The KRAFTBARE FORGE and the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength are both true zero-drop, wide-toe-box barefoot lifting shoes, but they aim at different lifters. The FORGE ($69.90) is a purpose-built barbell shoe: flat, stable, and roughly a third of the price. The Motus (~$200) is a premium hybrid strength shoe with heavier construction better suited to CrossFit-style abrasion and lateral work. If your training lives under the bar, the FORGE wins on value; if you need a do-everything athletic trainer, the Motus earns its premium.
KRAFTBARE FORGE vs Vivobarefoot Motus: what's the real difference?
Both are genuinely zero-drop with a wide toe box and a thin, flat platform for ground feel. The core difference is focus and price: the FORGE is engineered specifically for squats, deadlifts, and pressing at $69.90, while the Motus Strength is a more rugged, versatile athletic shoe priced around $200. You pay roughly 3x for the Motus's heavier, more abrasion-ready build.
For a barbell-first lifter, that extra cost buys features you may never use. For a CrossFit athlete doing rope climbs, box jumps, and sprints, those same features matter. Neither shoe is "better" in a vacuum, they're tuned for different jobs.
Which barefoot lifting shoe is better for squats and deadlifts?
For pure barbell work, the KRAFTBARE FORGE zero-drop lifting shoe is the more sensible buy. Its flat, incompressible zero-drop sole keeps your heel locked to the floor for stable squats and a shorter deadlift pull, and the wide toe box lets your foot spread to drive the floor away. The Motus does this well too, you're just paying a premium for capabilities a powerlifter rarely taps.
A zero-drop platform shortens the range of motion on a deadlift versus a cushioned running shoe, and it stops the energy leak you get when a soft midsole compresses under a heavy squat. Both shoes deliver that. If you want a deeper breakdown of why flat beats cushioned, see our guide to the best shoes for deadlifts and our roundup of the best barefoot lifting shoes.
How do the FORGE and Motus compare on specs and price?
Here is a side-by-side of what actually matters when you're choosing between them. Use it to match the shoe to your training, not the marketing.
| Feature | KRAFTBARE FORGE | Vivobarefoot Motus Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Price (USD) | $69.90 | ~$200 (Strength II ~$220) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | True zero-drop | True zero-drop |
| Toe box | Wide | Wide |
| Primary focus | Barbell: squats, deadlifts, strength | Hybrid: lifting + CrossFit + athletic |
| US sizes | 7-11 | Broad men's & women's range |
| Colorways | 5 (Onyx Black, Chalk, Volt, Steel, Raw Pink) | Several seasonal options |
| Best for | Lifters who want flat, stable, affordable | Athletes who need rugged versatility |
Competitor pricing reflects publicly listed figures at the time of writing and can change; check current retail before you buy.
When is the Vivobarefoot Motus actually the better choice?
Be honest with yourself about your training. The Motus genuinely wins when your sessions are hybrid or high-abrasion: CrossFit WODs, lateral agility, rope climbs, sled work, or daily wear where a more durable, heavier upper pays off. Reviewers consistently praise its grip and ruggedness for mixed-modal training, and that build is part of what justifies the price.
If you run those workouts several times a week, the Motus is a defensible investment. The FORGE is purpose-built for the barbell and isn't trying to be a sprinting or rope-climbing shoe, so a dedicated CrossFitter may prefer the Motus despite the cost.
When does the KRAFTBARE FORGE win?
The FORGE wins for the lifter whose main events are squats, deadlifts, pressing, and accessory work. You get the same zero-drop, wide-toe-box fundamentals that make barefoot lifting effective, at $69.90 instead of $200. For most strength and powerlifting-focused trainees, that's the smarter allocation of money.
It also lowers the barrier to trying zero-drop at all. If you're new to flat shoes, ease in gradually, our guide on how to transition to zero-drop lifting walks through the timeline so your calves and arches adapt without flaring up.
How should I choose between them?
Pick based on where your training time goes. If 80% of your sessions are barbell strength work, buy the FORGE and pocket the difference. If you're a true hybrid athlete who needs one shoe for lifting plus conditioning and agility, the Motus's premium build may be worth it. Sizing matters either way, get the fit right with our FORGE sizing guide.
If your goal is a flat, stable platform to squat and pull from without spending $200, the KRAFTBARE FORGE covers the barbell fundamentals for $69.90, in five colorways and US sizes 7-11. Put your money under the bar, not into features you won't use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the KRAFTBARE FORGE a true zero-drop shoe like the Motus?
Yes. Both the KRAFTBARE FORGE and the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength are genuinely zero-drop, meaning the heel and forefoot sit at the same height. Both also use a wide toe box and a thin, flat sole for ground feel, so the barefoot fundamentals are equivalent between them.
Why is the FORGE so much cheaper than the Motus?
The FORGE is purpose-built for barbell training rather than rugged multi-sport use, so it skips the heavier, high-abrasion construction the Motus carries for CrossFit and daily wear. At $69.90 versus roughly $200, you pay for the lifting features you need and not the extras a pure strength athlete rarely uses.
Can I do CrossFit in the KRAFTBARE FORGE?
You can lift, do functional training, and handle light conditioning in the FORGE. For high-abrasion CrossFit with rope climbs, sprints, and heavy lateral work, a more rugged shoe like the Motus Strength may hold up better over time. Match the shoe to how often you do those movements.
Which shoe is better for a beginner to barefoot lifting?
Either works, but the FORGE lowers the financial risk of trying zero-drop at $69.90. Whichever you choose, transition gradually so your calves, Achilles, and arches adapt. Start with warm-ups and lighter sessions in the flat shoe before using it for your heaviest squats and deadlifts.
Does a zero-drop shoe help my deadlift?
Yes. A zero-drop, thin sole sits you closer to the floor, which shortens the deadlift range of motion slightly versus a cushioned running shoe. The flat, incompressible platform also stops energy loss from a squishy midsole, giving you a more stable base to pull from. Both the FORGE and Motus deliver this.
Do these shoes fit wide feet?
Both shoes use a wide, foot-shaped toe box that lets your toes splay for a stronger base, which suits wider feet better than tapered running shoes. If you have wide feet, read our dedicated guide to lifting shoes for wide feet and use the FORGE sizing guide to dial in the right US size from 7 to 11.
Last updated: June 30, 2026