Minimalist hiking boots, such as Vivobarefoot’s Tracker FG line, combine ankle support and protection with a flexible sole that allows for a natural gait. These boots feature a removable thermal lining and hydrophobic leather upper, ensuring feet stay warm or dry. Merrell Moab 2 is another popular choice, with its soft, bending leather uppers.
For those who prefer a more minimalist hiking boot, brands like Earth Runners, Shamma, and Xero offer sandals, low ankle, and high ankle boots. Test results, ratings, pros and cons, and buying advice are available for each model. The Vivobarefoot Tracker II (Shop Women’s) is a classic, rugged aesthetic, while the Xero offers more protection and comfort.
Minimalist hiking boots aim to reduce extra weight and materials compared to traditional hiking boots, resulting in a “minimalist” feel. They are lightweight, not bendy, and more flexible than most other shoes. They offer good traction on wet rocks, roots, and moss-covered rocks. The roomy toe box and minimal design of barefoot footwear aim to replicate the natural movement of walking barefoot while still providing some protection.
The best barefoot hiking shoes are designed with sturdy, waterproof uppers and high-grip, non-slip soles. The Xero Shoes Daylite Hiker is a minimalist hiking boot with a lightweight, wider toe box, and thinner sole. Hiking in minimalist shoes may be beneficial for strengthening feet and reducing pain.
📹 The TRUTH About Barefoot Hiking Boots – Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Review
My pros and cons of the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC boots after several months of use. Vivobarefoot Forest Tracker ESC: …
What is nobo in hiking?
The term “NoBo” refers to a hiker who starts at Springer Mountain and intends to hike continuously to Mount Katahdin. Some individuals choose to hike the entire Appalachian Trail in small segments, starting at Springer Mountain and hiking each mile consecutively to Mount Katahdin. They may also refer to themselves as “NoBos” if they are headed north for the duration of their trips. According to the American Trail Conference (ATC), approximately 65 percent of 2, 000 milers are northbound thru-hikers.
What is silent hiking?
Silent walking involves intentionally removing technology from one’s surroundings during a walk, focusing on nature, traffic, and personal thoughts. This practice can transform a seemingly mindless walk into a mindful exercise, especially in today’s accustomed environment of constant screen time and noise. Silent walking can be considered a form of meditation, as it allows individuals to connect with their body, relax their mind, and let their thoughts flow. Consistent walking can be an effective form of exercise and a great way to relieve stress. Joyful movement can also help individuals enjoy exercising more.
Should you walk in minimalist shoes?
Minimalist footwear provides protection against a number of potential hazards, including high temperatures, sharp objects, fungal infections, and areas where footwear is required. Walking barefoot is a pleasurable activity that can facilitate the discovery of novel surfaces that serve as natural foot massagers, thereby promoting overall health and well-being.
Why not to wear minimalist shoes?
Barefoot shoes have several drawbacks, including a lack of cushioning, which can lead to significant stress on muscles and bones in the foot, ankle, knee, hip, and sometimes the spine, resulting in common injuries like stress fractures and Achilles tendonitis. The plantar fascia, a band of connective tissue on the underside of the foot, is also not protected by most shoes due to their rigid sole, which can lead to Plantar fasciitis.
The skin on the sole of the foot is more likely to blister using barefoot shoes, as most shoes have made the skin less durable to contact friction with the floor. Going barefoot immediately can be painful unless the feet are weathered enough to build a callus.
The typical design of barefoot shoes is a wide forefoot space, which is ideal for flat-footed or naturally wide feet. However, narrow feet may not feel secure and move around within the shoe. To ensure a secure fit, it is best to choose brands with shoes that form around the foot better.
Several brands offer barefoot shoes that best suit your feet and provide comfort. Some popular brands include Barefoot Shoes Australia, Vivo Barefoot, Xero Shoes, and Amazon.
What are minimalist shoes criteria?
A study led by Laval University defined minimalist shoes as those that minimize foot movement due to their high flexibility, low heel to toe drop, weight, and stack height. The Minimalist Index was built by 42 experts from 11 countries, who participated in four rounds of questions. The shoe’s flexibility was tested for longitudinal and torsional flexibility, with higher scores indicating greater flexibility. The study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research provides further insight into the concept of minimalist shoes.
What are the disadvantages of minimalist shoes?
The lack of cushioning, limited arch support, and sensitivity to cold inherent to barefoot shoes render them uncomfortable on hard or uneven surfaces. It is possible that they may not provide sufficient support for individuals with specific foot conditions, particularly those with flat feet or high arches. Furthermore, they may not provide sufficient insulation in cold weather and may present difficulties on rough or rocky surfaces.
What is the point of minimalist shoes?
Minimalist shoes promote a low-impact gait by focusing more on the midfoot or forefoot, rather than the heel. They can be beneficial for learning how to run with a midfoot or forefoot strike, as heel striking is generally considered a higher-impact stride. The thin cushioning in minimalist shoes improves the connection to the ground, improving “proprioception” and fine-tuning running mechanics. They are lighter than traditional shoes, requiring slightly less muscle power to lift feet off the ground with each stride.
However, not everyone can successfully run in minimalist shoes due to strain on the Achilles tendon and potential medical issues like plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, flat feet, bunions, or hammer toes. It is recommended to consult a doctor or podiatrist before deciding whether switching to minimalist shoes and potentially altering your running gait will be beneficial or harmful for you.
Who shouldn’t wear barefoot shoes?
It is recommended that individuals with Ehlers Danlos syndrome/severe hypermobility, rigid musculoskeletal deformities, pre-existing foot conditions, and peripheral neuropathy seek the guidance of a qualified professional prior to the purchase of barefoot minimalist footwear.
What is a minimalist hiker?
Hiking is becoming increasingly popular among minimalist hikers who prioritize lightweight backpacks and clothing. This approach allows them to enjoy nature without worrying about carrying heavy loads on their back. The popularity of ultralight backpacks has led to a rise in lighter gear, smaller backpacks, and fewer clothes on long thru-hikes. To become a minimalist hiker, consider selecting the right gear, such as lightweight hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, and a smaller pack size. By following these tips, you can reduce the physical weight of your backpack and enjoy the beauty of nature.
What is a zero hiking?
The concept of “Hike Your Own Hike” suggests that happiness comes from knowing oneself and planning and hiking accordingly. It also emphasizes respecting the hiking style of other hikers. Resupply boxes, such as Bounce Box and Hiker Box, are used to lighten the load and store unnecessary gear. Hiker Midnight is a time when thru-hikers are usually asleep. Camel Up is a crucial practice for maintaining hydration during long hikes.
