boots—the Gobi Chelsea allows for natural foot movement, encouraging balance and strengthening foot muscles.

For me, the true test of a barefoot shoe is its ability to let me feel “free,” and the Gobi Chelsea does just that. It provides a stripped-back, minimalist experience that is hard to find in conventional winter footwear.
Fit and Sizing
This is where things can get tricky, especially if you’re new to Vivobarefoot. Their shoes often cater to narrow to medium-width feet, which can be an issue for someone like me with wide feet and a tailor’s bunion. For context, I am between an EU38 and EU39, depending on the shoe brand. I opted for the EU38 in these boots, as I remembered from my experience with the Geo Chelsea that the leather would stretch to accommodate my wider foot. And it did. After a few wears, the leather stretched just enough to make the fit comfortable, even on my wider foot with the bunion.

However, if you’re on the wider side like me or have square feet where your toes are all of a similar length, you might find the toe box a bit too narrow, especially if your outer toes need more room. While the Gobi Chelsea does taper slightly, the natural leather helps alleviate any pressure points over time.
For those in between sizes, I recommend sizing down, as the leather will stretch, or sticking to your usual size if you plan on wearing thicker socks for colder months. It’s worth noting that these boots aren’t particularly warm, so sizing up to fit a wool sock inside is a great idea if you’re planning on wearing them during the colder months.
Style Versatility
One of my favourite aspects of the Gobi Chelsea is how versatile they are. The Bark colour I own is a medium-dark brown that pairs well with almost any outfit. Whether I’m dressing up with a trench coat or down with jeans, these boots elevate the look without being overly flashy. The light sand-coloured sole contrasts beautifully with the darker upper, making the boots stand out just the right amount.
I wore these to a family gathering, and they transitioned seamlessly from day to night, looking just as good with a casual outfit during the day as they did with a more formal look in the evening.
Comfort and Durability
After wearing them for a couple of weeks, I can confidently say that the Gobi Chelsea boots are very comfortable once the leather has had time to mould to your foot shape. Despite Vivobarefoot being known for their lower-volume shoes, these boots work for wider feet, thanks to the stretchable Wild Hide leather. However, like I mentioned earlier, the toe box could be a bit wider, particularly for those of us with square feet, but it’s a compromise I’m willing to make for the barefoot experience they offer.
The boots are also lightweight, despite their robust leather construction. Each boot in a size EU38 weighs around 370g, making them light enough for extended wear without causing fatigue.
Sustainability and Longevity
Vivobarefoot’s focus on regeneration and sustainability really shines through in this model. The materials used are sourced responsibly, and the option to have the boots repaired or recycled means they’re a solid investment in a more sustainable footwear future. This is particularly important for me as I look for brands that align with my values of minimising waste and prioritising long-lasting, well-made products.
And so…
The Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea is an exceptional barefoot shoe, blending the classic Chelsea boot style with the barefoot ethos of natural foot movement and sustainability. While the narrow fit might not suit everyone, the natural leather offers enough stretch for most foot shapes after a few wears, and the comfort they provide is well worth the break-in period. These boots are perfect for anyone looking for a minimalist, versatile option for the colder months that doesn’t compromise on style.
Whether you’re new to barefoot shoes or a seasoned fan, the Gobi Chelsea is a worthy addition to your wardrobe. And with Vivobarefoot’s repair and recycling programme, they’re built to last.
Affiliate Link: Buy Vivobarefoot Gobi Chelsea
Discount Code: VIVOBRIT10
Also available at Happy Little Soles: Happy Little Soles (Discount Code: BAREFOOTBRIT)
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