The Swiss Army Knife of Hiking Boots? || Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon Review
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- čas přidán 7. 09. 2024
- Is this the Swiss Army Knife of Barefoot Hiking Boots?
Join me as we torture test the VivoBarefoot Tracker Decon, running through it's materials, features and of course how you can apply it to your own hiking adventures.
Are they the solution to a naturally stronger more pain free body? Let's find out.
Featured shoes 🦶: VivoBarefoot Decon FG2
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Questions? Use the comment section below and let's chat!
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Unfortunately the code does not work! :/
@@jahanuu3184 I asked Vivo about that and seems it isn't valid worldwide, only where they themselves manage distribution (so in the UK, US and Germany 😞)
Ah man what a bummer. Would’ve liked to support you.
doesn't work for me either in the UK 😢
thanks for the review though, really helpful !
@@jahanuu3184 I appreciate that! It appears Vivo may have ended the December code a day early as it doesn't seem to work anywhere anymore. The code GT10 will get you 10% off though, hope that helps and thanks again for your support 🙌🏼
I've been using a pair of these boots for the last month and find your review to be spot on. Thanks for the excellent content!
Great to hear! Thank you bro 🙌🏽
Been looking for a decent pair of barefoot boots, thanks for the review i think ill pull the trigger on these!
Pleased to be of help! Let me know how you get on in them and don't forget you can save 20% throughout December on the Vivo site with code GT20
The correct term for « vegan leather » is plastic…
They just upcharge you for vinyl
And its horrible for the environment too
A specialty of the late Morse Shoe company and its Fayva stores. I can still smell the Pleather from my childhood when my mom worked there and I used to run up and down the aisles 🥲
The correct term for real leather is barbaric unnecessary cruelty.
@@siredc4182You don't know much about animal agriculture do you...
I am definitely the person that looks for a Swiss army knife of everything.
I cant say ive tried these new boots, but i do have the forest esc and for me in my one boot of choice i believe they have the best sole design in the business. In my mind the harder compound of these boots will cause slipping on harder surfaces. Plus they are limited with being waterproof.
My conclusion: the the forest esc's are still the Swiss army knife of barefoot boots .
Love the review.
They are absolute weapons and definitely agree on the sole compound for the ESC sole, just unbelievable!
Thank you. I buy the shoes with your link! I cant wait for them to arrive just because of your video
That's awesome - let me know how you like them! 🙌🏼
Weather permitting I hike in Tevas in the Pacific Northwest, Oregon mountains. Tevas helps regulate my body temperature, feet don't feel constricted, hot, and I don't need to worry about water proofing. I can walk in streams, rivers, creeks, if necessary or just to feel the water on my mostly bare feet. I haven't had any issues with my ankles or traction. I don't think you need hiking boots for most of the hiking season. Just my two cents.
That’s a fair two cents! I’m on the heavier end of the scale so definitely benefit from something with a bit more structure than sandals but credit to you!
I just got these shoes monday cause i really wanted some barefoot shoes i could use both in urban settings and for hiking, but was a little worried i had chosen wrong cause i couldn't find any in depth reviews from anyone who had used them for a little while. This review makes me think i'll most likely get exacly what i was hoping for! :)
Good for you and I’m pleased to hear the video was helpful - let me know how you get on with the boots! 🙌🏽
What size did you both go with? Your TTS?
@@JAnth93 I went with a 36 cause that's what i get on most of my shoes. They felt a little too big for me cause my foot slipped forwards a lot and my foot's 22cm so im a bit on the edge of that size. I really loved the sole though, i got the urge to take off running all the time while while wearing them.
I prefersonally found the Tracker ESCs sweaty above 10c or 50f and are strongly considering these because of the textile tongue to hopefully vent off some of that heat.
They'd be a good option, you'd just need to make sure to swap out the standard thermal insoles with a normal Vivo insole 🙌🏼
I would be shocked if this outsole lasted longer than the Michelin ESC. I have the Primus knit FG shoes and the heel area is completely worn down smooth to a thin layer and I can feel every small rock or sharp edge that I step on now. My Magna Forest ESC boots on the other hand seem pristine by comparison.
