Be Lenka vs Vibram FiveFingers:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Vibram FiveFingers had more branded searches than Be Lenka among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand. Vibram FiveFingers had about 590 branded searches, while Be Lenka had 70. Vibram FiveFingers made up 22.6% of all barefoot and minimalist shoe brand searches we track, and Be Lenka accounted for 2.7%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about barefoot and minimalist shoe brands, Be Lenka appeared in four of the five answers and Vibram FiveFingers in one. Be Lenka was mentioned before Vibram FiveFingers in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Vibram FiveFingers, about 8 searches for every 1 for Be Lenka
Who does AI mention more?
Be Lenka, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, Vibram FiveFingers in 1
Who does AI recommend more?
Be Lenka, named ahead of Vibram FiveFingers in every answer
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Top barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Be Lenka was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Vibram FiveFingers was mentioned in one out of five: not in any of the three ChatGPT answers, but in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Be Lenka was listed before Vibram FiveFingers in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
Vivobarefoot5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers
Xero Shoes5 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers- Be Lenka4 of 5Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
Altra2 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 2 of 2 Google answers- Vibram FiveFingers1 of 5Named in 0 of 3 ChatGPT answersNamed in 1 of 2 Google answers
See every answer about barefoot and minimalist shoe brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which barefoot minimalist shoe brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best barefoot minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best barefoot minimalist shoe brand in New Zealand for everyday walking?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“barefoot shoes nz”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“best minimalist shoes”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 20, 2026.
Is Be Lenka or Vibram FiveFingers more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Be Lenka and Vibram FiveFingers by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all five barefoot and minimalist shoe brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Vibram FiveFingers, Be Lenka. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Altra | Vivobarefoot | Vibram FiveFingers | Xero Shoes | Be Lenka |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 31.7% | 34.8% | 14.1% | 17.2% | 2.2% |
| Nov 2025 | 32.2% | 34.1% | 14.3% | 17.6% | 1.8% |
| Dec 2025 | 35.9% | 32.2% | 13.1% | 15.9% | 2.9% |
| Jan 2026 | 34.9% | 31.3% | 15.5% | 15.5% | 2.8% |
| Feb 2026 | 34.1% | 36% | 12.3% | 15.2% | 2.4% |
| Mar 2026 | 36.2% | 31.7% | 13.2% | 16% | 2.9% |
| Apr 2026 | 36.5% | 32% | 13.3% | 16.2% | 2.1% |
| May 2026 | 35.5% | 31% | 15.7% | 15.7% | 2% |
| Jun 2026 | 34.2% | 30% | 18.7% | 15.2% | 1.9% |
| Jul 2026 | 35.5% | 25.8% | 23.8% | 12.9% | 2% |
| Aug 2026 | 32.8% | 23.9% | 26.9% | 14.6% | 1.9% |
| Sep 2026 | 33.7% | 26.1% | 22.6% | 14.9% | 2.7% |
How has the Be Lenka and Vibram FiveFingers comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Vibram FiveFingers was ahead of Be Lenka in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Be Lenka’s share of searches among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand moved from 2.2% to 2.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 50 to 70.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Vibram FiveFingers’ share of searches among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand moved from 14.1% to 22.6%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 320 to 590.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in September 2026?
3 changes
In September 2026, Vivobarefoot overtook Vibram FiveFingers to rank 2nd among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand, with 26.1% of the searches.
In September 2026, Be Lenka gained share of searches among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand, from 1.9% to 2.7%.
In September 2026, Vibram FiveFingers lost share of searches among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands in New Zealand, from 26.9% to 22.6%.
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Be Lenka’s and Vibram FiveFingers’ names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Be Lenka
1 branded search term
- be lenka
Vibram FiveFingers
1 branded search term
- vibram fivefingers
Other head-to-heads among barefoot and minimalist shoe brands
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