OLD vs NEW Vivobarefoot TRACKER II Review
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- Опубліковано 27 сер 2024
- About three years ago I purchased a pair of Tracker II hiking shoes and I loved them from day one. They are comfortable, light, warm and have a high quality feel about them. Since then, I’ve put a lot of miles on them and they’re now worn out.
I placed an order for a new pair of Tracker II on the Vivo website and waited for them eagerly. When I got them, the disappointment set in. They look like a cheap counterfeit of the shoes I bought and loved three years ago. This video covers all the differences, but in summary, how dare they charge $240 for these shoes. They’re no where near the quality I purchased in the past.
Here are some of the small differences that I noticed that add up to making your newest edition of the Tracker a cheap embarrassment to Vivo barefoot:
-First of all the pull tab is no longer a nice vibrant red, made of heavy duty nylon, it’s a faded color of red made of a cheap flimsy material.
-The leather, the cuts aren’t even straight.
-The stretching-not uniform
-The liner of the old shoes had a nice honeycomb texture that mirrored the Vivo logo, the current boots look like they’re lined with a Walmart backpack.
-The shoe laces, they’re now thinner shorter and a more faded color
-The leather is less subtle
-The Sole is stiffer and less subtle now, which kind of defeats the purpose of the shoe.
-The fabric around the ankle and on the tongue of the new shoe is the same color and a similar pattern, but just has a cheap feel and look to it.
-on the old boot,the sole of the shoe covered the toe a little, the new soles on the new boots barely come halfway up.
-the logos look different old to new. Old is more vibrant and cooler.
Overall really disappointed in Vivo, have begun exploring other brands in this genre. The barefoot shoe market is looking for a high-quality leather, waterproof boot and I have yet to find one.
Comment below your experience with vivobarefoot shoes.
#vivobarefoot #barefootshoes #shoereview #reviewshoes #oldvsnew #tracker2hikingboots #barefoothikingboots
I know nothing about barefoot shoes. Ordered a pair off of Amazon on a whim because they were discounted from $235 to $135. After watching this video I realized they were the original Trackers and not the new Tracker 2s. Makes sense now why they were so cheap. But now I'm kinda glad that I accidentally bought the older model.
Thanks for the honest review. I hope Vivo sees it. They shouldn't let their quality fall like this.
Thanks for making this video man. Had just ordered a pair of tracker II FGs and cancelled the order and got the originals on sale off Amazon. Hopefully they come w all the original quality materials they’re supposed to.
Dude u can still get the first ones fornchespermon Amazon I think for 180
I'm glad we have people like you that notice these things
Appreciating your detailed, personal-experience review. I'm curious to know what you wound up doing? Did you return them? Did you give them a go for their 100-days? Did you find something else that you love?
Thx for review. Now I know I love new ones and I bought new one on reviwo (still available). Good this shoe evolves. I hope that in good direction :)
Thank you for your review! I considered buying a pair of these but now I think I should not. I own a pair of Vivo's Primus Trail FG and after four weeks of moderate hiking it started to break apart at the front sides (area of sole and upper shoe) where the foot bends when walking. I reported this issue to Vivo but although they had already known about the quality problem and had started to change their production process for the new model, they did not replace my "old" pair! That is a shame for such expensive shoes.
Obviously they have to deal with some quality problems within other models too.
I noticed the same problem with my shoes a little. They told me they made some changes to the shoe to address the sole separation. I think that unfortunately, in an attempt to improve the shoe and reduce production costs, they’ve changed it in a negative way overall in my opinion. I would rather have the old shoe with some sole separation around the edges than this newer model.
Yes, got mine 8 months ago and within a few weeks the soles started to break away. The return process was a bunch of contradictory emails from several representatives, so I just kept them. I still love them but they will not last because of the repairs I always have to make and its not even a year through. But I will try to squeeze my money from them as long as I can.
My soles literally dry rotted within a year. What kind of crap rubber are they using.
We've had the same experience with two pairs (one pair was a gift). I don't know what material they're using but the soles crumbled and peeled away. The whole experience with their customer service has been a nightmare. Like you, I get the impression that dragging things out and sucking up time is a way to get people to throw up their hands in frustration. Absolutely the poorest quality boots we've ever purchased.
