Sadly my concerns about these boots were correct.The first day I went out in them,I could feel my feet getting wet,and sure enough I had wet socks when I removed the boots later.Toebox did seem wider than previous Vivo`s,but boots that let water in are no good in Welsh hills,so returned them for a refund.Ended up getting Freet Tundra instead,they dont look as mean as the Tracker Forest Esc,but never let water in,good toebox and a lot cheaper,also vegan :) I also have the Freet Mudee`s aswell,also totally waterproof,but the grip is not as good as the Tundra.
I just received mine last night. I went for a short walk around town & they felt good. It is a bit of an adjustment as I am coming from LEMS Boulder Summit boots which are minimalist but not true barefoot. I think I will have an easy enough transition. I have another pair of vivo trainers that I’ve worn intermittently throughout the last 4 years. I’m wearing the Forest Tracker ESC for work today. I have my LEMS in case I need to switch back. They do feel a little big in the toe box but I reckon a size down would be too small. I think my feet will eventually adjust! I loved your video! It was stunning to watch & a pleasure to hear your review/ experience.
I bought these boots about 2-3 months ago. I have done probably 6-7hundred Km' in them walking my dogs along the creek and hiking some challenging hiking tracks. They are great. I have had no blisters at all nor did they need breaking in, my first walk was only going to be a short one but ended up over 10kms. These are my first 'barefoot shoes'. I normally get around in cons or barefoot, so there was no need to adjust. Best shoes! I would love a low cut version.
I own a pair of Tracker forest ESC and agree they need some breaking in. I do think it’s difficult to get a good lock down without putting too much pressure on the ankle bone. The best solution I’ve found is use a surgeon’s knot before the 4th row of eyelets and ensure the bellowed tongue isn’t in a position to cause pressure, this allows you to keep the top of the boots relatively loose for ankle articulation. Wearing toe socks also transforms these boots and really allows your feet to use all the flexibility of the sole. I own a pair of Tracker II and Tracker All weather but I think the Forests are a great all rounder and found them waterproof enough for crossing streams.
Toe Socks! That's a great idea and going to try that out next time I put these on! Hadn't really thought of that in the hiking environment! Going to try the surgeons knot too! Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
@@_strengthmatters The injinji calf length Trail Running Ultra socks are a good weight for hiking on their own, also just bought some ToeToe outdoor liner socks to use under some lightweight stretchy traditional socks which seem to feel good but not tested on a big hike. I find taking the insoles out is better as the lining is more grippy and less sliding on steep ground. I’ve just been leaving the surgeons knot in between 3rd and 4th eyelets then slacken it for getting in and out which has been working well.
I also own the FG and ESC, but the ESC are definitely my favourites. I’m hiking in Swedish Dalsland now, so every terrain possible is tested. On the waterproofing: if you use the Renapur often, then water will keep out. FG have had some problems on quality (sole) and waterproofing, but the ESC are at much better level. For the rest: absolute barefoot disciple from 2017 and of course fan of Vivo.
Finished a trip last weekend through Les Vosges in France with my Trackers of course. 3 days of hiking, over 60 km with more than 5.000 altimeters on a variety of terrain. Shoes never let me down, but pretty tiring walks though.
Ciao. I also own tracker II but in them you get wet to walk on wet grass. Because the tongue is not waterproof at all. And if it higher grass or vegetation it coming water from above into the shoe because they are so low and extremely low in the back. Are the ESC higher generally and how is it on the new one with low in the back? And is the tongue better water resistant? I also had problems with water coming inside where the sole going over to the shoe because bad quality and the sole get little loose from the shoe after 10 days of use. I have try so repair it with glue and liquidsole. How is the new sole and did the one getting loose?
@@bergsbestigaren truly the ESC stand out. They are also higher in the back, about 1,5 to 2 cm. Maybe you could use low gaiters when walking through higher grass, so water keeps out. The tongue is absolutely fine, but don’t forget Toby’s Renapur wax on it.