Interesting! If it’s just the heel that’s wearing down on your knit FG’s it could be a stride/gait issue (overloading onto your heels?), as I’ve personally found the opposite!
I’ll take the FG’s out in anything/everything but be very specific with where I wear the ESC’s to try and maximise their lifespan.
With that the FG’s will wear faster as I’m doing more km’s in them but overall they do seem to be much harder wearing the ESC’s (in my experience)
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject ok. That’s very interesting. I do a lot of running and walking on pavement in my FGs so that’s where the wear pattern is coming from. It’s definitely related to my gait because my regular running shoes wear that way as well-outer heel area. My Magna Forest ESC boots seem so stable and planted for me. I can even run on pavement with them if I want. I can also wear a heavy backpack with my Magna Forest ESC and feel stable. That’s much harder to do with my Primus FG shoes!
Just purchased a pair of vivibarefoot OD green leather scott ii cordura fabric cant wait to get them in bought them 2nd hand unworn brand new in box
Good choice! Hope you like them 🙌🏼
Nice review.
I just started barefooting this summer with Shamma sandals, and wanted something for the winter.
Got myself a pair of these Tracker Decons exactly for the reason that they really seem to be able to do it all. As they are placed between the Tracker Forest ESC and the Magna Lite FG.
Look lowkey enough to wear them in town, and solid enough for outdoors.
Been hiking the trails and forest around my town. My soles start feeling sore after about 2 hours, but thats expected as i am not used to feeling every stone and root. But otherwise and they feel perfect.
Thank you and awesome to hear you’ve been getting in on the barefoot action! I’m sure your feet will adapt in no time 🙌🏽
The problem with buying Vivo these days in Canada is that their pricing has gone through the roof and their durability has really suffered since migrating mostly to plastic (vegan crap).
I do think they look great, especially that edition. Vivo have just released quite a few walking type boots, and they all look pretty nice. I love my Tracker Forests, so I'm wondering if they're due an update any time soon...
Couldn’t agree more. Vivo really seems to have stepped up their aesthetic recently which I’m a big fan of.
As for the Tracker Forest, they’re such a well rounded boot I struggle to see how vivo could update/improve them other than adding a rubber toe section/better waterproofing - what do you think?
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Better waterproofing for sure.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject for me it seems the Decon Low model is a really nice barefoot approach shoe alternative (summer up to ankle deep snow and via ferrata) whereas the Tracker/(Magna?) ESC a real alternative to mountaineering boots with good strap-on crampons. Especially if they add the robust rubber rand and more waterproofing like the Tracker Winter SG model :).
I believe you are right with your review. I use my original FG sole (Firm ground) boot for general winter walking and sometimes pavement, but also I used it for multiple mountain tours in the Alps with some snow and microspikes. Even for one tour with mid deep snow and UIAA grade I climbing. No problems really. And I believe the Decon sole should be even grippier ;). Can be a good choice I agree.
For pavement the cheaper and more durable the sole and shoe the better haha :D. Can be a simple barefoot shoe without hiking sole.
It is definitely time that people learn more about barefoot options, as they cover many or most use cases now! Healthier, more comfortable, lighter and often even more durable (no EVA foam midsole etc.). So thanks for your efforts!
Yahuwah's (God's) blessing!
@@alminc91I'm looking for good, flexible all round hiking shoes that can deal with some jungle hiking and via ferrata in the Alps without being too uncomfortable on normal dusty or dirt roads. Which Vivobarefoot shoes would you recommend?
All thumbs up for the scuffing test! Thanks!
Thank you - it never gets easier 😂
Many thanks for the video. I'm thinking about getting these ones or the new Tracker Winter SG. Would be pleased to see a video about them just as well. A comparison between the two would be greatly appreciated likewise.
