Hi Andrew! I just wanted to say that i’m so grateful for your lovely and informative work, i’ve been collecting so many useful infos thanks to your channel… I’ve integrated barefoot shoes in each and every aspect of my life, from running to hiking, everyday use and even concert-life on stage (the Vivo Ra III Lux have been replacing my “elegant” concert shoes and there’s no way back!), and it’s been a treat so far… I still wear a few pairs of traditional shoes, the ones i love and give me a good amount of freedom in the toe box…all the others are gone! Well, as i said, THANK YOU very very much for your work, it’s always nice to listen to your reviews and comments… Have a lovely day! D
Hey Daniele, thanks so much for the support! I'm glad barefooting is working out so well for you and it makes me happy anytime I hear about someone rediscovering the simple joy of foot based minimalism. (:
I just got this boot and have worn on the trail once already. Biggest critique is that they're quite warm even in a 70 degree F day and the lacing system is confusing with the tongue secure tab and the hooks at the upper transition. Glad I have 100 days to decide if they're a keeper.
Yea, it's better for cold and mid-weather, although using a thin toe sock, like the Injinji Liner, does help make it cooler. ruclips.net/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/видео.html
I’ve these boots and they’re over 4 years old. Still waterproof as I polish / wax them regularly. I also treated the fabric tongue gusset with water repellent spray. They are about half a size small though; if I’d gone up a size they’d be too big. Have you tried Vivo’s Tracker Forest ESC? Now that’s a serious wilderness boot! Like grippy slippers with the Michelin sole. They are the widest of the Tracker series.
Right on! Glad they've worked out so well for you, Ann. The new ones fit true to size, at least for me. I have tried the ESC's and was pretty impressed by how flexible they were for being so rugged. ruclips.net/video/DrN3PmsR5oc/видео.html Great for super rocky conditions, although not as much ground feel as the FG sole. My dad's wearing them now and he loves them.
The Tracker Forest ESC are what I use for winter. Of all the footwear I have ever tried, these give me the best grip on ice and compacted snow. The Tracker FG are my preferred rest of the year shoe, although the soles get worn down very quickly from walking on pavements.
Yea, me too. Stitching can compromise the WP somewhat, but I think it'd be worth it for some extra protection from wear. That said, I've not had any of my Vivo's separate significantly, even after seven years with some. Keeping your stride shorter helps, so that the rubber/upper don't crease as much and get strained.
Hey Michelle, my feet are quite callused from running/hiking full barefoot, so no, but you could add an insole for light padding or go with one of Vivo's ESC sole boots ruclips.net/video/DrN3PmsR5oc/видео.html, which have a more beefy sole for protection on long descents.
Im going to be completely honest.. This is probabky the only shoe im really thinking of getting mostly for the looks and the waterproofing since my jayas dont have anything to protect water from the tongue area. Also what about the jayas compaired to these when it comes to colder weather? Do you think these would be slightly better?
And also ive heard how the waterproofing sadly lasts only around 1 year without treating it which kind of sucks to hear since they're 240$ and its totally possible to make them 100% waterproof 😢
The Trackers are going to be warmer simply because the material is thicker and there's more room to add wool insoles and multiple layers of socks. As for the waterproofing, glued soles can always be a weak point, so I'd definitely recommend treating them with wax or Vivo's balsam bit.ly/3QU7EeV once in a while, paying extra attention to the sole line.
strange...been looking at these shoes on the Dutch website 'Barefootandmore' and the toe box seems a lot bigger and not as pointy. Think you've got an outdated pair here. I have the Forest esc but because of the design at the ankle and heel it is a bitch to waterproof and clean. At hindsight...As for waterproofing I stuffed them with snoseal as a last resort for nikwax didn't even work. And if this doesn't work I'll buy the Tracker or the Lems waterproof Boulder boot for wet and use the Forest for dry days. Love them despite my complaints as there is no such thing as a perfect boot. My perfect boot will be an army style high ankle protection, zero drop, wide toe box, flexible sole and waterproof. ( Autumn is my preferred time for hiking you see. ) Keep on dreaming.... Great video's!
They just sent it to me, so it shouldn't be outdated. It's still quite wide, just a little tapered at the very front tip. I have Snowseal and it does work really well. But yea, I'd love a higher combat style barefoot boot. No one makes one, but hopefully some day!
Hey Julie, yea, I've worn the Tracker FG's down to 0º F. For the coldest days I use a base layer of Injinji wool toe socks ruclips.net/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/видео.html, a mid layer of thick Smartwool's amzn.to/47ZyCZJ, and a wool felt insole bit.ly/46EsKEu. Paired with the waterproof upper and natural insulation of leather, they're excellent.
@@Julie-my6ds The Tracker FG's are waterproof, more flexible, and better for cold weather, while the Magna ESC's have a convenient slip-on upper that's more breathable for all-season use and more protective with the thicker tread, but also less flexible and somewhat heavy feeling. There's also the Magna FG, ruclips.net/video/NYIWI47hooA/видео.html which is the same but with the more flexible FG tread. Overall the Tracker FG would be my pick, unless you're going to be on super sharp rocks and need a ton of protection.
