I have just started working with trail runners after being a boot person. Aside from concerns that they may be an issue with a heavy pack, I so far love hiking with trail runners.
I'm switching it up lately with Keen hiking shoes. You still get the wide toe box and better than hiking boot breathability. I have Mortin's Neroma in both feet and basic arch support goes a long way to keeping my feet happier on the trail. Thanks for those 3 movements!
People who are in the business of saving cost and walking: the Army. Milatary boots have an arch support, mostly. These pretend boots you have, bring them to Australia. I'll take you hiking we can do 15km a day 5 days supplies. You'll be trashed in 2 to 3 days, our hiking paths are laid with 2 to 3 inch stones shale concrete blue metal. Support is need for most ppl. If it wasnt, the armies of the world would embrace these pretend boots as less material. Btw all these exercises and more, are common in the armed forces. The sitting on a wall arms out is a common recruit training thing.
@@ozdavemcgee2079 Spent 20 years in the Australian Army and watched the Army go from heavy leather boots to much softerfootwear. Now our SF soldiers often wear trail runners on patrol on ops carrying insane loads. Our Aboriginal soldiers in Norforce have to be made to wear boots as they traverse 'gnarly terrain' in barefeet, Your arguments don't stack up. I wear trail runners in gnarly terrain in alpine Tasmania and Victoria all the time.I only wear boots when exposed to ice when I might need to fit crampons - even then I have the lightest B1 boots I could find..
I went barefoot/zero drop about 8 months ago. As an old paratrooper with all the joint injuries associated, and having worn stupid boots most of my life, switching has been a struggle. It's totally worth it. After some research, those with joint injuries that are persisting, should start from the bottom. Strengthen those feet and the rest will follow, but it's a struggle, it's painful at first. We can thank the industry for offering shoes with a heel and an arch for no real reason. Don't crutch your injuries, build strength around them and overcome!
@your name I didn't come here for your validation, I've lived it, definitely not a five jump chump, earned these wings brother, and it broke this body. Two knee surgeries (one reconstructive), compressed lower vertebrae and everything else. Last one out the door, first one on the ground. I've always spent good money on "good" shoes, but it wasn't till I went zero drop barefoot (wide toe box) did my body start working WITH my injuries and not around them. Do some research, the ways shoes are shaped is a mostly modern thing, and really just vanity and marketing. I suggest looking into how your feet work, how they're shaped and why. 8 million years of human evolution never needed arch support.
@@Bainelf I'm too broken to run anymore, I do a decent amount of hiking always with a pack to keep the legs strong. Usually wear my Lems boots. There's videos showing the difference in running between barefoot, zero drop, and a traditional heeled shoe. It's interesting because when you take away the heel we naturally don't strike there first and run on the balls of our feet, taking a ton of the impact out. Natural ways we move, which most modern shoes don't allow.
@@Bainelf None of the zero drop/barefoot shoes or boots I own are hard. They're all actually quite soft and flexible, though thin soled. The first couple of hikes your feet will be tired (from conforming to your terrain), but once you build the strength you'll actually find yourself more stable on uneven terrain and less tired from it. It's all half buried rocks and tree roots where I'm at, and I find with traditional boots I'm more likely to trip or slip. Takes time, you gotta be dedicated, but for me it's been worth it.
Went barefoot 3 years ago, best decision I ever made. Picked up the tracker to complete my collection and I'm blown away with how good they are. Would 100% recommend!
I went barefoot a month ago lol but this summer I did most of my footwork drills barefoot at a local soccer field & walked in the nearby woods barefoot. But I got my first pair of barefoot shoes 1 month ago never going back lol
I would second Henry's question. I just bought 2 pairs of the tracker 1 for 41euro each. I guess they are going cheaper now that the tracker 2 is out, but reviews of the tracker 1 still seem fairly positive and solid to me.
I have been using the Tracker as a winter boot and hiking boot for years, my first pair got a hole in the sole (this is usually where my Vivobarefoot shoes break) after idk, three years of intensive use? The leather/top kept up well.
I am an avid hiker/trekker and bus dweller living life very alternatively 😁 While being bedridden with chronic pain for 12 months waiting for a much needed hysterectomy I bought these boots to remind me what my aim is, what I used to be able to do and what I will be able to do again. I am still in recovery stage 14 weeks post op but after finding Elemental and Hike Strong I feel more confident I will get back on the trails sooner rather than later. Sometimes you find what you need when you least expect it! Thank you 🙏
@@hanwhiteoak1256 cut out the pattern, then I use a leather holepunch (since I don't have the fancy sewing needle apparatus the professionals use) and I bind the parts together with string. I don't know how to fully waterproof them for use in the winter or rain though... liquid always soaks through. (I got the pattern from a moccasin making kit at Michael's craft store.)
I did a 10 mile hike yesterday on a PA portion of the AT, near the Delaware Water Gap, in some minimalist running shoes (all outlined requirements met) . I wear these for running and daily use so my lower legs are pretty used to them. It was fine for the hike out, but the hike back wasn't a hike-- it was a death march. The PA AT is known to be pretty rocky, so it was pretty hellish on portions of the trails that were made up of entirely fist to head sized rocks since you *literally* had to plan *every* foot placement. As I became more fatigued due to concentrating and / or leaves would obscure rocks, I'd mess up, and I'd step on a pointed rock with my midsole, which would cause me to do a funny dance (it hurts like hell). If I wasn't furhther paying attention (or I was just caught off guard enough), it would cause me to move my other foot onto another pointed rock and comence the funny dance again. This was especially dangerous on decents. I can't really imagine doing this with any real weight without at least a lot of training-- if at all. I think that there are some use cases where minimal shoes would actually be a detrement (such as the one I described). Imma keep trying anyhow-- there were people in PA thousands of years before me who could hack it without thick boots, so I gotta believe that it's possible.
Having broken numerous bones in both feet (none through hiking), including my ankles and a big toe, and being in my 50s, I’m firmly in the backpacking boot territory. I simply cannot wear light, flexible shoes or boots. I find my Meindl Vakuum Ultra to be super comfortable, while giving generally good grip, without being too heavy.