Am I the only one that prefers the new ones over the old ones? I think the shorter, thinner shoe laces are better. There was so much extra shoelace in the first ones I didn’t know what to do with them. The new material feels better too, the sole is just a tad sturdier so that going over rocks doesn’t hurt me as much yet still allows me to feel the ground. I honestly think what the first lacked the newer ones fixed
It seems to be a common theme with vivo and some of their other shoes. The quality and longevity is going downhill. But thats typical after a company gets established
I agree with you. New one Looks better , upgraded to me. Most of it anyway
I agree with you. New one Looks better , upgraded to me. Most of it anyway
I also like the new pair. They feel like gloves for my feet molding to a custom fit
The sole of the boot covered the toe a little on the original version and I think this was a better design against wear and tear and should have been included in the successor otherwise I think the boot is better quality than other competitive brands.
I'm wearing the new tracker and it's the best shoe I've ever worn! I'll admit that the original shoe looks like a better quality shoe, but the one I have is great! I want to buy a few pairs incase the quality goes down again!
& I just ordered my 2nd pair after 4years(2018) with my 1st pair... if I discover these same differences I will send them back...
I paid pretty close to $300 with the shipping & taxes
Corporate GREED as USUAL!
Trackers FG aren’t the best hiking shoes Vivo offers. The durabilty of the sole and sides is not that good. The material of the sole gets hard overtime and “crumbles”. The sides comes loose from the leather especially wherry the foot bends.
I find the Forest Tracker ESC a much better shoe. The stitched sides are strong and hold very well. Of course they are not waterproof, but good caretaking with the wax results in an almost waterproof boot. I would strongly recommend them.
i purchased the magna forest esc in bracken. im excited to try them. after looking at all the boots, i agree that the forest esc line is the most well built.
I've read multiple reviews saying the forest models durability is far inferior. You're first comment I've ever seen saying the opposite. So I think you just like it cuz u have it and haven't even tried the kthet ones
@@otpays8552 What do you mean with kthet ones?
My insoles on the new vivo tracker 2's indented and separated from 1 hike I did after just getting the shoes. Was able to get two replacements for it, but you wouldn't expect that to happen with new in soles (the ones that come with the shoe).
I’ve recently started my research into the barefoot boot market. I found your review the least “influenced”. I’m curious if you ever did find another boot that you like… I also am interested to know if your opinion about the “new version” has maintained or changed?
Haha, yeah I have no brand loyalty. But I do really like the Xero Denver leather. It’s cheaper and I was able to add some level of waterproofing with leather treatment and wax. To answer your other question, I never bought another pair of Vivos.
Awesome, and super helpful. Great points. Thank you!
Have you looked at the new Vivo Tracker Forest ESC? Curious if you have thoughts on those.
Thank you for the review. This saved me from buying a pair!
TY mate for u honest opinion, this video saved me from wasting money
Good comparison review, thank you.
I have had the exact same problem. Had to send my original Trackers in for warranty reasons (the red pull strap detached) just over a year ago and instead of repairing they instead sent me a 'direct replacement', but after trying them on I knew immediately they were different. Would NEVER have sent in my originals if I had known I'd get back an inferior pair.
I made a complaint to Vivo and they denied any changes to the shoe (even though it is very clear the new ones are vastly different) and said I just needed to break them in. After a year of use they still rub on my toes and sometimes cause blisters and the soles still do not bend in the slightest. I tried contacting Vivo several times but their customer service has turned to absolute sh!t I'm afraid. Have been a Vivo ambassador since they launched but sadly also looking for alternate brands now.
What a nightmare. It's true they're different. That's really unfortunate and I'm reluctant to send my old ones for a new sole even if that were an option.
OMG. How did you get on returning them because of the lack of hexagons?
haha They took them right back!
Corporate Greed...sums it well. What a shame too. Thanks for the honesty, I will def avoid these.
I suspect the trackers have been `evolved` to be more suitable to wear without socks or insoles
Not only the Tracker. The new Gobi III feels nothing like the old Gobi II. When I first bought them the cost was $140, then the next time I purchased a pair they were $160. Now at $190 they are lower quality...but more expensive. Sorry to see the drop in quality.
