FG VS KNIT / pros and cons of the vivobarefoot primus trail
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- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- these are the longterm pros and cons of the vivobarefoot primus trail fg vs the primus trail knit fg for zero-drop hiking and trail running.
Barefoot Trail Shoes (referral links)
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vivobarefoot primus trail knit fg - - - bit.ly/3CVbz4E
vivobarefoot primus trail fg - - - - - - - bit.ly/3vevCdL
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Thank you for the comparison. The only thing I will say is that as someone with an extra wide foot the toe box isn't usually the issue when it comes to width on a barefoot shoe. It is the forefoot and or instep. At least for me. Knit shoes are very forgiving in that sense. If my forefoot fits, my toes will absolutely fit. This is true, for me, even in many conventional shoes. I know that sounds weird when talking about barefoot shoes since everyone wants to go directly to the toe box, but I guess it is different for everyone.
Yea, the volume/stretch can often make up for actual width. Good to knit the Knit can work for extra-wide. I also found that with Mukishoes, which are just "normal" wide, but have a ton of upper material.
I agree. My problem with many barefoot shoes has never been the toe box. It has always been the width at the balls of my feet. Very few brands offer shoes wide enough for me at that area. That's why in the warmer months, barefoot sandals are my go-to followed by Softstar and Belenka.
Perfect timing!
I am deciding between these two models right now and this made it very clear to me what to buy.
Thank you very much!
Nice! Glad the video was helpful. Which one did you go with?
4:55
I have both. I disagree that the knit version is wider - the FG version has more room for the big toe. In the knit version, the space for the big toe is more rounded, which makes it feel like there is less room.
Another issue with the knit version is the excessive tightness around the ankle. Many people have reported this problem online.
Just depends on your foot shape, I guess. The FG was tight up front and in the ankle for me, while the Knit was wide all over.
I absolutely agree with you. I ordered it a few days ago and returned it because of that. I'll try the FG.
I bought them I bought the men's so it's wider for me but you're right it's not as roomy as others I like them though 🥰 six months on bare foot shoes now and no turning back! Thanks to you actually for the running with bent knees tip 🥰
Nice! The FG's a super versatile first barefoot shoe. Glad they worked out, and you'd probably like the Knit even better when you eventually replace your FG's. Bent knees all the way! (:
Thanks for all your reviews, they really helped me make a decision for my first pair of barefoot shoes. I was looking for 1 pair of lightweight, durable, mid top/hi top shoes for a bit of everything. Eventually I chose Magna Trail II FG. 350g (only slightly heavier than the Magna Lites), vegan materials which I prefer and FG so more durable than SG for use on concrete and rocks.
Hey congrats on taking the leap! The Magna Trail's a great all-around option and should serve you well. Good job picking them out. Take is slow at first, if needed, and have fun out there!
I have the Primus Trail II All Weather FG with the same flat eyelets. The laces rubbed against the edges of them and broke within a year. Vivo don't sell replacement laces, but I managed to replace them with some regular drawstring-style laces. The benefit there was I could cut them to the right size so the end tucks under the bottom lace loop perfectly.
Bummer, although I'm surprised it was the lace and not the eyelet that broke first. I should honestly do that too, because the drawstring is annoying long on both FG's. Glad you found a simple fix.
Good review! I’ve had the Primus Trail FG’s for over a year and worn them in all kinds of terrain, including climbing some local mountain peaks. These have been my all time favourite shoes. Have some knits on order, can’t wait to try them.
Sweet! They're definitely one of the most versatile barefoot shoes you can own. I though the FG's were my fav until I tried the Knit's. Have fun out there!
I don’t have a single non knit Vivo shoe, they are too restrictive and hurt my fingers. Knit just feels natural 🦶
Yea, knit uppers are so comfy and versatile for different foot shapes!
I have 600 miles on a pair of Primus trails and the glued soles are still holding strong. The mesh has blown out a bit near those crimped areas and I have 2 small holes in the upper on either side of each shoe. The tread will wear out before the rest of the shoe is unwearable in my experience.