@@AndrewFolts the website (in the UK) is a bit vague and misleading!! I thought the Esc's were waterproof!! I've bought the fg's 😁 thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.
Heel. These would be quite awkward for forefoot striking with the higher ankle. As with forefooting, though, it's always good to use a short stride with bent knees.
@@AndrewFolts Ok, it's quite hard to find proper shoes for forefoot walking. Maybe I try them and send them back if they aren't for that. Do you have a recommendation for winter hiking with a good sole?
@@lars4953 The Softstar Switchback might be a good one to try. It's insulated with a Vibram sole, but the upper is much more flexible and agile. ruclips.net/video/ybp_g-8z2vo/видео.html
@@lars4953 I have some Vivo Primus Lite's that are still going after seven years, so they can be a great investment if you take care with them. Here are some of my favorite durability tips: ruclips.net/video/BXO266smEKg/видео.html
How are the size compared to other "normal" shoes? I did the photo thing on Vivo`s web page and got a size 41, but I use size 44 in regular shoes. Quite a big difference, so I hesitate on ordering before I have talked to people that have these shoes. Thanks!
They run true to size, although the very tip of the boot does get a little pointy. I'm a 44 in every Vivo I've tried, including the Tracker FG. My feet are 10.5 in long (26.67 cm).
@@AndrewFolts Thanks for reply. I checked my feet again and I measure them to be 26,5 cm. Almost the same as you then. If you are comfy in a 44 then im pretty sure I will be that also.
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I just got these the other day and I love them so far. I went out to Mendon Ponds this morning and they were great with the mud there.
Ha, no way I was just there with the Trackers in the AM! It was a good day for them with all the rain from yesterday.
Hi Andrew!
I just wanted to say that i’m so grateful for your lovely and informative work, i’ve been collecting so many useful infos thanks to your channel…
I’ve integrated barefoot shoes in each and every aspect of my life, from running to hiking, everyday use and even concert-life on stage (the Vivo Ra III Lux have been replacing my “elegant” concert shoes and there’s no way back!), and it’s been a treat so far…
I still wear a few pairs of traditional shoes, the ones i love and give me a good amount of freedom in the toe box…all the others are gone!
Well, as i said, THANK YOU very very much for your work, it’s always nice to listen to your reviews and comments…
Have a lovely day!
D
Hey Daniele, thanks so much for the support! I'm glad barefooting is working out so well for you and it makes me happy anytime I hear about someone rediscovering the simple joy of foot based minimalism. (:
These are such pretty boots oh my gosh
My fav barefoot color scheme of all time, these and the original Primus Trek's.
I need this for hiking! Great review!
A good pick, for sure. Not much this boot can't handle.
I just got this boot and have worn on the trail once already. Biggest critique is that they're quite warm even in a 70 degree F day and the lacing system is confusing with the tongue secure tab and the hooks at the upper transition. Glad I have 100 days to decide if they're a keeper.
Yea, it's better for cold and mid-weather, although using a thin toe sock, like the Injinji Liner, does help make it cooler. ruclips.net/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/видео.html
I’ve these boots and they’re over 4 years old. Still waterproof as I polish / wax them regularly. I also treated the fabric tongue gusset with water repellent spray. They are about half a size small though; if I’d gone up a size they’d be too big. Have you tried Vivo’s Tracker Forest ESC? Now that’s a serious wilderness boot! Like grippy slippers with the Michelin sole. They are the widest of the Tracker series.
Right on! Glad they've worked out so well for you, Ann. The new ones fit true to size, at least for me. I have tried the ESC's and was pretty impressed by how flexible they were for being so rugged. ruclips.net/video/DrN3PmsR5oc/видео.html Great for super rocky conditions, although not as much ground feel as the FG sole. My dad's wearing them now and he loves them.
The Tracker Forest ESC are what I use for winter. Of all the footwear I have ever tried, these give me the best grip on ice and compacted snow. The Tracker FG are my preferred rest of the year shoe, although the soles get worn down very quickly from walking on pavements.
Oh boy ive been waitinh for this 😂
Ha, me too! Been waiting ever since I got those original Primus Trek's with the same design.
I wonder how long it may be before the upper starts separating from the outsole. I wish they stitched the sidewalls also, like the Decons.
Yea, me too. Stitching can compromise the WP somewhat, but I think it'd be worth it for some extra protection from wear. That said, I've not had any of my Vivo's separate significantly, even after seven years with some. Keeping your stride shorter helps, so that the rubber/upper don't crease as much and get strained.
Loved the video! Are there any other barefoot hiking shoes with the vibram megagrip that you know of? Interested for treks in hotter conditions
Softstar uses the Megagrip sole. The Switchback has it for winter bit.ly/45JCFYm and the Primal RunaAmoc has it for all season hiking. bit.ly/3FogsnP
Do you find it rather painful for long mountain descent days with many loose rocks?
Hey Michelle, my feet are quite callused from running/hiking full barefoot, so no, but you could add an insole for light padding or go with one of Vivo's ESC sole boots ruclips.net/video/DrN3PmsR5oc/видео.html, which have a more beefy sole for protection on long descents.