Minimalist footwear definitely isn't for everyone. If you have been wearing "normal" shoes all your life your foot muscles are going to be dramatically underdeveloped and minimalist footwear could absolutely lead to injuries.
I have those shoes as well (I'm normally a minimalist shoe person, but these are for cold weather hiking and for attaching snow shoes and such). I find that the way the tongue is attached to the rest of the boot makes them rub on the top of my feet, even with good socks. Have you had this problem?
@@adamf.4823 i guess minimalists have never been to gym, considering their worry about "strength". quite a niche. Boots are safety gear first and foremosts. Just like climbing harness or crampons.
Trackers are legit! The thin outsoles and zero drop design keep my feet low and parallel to the ground, which gives me more stability than any other shoes or boots I have ever worn. The toe box width gives my feet room to spread out in a natural manner. Feeling the terrain underneath allows me to make micro-adjustments and smarter foot placement choices. I have stepped in ankle-high puddles and not a drop of water has seeped through the boots. I don't do extreme mountain climbing, which may require a different style of footwear, but my Trackers are perfect for moderate to difficult trails. I like them so much they inspire me to put them on and go exploring.
This is great, I completely agree with it. I switched to minimalist shoes in 2018. I had a job working outdoors on natural terrain, and even still, it took me a full calendar year of daily "foot training" to get to where I could go to that job in minimalist shoes consistently without thinking about it. For at least the first three months I would literally put on the barefoot shoes, get the mail or go get my laundry out, and then switch back for the rest of the day. Even though I was ultra careful, I still strained my achilles towards the end of the first six months because I thought I was "ready to go." Wrong! You should triple the amount of time you think you need to get ready for full-time barefoot, even on flat uncomplicated terrain. Start with just a few minutes, then a few hours, then alternating days. You've been in conventional shoes your whole life-- it's pretty cool that you can transition to barefoot at all, even if it takes two years. It doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you get there healthy!
Toe raises! One of the benefits of the high-heeled boots worn by smokejumpers, wildland firefighters, and loggers is the use of the toe raise in the high undercut heels which essentially points the sharp edge of the heel down into the ground. This is most useful when going downhill on steep terrain. Of course these boots are built for that with heavy-duty heel counters, etc., where the heel is much more useful than needed by hikers on maintained trails or even in mountaineering. I know this from first-hand experience. If you want to know more what I am talking about, just Google White's Smokejumper Boots. You should always qualify boot features by identifying their specific uses. And, yes, smokejumper do a helluva lot of hiking in those boots - jump into roadless wilderness and then hike out with all your tools plus your 'chute. 'Nuff said.
Agreed, the heels serve important purposes still to this day. My first job was logging as a teenager, and firefighting when I was old enough. One other point I would like to mention about their uses in logging. If you work for a smaller company that does not use delimbers, you will have a sawhand limbing and bucking the trees to length. The heel is very useful for getting grip on the tree itself, as you walk on top of it to quickly limb it. The heel kind of bites on the curve of the tree giving you more stability. Done it with wedge souls and proper logging boots, the logging boots with the 1 inch heel were far superior. Linemen also still need heels and quality shanks, or would benefit from them.
I moved to zero drop almost ten years ago. Huaraches mostly until it gets well below freezing. About the only time I wear boots now is skiing or when I need crampons.
Thank you a practical man with a good sense of anatomical logic! Glad to see someone who understand that feet arent meant to be in shoes and the need to feel the environment just like our hands. Good shiz
Used to wear army boots hiking for years and never had a problem other than carrying heaps more weight than I needed to. Have swapped to zero lift trail runners and have enjoyed the lighter weight on my feet and better feel for the ground. Great video
I must be lame because I just wear Keen shoes.... current pair is 3 years old and has been to Alaska, Alberta, Colorado, and Iceland. Used for cutting trees, hunting, fishing, mowing, everyday use, and moving cattle. Not pretty but they last forever.
I Love these boots, they feel great, keep my feet dry and warm and i believe they have helped with my mobility and flexibility, however, I am now sending my 3rd pair back to Vivo as they keep falling apart long before i get near the 100 day trial period. If they stayed together, i'd have no complaints at all.
Another reason for more rigid soles and boots is heavy backpacking. This reduces the pressure on the balls of the feet. Backpacking boots are designed to allow the boot to roll as you progress through your step. This improves efficiency and reduces the loads on the foot.
Great video! I like my Scarpa Leather boots which for me provide a nice balance of support and flexibility. I can also think of two good reasons why heels on boots are not just for cowboys, they dig in on the down slopes and provide a bit more traction and are good if you are using gaiters.
I started wearing barefoot shoes about 15 years ago. Still have them & they were actually created with barefoot Kenyan runners in mind. BUT when I hike, I prefer hiking boots. Having hiked in Alaska (Denali) & the desert, I feel my hiking boots have protected my feet against inclement weather & potential snake bites/cacti.
I'm so happy I found this channel! I started to get Achilles tendon issues in one foot, and the physio asked to see my shoes - they are flat! She asked why and I said all other shoes don't work with my feet... The arch of my foot cramps, my toes converge on each other... And I couldn't find anyone who could understand! Finally!
We're glad you mentioned that some people wear trail runners. We love wearing them on all different terrain, but we sometimes feel weird about our choice when we see other hikers!
I was really interested in these after watching this video, but looking through the reviews on Amazon you can see a lot of complains (with pictures) about the quality of these boots. Bummed out that they don’t last long, especially for the price. The search continues.
Hold up there! I love my Trackers! I've put 102 miles on them and they show zero signs of failure or degradation. They're completely intact and I wouldn't hit a trail without them. Cheers!
I used trail running shoes in the past, but I've recently found approach shoes to be a really great balance of stability and maneuverability. I'm using La Spotiva TX4 and I hike in the Rockies, going up 14k foot mountains, with a lot of scree and scrambling. Having that light shoe feel, wide toe box, with a really protective, sticky, sole for stepping on sharp edges of rocks makes ascending and descending so much more worry-free.