My pleasure! I’ve literally just touched down in the UK to shoot a behind the scenes video where we show the testing that goes into our reviews with that very boot!
Stay tuned as the review will be out in the next few weeks 🙌🏽
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Awesome! I'm eager to see it! Gotta hold on with the purchase until then I guess.
Excellent in-depth review. I have a few pairs of primus lite but looking for something I can explore wet and muddy areas, maybe breaking into a canter once in a while. This looks like it might be it
Could very well be - alternatively the Tracker Forest ESC or the new Tracker Textiles which are fully waterproofed!
just got me a pair....thx 4 the awesome review 👏
No problem - glad I could help 🙌🏽
Thanks for the reviews they are really helpful. There are so many great hike options from vivo, making a choice is tough!
I am torn between the magna esc and the tracker decon fg2. I love that the magma can be more readily repaired and is more waterresist. Then your review of the decon has turned my head. Really just need something to get me through woods, hill sides and trails with dryish feet.
So my question is the esc too much shoe?
Keep the reviews coming!
No worries and it is a very tough choice - I don’t envy you having to make it!
First off, both are great boots. Whichever you go for is going to last you a long time and no doubt take you on many an adventure. It really boils down to form vs function, and the features you need to support that.
If, as you say, you just want a kick around shoe for casual trails etc then the Decon will fit that bill. The waterproofing will deteriorate over time as it’s not the type of leather you’d want to treat (without running the risk of ruining the matt finish).
So my advice would be if you live somewhere WET (think UK) then get the ESC’s, they’re bulletproof and brilliant. If you don’t, pick whichever one you like the look of more.
Hope that helps you out and don’t forget you can save 10% with the channel code GT10 ✌🏽
I hope to order these soon. Thank you for the review. I have the magna forest and they are extremely well build and I like the Michelin bottom. The issue is they are too narrow. I am hoping the tracker feel wider. It’s frustrating because having the tracker bottom has a lot of positives for more rugged hikes.
I suspect they will as the sole are a bit lower down on the sides of the Tracker Decons which should give the leather a bit more flex, I'll be interested to hear what you think when you do get hands on!
Thank you. I never got an update on this reply so thank you. I just ordered this tracker model and will let you know as soon as I get them. Thank you again.@@TheBarefootStrengthProject
BTW that was a great video on the boots, very impressive work! @@TheBarefootStrengthProject
I just got them. They feel much wider and roomier. The leather is not as soft as the the esc model but I assume that will break in with time. Will give them a try soon and let you know. @@TheBarefootStrengthProject
I got the tracker textiles in October, and the lugs are about halfway worn through. They are amazing for concrete and all purpose usage. However they were not waterproof whatsoever. It was hard to bring myself to return them because they're perfect besides the wayerproofing. It's crucial that my boots are waterproof though. Vivo please put the Michelin lugs on the tracker fg 2 🙏🙏
The Michelin rubber is on another level! Have you tried using leather wax to waterproof them at all? It may not agree with the matt leather they've used on the boot but could also really help..
I wish Vivi would make the Michalen bottom models wider like this Tracker model.
I have these and they have been great. They are wider than the other models. They don't have he side lip which irritates the side of my foot like teh magna and other. I went to the vivo website and do not see them anymore. I was going to order another pair of boots and low top version now they don't even sell them. Was pretty disappointed. I need to look for something else now.
Could just be a stocking issue? If not, checkout the revivo site. You’ll often find some good pre-loved and revamped options on there
Good idea 👍
You went above and beyond and I am so grateful for it. I am still debating, I have enough budget for 2 new pairs of Vivos. I am getting the Gobi leather hi top boots for sure, but I am between the forest tracker ESC, the decon, or the decon low. I will eventually need a pair of lows of some kind via vivo, but wondering if I should just get the decon high, or get the ESC
great video im not sure if to get these or the tracker forest esc. I need them for Yakushima very high rainfall. I was wondering if there's a way of adding a gaiter to it to protect the soak?