I recently bought the Forest Tracker ESC despite lingering doubts about the robustness of the toe box in the absence of a rand. After a single hike on flat (but rocky) terrain I already see scuff-marks on the leather upper in the toe area - I must admit that I am not optimistic about their longevity. We'll see how they compare with my Meindl Island boots.
can I ask how you find the sizing, I'm typically a size 12 and the size guide (the Ai thingy that asked for a photo etc) came back suggesting a size 11.5. Just wondered how this compared to yourself, I'll be totally new to the vivobarefoot range so wanting to get it right. And great upload, thank you for the review
Read more comments after my own. No - they ar e not waterproof. But regarding what I have put them through I would say they are. You just have to treat them well - and avoid standing in water for a longer period of time 🙂
Did they end up becoming good for running once broken in? Did you do an updated video. About to buy either these forest or the tracker 2. These have better durability ratings apparently but I do want a shoe for forest runs and even abit of climbing scrambling on hard hikes that mould to the ground but also won't break. Advice would be much appreciated
I don’t run in these, just the trackers… I find they’re too stiff around the ankle and too heavy under foot. Great boot, but for me the trackers win for running in
Hi, did you buy the same size in both boots? If there is a size difference, is it such that you would size down for the ESC, if you already know your size for the Tracker II FG? Thanks!
Hello from Norway! I have a normal foot and usually use size 42, should I buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc shoe in size 42 or go up or down a size?
Nice review,my only concern with these boots is how waterproof/water repellent they are?Also,how is the toebox?I hope they are wider than previous Vivobarefoot boots,which were way too narrow..
I find them wider and softer than the trackers, so prefer the extra width. But that’s just personal preference… water repellent for average wet conditions are fine. But if you’re walking through rivers and huge puddles, I’m Not so sure… I’d think you’d need a gore tex pair for extreme wet conditions… hope that helps
I have use a tracker fg from 2018 around 30 days. I have never have worse shoe. Barefoot shoe feeling so love. Like a Vivo running shoe. But tracker are useless. You sweet direct, you get cold direct and you get wet direct as you see wet ground. They to low in back and to low general for terrain. And that the tongue are so far away from waterpro as possible make you always going to have wet feet. Are really the new forest better?
I really want to find a good winter boot for norwegian wet conditions (wont walk in the puddles on purpose but regular low vivo wont handle even 1cm of water/slush) - But are these too much? I will also use them in the mountain and forest when its too cold to be barefoot or in sandals.. So for regular winter/ playing boots ++, too much? They also have tracker decon and the smaller ESC which seem versatile enough.. But enough for the norwegian winter? or are they decent for that but only lack the aesthetic winter look? Hahah the winter is already here.. But the future winter is still on the horizon tho, Oh well
@@_strengthmatters thanks for responding, I was thinking the same order, I’ll need that extra grip, I currently have softstar switchbacks, the grips fantastic, but alas they are not waterproof. The snow version of the tracker doesn’t seem to be available anymore, so Tracker forest esc it is :) Thanks so much, great video by the way.
Interesting question. I have the magna trail, but not the magna forest. The magna trail is too bulky to run, i find the forest ones the same. Great for walking, not so for running. But not everyone uses boots to run! I'll do a review of the magna forest for you soon!
Do you think the Forest ESC boots would these survive Patagonia in November? More worried about warmth than comfort, been on the barefoot train for 5 years. It'd be Spring time, Basically in between 5 and 15 degrees celcius
How are you finding the weatherproofing vs. waterproofing? Also interested in their durability over more rocky terrain if you have any experience with that? I saw another review of someone hiking in Ireland and they commented on the durability over rocky terrain as an issue. I’ve just got back from a week walking in west Norway and my Haglof’s haven’t held up well.
