Hi, Ive currently got a pair of vffs but id like to try on some merrells and vivobarefoot, so see if i can find something comfortable for winter on my trails. although i live in spain, i sometimes pop back, to the London are, are there any specialist shops which stock a good range of MR shoes, for me to try out? Thanks
Hi there - you can try Runners Need (runnersneed.com). They have several stores in London. Run and Become (runandbecome.com) in Victoria have some minimalist shoes in stock and there's a Vivobarefoot shop in Covent Garden (vivobarefoot.com). If you're looking for more VFFs, try the Foundry near Liverpool Street station (foundryfit.co.uk).
Also have a look here - I have seen genuine VFFs so cheap, but be careful with the sizing. Cotswold also sell Merrel Trailgoves and VFFs, as do Blacks - those shops are all over the UK in case you get out of London.
I should also have mentioned that if you sign up to Vivobarefoot's list you get pretty good mail order offers every now and again. Worth a look if you're willing to take a risk on mail order (I realise you want to try them out first).
Ten-Point is a specialist efficient running shop in Amersham (Bois Lane). Everything Ironman, actually. The founder, Helen is a barefoot ironman and extremely passionate about natural running. She sells Vivos, VFFs, Inov-8 (I'm loving the BareGrips!) and others. Definately worth the visit.
I've got a few spare pairs of Vivobarefoot Trails in size 11. If this is your size then I'd be happy to sell you a pair, they are brand new!