SO much stiffer too! I'm using Xero shoes now.
@@MrTanmancool which style of xero?
Baaah. Didn't see this video before i ordered mine tracker 2 fg :( but i bought them used from revivo for 120 dollars
Did they send you the old style or new style?
Very pertinent, on point review. Hard to disagree with. Tks
You did not mentioned in video where this new shoes are manufactured. Maybe is just an issue related to shoes made in some particular country. From my experience I know that what is made in Vietnam has better quality compared with China. Anyway good review, I also intended to buy this shoes but now I have to re-evaluate. If anyone know similar product with better quality just let us know. Thank you once again!
The older ones I have were made in China and these newer ones I reviewed were made in Vietnam. The pull tab is a dead giveaway, you can even notice the difference in photos online.
I`ve been wearing the new trackers every day since August for dog walking in the Lake District. They take a while to break in sufficiently to wear without socks and insoles, but once broken in, feel amazing. It helps to coat them in Renapur every month to keep them supple and protected, but so far no quality issues.
@@harpocrates302 Maybe one day I'll have to suffer through the break in process, but the old ones were comfortable from day one.
@@MrTanmancool I think the new ones have been tweaked for the no socks or insoles experience, but it does help to wear socks to break them in.
Thank you for this, had some in my basket but now I'll do some more research and looking around first 👍
Hi, would like an update as of July 2024. What is your barefoot boots now? Thanks ✌️
@@Dominick-b7z I will make an update soon.
I think your a little in your head on this one. The only meaningful differences are the shorter shoelaces and different soles.
I bet the new soles don't wrap around the toe as much because of the new sturdier material. Which loosened up pretty quick for me.
They're not as thin and flexible as the xero sneakers I wear every day, but they're alot more comfortable when walking over sharp rocks and did a good job saving my foot from a random nail on the ground.
I have the Xero Denver leather now. I love them. They're way better-softer, better ground feel, better leather and more durable and half the price.
Thanks for the video!
Unfortunately the entire vivo line has taken a significant decline since the terra plana days. Those with the kevlar lined sole were the best. The fit and finish were perfect. Anything I bought in a 45 fit me.
Fast forward to now, the shoes are significantly cheaper feeling while retaining the same or more price point. Their shoes are narrower across the board as well. Ever since their "foot survey" years ago the shoes are definitely more narrow.
Also the entire vivo line stinks now and has way too much overlap. Back in the good ol' days we had an actual practical line up. Aqua's, Scott's, oak's, ultra's, neo's, ra's, and I'm sure I'm forgetting a few. Vivo had distinct shoes for distinct uses.
The bloat of the current lineup stinks. And most have a slightly different fit. Really a shame vivo was the best.
Amazing review, but how is the sizing on the old versus the new??? Did you wear the same exact size and would you suggest the same??? I’m in between a 43 and a 44 so I’m having a hard time trying to figure out which one to go with?? appreciate it so much
New ones ran a touch bigger than the old, but no enough to go down a half size, so that actually is another negative for me. The old ones felt like a perfect fit and the new ones were a touch too big. I wear a 9.5 or a 43 generally.
@@MrTanmancool thank you so much for your reply! I actually bought the leather ESC yesterday in a size 43. I noticed the normal tracker 2 fit a little bit smaller in the same size probably because of the leather. So for the tracker to I’m in between a 43 and a 44 and the 44 just feels too roomy. Thank you for your reply because I may try to find an original pair even though I know it’s probably impossible. For the record, the quality on the ESC is top notch and looks a lot better than the tracker 2! I appreciate any info at all. Thank you so much.
@@GSUnit21 ill have to check those out. I've been converted to Xero I think though.