Great questions! I don’t use them for going through deep water, or anything like that, mostly outdoors in more damp, wet terrain and Rocky terrain. Feet always dry and comfy. One year on almost and they’re holding up well…. Durability, if you see my old trackers in the trunk of my car… they’ve been with me 4 years + and still going strong… but hard to comment as people have so many personal preferences. For me they’re my go to for sure… struggle with anything else, but I’m also lucky that I have 5 pairs I can rotate…. Not a luxury others have!
@@_strengthmatters great, thanks for your thoughts! My haglofs were glued and came apart that way so with these being stitched I’m optimistic. I’ve got the Primus Lite shoes so I’m confident in the feel, I’ll give them a go when I go to Switzerland next year!
I tried them this week and unfortunately I have to send them back for a reason. The pros: As soon as I put them on I felt that they are very comfortable, the toe has good space, the leather of the shoes is very soft and flexible, it seems to wear a pillow,, I think they are the most comfortable I have ever tried. Neutral: the ankle support is a little too high for me, if I lace up all the way up the restriction of movement bothers me a bit, but if I lace up halfway they still feel comfortable enough. Cons: This is the reason why I decided not to keep them. under the heel, walking you can feel the spur of the Michelin sole, which compared to other soles is very big and annoying. I feel like I'm walking with a big stone stuck under my heel and every time I put it down I feel its pressure. for this reason I think that walking some hours could hurt or be very annoying. with the other vivo soles it doesn't happen to me, only with this one.
Interesting. I’ve never felt that. But I only wear them on fairly extreme terrains and go for the tracker most of the time. Will have a look 👀 when I go next time
Yes those actually have a roomy toebox and won't break your toes. Leather is also softer. Much better overall. Sizing is the same except you won't be tempted to size up because they're not narrow and stiff like the Tracker 2.
Which one would you recommend for muddy Exmoor and Cornwall walks, the Tracker Forest or the Tracker FG II? they're both on sale at the moment 160£ & 143£ which i think is a better price. I have been wanting the FG II for years but I've been seeing them not good with mud and slippery surfaces hence the hesitation. I mainly like them cos i can use them for city walks when i travel. The Forest though is new to me so idk which one to choose.
@@CptAngelKGaming as I said, I've been wanting the FG II for years coz i can wear them not only for hiking but also for City walks. i'm asking him his opinion whether the FG II is still suitable for the countryside walks despite it not being very good in the mud. In the end, I got the FG II and enjoyed using it at Yorkshire countryside. Take care.
![My Guide to Barefoot Hiking Shoes [Time to Switch?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/02Ahz-Bc5Us/mqdefault.jpg)
Have you tried the Forest Tracker ESC by Vivo? If so, let us know your thoughts down below!
Sadly my concerns about these boots were correct.The first day I went out in them,I could feel my feet getting wet,and sure enough I had wet socks when I removed the boots later.Toebox did seem wider than previous Vivo`s,but boots that let water in are no good in Welsh hills,so returned them for a refund.Ended up getting Freet Tundra instead,they dont look as mean as the Tracker Forest Esc,but never let water in,good toebox and a lot cheaper,also vegan :) I also have the Freet Mudee`s aswell,also totally waterproof,but the grip is not as good as the Tundra.
@daoistnomad7070 These boots are not meant to be waterproof though, only water resistant.. the selling point is breathability and weather resistant.
I just received mine last night. I went for a short walk around town & they felt good. It is a bit of an adjustment as I am coming from LEMS Boulder Summit boots which are minimalist but not true barefoot. I think I will have an easy enough transition. I have another pair of vivo trainers that I’ve worn intermittently throughout the last 4 years. I’m wearing the Forest Tracker ESC for work today. I have my LEMS in case I need to switch back. They do feel a little big in the toe box but I reckon a size down would be too small. I think my feet will eventually adjust! I loved your video! It was stunning to watch & a pleasure to hear your review/ experience.
Beautiful imagery, inspiring content.
I bought these boots about 2-3 months ago. I have done probably 6-7hundred Km' in them walking my dogs along the creek and hiking some challenging hiking tracks. They are great. I have had no blisters at all nor did they need breaking in, my first walk was only going to be a short one but ended up over 10kms.