Northbound and Southbound Hiking involves using minimal gear, usually food and water, while someone else transports the bulk. Trail Magic is an unexpected help along the journey. Trail markers, such as White Blaze, Blue Blaze, and Yellow Blazing, indicate alternative routes or spur trails. The Triple Crown is the feat of completing a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail.
Yoyo involves completing a thru-hike in the opposite direction. Zero Day is a day when mileage is not gained towards the end of the trail, often resupply day, or Nero Day, where one hikes just a few miles, often spending most of the day in a nearby town.
In summary, the concept of “Hike Your Own Hike” emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself, planning, and respecting other hikers’ styles.
Who should not wear minimalist shoes?
Barefoot shoes may not be suitable for individuals with severe hypermobility, rigid musculoskeletal deformities, pre-existing chronic foot conditions, or peripheral neuropathy. It is advised to consult a professional before trying barefoot shoes, as it can be a significant change. While most healthy individuals can adapt to barefoot shoes, those with these conditions should consult a professional. However, minimalist shoes can be beneficial for some individuals, but they may need assistance with the transition.
📹 My Guide to Barefoot Hiking Shoes (Time to Switch?)
Everyone starts at different levels. But everyone CAN switch back to barefoot with time and patience. Here is where you can start.
I love these boots. I bought them after having a spinal fusion and needing to walk alot during recovery. I decided to get these because it was winter and I needed extra gripping during my walks in snow and ice. I love that I am so connected to the ground and it really has prevented a lot of falls. Even on the rare occasion I am walking on a sheet of ice and they slip I can recover and not fall very easily. I wore these all through last winter and walked every day. Now that it is summer, and im more recovered, I have taken them on day hikes up the cascades (here in washington state) and absolutely love them for hiking. I hiked up Mt. Mansfield (vermont) in five fingers when i was younger and hated the experience SO much. My toes constantly got stubbed by rocks that by the end of the hike I swore off barefoot shoes. I went immediately to buy traditional hiking boots to finish my vacation. Im so glad that vivobarefoot made these boots because unlike those five fingers my toes are protected in this boot and in general, my foot stays super comfy all through my walking and hiking. There is something very special about feeling the terrain below your feet and being able to wrap your toes around the edges of rocks and stuff, its just a very tactile experience and the grip on the boot gives me loads more confidence when on the trail. Oh, and walking out here in Washingtons rainy weather hasnt been a problem, I recommend regularly cleaning and treating the leather to make them more weather proof.
I used to wear heavy combat boots with thick socks 24/7. Since fully transitioning to barefoot shoes over a year ago, and only wearing thin merino wool blend liner socks, ive found that my feet have been way warmer and drier in the winter. And way cooler and drier in the summer. Likely to do with unrestricted circulation, breathability and the fact your feet are more active. Full barefoot shoe convert. I have these boots, theyre great, my favourite day to day shoes are the magna fg though i wish they had stitched soles like the tracker forest esc
I’ve worn vivobarefoot for maybe 10 years or so. These forest esc are the best of them that I’ve bought – they were literally like putting on a nice soft leather glove that needed no brake in for me – I don’t use them in the summer as it’s too hot but I miss how comfortable they are. I used them for winter boots here in Norway but you need a thermal insole and thick woolen socks. Also never had water ingress but I keep them well conditioned with leather cream.
Had been looking forward to this! Nice review. Most of the cons you mentioned will mostly disappear over time. I’ve been wearing nothing but Vivos (aside from hardcore winter mountaineering boots and cycling shoes) for 13 years now and don’t give any of that a second thought. I did the Caledonian Challenge back in 2013 (3 years into wearing them) which was 54 miles and my feet were fine. Yours will be too! I reckon yours are sore because the muscles and tendons haven’t fully strengthened and developed yet. Super interesting point you raised about the waterproofing. I do regularly clean and proof mine with a mix of Liquiproof spray (so it gets into every area) and Renapur and haven’t had any sign of water ingress – even in a heavy Lake District downpour that lasted for 3h or so. I did have waterproof trousers covering the top of the boot though. So pleased they’re working for you! Next pair should be a trail shoe, to use when the weather is guaranteed to be good. Love them during the summer months. The ESC sole hasn’t made its way to anything other than the Hydra ESC yet, but I do believe it’s the best sole Vivo have. The FG sole is great when it’s dry but only adequate if it’s damp – I thought it was amazing until I got my hands on the ESC sole. Regarding the ankle sprains – I knackered mine way back when I was at school. I did it 3-4 times in fairly quick succession and the right is now definitely weaker. As you mentioned, you are much less likely to roll an ankle in barefoot shoes because there’s no platform to roll off.
That’s it, I’m buying these. I’ve been exclusively wearing barefoot shoes for over a year and I need a pair of hiking boots. I bought the tracker 2’s and while they feel great they’re a bit stiff and they’re a bit slippery. My feet also get super hot and sweaty in them and I think it’s because they have an insulated sole and a waterproof membrane. Just the fact that these don’t have that waterproof membrane nor an insulated sole just makes me want them more, not less😅
Always useful to find a review from someone who’s worn barefooted for a decent amount of time! I had the same issue with the pressure on my heels, still a bit of an issue up slopes even though I’ve been wearing them for over 6 months but I would still far prefer them over my normal boots in 9/10 walks. Interestingly I have very cold feet also but they have rarely got cold even spending hours in -5 last winter. I think as long as I stayed moving my feet stayed warm and think this is due to using my feet moving actively rather than having them strapped still in big boots. It often takes me over an hour of walking in the winter before my feet have warmed up enough to feel properly 😅
I’ve been wearing Vivobarefoot trail running shoes and more recently the Magna Forest Esc with the same sole as your Trackers. The transition to barefoot-style or minimalist shoes can be a challenge and this is often where people experience issues. I would never go back to “normal” shoes. There are winter thermal insoles you can buy which are warmer so worth investing in a pair of these for the colder months.
Slowly transitioning to barefoot shoes corrected every foot issue I had including really bad plantar fasciitis. Jumping right in and doing everything in them will lead to trouble because your feet have been braced inside shoes that don’t allow them to function correctly. They need to slowly build muscles that are weak from little use. Putting on non-barefoot shoes is a horrible experience now. I would never go back. I run in them, walk in them, hike and backpack for miles in them. Every person I personally know that has gone back to supported shoes didn’t take time to properly adjust to barefoot shoes.