Great video! Thank you for putting it out there. I used to run in my bare feet for a mile or two with my dog and just chase and play. I usually ran in Brooks Ghost shoes 3-7 miles at a time for my regular runs but the barefoot runs always felt so good! Especially after eating pasta and wine haha. Now that im starting to get into backpacking, the "hiking boots" are causing me so much pain. Youve brought up so many good points! Thank you!
As someone who has broken one foot with additional soft tissue damage and torn my other ankle, I'm not confident hiking in shoes that don't have higher support.
I mostly use big hiking boots with good support. As geologist, I rarely follow the trails when working. For my leisure hiking, I use some Salomons. Would definitely try trail runners/barefoot boots for the trail once my curent pair dies.
You talk about ULTIMATELY reducing the chance of injury - and I fully believe that. I'm quite worried that up to that point I'd be at significantly higher risk if I were to go for shoes with less support - and a bad ankle can of course not just be an inconvenience but can be ruinous to doing something we love for a really long time.
It depends on your feet condition but most importantly on your approach towards the mountains. In my opinion: Heavy pack: boots snow and ice: boots rain and water: boots scrambling: boots off trail adventures with the element of surprise/unknown: boots protection from snakes, ticks etc...: boots a small ultralight excursion through trails on a sunny day without snow: trail runners training: barefoot
Haven't felt the need for anything boot-like, including the Tahoe Rim Trail last year. Merrell Trail Gloves all the way. But with the Yosemite High Route coming up this summer, I just picked up some Vivobarefoot Magnas to try! A bit more ankle protection (from scraping, NOT "support"), and hopefully less grit infiltration (even with gaiters). Thanks for clueing me in to their existence!
Just buy a pair and try. I’ve had mine for almost a week and I’m fine. Sure, my calf’s and feet ache a bit after a long walk but it’s in the muscles. My body will adapt in no time and I just love the feeling of freedom these shoes give me. I feel light and nimble.
From personal experience with Vivo shoes, which I used for years, training and daily life. They are directly dangerous in T4+ grade grade hiking, moist or not, they offer no security, especially when you know the difference between them and TX2 or even Evo GTX kind of tools. They are ok for
No support is the whole point. Some primitive tribes have the healthiest feet in the world and they're either barefoot or wear basic sandals. I don't think they comnplain about "support". Unless you're carrying massive weight, the muscles in your foot/ankle are all the support you need.. Naturally you have to strengthen them first though, which won't happen in heavy boots or regular shoes..
I completely agree with this comment. I have been a pretty enthusiastic but sporadic barefooter since I was about 16. This summer I tried a pretty long all day hike with these Vivo hikings books. On the descent it was really really apparent that my ankles would be in much better shape if I had some support. I get the argument that primitive tribes dont need support. But guess what. We sit around all day. Unless you are actively moving around barefoot, at all times, I don't see how you can actively stay strong enough to do a "modern" hike in barefoot shoes safely. I will still use the Vivos for hiking, but I will now be sure to have a pair of sturdier boots in my pack on long hikes in case I start feeling my ankles get overworked, encounter snow, or anything steep and wet. The soles on these have no grip compared to more traditional hinking boots.
I started hiking in mocasins and mukluks on dirt trails and it really is so much more fun. I feel lighter and more stable. p. It's very freeing. Also: Zero shoes has crampons designed for barefoot boots.
I would think that minimalist style shoes can be a great tool for training your foot muscles, but they should probably just that; a training tool. Hiking boots with more support are engineered to give you a more effective stride as well as the right kind of support. I think a good approach might be a combination of "low support"/minimalist shoes for short hikes with little load, and "supportive" shoes for longer hikes with more load.
Your the first person I’ve heard speak like me, thankyou bro! After going through hell for 8 yrs of wearing insoles and losing so much functional movement from them, I can’t stress how correct you are! I’ve been following my intuition and I believe in strength and mobility for things like fallen arches or knees that go in. It’s amazing what I’ve learnt and how much it aligns with what you’ve said!
aaaaand wait til you kick a rock or log by accident.... which yes, despite your "awareness" still happens. I don't wear a seat belt cause I intend on needing it all the time - little analogy to help convey my point.
I wear these shoes hiking and they have benefited me in a myriad of ways. I used to dance and I have high arches. I find stiff structured boots to be painful. With barefoot shoes, I balance better, I experience less soreness in my feet and body the next day and I find feeling the ground beneath my feet is therapeutic.
I have recently got into minimalist shoes and love them. I feel more stable and my feet and legs feel stronger. HOWEVER, I have not found an adequate solution for wet, boggy, cold terrain. I need a high boot that is reasonably waterproof (not necessarily lined, but can be treated). The Tracker is too short. The only other options I've seen are the Bellville TR102 (not waterproof enough) and the Feelmax Kuuva (mixed reviews on durability and waterproofing). Conclusion: There is a gap in the minimalist boot market for this kind of terrain. I would love to find a good solution, but for now I am going to reluctantly stick with traditional boots.
You're right. The tracker in wet cold (snow/ice) conditions is big trouble. I wear a size up with a warm liner sock inside a quality waterproof sock and while I need to wait for next winter to really test it in subzero conditions, so far it seems to be working a treat.
I have some five-finger shoes for light hiking .. Not the best idea. For rocky sections, you spend a lot of time starting at the trail for for placement. So less time looking at nature. So really best for smooth trails. But love the light weight and adequate protection
I wore my Barefoot ESC to Everest Base camp and back 12 days it’s a tough walk about as rough as hiking gets had no problems you just need to watch where your walking which in fairness you should do anyways!
I have been practicing as a physical therapist since 1995. I have to say that I agree with your approach. Nearly all of my shoes and boots are minimalist. My feet feel better than ever. My hiking boots are the Lems Boulder Boot! Love them! I do on two pair of VIVO barefoot shoes for casual.
Hi Chase,.In general you are right, but there are a lot of people who are not flexible enough in their hips and therefore cannot fully extend their hips. This means that you cannot roll over the big toe and thus also cannot create tension in the inner longitudinal arch. If that works, absolutely in your opinion, if not, then there is too much pressure on the big toe joint, the knees and the axis of the legs. For these people, a shoe with a little support is still the first thing to do. If the muscles are okay in terms of stretching and strengthening, then go for the barefoot technique.