These are my first 'barefoot shoes'. I normally get around in cons or barefoot, so there was no need to adjust. Best shoes! I would love a low cut version.
Awesome
they have magna esc
Great video! I’ve just ordered a pair. Love wales too, recently went up Watkins path this January. Stunning
Amazing! Make sure you got to my favourite mountain Cadair Idris!!
I own a pair of Tracker forest ESC and agree they need some breaking in. I do think it’s difficult to get a good lock down without putting too much pressure on the ankle bone. The best solution I’ve found is use a surgeon’s knot before the 4th row of eyelets and ensure the bellowed tongue isn’t in a position to cause pressure, this allows you to keep the top of the boots relatively loose for ankle articulation. Wearing toe socks also transforms these boots and really allows your feet to use all the flexibility of the sole. I own a pair of Tracker II and Tracker All weather but I think the Forests are a great all rounder and found them waterproof enough for crossing streams.
Toe Socks! That's a great idea and going to try that out next time I put these on! Hadn't really thought of that in the hiking environment! Going to try the surgeons knot too! Great ideas! Thanks for sharing!
@@_strengthmatters The injinji calf length Trail Running Ultra socks are a good weight for hiking on their own, also just bought some ToeToe outdoor liner socks to use under some lightweight stretchy traditional socks which seem to feel good but not tested on a big hike. I find taking the insoles out is better as the lining is more grippy and less sliding on steep ground. I’ve just been leaving the surgeons knot in between 3rd and 4th eyelets then slacken it for getting in and out which has been working well.
Great, now I want the boots AND the Arc’teryx jacket.
Hahah I think they’ve stopped doing the sidewinder zip jackets which is a shame as I love it!!
Ive just bought a pair of the boot style ones not leather for £99 as i found a discount cant wait to wear mine out and about in clevedon bristol
I also own the FG and ESC, but the ESC are definitely my favourites. I’m hiking in Swedish Dalsland now, so every terrain possible is tested.
On the waterproofing: if you use the Renapur often, then water will keep out. FG have had some problems on quality (sole) and waterproofing, but the ESC are at much better level.
For the rest: absolute barefoot disciple from 2017 and of course fan of Vivo.
Great tips thanks for sharing!! Can't wait to see where they take these boots next!
Finished a trip last weekend through Les Vosges in France with my Trackers of course. 3 days of hiking, over 60 km with more than 5.000 altimeters on a variety of terrain. Shoes never let me down, but pretty tiring walks though.
Ciao. I also own tracker II but in them you get wet to walk on wet grass. Because the tongue is not waterproof at all. And if it higher grass or vegetation it coming water from above into the shoe because they are so low and extremely low in the back. Are the ESC higher generally and how is it on the new one with low in the back? And is the tongue better water resistant? I also had problems with water coming inside where the sole going over to the shoe because bad quality and the sole get little loose from the shoe after 10 days of use. I have try so repair it with glue and liquidsole. How is the new sole and did the one getting loose?
@@bergsbestigaren truly the ESC stand out. They are also higher in the back, about 1,5 to 2 cm. Maybe you could use low gaiters when walking through higher grass, so water keeps out.
The tongue is absolutely fine, but don’t forget Toby’s Renapur wax on it.
Hur är de på vintern i kalla förhållanden tycker du? Nödvändigt med tjockare strumpor och extra plats?
I recently bought the Forest Tracker ESC despite lingering doubts about the robustness of the toe box in the absence of a rand. After a single hike on flat (but rocky) terrain I already see scuff-marks on the leather upper in the toe area - I must admit that I am not optimistic about their longevity. We'll see how they compare with my Meindl Island boots.
keep us posted!
can I ask how you find the sizing, I'm typically a size 12 and the size guide (the Ai thingy that asked for a photo etc) came back suggesting a size 11.5. Just wondered how this compared to yourself, I'll be totally new to the vivobarefoot range so wanting to get it right. And great upload, thank you for the review
Great video review, I just ordered the Forest ESCs in black. Have you had issues with the lace eyelet popping out ?