I have the tracker II and also the gym shoe style one for the gym. Anyway on both of them the sole starts to come away where they flex, but I don’t care,they are so comfortable. Warm, I wear some danish brand of real wool socks and they are surprisingly warm in winter. Waterproof, I find mine to be astonishingly waterproof and I used to have Zamberlans which I always kept waxed and no issues with them trudging through Scottish bogs. Perhaps you are just thinking they aren’t waterproof because you are getting damp from sweat ?
I have the Vivo Trackers. Hands down the worst boots I’ve ever owned. Non-existent waterproofing, the rubber soles crumbled on them and they have zero grip in the wet. They were absolutely lethal on steep ground. Vivobarefoot’s customer service is also atrocious, they have no interest in dealing with issues. Total rip off for 200 quid.
I’ve been wearing the Primus Lite III shoes for around a year now. I would get sore feet after an hour or so at first, but now they feel fine. I’m on my feet all day for work and they do get a little tired, but I’m soon going on a 5 day jungle trek in Indonesia, and considering buying these. I do own some traditional hiking boots, but they will take up so much storage and I also want to keep using a wide toe box and use them for future hikes too. Does anyone think it’s a bad idea?
Am a Xero shoe and boot wearer. It just happened that I started with them and haven’t tried other brands. I hike on rough ground but only a few miles at a time. I love barefoot shoes and boots! Been wearing them for years now. The only time I wear my Keen hiking boots is in the winter when the Xero boots aren’t keep me warm and dry, but they are not near as comfortable, and are actually hurting my feet after a couple times wearing them in a row.
I’m on about my 3rd week of transitioning to barefoot shoes, I hike so that’s what my main intention is with wearing them. Using Vibram Five Fingers and I love them. I have metatarsalgia in my right foot and it definitely isn’t bothering me as much as it used to already after a few weeks. I’m doing workouts and stretches to strengthen my ligaments and tendons in the ball of my feet as well. Has anyone else on here transitioned to barefoot with metatarsalgia? Does the injury go away completely at some point or do you always have that little “ligament pop” type sensation?
In general agree with your points. I typically only buy Vivo’s with a stitched outsole like these ones. You can somewhat improve the cold resistance by replacing the stock insoles with Vivo thermal insoles. I really like my Tracker II boots, but the outsoles are not stitched. The TF ESC have a noticeably thicker outer sole, with better grip on most surfaces as compared to the T2. The T2 have more ground feel and flexibility. Just depends on what you prefer. Only my opinion anyway.
If you’re just wearing boots to walk in and not in everyday life how do you expect your feet to transition?? Waterproof…. Mine have been sunk in many bogs and rivers…. Mine are fully waterproof. Maybe look after your boots better if yours aren’t waterproof? If your feet hurt after 6 miles then your transitioning back to normal boots… again how do you expect to get used to wearing them?
The saying 1 kilo on your feet takes same energy to transport as 5 kilos on your back. My experience of these is that my long multi day hikes are far more enjoyable. When I’ve infrequently use my “heavy” boots in winter on the mountains they do feel like swinging lead pendulums thus support that first statement and can’t wait to get back to the Vivo’s… Barefoot stuff has given my legs a new lease of life, knee injuries etc are now a thing of the past, I can now run again, for me I wish I’d known about this 30 years back. I’m three years in to this and took my time transitioning, 18 months it took and won’t be returning to the casts. You must take your time. As for the pain in feet… it’s a bit like the matrix… A lot of your muscles in your feet (100+) most have never been developed.. You’ve had them in casts for years. They’ve been supported and thus weak. It’s like wearing an arm cast when your arm gets broken… does you arm come out of this support cast stronger! Most have been wearing that cast for 30 years on their feet so what do you expect… no pain when using the foot with support for the first time. You will build them up over time, your feet muscles will strengthen, be far stronger, and more importantly on those long hikes, takes it’s fair share of the work and reduce wear and fatigue elsewhere, knees, hips. Sharp objects, stones, terrain over time again become a distant memory, again this is down to weak feet. As your feet become stronger this also becomes a non problem, you enjoy the sensation of different textures.
Weirdly I’ve taken no time to adjust, I got some cheap barefoot shoes on Amazon for £40 and wore them a bit here and there when I could (I’m a motorcyclist so most of the time I’m in horrible thick stiff boots). Against all warning I did Glastonbury festival as a steward wearing those cheap Hobibear shoes and – I never once got knee pain, no blisters, and just had some sore calves and by the end my feet were pretty tired, but overall I felt amazing. I did four waterfalls walk in those same very not waterproof not grippy shoes and felt so stable in them. So I’m just completely converted. I need these!
A “small group of people” having issues with injuries from barefoot/minimalist running is a massive improvement over the majority of people (80% over the course of a year) having injuries from contemporary running shoes. Not sure how many decades it needs to be around before it stops being a “craze”, particularly since is a return to our natural movement that worked for hundreds of eons. Maybe your injury was a result of running improperly, as opposed to running barefoot/minimalist. Maybe you would have had other injuries running with the experimental and heavily padded footwear on offer now. A tip on breaking in hot spots on leather footwear is to wet it with alcohol where it’s tight and it will conform to the movements of your foot almost immediately. Leather workers who wet form things like leather sheaths and holsters do this. It’s how they get a piece of leather to mold to whatever it’s protecting, and it works great. Much faster than water, dries faster than water, and I’ve never seen it effect the leather negatively.
I had 2 pairs of more casual style vivo boots and sneakers i had for 3 years. I loved them but they completely wore through. I ended up buying a pair of their hiking boots but… The seams and soles were all splitting apart within 3 months of use. At the price point i was completely apalled and it put me off ever buying them again :/
This is a really good review, open & forthright with all points. Thank you for doing it! Re: feet getting sore/painful with longer hikes, something I’ve heard is that stronger, better-developed muscles are less tender to pressures, and this applies to the muscles of the feet. Which insert did you get with yours? There are a couple different types that Vivobarefoot does. Mine came with some thin, perforated ones. There’s also a cork type and a thermal one. I’m not sure what the specs are, but might be worth a look :~) — My experience: About 18 mos ago I bought the same boots after a few months of looking, learning, and consideration. I’d been using my Altra Lone Peak trail runners for about 4 yrs and wanted a natural-function-friendly boot for more mountainy, mud-snowy hiking and property chores. I’ve had the chance now to use them in every circumstance I wanted them for, and appreciate them more every time I use them :~) I treated mine with Sno-Seal (an old favorite natural beeswax waterproofing product) before winter and they have continued to perform essentially waterproof for me.