Just found your videos and i'm loving them 'cause they're concise and jump directly into what one needs (gear, exercise, etc.) in order to be prepared, you also explain the whys and the hows. Amazing, thank you. New subscriber.
Definite jump in video quality with the addition of sexy Chase. I am a fresh convert to barefoot shoes and have been using Xero shoes for everyday running (3-5kms) for about 2 months now. I overdid it by running 7kms which caused swelling of my inferior extensor retinaculum (had to look that one up) tendon sheath at the front of my foot. I own a pair of ASOLO Powermatics that feel like they're walking me, but am fixated on improving foot and ankle strength with the barefoot shoes. Would definitely recommend Xero shoes. Plus all their shoes are vegan if that floats your boat.
I use the Vivobarefoot Primus Trek with the same sole and walked about 200-300km and they are great shoes. I walked with these shoes and Merino wool socks through heat, rain, water, mud, no problems.
I absolutely love my Merrell boots. I have had all 3 types. The tall boot, the mid boot and the short boot "which is styled just like a tennis shoe". I have found nothing as comfortable for me but you have to realize every shoe/boot has different uses and some are better in different applications. My go to are the tennis shoe styled for everyday use and the mid boot for general hiking. But thats my preference.
I used vivo barefoot shoes to become a barefooter myself. I certainly wasn't expecting the amount of leg pain - I suddenly had muscles I never knew I had, waking up! It took a while to become completely comfortable with these new sensations, one tricky aspect was teaching my legs and ankles to relax as I was subconsciously holding onto tension and therefore it was needlessly painful to walk. But I'd recommend something minimalist like that in your day-to-day as that provides practice and develops foot strength. If I have to use shoes now I prefer VFFs. I like how closely it fits my foot, and they're pretty versatile even if not waterproof. But the best footwear I've found to be my own pair of feet and use shoes as a tool rather than be wholly reliant on them indefinitely...
I have trail runners and lowa tibets. They are different tools for a different job. Most hikers stick to groomed trails, which is why they love trail runners so much, but when you are in the backcountry hunting for weeks you need a stiff boot
From my experience, you need to be day hiking or have an ultralight backpacking set-up to wear barefoot shoes. I hike bare foot plenty, but when you add extra weight it can lead to some serious damage. Train fully barefoot with no weight, then work your way up to the shoes and pack weight.
I agree to a degree but disagree, also. (unless I'm misunderstanding you and we are saying the same thing?) You should work your way up into the barefoot/minimal style of shoe, but once you do... it's the same or better. I've portaged a 52lb canoe, while carrying 47lbs of gear, multiple miles/times, for a week, in just my Vibram 5-fingers. I recently did 50miles in the Snowmass wilderness wearing my Altra Superiors with 37lbs, so not ultra-light, with zero complaints. I haven't done a long distance through hike like the AT since I've been wearing minimal/barefoot shoes, but I know I'd never do another one without them. I do agree that it's harder on your feet with less cushion after long-long miles if you're carrying a lot of weight... but, to be honest, my feet feel that way no matter what shoes I'm wearing. YMMV / hike your own hike!
@@tiburonimbus Yes true. This needs to be worked up to and slowly. I was merely saying that it's rubbish to think it's not possible because given the right transition, quality minimalist footware is superior even carrying heavy loads in harsh terrain.
Am a trailrunner shoe und sandal guy myself for the most part, but I do own boots and I wear them for particular terrain. These flexible boots may be good for people who walk trails and need ankle support. But when I personally put on boots I wear them precisely for the rigid sole that comes in useful for rock, snow and ice (like said in the video). I would consider these boots presented here an option if they are light an can be re-soled. Then they would maybe replace my trail runners (sick of chucking them every 700 miles producing waste) but not my boots.
Couldn't agree more, minimal trail runners all the way! I like merrill bare access for pavement running and crossfit, mix masters on the trail. Switching to these from Asics and saucony after a few marathons fixed knee and hip/IT problems, as well as plantar fasciitis in the heel, despite losing the cushion. Ease into them
Everyone I see wears boots fit for the alps in winter. I got a pair with soles like trainers. Timberlands new heritage boot looks good. I had Timberland nubuck boots in the early 1970s. Best boots I ever owned.
Thanks. My dad was a Podiatrist and my business partner for 10 years built orthotics/sport-orthotics, and they both asserted not having good arch support accounts for the majority of foot injuries. They said that studies on indigenous / native Americans and other tribes showed many had injured feet and distorted bone/joint development. I guess many believe the opposite now...
Couldn't agree with you more, this is just a marketing ploy for manufacturers to retail a high dollar item with low dollar manufacturing costs. The emperor's New clothes if you will.
@@AggyGoesOutdoors No, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying that your feet and ankles must be extremely conditioned to go barefoot or to wear thin sole boots.
Would be great, except its 250$. For a bit more you can get a Limmer which has 2lbs of thick leather per boot, which is what most of the cost goes to. The Vivo's intrinsic value is much lower than the price, with most of it going towards advertisement and taking advantage of the minimalist shoe trend. Their sandals consisting of nothing more than a little rubber going for over 120$ is proof of this. Not something I'd want to invest in.
2 pounds of leather per boot?! That sounds like a recipe for foot fatigue resulting in foot injury. My trackers are light, supportive, and stable, and they allow me to feel the ground which result in smarter foot placement. They're definitely worth a go.
But the heel provides heel break during downward walks, this has proven true for me, it goes all the way back to my Army reserve days more than 30 yrs ago I still prefer tactical boots on hikes that involve climbing and carrying heavy packs
Yeah, i'm looking at getting at pair of these Trackers, but if i'm hauling 20kg+ up and down a steep ass mountain, i'm not sure these will quite cut it quite like my Scarpas do.
Not sure if I would go down a scree in those minimalist boots. As a scrambler I will stick to the hard boots for climbing mountains. I can wear the minimalist shoes/boots on well developed trails for sure.
Having owned two pairs they are good shoes but they have big issues. Where the sole meets the upper is prone to separating and cracking and the grip at the bottom wears out extremely quickly. Given their price there is better options and if you do get these shoes get some Renapur and shoe glue as it will be a constant battle to keep the leather from disintegrating and separating from the sole. They are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever warn and look great but having gone through two pairs with the same issues I won't go for a third.