@@MrTanmancool They also make great stuff! Deff give the forest esc a chance! Leather is so much better plus the Goodyear soul is way better and it’s actually stitched on top of glued for durability!!! I literally can’t believe it’s only 40 bucks more for the better model!!! I appreciate everything
So happy to find this review but wish I had seen it earlier. We bought two pairs of these boots, one for my husband and the other for our son-in-law. Both of them, after only a few months of wear are doing the same thing. They soles have completely pulled away from the leather and the material it's made of is crumbling. They look awful and the sole is no longer serving it's purpose making the leather pull up. I couldn't understand how people were showing three year old boots when ours didn't even last a few months. We're now going through the frustrating process of trying to return these boots. It looks like Vivo just recently got a new customer service company to handle their customers. Hopefully they're better than their last. I've spent countless hours of my life for this and just under $1000 Canadian for crappy boots. Any luck finding a pair of durable barefoot boots? We're still looking...
sorry to hear that. Xero Denver leather, best shoe I've had yet.
@@MrTanmancool Thanks so much. I will check them out. I will add that we have had success in getting a refund for the boots, but Vivo maintains that nothing has ever changed with the boot.
@@MrTanmancool it's more durable than the first tracker???
@@otpays8552 hmm tough to say, seems good so far after 3 months
How is the sizing, did you size down q half size or anything like that?
Thanks for your video. Was going to buy these but now I won't.
Thanks for this video, good to know.
That's sad to see.. any ideas of what else to buy? I'm really looking for a shoe like this. Have had the Magna trail for a few years now and it's nice, but I want something that's just a bit "more" and good for outdoor use in winter.
I'm wearing the Xero winter boots and they-re not bad. Not as much feel as the Vivo's but they are cheaper. Although, I have to contact Xero about my insoles because they've already separated. Not a big deal though, it's just a foam insole.
I also bought a pair of Xero XCursion Fusion but I will send them back. You can feel the sewing of the outer detached hooks in the ankle area and I am not quite sure if this issue disappears after some time of wearing.
I am thinking of giving the Topo Trailventure WP a try but they have a 5mm drop and some customers also report quality problems while others don't. If you have any other suggestions, let me know.
I recommend the Freet Mudee as a good alternative. Similar grip, waterproof, synthetic instead of real leather, not quite as high as the Vivo so could get wet feet easier with deep mud. Has excellent ground feel and a bit wider than Vivo.
@@christianlangfield9303 Thank you
Have you found something else? I just got a pair of all weathers, they feel amazing, but I would like to have options in the future
Looks like the reason for the changes are listed on the models site:
“(Re)new and improved- remade with more sustainable materials that have reduced the impact this footwear has on the planet.”
Just picked up a pair despite the changes… curious since this is an older video… did you keep them? If so what do you think to this point?
I returned them. I tried wearing them for two weeks and they were no where near the comfort level of the old shoes, even after a break in period.
I agree they have cut the quality dramatically
I had a different band of boot that have lasted me more then 10 years with daily use. They stayed waterproof for at least 5 years. I ordered a new pair and they are way cheaper and weren't waterproof at all. Very disappointed when quality goes down. I thought I had found the perfect boot and would have gladly paid more for the original design.
is the sole of the new and old shoe slippery while walking on wet ceramic floors ?
I know this is an older video, so hopefully you see it. How is the sizing? I feel that my vivos have been somewhat inconsistent. I have a 42 in Primus Lite 3, which fit perfect. 42 in some other models felt tight. I see you have 42s so just wanted your opinion. Thanks!
The sizing seems to have changed a little too. 42 used to fit me perfectly. On these boots a 42 is ok, but on the primus swim run for example a 42 is a little too big. I'm a big fan of Xero shoes now. They run a half size small but the sizing is very consistent across all their options. I wear a 9.5 in everything.
It's a minimalistic boot so they streamlined it to be more minimalistic....that's the point of them in my opinion. I personally like the newer ones best. If you're after thicker and heavier materials, there are a ton of great quality hikers that arent meant to be barefoot boots. Also....they're always like 60% stiffer when they're new...itll loosen up after a couple weeks
it doesn't sound like you listened to my review.
Hi, do you sell used Vivobarefoot Tracker shoes? I would love to buy them on ebay. Greg
I think I donated them to be honest.
Hey if you want the old trackers, hit up revivo. They start at $125. I ordered some primus lite all weathers and primus trail all weathers for a decent price and they were in great shape.
Would suggest just sticking with the original trackers?
I’d love to have my boots re-tread, but that service is only available in the UK for now.
I've just had mine resoled through revivo, excellent service.