Awesome! No not at all my end! All fine and dandy!
Read more comments after my own. No - they ar e not waterproof. But regarding what I have put them through I would say they are. You just have to treat them well - and avoid standing in water for a longer period of time 🙂
Do you wear the same size in tracker forest Esc and tracker FG 2?
Did they end up becoming good for running once broken in? Did you do an updated video. About to buy either these forest or the tracker 2. These have better durability ratings apparently but I do want a shoe for forest runs and even abit of climbing scrambling on hard hikes that mould to the ground but also won't break. Advice would be much appreciated
I don’t run in these, just the trackers… I find they’re too stiff around the ankle and too heavy under foot. Great boot, but for me the trackers win for running in
Hi, did you buy the same size in both boots? If there is a size difference, is it such that you would size down for the ESC, if you already know your size for the Tracker II FG? Thanks!
Both size 10 for me and both fit perfectly!
Hi, is it the tracker FG2 you also have? How have you found its durability, does the sole start coming away from the upper at all? Thanks 😊
Never had an issue! All my pairs are still great. The one pair is 4 years old+ too!
Would the Tracker Forest Esc do well in hot weather (20C to 30C)?
Hard to say. I think more wet, damp environments personally because of the sole
Hello from Norway! I have a normal foot and usually use size 42, should I buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc shoe in size 42 or go up or down a size?
I find they’re true to size!!!
Vivo should make some of their models with some cushioning as well. This would make it easier for people to transition from ordinary shoes
I'm doing the transition, a little tip.. get some different insoles to help ease you in.😊
@@MixMeister5000
True, but then there is no space for fingers.
Nice review,my only concern with these boots is how waterproof/water repellent they are?Also,how is the toebox?I hope they are wider than previous Vivobarefoot boots,which were way too narrow..
I find them wider and softer than the trackers, so prefer the extra width. But that’s just personal preference… water repellent for average wet conditions are fine. But if you’re walking through rivers and huge puddles, I’m
Not so sure… I’d think you’d need a gore tex pair for extreme wet conditions… hope that helps
It's not advertised as waterproof !
I have use a tracker fg from 2018 around 30 days. I have never have worse shoe. Barefoot shoe feeling so love. Like a Vivo running shoe. But tracker are useless. You sweet direct, you get cold direct and you get wet direct as you see wet ground. They to low in back and to low general for terrain. And that the tongue are so far away from waterpro as possible make you always going to have wet feet. Are really the new forest better?
Great question, for really wet conditions I wouldn’t wear them, I’d go for the all weather versions… but for general use, 100% better
do you think that a 25mm zero drop shoe (Altra) is a good way to start your transition into barefoot shoes?
For sure. Better to ease into it! Depends if you want those shoes too mind… safe than sorry
@@_strengthmatters thanks mate
Are the orginal trackers good in the summer? I didn't know if they'd be too hot
Work well for me! But I prefer the low cut trail shoes personally for summer
I really want to find a good winter boot for norwegian wet conditions (wont walk in the puddles on purpose but regular low vivo wont handle even 1cm of water/slush) - But are these too much? I will also use them in the mountain and forest when its too cold to be barefoot or in sandals.. So for regular winter/ playing boots ++, too much? They also have tracker decon and the smaller ESC which seem versatile enough.. But enough for the norwegian winter? or are they decent for that but only lack the aesthetic winter look? Hahah the winter is already here.. But the future winter is still on the horizon tho, Oh well
I live in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies, which boots would you recommend for colder snowy conditions ?
The all weather pair for sure, and if they’re not available, then go forest tracker, then trackers, then magna trail in my opinion…
@@_strengthmatters thanks for responding, I was thinking the same order, I’ll need that extra grip, I currently have softstar switchbacks, the grips fantastic, but alas they are not waterproof.