Just replied to your other comment on the Tracker Forest ESC videro, but I'd recommend some treated Tracker Forest ESC's with lace gaitors.
Great vid mate, a lot of useful info! I'm planning on buying these, but would love to know if these are good for cold weather, max -10°C. Obviously with proper wool socks..
Thank you! I'm wearing them on the daily here in Canada with just normal socks and haven't had any issues with the cold so I think these would serve you well!
If you do decide to get them Vivo is doing 20% throughout December with the code GT20, well worth using!
It's a great boot but the lining around the heel is not reinforced so the lining disintegrates very quickly and you have two giant craters in the inside lining of your super expensive fancy boots.
Interesting, I had that happen on the Decon low tops but the lining is solid as in my high tops?
Interesting, Decon Low has exactly the same FG2 sole and you haven't praised it too much for hiking
Good observation! I don’t know this for fact, but the rubber compound they’ve used on these later model high top Decons seem to be a lot grippier than the first release decons. Could be a difference in pattern, rubber, or the addition of the upper providing more stability but these stick a lot better IMO.
The nail in the low tops coffin however is that they suffer badly with water ingress on wet days and sweat build up on hot days which rules them out for most hiking.
Mate if you really want to test them right put them through a 100 km hike with a 15-20 kg backpack on your back . I mean no hate but I watched your tracker ESC boot review and when i took them to a real test that was 110 km with technical terrain stones i started to see gaps between the upper part and the sole and in your review you said that those shoes have high resistance. 2 pairs failed for me so test the properly and then put the review out 🙌
I hear you man. The same thing happened in this video (after the toe grind test) but as I say in the review - it’s a common fault i’ve seen in multiple pairs of vivos BUT it’s also never materialised into anything more than that little bit of separation even after multiple hundreds of km’s of use so it’s not something I’m too worried about.
Has it ever led to full sole separation for you?
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject didn’t had a full sole separation and don’t get me wrong because there boots are fantastic, i never hiked with boots that gave me no pain or blisters after 110 km and i am 6ft7 and 106 kg plus the 22 kg backpack but when you start the hike and you see that separation on the first day you starting to get scared taking in count that i hiked in a place that not many people pass and a detached sole can be fatal . Thankfully i got back home without problem because the stitches held up well but i saw seriously separation in the end and for a 250 euros boot that shouldn’t happen. The vivo team were very professional and gave me a full refund as well gave them info about what failed and the type of terrain I used them on so they can look in to the problem. My advice it that if something line that happens to you you should tell about it , it is the only way it will be fixed. I have 4 pairs of VIVOBAREFOOT shoes and so far the Tracker range are the only ones that gave me this problems due to the stress i put them throw during my hikes.
I don't think separation between the upper and the lower is a problem as long as the stitching is still I have a pair of tracker EXE and magma trail exe both have sole separation where the glue is but neither have failed stitching. It makes a lot of sense that the glue would fail along the edge lightly textured hydrophobic surfaces are very hard for glue such as the leather and the rubber and the edge of the shoe is put under so much motion specially cuz it's a barefoot shoe I don't see how any chemical bond could really hold that together. Most heavy used boots use some sort of mechanical fastener to hold the sole to the upper such as stitching or nails.
@@solonanderson7019 i get you, but when you see reviews about a boot and on the website it is advertised as a harsh conditions product ,you take it on a hike and you start to see that separation you don’t know at that moment if the stitches will hold. The reviewer has to say that so the person who buys it will know that won’t be a problem. For me it happened for a tracker forest Esc, magna forest Esc, and 2 times for the Magna trail II fg . I have as well a primus light, a primus trail ,hydra Esc and never had problems with those and that is why i got worried when i saw the separation on the tracker
Yeah! Walk at least 100k's for all your reviews, ya lazy sod!
Great Vid! was looking at these or ESC's... for everyday winter use- around town, walk the dog and the occasional snow hike or snow shoeing... any thoughts on which you'd prefer? I was thinking the Decon maybe using a gator if I was in deep snow??