Barefoot shoes transformed my life! My posture got better. Neuropathy became manageable. My mood improved! High arches blocked blood flow in my feet, causing numbness. Barefoot shoes returned full sensation to my feet, which really helped my state of mind. I can’t explain it but it was very noticeable. All that said, my feet do get tired faster and I do walk more slowly because I’m paying attention to how I walk, rather than plodding along in big heavy boots or even more cushioned zero drop shoes. Luckily I’m not planning to do long distance backpacking, just day hikes. I did meet someone who did the Muir trail in Vivobarefoot trackers and he LOVED them.
Love the feel of my trackers, totally NOT waterproof. Vivo replaced them, same thing this pair a few month in only on Grady fields walking dog! Also my primus grail waterproof have never been waterproof! Over hyped brand I’ve decided and will be looking for a new brand that delivers on quality of waterproofing!
2 cons I would give barefoot shoes is they can be really bad for me when running on rough gravel because the rocks move so much that I cant place my foot with good technique and then I get pain in along the top of my foot. It feels like its coming from the bones. 2nd con is that they aren’t great for scrambling on a climbing approach because they are so flexible you cant put as much weight on the very tip of your toe. Ps I only wear barefoot shoes, the pros outweigh the cons ten fold.
just got these and they’re so nice and ligth in cmoparison wiht my normal hiking boots!…but yeah they bit so hard on the back of my leg, probably cause it sits right above the ankle, and it’s driving me nuts and i was thinking of returning them just for that just like you said adsfsdfs. I’ll try them for longer and see if it gets better!
My foot collapsed 40 years ago and I was brainwashed into orthotics which due to their supportive nature eventually did help. The cost was the strength and functionality of my foot. -All to be pain free. I have been wearing barefoot type shoes for the past few months and there is a noticeable increase in muscle mass in my feet. I am still getting pain in my foot at times and on longer walks will bring a pair of orthotics if the foot starts to get sore again, No point in walking through pain if the goal is to functionally pain free. Hopefully in the next year or so the foot strength will improve.
I tried these for a few months. Thought the bottom of my feet would get used to the pain, they did but not completely. After about 150km over that time still i find them painful after a big day like you. And I want to be as comfortable as possible on a hike so gave up. I changed to Altra Lone peak all wthr mids after these. Zero drop, big toe box foot shaped but with cushion for me these are the best. Not the most durable but also not so expensive so not a big deal to get a new pair each year. Honestly mate your experience sounds like mine, get the altras its like these but zero pain!
I have fully transitioned to barefoot shoes for my every day walking and normally go barefoot completely when actually hiking. how ever i need something during winter, i got these boots and had the same problem as you with the digging in my ankle i tried wearing them for a long time and they never broke in unfortunately
My youngest son insisted on doing a hike in the Smoky Mountains (east Tennessee, USA where we live) using toe shoes when he was 15. He is very stubborn (gets it from his mother and even she admits it). So we hike 5 miles in to a campsite where we plan to have lunch. When we are finished eating and planning to hike out he complains that his feet hurt. I had tried to get him to carry a pair of tennis shoes (trainers I believe you call them). He refused. Basically I told him there was only one way out: he walked in he had to walk out. He gave up on the toe shoes after that. I have very tender feet. I think the increased flexibility would certainly help with traction but I think I will have to stick to my super heavy Asolo backpacking boots. To each his own.
I think that barefoot shoes are a tool to have a chance, to get better foot training in. But to use all the benefits, you should train. Maybe It’s like buying the best 60l backpack, when you’re untrained you don’t have all the benefits. The hints are their for maybe get daily seperate foot trading in. You mentioned tiredness and cold feet. That could be signes to get more training in. The question is if you want to train your feet daily, to get all the benefits and lower the risk of injuries. Because the shoes are just a tool! When someone isn’t putting in the work, the risk of having injuries is going up. Sure it would be different, when someone starts the process in their early 20s or started with very healthy feet. I think the best thing to do is researching and asking trainers and orthopedics who are specialized in barefoot walking. I done everything by the books even started first with seperate foot training sessions and than slow migrating to the use of barefoot shoes. Till I walked every day in them. Than I started to elongate the walks till I could walk 15 miles without feeling tired. (Before migrating I done hiking on a sports level, with distances around 35-45miles/ daily every week) Second winter provided me with warm strong feet Next step would be running, first very short distances and than longer. After 3 years in I got COVID and longcovid and was in bed for a long time. Therefore I need to start doing the process all over again. Sure it’s much quicker, bit still it’s not what I expected.
Just got a pair of these along with another pair of minimalist-style shoes for everyday use, hoping to help address some persistent lower back pain. I was a bit skeptical, but they’re super comfortable so far. I’ve got to do a bit of adjustment before taking them out into the mountains, but I’m curious how my feet will hold up after a longer-distance hike. Do you feel like you’re able to comfortably go beyond 6 miles after continuing to acclimate to the boots?
Ive done 12 month in these now and around 400 kilometers over all terrains and even a full day trek of 47km with soaking wet feet through a Qld rainforest and never once have i had a blister rubbing,sore feet or any other ailments. My feet always feel planted to the point i dont even think you could role your ankle in these boots. The grip is next level on all terrains and never do i second guess my placing of my feet because i know they will perform. The pain ive read in alot of the reviews for these boots regarding the pain in the inner ankle from rubbing pressure is easily fixed with spring loaded lace lockers and not tying them,this way you can dial them in to perfection. Will i buy another pair,most definitley. Best boots i have put on my feet. And no i dont have any affiliation with vivobarefoot but they deserve my raving review 😁👍
Nice review. Have been looking longingly at these but can’t quite decide if they’re worth the risk. I have quite wide feet, and I haven’t gone the barefoot route properly yet, with the combo of quite a high instep, so finding decent shoes to try on here in Ireland is challenging to say the least. How did you find these in terms of width fitting, and volume? I’d prefer to get the lower cut ankle shape of the Magna Forest ESC but I don’t think my foot would even fit past the sewn fabric collar 🙂
Laces are crap they always lessen on me. I’ve been wearing vivo barefoot for a long long time before they became a craz. I still have my gobis which are still in great condition, I still have my original trackers they are in great condition apart from the sole which has now worn through. I also have the esc forest tracker which are in alright condition but will need a new sole soon. However I got a new pair of tracker II and they are giving way in the stitching where the toe bends and around the front end. I feel that since they have come more popular the price has gone up and quality has gone down! Good review, I prefer leather boots with no goretex as it’s crap when you do what I do and they get very dirty. You need to be wearing them to allow your feet, ankles and tendons to change shape.