Trail runners. I had an Achilles heal injury and it healed the fastest in trail runners. I don't buy the ankle thing. I've found I can relax and move my foot better to avoid an injury with trail runners.
I've got a weak ankle that is easily turned on poor terrain so I use British Army mid-calf Para boots for enhanced support. These do however pass additional stresses to knees & hips. I will only buy boots with Vibram soles due expense vs longevity. For those lightweight boots to be so flexible the sole must be very soft which means they will last no time at all!
I have v2 of these, with the black trim around the sole. They're waterproof, just not durable. The proverbial sole releasing from the boot, specifically, on either side of the forefoot crease as well as some general cuts on the sole junction around the boot. I broke off a couple lugs scraping mud off on a step. In the suburban backyard, got a deep stick gouge like it was butter. Beautiful, comfortable, and waterproof though. YMMV, but NO WAY I would take them on a real outing without backup footwear. I wish LEMS boulder boot had a more offroad sole. I beat the hell out of a non-waterproof pair til they blew out. They took on farm visits, mountain visits, family visits, greenhouse work. I'm sure they woulda gone much farther had I waxed them or didn't constantly soak them in the greenhouse. So many compliments too.
I think for light hiking day trails those would be great. But for Heavy packing long hikes I think those shoes could cause more issues. Just my thought.
It's just a a question of training, I've done two weeks of hiking in the French Alps with a 12kg backpack 24km/1500m D+ in average per day with minimalistic footwear ( altra lone peak). I didn't have any issue with my feet at all. Just try to increase your mileage with this kind of footwear maybe it won't work for you but if it does it's really enjoyable.
@@mickaelo466 I was talking about packs double that weight, 12kg is fairly light. When you're in the woods for a long time boots are the only answer to prevent rolling your ankle
@@FluffyBuzzard2TheMax Actually wearing boots will lead to weaker ankles. Having a soft sole is so much better for your joints. I know from experience. I exclusively hike in the shoe version from this brand.
I got some Tracker 2 FG's, they are absolutely the most comfortable outdoor shoes I've ever worn, but the rubber is delaminating from the leather. I've been wearing them less than two months and both shoes are slowly coming apart where my toes bend. There's about a five mm gap now. I met someone wearing Lems who said the same thing- their Vivo Trackers came apart after working in them for two weeks so they sent them back. I had another friend who had a pair of the old Trackers for two years though & they were fine.
In the Andes they hike with abarcas (tire sandals) I basically have been hiking mainly with sandals since the mid 90s...except with mountaineering boots for above like 5,000 meters...I think Luna sandals are good enough with a Vibram resole of Sierra soles or Kletterlift
switching to a zero drop from like an 8mm drop is definitely going to cause injuries. But I believe that pain will eventually go away. I switched my running shoes. the new pair were about 2-3mm lower than my original shoes...but after a 10mile race, my calves, feet, achilles, etc were hurting pretty bad.
Try the LEMS shoe line. They are near zero drop with less aggression and more forgiving than the Vivobarefoot. It's a nice midpoint transition shoe before going full Kenyan Barefoot wilderness runner 😂
Such a thorough and balanced look at barefoot shoes and boots. A last by the way is the wooden or plastic mold, the foot shape that the shoe is built on. The pattern for the ‘upper’ is designed on the last.. the other thing I notice about the design is the lack of seams, so less possibility of rubbing 👍😎💪
Everything you’re saying about foot strength is absolutely correct! I had to learn the hard way after severe issues and now only use lightweight and neutral shoes so my feet have the correct muscular support :)
I've been using vivobarefoot shoes (for street) not for hiking. I'm really happy with the pair. I will provably buy one of those when my altras burn out. :)
I switched over to the barefoot shoes a year ago but now that’s it’s winter how to keep my feet warm. I feel so much better since I switched over but but I’m 75 and my footsies get cold. Can you recommend a waterproof sock or boot? Great video and this is all I wear now!
I start with 20kg and end with 16 kg and I hike in the highest mountains of Scotland for a week. I need very strong and supportive boots to be able to do that. No trail running shoes will let me go on multi-day heavy rucksack treks. I use Lowa Ticcam and Anatom Cuillin.
Nice to see a tree behind you! In many ways the shoe you are reviewing is a crossover. You get the minimalism, the tactile response, the wide toe box and the zero drop of a trail runner, but you also get what many TR's don't have. Ankle support and durability. I think one of the added benefits to minimalist style and trail running shoes is they tend dry out pretty quickly, and this is especially important for foot management and trail health for blister prevention. I could see using these in a Spring or Fall scenario, and switching to a more traditional trail runner in the summer and a stiffer warmer boot in the winter. It will be interesting to see the long term review. Cheers Amigo.
Steel toe are 60's tech and theory of safety. Now a Kevlar toe are the common thing. Which means factories are making safety sneakers and boots with Kevlar toe, nail safe sole etc. Also means zero drop(which is the 1st point of ergonomic with barefoot shoes) will be possible to buy.
Tried these on the tahoe rim trail and ended up injuring my foot. I think the muscles in the foot need a long training period (several months of shorter hikes) before putting in serious miles in barefoot shoes. I ended up switching out to altra lone peaks.
Yeah I actually cut my training recommendations out of this video but there's so much to it. Definitely a follow up video coming if this video does well.
@@ChaseMountains I would be very interested in a training follow up. I've been doing barefoot for most of my normal walking and on non rocky trails. It would be interesting to have another take
I believe a reason we decided to keep a heel is some of us lack an arches and, In theory, we wouldn't have to stretch our plantar as much if our heels are raised. This leads to other problems such as improper mobilization as you mentioning. I personally wear barefoot shoes, but I fo have a low arch. There is research that shows if our mother is deficient in manganese while pregnant, that might effect our arch outcome. There is technically an ideal arch for foot mobilization. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for quite some time now. I prefer it. But I do get more plantar pain on my left foot than my right. Seems the tendon sticks out more. I usually massage my calves to solve this along with rolling my feet on a golf ball. Seems like a great boot. I really wish they were less expensive, though.