Funny, the opposite always happens to me (upper before tread). You can take a needle and thread to minor tears if you feel like doing some DIY. Glad they worked out so far, tho!
So i bought this shoe.. fg 3.5.. i'm worried.. the place where the laces bind do the shoe like the 1st and 2nd eyelet really cut into my foot.. Is this normal? Is it a matter about breaking in? Or should I try to return them. I've been wearing the vivobare geo court for a year or so.. its leather and the upper is very comfortable.
Andrew or anyone else, what are the odds they will expand colors on the Primus 3.5? It seems they are testing the waters with the 3.5, but I can say it's my favorite, closest-to-perfect shoe out of all the Vivo models I have. Thanks. Great channel. Keep it up!
Very likely. They wouldn't offer their top selling shoe only in one color. Don't worry, more should come out.
Please include the All Weather in the comparison.
The All-Weather is basically the same as the FG but with a water-resistant upper. It's also more medium width and protective, like the FG. Great for cold/wet climates. Less breathable than the Knit/FG, but thin enough to still work in warmer weather.
The toebox on the FG was far too restrictive for me. Scraped the knuckles of my toes on the first run and put me out of action for 2 weeks.
Yea, the FG is def more narrow and rigid than other Vivo's. The Knit's are way more comfortable.
My big deal is, how would they be for real rocky? You know like fire roads I live in the south east and most of our trails are like 5 mile loops with us section of fire roads and in any of my sandals because I don’t have any real thick sandals or my zero Mesa trails getting on those gravel roads for more than a few miles at a time is not fun so I was looking for an in between shoe something upcoming. I got half of it gonna be off and on but half of it will be on gravel flat fire roadand I’m not looking forward to barefoot Shoes
The FG sole's worked fine for me on any firm surface, from gravel to small rocks to boulders. They're fine walking on roads too, I just wouldn't run long road milage, because the sole is thicker than necessary for that. Vivo also includes a removable insole that you can bring with you if you're on super sharp rocks and need that extra padding.
Which one is better for summers / hot weather and to be worn without socks?
Hmm, the Knit is better for without socks, but the FG mesh is more breathable for hot weather. Both are great for running. I'd go with the Knit if you don't want to wear socks.
@AndrewFolts thanks will try the knit version
Thanks for the review. I’m looking for a shoe that will mostly be worn to walk on paved paths daily but some off road stuff as well. They’ll also be worn to play sports and run around with my boys. I’m new to barefoot shoes so I was leaning towards the Primus Trails Fg since they have a thicker bottom and seem to be more multipurpose. Do you agree or have a better suggestion? Thanks!
Yea, if you want one shoe that can do it all and plan on doing a fair amount of trails/fields the FG sole would be great. The FG Knit ua-cam.com/video/W4wikuqPHZ0/v-deo.html is what I'd go for, since it's more comfortable for casual and plenty durable for what you're describing.
hi Andrew thanks for the video. I am looking at shoe that I can wear the whole year in the north west of England. I am looking for something that I can use in the city when it’s raining. I’m Modi but also maybe to go to East Trail and ride my bike, I am between the primus all weather and the knit which one do you recommend?
I prefer the Knit, due to being more breathable, comfortable, and wide. But if your feet aren't too wide and you need the water resistance up top, then the AW would be the better pick. Alternatively, you could look at the Magna FG, which has the same sole, but with a wider water resistant leather upper and breathable wool blend collar. ua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html
Thank you Andrew, if you only can pick one and you need to use this to also in the winter time in the summertime would you prefer to spray with the water repellent spray or use? Go for the all weather? Many thanks appreciate your advice.
@@simoneala3 The Knit does have a wraparound sole that will keep out some wet grass, mud, etc, as long as it's not too high. I use my Knit FG's in the winter and they're fine with a couple layers of merino Injinji's. ua-cam.com/video/_e6BC2vfl4w/v-deo.html The All-Weather's aren't 100% WP anyway, so I think the Knit's are better.