3:49 Just came back from a round trip through sweden and norway for 2 weeks, camping with a group of people traveling by car and then hiking to the nice routes and stuf and the first 2 days i did the effort to relace my laces everytime i gotta get out of the tent and i got tired of it and then i just tucked the laces into the boots and walked around camp much faster and easier lol 9:13 I use Vivobarefoot Thermal insole for in the colder months and it works great (with thicker socks ofcourse) 10:05 in Norway it rained in the mountains for hours and I used this boot as well, the water got through but i didnt really notice it because i was wearing waterproof socks from Sealskin plus liner socks and it worked really good! (feet didnt get wet or cold, just a bit sweaty that’s all) and the hike i did through the mountain range was like 12km long I did however use the included insoles as i knew the rocks were gonna be jagged and pointy so i get ever so slighty more padding against it
Not oficially barefoot but as close as you will get without compromising too mutch are the norwegian m77 boots, either made by alfa or protex. just a leather shell with a super wide toebox and quite thin close to zero drop sole. Id size down even if you dont intend to wear 3 pairs of socks in them. They wont be nearly as flexible in the sole but in other regards they are the closest thing.
You could also go the cheap route to get accustomed like I did. That is, walk barefoot the majority of time until your calf, feet, and leg muscles start getting much stronger. This took me from march of this year until about July – August of walking barefoot nearly every day. In cases where I did not have that option, I would walk with inexpensive whitn trail shoes from Amazon. I walked on grass, rock, and street. I live in a mountainous region.
Amazing boots! I do land surveying. On my feet most of the day. Hiking in rough terrain and often in brush and briars. These boots have held up! One of the lace hooks broke from the black rubber pretty early on and I made the same repair with super glue twice. Not ideal, but this very low skill fix did the trick. I do have tired feet sometimes, especially the first 6 months, but my pair are two years old and only thing I notice now is my heel hurts when I am on pavement for much of the day. But that could very well be because they are pretty much worn out after two years, can’t complain about that longevity. There was an adjustment period for sure with what feet muscles were used and balance changed and I fell down a couple times fining stability in them. It has proven to be very much worth that effort and transition time. I will be buying another pair soon. Highly recommend. They are relatively pricy but mine have been productive and comfortable for two years, much longer than the average for my use.
You shuold add an additional thermal sole for cold weather. I’ve used mine in winter and in snow and didn’t have cold feet. But your feet get colder if you only stand around. You need to move more because your feet will get the warmth from the fact that you use your foot muscles more. Therefore, I wouldn’t wear them if I know that I’m standing around a lot.
Vivo needs to have a day off with the prices to be honest, its a bit of a joke. If they want more people wearing their shoes, special models should be around MAX £120, rest £100. If you wear them for literally everything like I do, they wont last longer than 6 months either. By 5 months my Magna FG soles were shot with no tread left, and the glue coming apart. For £150, I want them to last years. I also returned my Tracker Forest ESCs, they were scuffed after 1 walk – and I had them properly waxed, having no lip on the toe to protect the leather is bonkers. Saving grace is they have a good returns policy, so theyre getting replaced for free.
I’m curious to know whether you use these on steep descents. I have a pair of Tracker FGs that I bought in 2017 and haven’t worn very much for a couple of reasons. First, the leather and padding of the uppers, while being comfortable, means that they are best suited for colder days rather than hot summer days. Second, all this leather and padding means that I found it very difficult to achieve the (for me) necessary locking of the foot to the back of the shoe. Let me explain. When I wear barefoot trail shoes, mostly Merrels, for sports where I frequently need to stop abruptly or where I’m running down hill then I lace them up in such a way that my foot is secured to the heel of the shoe and also held over the top of the foot. That leaves my toes free to move but prevents my foot sliding forward into the toebox to crush my toes. When I tried the Tracker FGs on a reasonable hike I had exactly this problem, an inability to secure my feet inside the boots. My feet kept sliding forward into the toebox and it was very unpleasant. I swapped them with a pair of barefoot trail shoes I’d brought just in case, and the day was saved. So the Tracker FGs are now used when it’s cold and wet, otherwise not much and certainly not for the thing I bought them for – hiking. In fact now I just hike in barefoot trail shoes, and like many people I love being able to feel the ground and feel far more secure than in clumpy hiking boots. So there’s the question. Are the Tracker Forest ESC’s better in this way to allow you to walk down steep inclines too?
I’m in the East Antrim Harriers and I ran the Mourne Way Half marathon in a pair of Vibram Fivefingers. Loved it. Of course I had a few years practice and a couple of Causeway coast runs beforehand. I could hike anywhere in the Fivefingers as long as it’s warm enough, though the toes tend to pick up weeds when you run trail and cross country 😂 For that, I’ve switched to a pair of zero drop inov8
I climbed Mt Shasta’s clear creek in a new pair of these boots (16 miles and 8k ft elevation gain), is a ton of loose sharp rock and scrambling, also crossed some steep snowfields. Boots preformed perfectly and were incredibly comfortable. I was amazed that I got no blisters and feet felt a lot less sore than I expected. I think this proves to me that these aren’t “light duty only” and can handle the most intense hikes you can throw at them. I wouldn’t recommend this if you aren’t a full time barefooter though.
Thanks for this! I’ve never been here but I’m current going down the rabbit hole, researching these types of shoes. I’ve always preferred to go bearfoot since childhood, where possible. Then we moved south (USA) and I’ve kind of grown tired of getting stung by ants. But I HATE wearing shoes! When I heard of these I thought maybe they’d provide a happy compromise. I feel disconnected with normal shoes on…kind of like I did when I first started driving an automatic car after learning on a manual. I guess I like being able to “feel” the ground beneath me, even when driving.😂 But anywho… thanks again! Btw… the rest of the content here looks great too! I just subscribed 👍🏼
This is very late so I don’t know if you’ll see the message. I have haglunds so any rubbing or stiff shoe material against the rear of the heel below the Achilles = months of pain. The shoe needs to have a super flexible heel counter. Is the area behind the heel of these super flexible and gentle or is it like stiff leather?