I have just used Inov8 Roclite 400s for a 1000km thru hike and they worked well. They are basically very lightweight boots/sturdy trail runners. I like to have hiking shoes with an ankle not for stability (a myth in my opinion) but simply as protection for my ankles from rocks/abrasion. I also like thinner, grippy soles as I feel more sure footed whereas in heavy boots I stumble around and tire quicker. If footwear is too lightweight there is a risk for most people of injuring your toes and bruising the soles of your feet. If you are very agile, sure footed and fit then that is much less of a problem. That is why I am always wary of very fit and experienced hikers advocating very lightweight footwear without caveats - it might be fine for them but not so suitable for the average hiker.
Highly recommend putting superfeet insoles in them. Also the rubber sole started separating from the leather around the toe area after about a year of hard travel wear. They are nowhere near as durable as a pair of Merrells
I tried trail runners but too me it's only comfortable with light hikes. I usually travel with my dog and need to carry his foot and a bigger tent so my pack is relatively heavy and I am very tall and fairly heavy myself. I feel more stable with hiking boots. I also usually walk in colder and wet areas and use gaiters as well. This, and the hiking boot seems to keep me warmer and protected as I move through swamps and areas with high grass and shrubs. Fortunately I never had any major foot or leg injuries. Finally in these wet conditions, whatever boot you have, quality is important. I had cheaper boots fall apart in a few (very rainy) weeks.
I use trailrunners for all my bushwalking now - have switched from rigid soled footwear that are only useful for wearing crampons. However, I did use merrell barefeoot trail runners but found them with too little cush for pack walking off track (i.e. on pointly rocks) but were fine for formed tracks like the Inca Trail and daywalks. Pack carrying I wear salomon trail runners now that have a little more structure to them. I walk on and off track in Alpine Victoria and Tassy and they hold up fine - would never go back to boots for general 3 season backpacking .
Depends on the terrain. Where I tramp (generally above the bushline and off track) I want full rigid soles to support every little bit of toe hold you can get. Also these flexi things don't seems to have much grip and look like every sharp rock will poke through. Bet they are great for a walk in the park.
The important part is the training BEFORE switching to trail runners. I have multiple foot issues (overpronation, flat arch, and I mean flat) but still went for zero-drop trail runners (Altra Lone Peak). Don't get me wrong, I love them. Light and fast. However, my ankles and shins do not love them so much when I go on a 2-3 day hike with a 12kg pack. I certainly do not blame the shoes. I have gone back to (light) boots and embarked on training my feet, legs, ankles, knees, hips so that in a few months I can give the trail runners another go.
As an infantryman in the Army, i prefer the light boots that feel like running shoes because i can do 20 mile ruck marches and walk through any terrain just fine in them. The only reason i see to wear a traditional heavy boot is if youre going into the artic or the jungles of vietnam.
@@ChaseMountains I have a saying on my channel. "Shoes are not a religion. They are a tool. Choose the right tool for the job, just like you would chose any other tool." I started wearing vivobarefoot as my "work shoe" about a year ago. I'm a mechanic, and work standing all day on a concrete floor. My shifts, with no breaks, are 9hrs long, but can go longer, and it's 6 days a week. It's a lot of hours, all basically barefoot. At the moment, here at the end of Sept. I've worked 3 additional months already, just in the amount of "overtime" I work. Point is; our feet will return to being actual feet, if we let them. Feet are extremely well engineered, very strong, and very receptive.......we should not be interfering with that!
I love these boot. Best boots ever hands down! I bought the brown ones, went wow as I first put my foot in them. So 3 days later I went back & bought the green ones as a 2nd pair! Lol
Tried sole runners (still have them) and they are OK, they take some getting used to, you cannot go tooooo far in them and the soles wont last 12 months hard use, they are too thin and light, However, if not all your shoes are of this type there seems little point as your feet will never get used to one or the other. Me! I like a good, well made leather Boot.
I have a pair of these and am still breaking them in but am definitely a huge fan. It is an adjustment though as my favorite go to hiking shoes are my vibram 5 fingers. Vivo does a great job of giving you a barefoot feel but there will never be anything like the 5 fingers allowing each toe to move independently. It's the closest thing to being barefoot but when you step on something it doesn't hurt. I did a trail earlier this year actually barefoot for a good two miles until my feet couldn't take it anymore, slipped on my 5 fingers and felt like I was walking on clouds.
I liked all the attributes that you identified of the tracker, especially that it’s lighter but hiking the solid granite Sierras hour after hour I have a hard time adopting such minimal padding, especially as I’m getting older and am not as well cushioned as I used to be. I’ve been adding cushioned insoles to my current boots and it really helps. After wearing heels on and off for 40 years I’m not sure it would be all that comfortable to switch to zero drop….
![My Guide to Barefoot Hiking Shoes [Time to Switch?]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/02Ahz-Bc5Us/mqdefault.jpg)
![My Guide to Barefoot Hiking Shoes [Time to Switch?]](/img/tr.png)
Boots or Trail runners - which camp are you in?
I have just started working with trail runners after being a boot person. Aside from concerns that they may be an issue with a heavy pack, I so far love hiking with trail runners.
I'm switching it up lately with Keen hiking shoes. You still get the wide toe box and better than hiking boot breathability. I have Mortin's Neroma in both feet and basic arch support goes a long way to keeping my feet happier on the trail. Thanks for those 3 movements!
Trail runners for everything except snowy or cold conditions.
People who are in the business of saving cost and walking: the Army. Milatary boots have an arch support, mostly. These pretend boots you have, bring them to Australia. I'll take you hiking we can do 15km a day 5 days supplies. You'll be trashed in 2 to 3 days, our hiking paths are laid with 2 to 3 inch stones shale concrete blue metal. Support is need for most ppl.
If it wasnt, the armies of the world would embrace these pretend boots as less material. Btw all these exercises and more, are common in the armed forces. The sitting on a wall arms out is a common recruit training thing.
@@ozdavemcgee2079 Spent 20 years in the Australian Army and watched the Army go from heavy leather boots to much softerfootwear. Now our SF soldiers often wear trail runners on patrol on ops carrying insane loads.