You could go either way but if it's for winter use I'd probably go left of field and get the Tracker Winter SG's. If they're overkill for you though I'd do the ESC's as they don't have a fabric tongue
Thanks for your input!
You were much much more positive about the versatility of the Tracker Decon Low FG2 in your dedicated video review of that shoe than during the intro of this one. What about your experience wearing the Tracker Decon Low FG2's changed your mind about their versatility after that video dropped?
That's a great question - to put it simply I got burned by them when I went on a 2 day hike in the lake district. The leather material they used is nowhere near as hydrophobic as the high tops (that may be because they've updated it between now and then or just using a different type of leather on the highs) but long story short there was a little bit of dew on the grass and within 10 minutes my feet were piss wet through for the entire 2 days. Not what you want from a hiking shoe and hence why they got degraded to basketball or frisbee golf!
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Makes sense. The Low version has a lot more of the upper covered by wool too.
Do these Tracker Decon (non-low) boots have a significantly more secure / stable fit too since less of the upper is wool and the lace attachment points are metal?
The security / stability on the fit of my Decon Low's isn't very reassuring - it just feels way more more like a knit shoe than I was expecting for something marketed as a hiker. I'd definitely buy these taller ones if they were more water resistant *and* the fit was more conducive to hiking.
@@petermilian4455 100%, much more comparable to the Tracker Forest ESC’s but with a bit more breathability and flex. Very nice on the foot, sounds like they’ll suit your needs well!
I do a mixture of road, gravel and Forrest/hill mountain. Just everything really, are these suitable for everything or recommend something else.
100%, these will lap it up
Are they warm enough for winter. I mean normal winter with temperatures under -10 degrees Celsius (14 degrees Fahrenheit)?
I've been wearing them here in Canada throughout the start of winter and they've held up just fine. If you live somewhere with a lot of snow fall though (and that doesn't often go below -20 where snow becomes 'dry') it would also be worth looking at the Tracker Winter SG and the Tracker Textiles. Both very competent boots and both with better water resistance than these.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject thank you!
I will be using them mostly walking on pavement with casual stroll, hike with children for snow fun. So I am looking for something that would not deteriorate fast on hard ground, be warm enough and would not get soaked if I jump in the snow with my child 😅
@@pakalpokas in which case I’d get the new Tracker Textiles, I haven’t put up a review on them yet but have been testing them and they’d tick all your boxes with waterproof material, good insulation and a durable sole 👌🏽.
Don’t forget Vivo is also doing 20% off throughout December with code GT20 which will be a pretty significant saving!
Any chance you might be reviewing their new vegan version of the Tracker FG2?
💯, I’ve got my order in for them so after wear testing I should have a review out in the next month. TBH I have very high hopes for them as on paper they look unreal. The big test will be the durability of the waterproofing as it doesn’t look like they’re using a sheltex/gortex second skin
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject That's great, I'm also looking forward to this one.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject awesome! Looking forward to it
I have these same boots and I have noticed the stitching holding the leather to the wool material is failing and started to come undone, thats with maybe 6 months of use almost 3-5 days a week. The materials themselves seem tough although I am a little disappointed with the stitching failures.
Punter approved!
Hello, is the toe box on these wider than the magna forest esc / tracker forest esc? The magnas and tracker forest hurt as they're so narrow at the big toe. I need something with a toe box the same as the decon tracker lows fg2. Thanks
What do you do for maintenance? They look like suede but are only described as wild hide on the website.
They're about as close to suede as wild hide can get IMO but don't get affected by water or dirt in the same way.
Ironically, I use a suede brush when they do muddy up. Cleans them up nicely and then I'll sometimes use a waterproofing spray depending what I'm doing.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject thank you! Just brought a pair, can't wait to use them
Is the knitted wool material tight enough on the boots? I own magna fgs, but their knitted upper is very loose so I can’t wear them for much. Hoping the Decon FG2 is better
I’d agree with your comment about the Magna FG’s, they definitely feel a little looser than these but it may also be your own foot shape. Could be worth giving them a try and returning them if they’re no good? There’s also the new tracker textile which is lace up and would let you get a made to measure fit 🙌🏽
Hello,
I live in a hot desert climate, would this boot be too hot for a warm climate?