Vivo said they use to fit small, now they fit true to size, maybe something as changed?
Hmm, haven't tried the old version, so i can't say, although I can confirm they fit true to size for me.
Im going to be completely honest.. This is probabky the only shoe im really thinking of getting mostly for the looks and the waterproofing since my jayas dont have anything to protect water from the tongue area. Also what about the jayas compaired to these when it comes to colder weather? Do you think these would be slightly better?
And also ive heard how the waterproofing sadly lasts only around 1 year without treating it which kind of sucks to hear since they're 240$ and its totally possible to make them 100% waterproof 😢
The Trackers are going to be warmer simply because the material is thicker and there's more room to add wool insoles and multiple layers of socks. As for the waterproofing, glued soles can always be a weak point, so I'd definitely recommend treating them with wax or Vivo's balsam bit.ly/3QU7EeV once in a while, paying extra attention to the sole line.
strange...been looking at these shoes on the Dutch website 'Barefootandmore' and the toe box seems a lot bigger and not as pointy. Think you've got an outdated pair here. I have the Forest esc but because of the design at the ankle and heel it is a bitch to waterproof and clean. At hindsight...As for waterproofing I stuffed them with snoseal as a last resort for nikwax didn't even work. And if this doesn't work I'll buy the Tracker or the Lems waterproof Boulder boot for wet and use the Forest for dry days. Love them despite my complaints as there is no such thing as a perfect boot. My perfect boot will be an army style high ankle protection, zero drop, wide toe box, flexible sole and waterproof. ( Autumn is my preferred time for hiking you see. ) Keep on dreaming.... Great video's!
They just sent it to me, so it shouldn't be outdated. It's still quite wide, just a little tapered at the very front tip. I have Snowseal and it does work really well. But yea, I'd love a higher combat style barefoot boot. No one makes one, but hopefully some day!
Would you recommend the tracker fg boot for winter in Iceland?
Hey Julie, yea, I've worn the Tracker FG's down to 0º F. For the coldest days I use a base layer of Injinji wool toe socks ruclips.net/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/видео.html, a mid layer of thick Smartwool's amzn.to/47ZyCZJ, and a wool felt insole bit.ly/46EsKEu. Paired with the waterproof upper and natural insulation of leather, they're excellent.
@@AndrewFoltshow would you compare them to the Magna Forest Esc?
@@Julie-my6ds The Tracker FG's are waterproof, more flexible, and better for cold weather, while the Magna ESC's have a convenient slip-on upper that's more breathable for all-season use and more protective with the thicker tread, but also less flexible and somewhat heavy feeling. There's also the Magna FG, ruclips.net/video/NYIWI47hooA/видео.html which is the same but with the more flexible FG tread. Overall the Tracker FG would be my pick, unless you're going to be on super sharp rocks and need a ton of protection.
@@AndrewFolts the website (in the UK) is a bit vague and misleading!! I thought the Esc's were waterproof!! I've bought the fg's 😁 thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge and experience.
@@Julie-my6ds Yea, the ESC's definitely have high water resistance, but they'e not 100% waterproof. Happy trails out there!
Do you walk with them over the heel or the fore foot? I just wondering if I can use them this way. The heel looks quite unflexible for that.
Heel. These would be quite awkward for forefoot striking with the higher ankle. As with forefooting, though, it's always good to use a short stride with bent knees.
@@AndrewFolts Ok, it's quite hard to find proper shoes for forefoot walking. Maybe I try them and send them back if they aren't for that.
Do you have a recommendation for winter hiking with a good sole?
@@lars4953 The Softstar Switchback might be a good one to try. It's insulated with a Vibram sole, but the upper is much more flexible and agile. ruclips.net/video/ybp_g-8z2vo/видео.html
@@AndrewFolts They look good. A bit expansiv. But I guess they will last longer then neopren shoes. :)
@@lars4953 I have some Vivo Primus Lite's that are still going after seven years, so they can be a great investment if you take care with them. Here are some of my favorite durability tips: ruclips.net/video/BXO266smEKg/видео.html
How are the size compared to other "normal" shoes? I did the photo thing on Vivo`s web page and got a size 41, but I use size 44 in regular shoes. Quite a big difference, so I hesitate on ordering before I have talked to people that have these shoes. Thanks!
They run true to size, although the very tip of the boot does get a little pointy. I'm a 44 in every Vivo I've tried, including the Tracker FG. My feet are 10.5 in long (26.67 cm).
@@AndrewFolts Thanks for reply. I checked my feet again and I measure them to be 26,5 cm. Almost the same as you then. If you are comfy in a 44 then im pretty sure I will be that also.
Check up on how you've been andrew?
Just grinding, trying to build a daily upload streak. Hopefully will make it to $4,000 saved for the van deposit this month. How's life for you?
Its been alright, we're hopefully going to get away from memphis soon since it's a pretty bad city. @@AndrewFolts
@@weew0e767 I'd like to move to, Colorado would be nice. Lots of sunshine and mountains to film barefoot reviews, ha!