Our Aboriginal soldiers in Norforce have to be made to wear boots as they traverse 'gnarly terrain' in barefeet,
Your arguments don't stack up.
I wear trail runners in gnarly terrain in alpine Tasmania and Victoria all the time.I only wear boots when exposed to ice when I might need to fit crampons - even then I have the lightest B1 boots I could find..
I went barefoot/zero drop about 8 months ago. As an old paratrooper with all the joint injuries associated, and having worn stupid boots most of my life, switching has been a struggle. It's totally worth it. After some research, those with joint injuries that are persisting, should start from the bottom. Strengthen those feet and the rest will follow, but it's a struggle, it's painful at first. We can thank the industry for offering shoes with a heel and an arch for no real reason. Don't crutch your injuries, build strength around them and overcome!
I’m same ex para now suffering from knee. Issues might try these trekking shoes
@your name I didn't come here for your validation, I've lived it, definitely not a five jump chump, earned these wings brother, and it broke this body. Two knee surgeries (one reconstructive), compressed lower vertebrae and everything else. Last one out the door, first one on the ground. I've always spent good money on "good" shoes, but it wasn't till I went zero drop barefoot (wide toe box) did my body start working WITH my injuries and not around them. Do some research, the ways shoes are shaped is a mostly modern thing, and really just vanity and marketing. I suggest looking into how your feet work, how they're shaped and why. 8 million years of human evolution never needed arch support.
@@Bainelf I'm too broken to run anymore, I do a decent amount of hiking always with a pack to keep the legs strong. Usually wear my Lems boots. There's videos showing the difference in running between barefoot, zero drop, and a traditional heeled shoe. It's interesting because when you take away the heel we naturally don't strike there first and run on the balls of our feet, taking a ton of the impact out. Natural ways we move, which most modern shoes don't allow.
@@Bainelf None of the zero drop/barefoot shoes or boots I own are hard. They're all actually quite soft and flexible, though thin soled. The first couple of hikes your feet will be tired (from conforming to your terrain), but once you build the strength you'll actually find yourself more stable on uneven terrain and less tired from it. It's all half buried rocks and tree roots where I'm at, and I find with traditional boots I'm more likely to trip or slip. Takes time, you gotta be dedicated, but for me it's been worth it.
How has it been??
Went barefoot 3 years ago, best decision I ever made. Picked up the tracker to complete my collection and I'm blown away with how good they are. Would 100% recommend!
I went barefoot a month ago lol but this summer I did most of my footwork drills barefoot at a local soccer field & walked in the nearby woods barefoot. But I got my first pair of barefoot shoes 1 month ago never going back lol
I would second Henry's question. I just bought 2 pairs of the tracker 1 for 41euro each. I guess they are going cheaper now that the tracker 2 is out, but reviews of the tracker 1 still seem fairly positive and solid to me.
I have been using the Tracker as a winter boot and hiking boot for years, my first pair got a hole in the sole (this is usually where my Vivobarefoot shoes break) after idk, three years of intensive use? The leather/top kept up well.
@Henry Klosok actually it's the opposite
I am an avid hiker/trekker and bus dweller living life very alternatively 😁
While being bedridden with chronic pain for 12 months waiting for a much needed hysterectomy I bought these boots to remind me what my aim is, what I used to be able to do and what I will be able to do again.
I am still in recovery stage 14 weeks post op but after finding Elemental and Hike Strong I feel more confident I will get back on the trails sooner rather than later. Sometimes you find what you need when you least expect it!
Thank you 🙏
hey, how is your hiking proceeding since this posting of yours?
I've been using self sewn moccasins for 15 years. It's wonderful to finally have more options for footwear that allow you to feel the ground!
That's dedication. Nice 👍
Moccasins actually crossed my mind while watching this, excellent!
How do you make them?
@@hanwhiteoak1256 cut out the pattern, then I use a leather holepunch (since I don't have the fancy sewing needle apparatus the professionals use) and I bind the parts together with string.
I don't know how to fully waterproof them for use in the winter or rain though... liquid always soaks through. (I got the pattern from a moccasin making kit at Michael's craft store.)
@@hanwhiteoak1256, I saw you also mentioned vivos are narrow. Thanks for the warning. I have a wide foot...
I did a 10 mile hike yesterday on a PA portion of the AT, near the Delaware Water Gap, in some minimalist running shoes (all outlined requirements met) . I wear these for running and daily use so my lower legs are pretty used to them. It was fine for the hike out, but the hike back wasn't a hike-- it was a death march.
The PA AT is known to be pretty rocky, so it was pretty hellish on portions of the trails that were made up of entirely fist to head sized rocks since you *literally* had to plan *every* foot placement. As I became more fatigued due to concentrating and / or leaves would obscure rocks, I'd mess up, and I'd step on a pointed rock with my midsole, which would cause me to do a funny dance (it hurts like hell). If I wasn't furhther paying attention (or I was just caught off guard enough), it would cause me to move my other foot onto another pointed rock and comence the funny dance again. This was especially dangerous on decents.
I can't really imagine doing this with any real weight without at least a lot of training-- if at all.
I think that there are some use cases where minimal shoes would actually be a detrement (such as the one I described).
Imma keep trying anyhow-- there were people in PA thousands of years before me who could hack it without thick boots, so I gotta believe that it's possible.
Having broken numerous bones in both feet (none through hiking), including my ankles and a big toe, and being in my 50s, I’m firmly in the backpacking boot territory. I simply cannot wear light, flexible shoes or boots. I find my Meindl Vakuum Ultra to be super comfortable, while giving generally good grip, without being too heavy.
@@aidenconnelly6037 lmao you're smart.
Minimalist footwear definitely isn't for everyone. If you have been wearing "normal" shoes all your life your foot muscles are going to be dramatically underdeveloped and minimalist footwear could absolutely lead to injuries.
I have those shoes as well (I'm normally a minimalist shoe person, but these are for cold weather hiking and for attaching snow shoes and such). I find that the way the tongue is attached to the rest of the boot makes them rub on the top of my feet, even with good socks. Have you had this problem?
@@adamf.4823 i guess minimalists have never been to gym, considering their worry about "strength". quite a niche. Boots are safety gear first and foremosts. Just like climbing harness or crampons.