Yes, look into the Magna Lite SG 👌🏽
Question, I've been using barefoot shoes since january and everything has been great, but the last year I developed plantar fascitis do you have any tips on that?
Yes, absolutely. Checkout the video I did titled ‘How To Fix Plantar Fasciitis’, link here: czcams.com/video/42ao6TXeVvY/video.htmlsi=nIFa6dWgOgK8-gwW
Thankyou for the detailed review! Could i ask how you found them on wet concrete or wet stones? its the only thing im worried about as a friend mentioned they slipped alott
Good question - checkout this short I made to answer it: czcams.com/users/shortsyvOQOI8QDnE?feature=share
How do you think these would perform in warmer conditions? We are going to utah to hike in the national parks, zion and canyonlands. I was looking at the magna trail and these. but i was also looking at the Primus trail III. What are your thoughts? Id like fo rthem to be water resistant if possible!
Pretty well. They do come with thermal insoles that could be a bit much depending on the temperature you're hiking in so if you do go for them, I'd recommend a second pair of the cork insoles just to be safe.
Based off what you've told me this would be my order of preference if it was my money:
1) Magna Trail
2) Primus Trail III all weather
3) Tracker Decon
They are all really good options though so you'll be happy no matter which way you swing. Hope that helps!
Oh wow ok, I’m surprised by your order! With the tracker Devon being the Swiss Army knife I was about to pull the trigger on those. Also…I read that the thermal insole reacts to the condition your in meaning it’ll cool the foot down if it’s warm or warm the foot up if it’s cold? Are the magna trails going to be as good on a more wet environment like Hawaii as they would be on the rocky terrain of Utah? You rock btw!
@@jamiegregorich4016 it is the swiss army knife in that it's a great generalist, but as I mention in the video for specific conditions, other boots will excel. For the conditions you've outlines, I think the other two would trump it and the split between the two would depend on if you want any ankle support and how much water resistance you need.
And sadly not for the thermal insoles, they're warm up only - the material is the same as what you see in the foil blankets you'd give to someone suffering with cold exposure etc - they reflect heat back, so no good for cooling!
The Magna Trails will beat the Tracker Decons for water resistance. As they're textile they've been water proofed all over (up to mid ankle) whereas the Decon relies on it's leather construction for waterproofing. With the wool knit lace section that means you only have realistically, a couple of inches of cover.
Hope that helps and happy hiking 🙌🏼
Would this be okay for hiking in the winter? Sub zero temps?
Yep totally fine as long as you’re not trudging through thick snow. If you do then probably want to lean more towards the tracker winter SG (if you live somewhere that means you do that everyday) or the Tracker Forest ESC if it’s just every now and then
What's that rain jacket you're wearing?
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L - it’s a beast 👌🏽
How much room do you have in your toe box - i ordered 11 and it seems to fit but with a lot of room in toe box
Good question and depends on personal preference. Personally, I like to have no more than a full thumb and, no less than half a thumb between the edge of the sole and my toe. If it's more than that I'd recommend taking advantage of Vivo's return policy - especially if they're leather shoes that will stretch out even further!
How do you find the right size?
Their customer service gave me several different answers
It was really weird actually
You’d think they could just do the simple math to find it
For their customers
But they didn’t show me that, at all. It’s kinda like they didn’t want me to know my size, for some strange reason. Why would they even act like that? It doesn’t make sense, I’m a paying custkmer
They’ve got a size tool on the website that you can use, it’s generally pretty accurate but a lot of personal preference comes into play with barefoot shoes. Most of the time they recommend having a decent bit of space in front of the toe, I personally prefer to have them a bit snugger so I don’t trip over everything.