I’ve been wearing vivos all day everyday for about 2-3 years now without any issues 🤷🏻♂️ I’ve yet to wear them hiking/hillwaking though. That brings me to this article. I do passively strengthen my feet at home using wee exercises I’ve learned so I’m hopeful there shouldn’t be any issues. I’m bringing a spare pair of socks though. Scotland is known for its wet weather
Great stuff! I’m on barefoot shoes for 1,5 years. Running, walking, hiking and I love it! About those ankles: See it as a physics problem. You need less force to rotate something with a longer lever. Your heel is the thing that rotates. The 0 drop heel is a short arm, whereas a raised heel is a longer arm. Not even looking at the wider soles that make the distance even greater…
I wouldn’t go back to standard boots again but atm I don’t think these boots have the durability to make them worth the price. Both the forest tracker and Magna tracker are both falling apart on me after 3 months use and I have to say I’m disappointed as I absolutely love the feel and grip I get when walking and lack of blisters
Great review Stephen. I love my Vivo shoes and boots and they are the only hiking footwear I purchase now. I have supination on my right foot and it’s caused me all sorts of issues with traditional boots. But with these it’s almost eliminated the problem, because the boot is letting my foot step more naturally. The Forest ESC is probably my favourite in the Vivo range. Keep up the great articles mate. 👍
I did the Cape Wrath trail wearing these in May. I loved them but they aren’t perfect. First off I found there was weird pressure point from where the last lace eyelet is, maybe its the black plastic or maybe it’s the eyelet itself but someone I spoke to on trail said they had to return them for that reason, I just wore thick socks which removed this problem. The other issue I had was they were too warm on hot days and my feet were damp from sweating (maybe it was the thick socks). And also on man made forest tracks or roads my feet would start to hurt but I did like 20 miles some days, I think its something I might get used to the more I walk in barefoot shoes though. Overall I liked these but will probably go for trail runners next time because these take a while to dry out once wet and I just want to try trail runners.
Your point about not rolling your ankle in barefoot shoes is spot on. I used to roll my left ankle all the time and it’s always when wearing “standard” shoes. I only wear barefoot shoes now and I haven’t rolled my ankle once. I think those squishy soles make rolling easier. With barefoot shoes, you feel more of a connection to the ground and I think it absolutely makes a difference. There’s definitely a learning curve to going barefoot. It takes time for your feet to adjust and learn how to walk differently, not heel pound but land in the middle of your foot.
Love these boots. Bought them immediately when they were announced in spring ’21 and was honestly kinda skeptical even though I’d other Vivos and barefoot shoes. Was proven very wrong. They’re just fantastic and every bit as durable as any leather hiker I’ve had over the past 3 decades, moreso than some.
I had these boots but returned them due to the Achilles rub issue, unfortunately they didn’t break in for me. I’ve the Magna Forest ESC which have the same Michelin sole as the Tracker Forest, just a tad shorter in height, and I love them. Totally get your description of that ground feel and connectivity. I wore my Magnas in snowy Finland in -17C with a wool insole inside and my feet were toasty. Synthetic ‘thermal’ insoles do not warm my feet at all in the winter, so it might be worth you trying pure sheep wool ones. As for foot discomfort over long hikes, it’s probably a conditioning issue. I also wear Vivobarefoot Tracker boots and Primus trail shoes and have done 12 mile walks no problem. That said I do regular foot strengthening drills which helps I think.
I have been walking with barefoot shoes (not hiking) through all of winter and I recommend just getting the thermal inlay. It‘s a very thin IR-reflective sheet, that really makes a difference. Interestingly enough, my feet are always warmer in barefoot shoes than in normal ones (without any addons) and mind you I have very cold feet usually. I’d attribute that to the increased activation of foot muscles, but anyways, get the thermal inlays, it‘s like 5 euros!
This is a great article & so beautifully presented! Thanks so much for covering all the information I was looking for. I’ve been wearing LEMS boots the last few years & recently discovered they’re not true barefoot. Just for kicks I placed my bare foot on the provided sole & my narrow sized foot actually splayed out further than the sole! I’m a bit bummed but I’ve also been having an increasing number of ingrown toenails & foot pain. I think it’s time to make the switch!
6:18 I came here to hear exactly this. I had such a painful hike, I had to come down from the mountain BAREfoot. That was painful also due to the rocks, but was still better than the previous cutting with the shoes. I am considering selling them, but I want to give them a chance, make them somehow more comfortable, because otherwise they’ve got a big potential.
You are very blessed to live in a place where snakes don’t exist. Here in Florida, the go to boot are “snake boots”. Semi-water proof (they lose their protection as time goes on) but makes trouncing about in thickets etc a breeze as well as prevents an otherwise pleasant outdoor hike from a defensive snake that you didn’t see.
Is there less path erosion with these type of boots? Might seem like a small point, but we have major issues with erosion in the UK and footwear that decreases it would be a selling point to those who care. Also, with traditional hiking boots you end up with half the trail stuck to the bottom, which you then have to spend half an hour removing with a stick or toothbrush. Chris Brasher’s company used to produce incredible boots that felt like a slipper to wear, didn’t cause the usual foot problems and had a special sole pattern that didn’t pick up mud and stones. They were kind of a half-way point between a barefoot shoe and a traditional boot, but sadly got bought up by Berghaus and outsourced to China. Are there any similar ‘transitional’ style boots on the market today?
We both ended up going for the Vivo Primus trail II’s. We love how our feet feel, love how lightweight they are, and how easy they are to get on. That being said, we’ve had them maybe 7 months and they’re already falling apart. Tears at the seams and the mesh. Just expected more durability from trail shoes
I like barefoot, I would walk everywhere every day in these, but not at this crazy price! This is a joke. They cost less to make than standard shoes, they are less durable than any standard shoe, and most of them are still made by Chinese kids, so fuck brands that try to get more of my money just because i want to be healthy.
Really interesting points and thoughts on the Vivo Trackers. I have the standard Trackers, slightly less aggressive lugs on the soles, and I don’t wear them much because I find them a pain the get laced up and then getting them in and off isn’t fun either. Once on they are fine, and my wife wears her pretty much everyday in the winter. Maybe like you say I need to wear them more to brake them in and make them easier to get in and out of. Great review thanks for putting it out here 😁👍
Barefoot shoes are an absolute game changer. I had back pain/hip pain while hiking, thought I was going to have to quit hiking. I started doing your hiking warm up routine, yogaish stretching for the hips(a combo of yours and another one), as well as core strengthening, as you suggested, and now I’m wearing barefoot trail runners. I started using a walking technique taught by “Grown Healthy” YouTuber, and now am able to hike without any back pain. You have made a huge impact on my life. I am forever indebted to you. Thank You!!
