VIVOBIOME Tabi Gen 01: The Bespoke Barefoot Revolution

The footwear world is witnessing a seismic shift as Vivobarefoot unveils the VIVOBIOME Tabi Gen 01 Sandal—a product that fuses ancient Japanese inspiration with cutting-edge technology and sustainability. For style editors, sneakerheads, and minimalist footwear aficionados, welcome the scan-to-print sandals.

At the heart of the Tabi Gen 01 is Vivobarefoot’s radical scan-to-print platform. Unlike traditional footwear, which is mass-produced and sized generically, each Tabi is crafted from a precise 3D scan of the wearer’s feet. This process captures every contour, arch, and splay, creating a sandal that fits like a second skin—no more compromise, no more adjustment straps.

The in-store scanning experience (currently available in London and Bristol) generates a digital blueprint, which is then used to 3D-print the sandal on demand. This additive manufacturing approach eliminates material waste, sidesteps overproduction, and ensures every pair is as unique as its owner.

The Tabi Gen 01 draws on the iconic split-toe (tabi) silhouette, a nod to 15th-century Japanese footwear that prioritized natural movement and balance. Vivobarefoot’s modern interpretation leverages this design to amplify ground feel, encourage toe splay, and promote a healthy, barefoot gait. The zero-drop sole and minimalist construction further support natural biomechanics, making each step a celebration of foot health.

Available in earthy tones like Obsidian Black, Mineral Grey, Forest Green, and Earth Brown, the Tabi Gen 01’s aesthetic is understated yet unmistakably modern.

Vivobarefoot’s partnership with material innovators brings BioCir to the table—a flexible, industrially compostable, and recyclable thermoplastic elastomer. This material is not only durable and weatherproof but also designed to biodegrade at the end of its lifecycle, closing the loop on environmental responsibility. By producing only what is needed, Vivobarefoot’s circular manufacturing model slashes the environmental impact of unsold inventory and sizing errors, setting a new benchmark for sustainable footwear production.

Despite its featherweight build and barefoot ethos, the Tabi Gen 01 doesn’t skimp on performance. The treaded BioCir outsole offers reliable traction for both urban and light trail environments. The split-toe design, inspired by both tradition and biomechanics, provides a stable platform for dynamic movement—ideal for those who demand versatility from their summer footwear.

The debut run is capped at just 590 pairs, making the Tabi Gen 01 not only a technical marvel but also a collector’s item. Early adopters gain exclusive access to Vivobarefoot’s Barefoot Fundamentals course, future product drops, and behind-the-scenes content, cementing their place at the forefront of the barefoot movement.

By merging hyper-personalized fit, eco-conscious materials, and a design language rooted in both heritage and innovation, Vivobarefoot is redefining what it means to walk in your own shoes.