The best thing to do (albeit most time consuming) is just order one pair in a couple of sizes and send whichever one doesn’t fit back. It is annoying but you do it once and you’re set!
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject I gave them specific measurements and they gave me a specific size
But it was like 3 sizes smaller than my normal shoe
And the answers they gave me are different than what they have on the website
@@user-su4mh8ur6c that is confusing… I’d just wing it and use your own common sense. They’ve always been true to size for me (euro 46/ US 12.5), maybe lead with your version of that.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject
If you put on a pair of mainstream shoes, like Nike or adidas, would they ALSO be size US 12.5??
That’s typically what I wear, US 12.5
Are these ok for winter disc golf?
How does the toebox width feel? Enough space for the big toe, and especially the little toe?
I’ve got loads of room BUT that’s a recurrent theme as I also have pretty narrow feet. In a US size 12 they’ve got about 4 inches of splay
Hey brother, I recently bought these boots, and i wanted to ask if they should feel loose or have a short break in period? i got them in a size 9/42 and it feels a bit loose even if i tighten them. I just don't know if a size 8 will be too tight.
No they shouldn’t, I’d use the vivo 100 day return and get a size down knowing the leather will loosen up a bit
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject thank you 👍
Hey man, love all your Vivo videos. I got a question about traction and waterproof ness of them. How do these boots compare to the tracker 2 fg, as well as the forest/magna trail esc for waterproof ness (especially bc the trackers are “waterproof” and others are water resistant) and traction? Do the FG outsoles do well in wet conditions? I’d only imagine the ESC outsoles are fantastic in wet conditions as well as overall. Currently it’s fall where I’m at so the grass in the morning is always wet. So I’m looking for a boot to withstand that sorta wetness, as well as rain (maybe snow during winter). I’m not looking to hike through streams. I also want to be able to not worry about slipping if the ground is slick or if I am using in the snow. I’d love to hear your thoughts/opinions
Thank you mate and great questions! Based off your needs here’s how I’d rank them…
Waterproofing: 1) Tracker 2 FG, 2) Tracker Forest ESC, 3) tracker decon FG, 4) magna trail
Traction: 1) ESC sole, 2) FG sole
Regarding the FG traction specifically, their only shortcomings (I’ve come across) are wet grates and ice on rock which are pretty niche conditions, especially if you’re mostly using them in nature as opposed to a city.
An outlier boot you may not have considered but could tick all your boxes is the new Tracker Decon All Weather, fully waterproofed textile with an FG sole and thermal insoles. Perk of textile is you can get it wet day in day out, if you’re using a leather boot like the Forest ESC then you’d struggle keeping the leather dry enough to retain its waterproofing.
Hope that helps 🙌🏽
I should add, I haven’t been able to review the Decon all weather yet so I’m just referencing it’s marketed capabilities. Vivo is pretty good at delivering on their promises though just wanted to make you aware!
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject what you said makes sense and I had a feeling it was that. Is the new textile one called the Tracker textile fg2? I’ve considered them too but wasn’t positive on the textile material. But knowing that the leather does dry out and all the videos I’ve seen say you would need to reapply every week….textile makes more sense.
@@brettfliesser that’s the badger. I’ve just landed in the UK and am enroute to the vivo store in London to take a look at them before I head north so give me a couple of hours and I’ll give you an idea of how good they might be (or not!)
@@brettfliesser just tried them on in the London store, but stiff but I think they’ll break in well and it’s an internal waterproof membrane (not finish) so they should last really well.
I won’t be able to test them till I’m back in Canada but first impressions are good
Could i use these for hiking in australia ? Or would they get to hot
Where in Australia are you? South of Sydney would be fine but for anything north of that you’d probably be better off in the Magna Lite SG’s
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject im in sydney i want something water resistant but not to hot do you think the magna lite weather reistant might be a good compromise
6:25 proof? Show us the socks 😅😊
😂, funnily enough I spent a lot of time trying to figure out how I could prove their waterproofing abilities. Wrapping my foot in parchment paper was about as close as I could get but due to a lack of parchment paper and time it didn’t make it into this review. Maybe something I should do it future…
Any other ideas?