Honestly high ankles on boots are useful, not for the support (I always go through my ankle in them, whilst I don’t in my Altras), but for the simple fact of protection. Especially when being off the path and in high grass, you can just stomp through whilst everything scratches against the boot opposed to your ankles. So I think when going off trail they can still have a place (but you can also use gaiters). But on trail it is simply worse.
Wow, I feel like you read my mind making this article! I also wear primus trails for day hikes and everyday shoes (including 8+ hour shifts walking on pavement), but as cold, wet winter approaches, I was wondering if I needed cushioned soles both for insulation from the ground and shock absorption on longer hikes/heavier pack days. Super helpful to hear how the leather magnas perform in cold and wet conditions, and the specific pack weight at which you start to miss the cushion. All answers to questions I was just asking myself haha. Thank you!
Fully agree on not needing ankle support. I remember being confused by that going into highschool basketball, everyone else was complaining about ankle pain. I had been playing daily since I was 5 on the most minimal low top shoes I could get in the 80s and 90s, so I never had that issue. Have always hated wearing shoes, so the barefoot shoe fad has been a lifesaver. However having tall boots on the trail is nice for the waterproof factor and SOME snake protection. Here in TX, I have come across western, and eastern diamondbacks, timber rattlers, desert Massasaugas, copperheads and a lot of cotton mouths.
Really helpful article thanks Chase. I transitioned to Altra’s a year ago and love the wide toe box and natural foot strike. I’ve been looking into the Vivo’s as an everyday shoe so you’ve definitely given me a nudge to sort that out. Having a desk job, the struggle with tight hips is most definitely real and daily stretching and strength building has become part of my routine now.
I’ve been wearing the primus lites for a year now and been hiking in altras. And I love it, it makes so much sense for me to walk in minimal shoes. I just bought the magna trail vegan version for the winter and am really curious how waterproof and warm they wil be (also revivo is a great place if you don’t have the money to pay full price) Great article as always, thank you for teaching people about this 😊
Thanks for the article 🙌 I’m currently using the high ankle Tracker shoe. I agree with you 100% about the ankle support as you explained. The beauty of high boots is still that they keep pine needles and blueberry bushes out of your shoe when hiking in the forests here in the northern parts of Scandinavia and Finland 🤌
Chase. I was born with some foot abnormalities one being my feet are totally flat with both talus bones almost flat on the floor. I’ve avoided the minimalist shoes because of this. Currently, I am working barefoot to improve my ankle mobility and strength, but not ready to get rid of my Oboz yet!! Suggestions??
I moved from trail runners to Vibram Fivefingers around 2010, then on to Luna Sandals after I slowly wore thru two pairs of the vibrams. On my second pair of Lunas now, but I’m starting to get more conscious of exposing the tops of my feet so I’m starting to look at Vivos more seriously. So that is to say, great timing with this article. And yeah, ditto to what you’re saying about ankle strength and the paradox of “support” in shoes. I get using heavy, supportive footwear when doing particularly dangerous things (I work around horses and won’t wear any barefoot style shoes around), but if the purpose of your activity is to exercise or train or improve fitness then I think people should try to use footwear that is as minimal as possible, all the way down to exercising barefoot if possible (like running on a beach for example).
12:50 I’m not sure I entirely agree. Even though I have no foot problems, I like the ideas behind the barefoot style shoes and as many others have adapted this style of shoes into my life. Whilst I’m overall happy with my decision, they simply do not feel safe and secure on more technical hikes in the mountains. I tried several times and I just did not have the confidence that I usually have and in this type of terrain there just isn’t that much room for error. This experience made me realize the tremendous value of a stiff sole that can act as a platform in more technical terrain. I think this is something that everyone should keep in mind!
Hi there, thx for this guide article – I got some ideas out it 😉 You mentioned ski boots, so I guess you are a skier? I’d like to hear your opinion on how to deal with skiboots once your foot has adapted to barefoot/wider style shoes. I began walking barefoot and with my first barefoot shoe (vivo Primus lites) during the day in the office only a few weeks ago but I already can’t wear most of my shoes anymore since the lack of width is too painful, so now I’m really scared if I’ll fit into my Snowboardboots again this winter or if I will experience a lot of pain. Do you simply size up your ski boots? I don’t know the market for skiboots but for snowboardboots, there are not a lot oy wide option and the ones there are, are not really wide enough for most… I only discovered a few years ago because of Snowboarding that I have wide feet, not extremely wide bute wider than normal (I’m an E-width), I guess that’s why I find barfeoot shoes so comfortable – my feet finally have room to the sides… Two years back I found Adidas boots which are pretty wide so they worked for my wider feet but I’m not sure if they still fit me now that ma feet experienced wider barefoot shoes… Would love to hear your take on that…
Thanks so much for the articles which are the best I’ve come across. Been perusal a while, and dipping my toe (and feet, ankle, knees, hips) into some of your exercises to strengthen and, um, flexibilise, particularly the lower muscles and ligaments. As a 57 year old man, who has been wearing barefoot shoes for the last four years or so, it undoubtedly takes longer to get mountain/hike proof knees and ankles. I’m having to relearn something you always mention…listen to the body. I’ve moved too fast with some of your suggested exercises, for instance. But never doubted the wisdom behind them. Personally, I’m doing this for the reasons you often state…to gain and maintain fitness through to my eventual demise. LOL. But I have a specific aim, a long term plan, to go on a very long walk through Europe to Iran when I’m 60, with my travel guitar on my back, playing wee gigs on the way. Story behind that, but that’s the plan. So, you’re my main go to for body stuff. I’ll likely try one of your paid courses further down the line. ps. I’ve got a favourite bare foot shoe, which is kind of a sandal/shoe which I wear for pretty much everything bar weddings and funerals. It’s the xero shoes colorado. Perfect for my needs in general, including most of my hiking needs.
Do you ever just walk barefoot? I love walking barefoot, started about 5 years ago, when a mate at university who walked barefoot around a lot, always carrying a pair of flip flops in case he needed it for shops etc., turned me onto it. It single revolutionized my back aches and pain, as I’ve barely had any issues after the first year or so of walking barefoot for most of the year. I will wear boots for winter time but then about 3/4 of the year here in QLD Australia, we can easily have nice enough temps to walk barefoot. Curious to hear how you walk brother, and whether you still walk pure natural without any shoes?