The snow version of the tracker doesn’t seem to be available anymore, so Tracker forest esc it is :)
Thanks so much, great video by the way.
Wouldn't it be easier to run in the Magna Forest Esc? I'm not sure which model to go for...
Interesting question. I have the magna trail, but not the magna forest. The magna trail is too bulky to run, i find the forest ones the same. Great for walking, not so for running. But not everyone uses boots to run! I'll do a review of the magna forest for you soon!
@@_strengthmatters Magna Trail seems removed from the line-up.
Do you think the Forest ESC boots would these survive Patagonia in November? More worried about warmth than comfort, been on the barefoot train for 5 years. It'd be Spring time, Basically in between 5 and 15 degrees celcius
Yes they will. Just use socks.
Do you keep the insole in your vivobarefoot shoes?
I certainly do.
How are you finding the weatherproofing vs. waterproofing? Also interested in their durability over more rocky terrain if you have any experience with that? I saw another review of someone hiking in Ireland and they commented on the durability over rocky terrain as an issue. I’ve just got back from a week walking in west Norway and my Haglof’s haven’t held up well.
Great questions! I don’t use them for going through deep water, or anything like that, mostly outdoors in more damp, wet terrain and Rocky terrain. Feet always dry and comfy. One year on almost and they’re holding up well…. Durability, if you see my old trackers in the trunk of my car… they’ve been with me 4 years + and still going strong… but hard to comment as people have so many personal preferences. For me they’re my go to for sure… struggle with anything else, but I’m also lucky that I have 5 pairs I can rotate…. Not a luxury others have!
@@_strengthmatters great, thanks for your thoughts! My haglofs were glued and came apart that way so with these being stitched I’m optimistic. I’ve got the Primus Lite shoes so I’m confident in the feel, I’ll give them a go when I go to Switzerland next year!
I tried them this week and unfortunately I have to send them back for a reason. The pros: As soon as I put them on I felt that they are very comfortable, the toe has good space, the leather of the shoes is very soft and flexible, it seems to wear a pillow,, I think they are the most comfortable I have ever tried. Neutral: the ankle support is a little too high for me, if I lace up all the way up the restriction of movement bothers me a bit, but if I lace up halfway they still feel comfortable enough. Cons: This is the reason why I decided not to keep them. under the heel, walking you can feel the spur of the Michelin sole, which compared to other soles is very big and annoying. I feel like I'm walking with a big stone stuck under my heel and every time I put it down I feel its pressure. for this reason I think that walking some hours could hurt or be very annoying. with the other vivo soles it doesn't happen to me, only with this one.
Interesting. I’ve never felt that. But I only wear them on fairly extreme terrains and go for the tracker most of the time. Will have a look 👀 when I go next time
Any sizing/fit differences compared to Tracker II?
Not that I’ve seen! I use same size for both!
Yes those actually have a roomy toebox and won't break your toes. Leather is also softer. Much better overall.
Sizing is the same except you won't be tempted to size up because they're not narrow and stiff like the Tracker 2.
Which one would you recommend for muddy Exmoor and Cornwall walks, the Tracker Forest or the Tracker FG II? they're both on sale at the moment 160£ & 143£ which i think is a better price. I have been wanting the FG II for years but I've been seeing them not good with mud and slippery surfaces hence the hesitation. I mainly like them cos i can use them for city walks when i travel. The Forest though is new to me so idk which one to choose.
Tough one! Forest for the better grip!!
So looking at the soles for those models you can't figure out the very obvious winner for mud?..
@@CptAngelKGaming as I said, I've been wanting the FG II for years coz i can wear them not only for hiking but also for City walks. i'm asking him his opinion whether the FG II is still suitable for the countryside walks despite it not being very good in the mud. In the end, I got the FG II and enjoyed using it at Yorkshire countryside. Take care.
My God! get to the point of the video! Thumbs down and leaving at 4 minutes into this.
😂 each to their own. You could just skip to the chapters?