The price of these is a deal breaker
Get what you pay for, wildhide leather, stitched sole, barefoot construction… it’s a small market so I think they’ve priced accordingly. Although a little less would never hurt 😉
Hi mate what would you recommend for someone who kettlebell training and using them for working all day with the vivos ?
Primus light 3 are good but I do need little more support
Any recommendations?
Hi mate, I'd go in one of two directions. Either something like the Motus which has got much more underfoot and lateral support OR something like the Primus Trail Knit FG III. The lugs on the trail add a little bit more impact absorption which, if you're a personal trainer spending long hours on your feet will make a big difference! There's also the double insole trick which comes in handy on really long days.
Thanks mate, I will order a couple of pairs to see which I prefer 👍
Thanks for the advice
Anybody have odour issues with the vivos? Mine began only after a few months, chucking them in the washing machine and using a foot odour spray didn't help at all.
Are you wearing socks with them?
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject yep - you're supposed to, right? 😅
@@m_saqibali haha yeah, that’s why I’m asking! I’m afraid I can’t help you there though mate, could just be your feet? Boot bananas are pretty helpful for that, I use them in my climbing shoes - makes a huge difference!
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject but I've never experienced it with any other footwear - I found a Reddit thread which mentions that post 2017 it's become a common issue, I spunked £140 odd quid on it... Bit of an expensive mistake at the end
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject loving the content just curious what is a boot banana?
weird question, but what pants are you wearing here?
5 year old lululemon ABC's
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject which one? Theres like a few hundred of them
@@fetB I don't think they make them anymore (I bought them in Australia back in 2017), but the new black ABC pants are pretty much the exact same (just with zip up pockets and collard ankles)
If you want 200$ shoes that last 150 miles then go for them.
These are not waterproof. I just hiked in them for 3 hours during the rain. Didn't step into puddles or anything, but had wet socks. It's not much but water leaks into them. Must be the stitching around the sole which lets the water in.
I know they're not, but there could be a couple of things to blame for that other than the sole leaching water (as the sole & wild-hide is waterproof)...
1) Sweat, did you have the right socks and insole for the conditions? They come with thermal insoles from the factory which I find run warm if the temperature is above 5 celcius
2) Only the wild hide leather is waterproof, so if it was raining hard the water could have come through the fabric upper getting your feet wet.
Goretex socks or gaiters could be worth looking into if you plan on doing more wet day hiking but want to keep your feet dry throughout BUT even goretex socks will allow sweat to accrue.
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject i am 100% positive it's not from sweat. I used em quite a few times during warmer weather and didnt have wet socks. I am using Falke Trekking Socks TK5.
And it wasnt wet from the upper fabric, but around the toes.
As you say, the sole and leather is waterproof, that is the reason why i am certain that it's is from the stitching.
I will try sealing the stitches with wax. I will report back my findings :)
p.s.
Dont get me wtong, I really like those boots. They are super comfy, amazing grip, build quality and design is top. And they look cool too.
@@newT033 look forward to hearing how you get on! Never tried a wax seal in stitching before, should be interesting!
@@TheBarefootStrengthProject So i waterproofed the stitching with wax and it is alot better. Not 100%, but good enough.
Walked around few hours in wet gras and had to cross a shallow stream. No noticable amount of water came throught the stitching, as of before you could feel it leaking in. Overall i am very satisfied.
As for how i did it:
- Used beeswax and put it into the ridge with the stitching.
- Heated it up with a hair dryer and wiped off the excess.
- Put the boots into the oven at 50°C for a couple of minutes so the wax melts some more and soaks the threads.
You can probably get the same result with some liquid water repellent stuff.
That's useless mate,you walk in grass and you'd have wet feet,not a good hiking boot at all!!