Happy to act as a UK re mailing service if you want your old ones resoled?
Be careful using any service - they didn't repair my shoes, instead sent me new ones without asking and now have forever lost my old Trackers.
@@Heather-gj1pf Do you have a problem with the new ones ? Were the old trackers comfortable without socks and insoles ? Maybe they changed the lining to be a more comfortable barefoot experience. My new style trackers fit like a leather glove.
@@harpocrates302 yes I have huge issues with the new ones. The original Trackers fit like gloves and were far superior - same experience as described in this video review.
Note: there have been several versions of the Trackers now:
1. Original Trackers (shown in video, production run 2019 and before, China)
2. Original Trackers 2.0 (vivo claims they're the same but they actually revised production to Vietnam from 2020 and also changed the shoe to have many of same features as the one in this video)
3. Tracker IIs (shown in video)
Perhaps you are comparing 2 and 3 and 3 is better than 2? For me, 1 is definitely the best I've used in the 10 years I've been wearing barefoot shoes.
Thanks. What boots did you go with?
The Xero Denver Leather. love them
Have you found them overall to be true to size I hear mixed reviews were people saying you need to size up then I hear other people just saying just get your normal shoe size I don’t wear thick socks I went ahead and ordered my normal size in size 10 Because according to their sizing chart on their website if I sized up to 11 it would’ve been too loose
Hard to say. The newer models are a hair bigger than the older ones. This is another frustrating aspect to the online shoe realm... you really need to order a few sizes to try on and send back ones that don't fit.
How's the grip/tread on the old trackers? (thinking of getting some from revivo) I'm not sure whether to get the FGs or SGs...
I live in the UK so it varies from being muddy to dry. Will the FG sole be able to deal with a bit of mud or so you think it's worth just getting the SG version of the Trackers?
@@lloyd1373 I found these to have fairly good grip without compromising on ground feel. Although they will pack up with mud and you will slide out so watch those mud patches.
I got the used tracker 1 on revivo for 165$ but they have major creases even though the condition of the rest of the boot is great. I want to return them and get brand new tracker 2's for 195$ but now I'm not sure what I should do since you have clearly shown they are made cheaper. What do you say?
That's a tough call. Even though they are made cheaper they're still in a class of their own. I've been using the xero shoes and I like them a lot.
I just got them new for $20 more. Revivo is retarded
The first ones are still available
@@otpays8552 Where did you get them?
@@otpays8552 What website did you order the new ones? They seem to be 240$ on vivo brand new, and its only the second version
I have this problem with many of my beloved shoes that I have worn out. You wont find the exact same feeling ever again and you do need to keep looking for a different model, because of war (competition, conflict) I guess. Its just a reality about human beings that we have to face. Also, please let me know if you found something.
not worth the cash en ?
Agreed
Should be made in the best way in the home country
a lot of your issues (certaInly not all, but a lot) have to do with break in. the leather and sole especially.
Would you reSole your old pair?
No, I am a Xero convert now.
Compare broken in boots to not broken in?🤔
Good point, but even after wearing the new boots for a few weeks, they still didn't feel anywhere near as good as the old ones did when new. So I returned them.
We’re both pairs made in Vietnam
The ones I had and liked were made in China
@@MrTanmancool really the ones I have trouble with have all been from China weird
Looks like a counterfeit or something
It sounds like whinging about next to nothing. I simply cannot understand that nitpicky whine over insignificant details which is mostly unproven anyway. These long shoelaces would be a pain for me and I'd cut them to a usable to length straight away. Nothing of Your criticism would be of importance for me. I need a light, comfortable and durable shoe and don't worry about the thickness of shoelaces or the colour of a pull tab.
I hope you waste your money on these.
Thank you for your review. I'm still gonna buy a new pair. I get the impression your're picky and your corporate greed statement also tempers my conclusion, after all material prices are up and the price remains the same. I was able to make out maiden Vietnam on the new boot.
I am very picky. I'd rather pay more money for an equal or better product, than the same amount for a product that's worse than before.
Vivo it's a very bad company. I had two paires and all of them was shitty. For me they just try to still your money the maximum they can but nothing more.
Xero shoes are trash just like Nike etc.