From a military background, I want “ankle protection” more than support. My preferred boots were soft all the way up about 8 inches, so not big on support, but they provided some minimal protection. I’d love to see some MOSTLY minimalist military boots (sorry, can’t go soft and squishy on the soles, they have to serve some protection from puncture).
I’ve been wearing the Primus trail fg for a couple of years now. The soles are pretty worn but they are holding up well. I massively shortened their lifespan by scrambling in them. I really want a pair of Magnas but I might need to buy another pair of Primus trail first as they are my literal everyday shoe
For waterproof barefoot shoes you need the sole to stay on tight. The vivo esc line shoes are the only models that the sole won’t separate from the upper. Even a small crack will let water in. Since the esc sole is sown they won’t allow any water in. I’ve had many barefoot shoes and in every pair the sole glue will fail due to the flexibility. Even on the esc line the glue fails but the stitching holds it watertight.
I’ve found low stack height and decent tread for loose-surface traction to be the hardest thing to find. Merrell Trail Glove 4 continue to be my favorite with a fraction the stack height of Altra Lone Peaks. (Avoiding the newer generations of TG that have that horrible overbuilt “support”.) Wish they lasted longer though, as with any sticky rubber!
Chase this is great info. I’ve been wearing Xero’s for about 4 years now. A couple years ago I apparently did a partial planter plate tear and just found out what it was just recently. I’ve been recently re evaluationg the minimalist shoe wearing. I was glad to see that you still mix Altra in there for certain occasions. I’ve kind of been an all or nothing Xero user and it might have been my downfall for this injury. Thanks for the approval to switch up shoes depending on the job needed. Thank you!
As an alternative to Altras, consider Topo Athletic. I find the toebox on my Altras isn’t actually that wide. Wide compared to normal shoes, yes, but not enough to wear toe spacers for example. I’ve also read that many other people have had issues with Altra narrowing their lasts. My Topo Terraventures do have a wide enough toebox on the other hand, and fulfil a very similar role, just with a more durable upper than all the Altras I’ve had experience with, and with vibram soles.
I’m 68 years old and have been wearing Altras for 5 or 6 years. Most of my miles come from 5-6 mile hikes daily. Some of which are on hard surfaces, roads and some pavement. Lately I have found my Lone Peaks do not provide enough cushion and the soles of my feet get sore. I now wear Altras that provide more stack height. Someone said that this is yet another sign of aging. Is it true? Do our feet need a bit more cushion as we age? Just curious if any others in their mid 60s find this to be true?
Thank Chase! I am hiking the AT next year and got a pair of Altra Lone Peaks (I’ll be carrying a 13Kl ish pack). I’ve been running in and hiking in Luna sandal and Vibram 5 fingers for years and have recently jumped full in. The Lone Peaks seem really high compared to what I’m used in the sandals and I’ve already rolled my ankle a couple of times. How do you feel about Vivo or Xero for thru-hiking (2200 Miles)? Everyone talks about how I’m going to feel every rock and I just feel like maybe I’m not everyone!
I wore army boots nearly all my life. I had ankle, knee, hip and lower back pain until I got acclimated to barefoot shoes. Still in recovery but every day is better than the last. Hint; I am 66. My favorite shoe is; WHITIN Men’s Minimalist Trail Runner (amazon) with a Dr. Scholl’s heavy duty support insole.
What if you already have foot pain? I currently have an episode of metatarsalgia and all the advice says to take pressure off, wear insoles, wear shoes with very cushy soles, etc. This all makes a lot of sense because walking barefoot with metatarsalgia only makes it a lot worse, but how do you transition from that to a more barefoot style? Is it a matter of wearing the most supportive shoes possible until the pain disappears and then slowly going more and more minimal?
A hack if you live in the desert southwest. The thin soles of both my vivo barefoot and my xero shoes hikers do not stand up to thorns, especially the one inch mesquite thorns! I had some leftover Mr Tuffy liner for my 4″ x 20″ bike tires. Cut out insoles from the liner and holes in my feet have been drastically reduced. Not, perfect protection, but much better. Don’t feel like I lost much ground feel either.
A good and informative article as always 🙂 I always try to wear, if not barefoot shoes, then at least minimal shoes with wide toe box and minimal support. Except in the winter, where I have tried using the VivoBarefoot Magna Trail with the winter insole. However, that did not work for me in Scandinavia; my feet where freezing, eventhough I was wearing woolen socks. Now I am planning on going to Kilimajaro, and everywhere the recommendation for footwear is (not surprisingly) normal, sturdy hiking boots, which I think seems quite excessive. I do own the Altra Lone Peak 5 All Weather boots, and I recently completed a 50 km. hike in the shoe version without any ankle or knee problems. Does anyone have any experience for similar trips, and what did you wear on your feet?
TMB in mid June (so some snow guaranteed..) – would you recommend wearing regular Altras ? Waterproof ? Or perhaps I should stick to regular hiking shoes ? Been wearing vivos day-to-day since roughly September but I do have a desk job… In February went to Patagonia and been hiking in Salomon’s (Quest 4D GTX) – my feet were boiled. Also shoes didn’t feel as comfortable as before – wonder if it’s because I’m getting used to the wide toe box now. I have sized up from the same model than my old ones too.. Also – i do have flat feet, b-unions and my left foot is a full size smaller than right. 😅
been wearing a pair of lems primal 2 for about 18 months as daily drivers, love them to bits. also have a couple pairs of altra trail runners.. the most minimalist are the merrel vapour gloves which are awesome for lifting in…. the only thing lacking is a zero drop pair of work boots which i would love
Well said. The Merrell Vapour Glove 3 and 4 are awesome barefoots too. Noticed you avoided commenting on the Vivo Tracker FG2, kind of glad you didn’t recommend that boot as it has very common and unresolved issue with the sole delaminating from the boot with a couple of months. The ESC seems the business though so far
How would the Vivo Forest Tracker ESC go with a medium-heavy pack, say 15-18kg? I’m taking 9 days to walk the Overland Track in late May plus side trips and have a pair of these boots. My feet are “barefoot” adapted, living in Northern NSW where I am barefoot most days for the last couple of decades, or have been wearing bare foot shoes, mostly Vivo Gobi or Vivo Primus Trail the last couple of years when I do need to wear a shoe. But I’m having concerns on how carrying 9 days of food plus winter gear in a moderately heavy pack will go with the Tracker Forest Esc…Should I opt for a more traditional boot? I’ve had a look at the Altra Olympus 5 Hiker but hear reports of the sole delaminating and that puts me off.