Do you find the knit ones give you blisters? I've seen some reviews that say they cause blisters around the ankle. I was planning on wearing socks all the time, but I've found that other shoes can blister through socks.
Hmm, no, I've never had any problems with that. I do always wear socks with them, because I'd rather not have synthetic fibers on my skin, if possible, and merino wool toe socks add airflow between my toes.
i use the knit as a casual shoe that can also do runs. good for a multipurpose vacation shoe
have you tried the freet feldom? seen some good reviews
Not yet, but I've heard good things too. So many shoes, so little time, ha.
Do you find the knits are actually lighter than the regular FG? On the site, it says the knits weight 400g and the regular FG is almost half the weight - maybe just a typo?
Must be a typo. The Knit's are a bit heavier, but only by around 13%.
@@AndrewFolts thanks for that quick response! your rock! 13%, that is pretty precise, haha. Unless that is a spec. from a prior page
@@lukefromowitz4514 Nope, I record the weights of all my shoes. (:
@@AndrewFolts 🙌
How often do you use these? I do about 1.5 hours of cardio daily through mountain terrain, and use WHITIN Minimalist Barefoot Sock Shoes, which cost about $27 on Amazon and last me about 6-months. How long do you think the Vivo's would last me?
My original Vivo Primus Trek's (basically the FG with a leather upper) have lasted me 7+ years and probably 3,000+ miles so far. Whittin's are cheap, but not made to last. They'd go out of business if a $27 shoe lasted 7 years, ya know? I mostly use my Knit's, since I like the extra stretch/flex. Rarely the new FG's.
Got my Knit version few days ago and they are rubbing me at the area where the shoe is bending upper side, they are also quite big, I ordered new pair and went size down, I hope they will be better. Does upper knit material get any softer after wearing them? If it gets softer then the rubbing might stop... But anyways thank you for your amazing videos!
I took the insole out and found that solved it, seemed to give more room to the upper and the bend less aggressive pressure on your foot
It does sound like the problem might just be sizing. When your foot bends in the wrong place it can create pressure, so it's likely the smaller size won't cause as much rubbing, if any.
Yea, that's another good fix. More headroom always helps!
Love the knits, such a comfy shoe and the fit and finish is really nice. Super convenient being a slip on sock style shoe, I don't use the laces to tighten at all, just set them once and I'm away 🙏🏻
Yea, they could probably remove the laces and they'd still be fine. I hardly tighten them at all.
I wear a size 8 Tracker Forest ESC and it feels like enough room
I tried a size 8 FG and it felt too tight
Do you think I should try a size 8 or 9 KNIT?
Hmm, the Knit isn slightly longer than the FG and definitely wider, so it's possible the 8 could work, but it's not as long as the ESC. If the 8 FG was only a little tight, then the 8 Knit might work, but it it was really short, then maybe the Knit 9 is the way to go.
I love my Trail FG, they are my first barefoot shoes and I've been wearing them for over a year with no noticeable wear. My main complaint is that the plastic part of the lacing system doesn't seem to stay tight anymore so I need to tighten it every 20-30 minutes. Also weirdly my FGs have the lacing of your Knit shoes.
Bummer about the lace grip. If it becomes too annoying, you could probably buy another one online or swap the drawstring for traditional laces, which I honestly prefer, anyway.
Those are not the FG2's. The 2's are wider. Also, the 2's don't have the hooks for laces.
Correct, the Primus Trail FG/Knit are both a FG1 sole shoe.
you mean FG2 are wider than 1st version of FG?
@ That is correct.
@@GeneRosellini and the length? I have fg2 and they seem short in length...so i wonder how is length in 1st version 😁
@@slavasss2189 I can't remember the length of the FG1
but I do remember they didn't fit me and the width was distinctly narrower than the FG2. I got rid of them as they were horribly uncomfortable.
is this the primus trail 1,2,3, or 3.5 LOL
I've lost count, ha. They're all similar, or at least the past three versions. Just minor design changes.
@@AndrewFolts dude there are so many really similarlly named vivobares.. thanks for the review this was helpful
its 1st version of FG