Trackers are legit! The thin outsoles and zero drop design keep my feet low and parallel to the ground, which gives me more stability than any other shoes or boots I have ever worn. The toe box width gives my feet room to spread out in a natural manner. Feeling the terrain underneath allows me to make micro-adjustments and smarter foot placement choices. I have stepped in ankle-high puddles and not a drop of water has seeped through the boots. I don't do extreme mountain climbing, which may require a different style of footwear, but my Trackers are perfect for moderate to difficult trails. I like them so much they inspire me to put them on and go exploring.
@Henry Klosok
They do! Only took one month for the sole to separate, I would say stay away from the Tracker II FGs. And they are not cheap.
This is great, I completely agree with it. I switched to minimalist shoes in 2018. I had a job working outdoors on natural terrain, and even still, it took me a full calendar year of daily "foot training" to get to where I could go to that job in minimalist shoes consistently without thinking about it. For at least the first three months I would literally put on the barefoot shoes, get the mail or go get my laundry out, and then switch back for the rest of the day. Even though I was ultra careful, I still strained my achilles towards the end of the first six months because I thought I was "ready to go." Wrong! You should triple the amount of time you think you need to get ready for full-time barefoot, even on flat uncomplicated terrain. Start with just a few minutes, then a few hours, then alternating days. You've been in conventional shoes your whole life-- it's pretty cool that you can transition to barefoot at all, even if it takes two years. It doesn't matter how long it takes as long as you get there healthy!
Toe raises! One of the benefits of the high-heeled boots worn by smokejumpers, wildland firefighters, and loggers is the use of the toe raise in the high undercut heels which essentially points the sharp edge of the heel down into the ground. This is most useful when going downhill on steep terrain. Of course these boots are built for that with heavy-duty heel counters, etc., where the heel is much more useful than needed by hikers on maintained trails or even in mountaineering. I know this from first-hand experience. If you want to know more what I am talking about, just Google White's Smokejumper Boots. You should always qualify boot features by identifying their specific uses. And, yes, smokejumper do a helluva lot of hiking in those boots - jump into roadless wilderness and then hike out with all your tools plus your 'chute. 'Nuff said.
Agreed, the heels serve important purposes still to this day. My first job was logging as a teenager, and firefighting when I was old enough. One other point I would like to mention about their uses in logging. If you work for a smaller company that does not use delimbers, you will have a sawhand limbing and bucking the trees to length. The heel is very useful for getting grip on the tree itself, as you walk on top of it to quickly limb it. The heel kind of bites on the curve of the tree giving you more stability. Done it with wedge souls and proper logging boots, the logging boots with the 1 inch heel were far superior. Linemen also still need heels and quality shanks, or would benefit from them.
I moved to zero drop almost ten years ago. Huaraches mostly until it gets well below freezing. About the only time I wear boots now is skiing or when I need crampons.
Thank you a practical man with a good sense of anatomical logic! Glad to see someone who understand that feet arent meant to be in shoes and the need to feel the environment just like our hands. Good shiz
Thanks my man! I appreciate ya!
Say that after trekking hundreds of miles in those slippers..
Used to wear army boots hiking for years and never had a problem other than carrying heaps more weight than I needed to. Have swapped to zero lift trail runners and have enjoyed the lighter weight on my feet and better feel for the ground. Great video
I must be lame because I just wear Keen shoes.... current pair is 3 years old and has been to Alaska, Alberta, Colorado, and Iceland. Used for cutting trees, hunting, fishing, mowing, everyday use, and moving cattle. Not pretty but they last forever.
I’ve had horrible luck with Keens and durability.
@@509Gman What usually happens? Mine last so long I get to the shameful stage of I just retire the shoes even though I could keep wearing them.
I Love these boots, they feel great, keep my feet dry and warm and i believe they have helped with my mobility and flexibility, however, I am now sending my 3rd pair back to Vivo as they keep falling apart long before i get near the 100 day trial period. If they stayed together, i'd have no complaints at all.
Are the waterproof?
Andrew Richardson Yes there are still waterproof. Not sure how long for though.
That is a terrible strike rate sorry. 3 returns already? Don't make it to the 100 day trial period?
Another reason for more rigid soles and boots is heavy backpacking. This reduces the pressure on the balls of the feet. Backpacking boots are designed to allow the boot to roll as you progress through your step. This improves efficiency and reduces the loads on the foot.
With good barefoot shoe technique you also roll your foot
Great video! I like my Scarpa Leather boots which for me provide a nice balance of support and flexibility. I can also think of two good reasons why heels on boots are not just for cowboys, they dig in on the down slopes and provide a bit more traction and are good if you are using gaiters.
my feet love Chacos sandals with hiking soles! i also wear trail runners, sometimes boots and for bushwhacking, Danners......................
I started wearing barefoot shoes about 15 years ago. Still have them & they were actually created with barefoot Kenyan runners in mind. BUT when I hike, I prefer hiking boots. Having hiked in Alaska (Denali) & the desert, I feel my hiking boots have protected my feet against inclement weather & potential snake bites/cacti.
Thanks for listing your scientific resources- I like to read the research ! Enjoy your channel !
I'm so happy I found this channel! I started to get Achilles tendon issues in one foot, and the physio asked to see my shoes - they are flat!
She asked why and I said all other shoes don't work with my feet... The arch of my foot cramps, my toes converge on each other... And I couldn't find anyone who could understand! Finally!
We're glad you mentioned that some people wear trail runners. We love wearing them on all different terrain, but we sometimes feel weird about our choice when we see other hikers!
I was really interested in these after watching this video, but looking through the reviews on Amazon you can see a lot of complains (with pictures) about the quality of these boots. Bummed out that they don’t last long, especially for the price. The search continues.
Hold up there! I love my Trackers! I've put 102 miles on them and they show zero signs of failure or degradation. They're completely intact and I wouldn't hit a trail without them. Cheers!
Great video man, I been barefoot for almost a year and still working on foot strength. Thanks for the tips 👍
I used trail running shoes in the past, but I've recently found approach shoes to be a really great balance of stability and maneuverability. I'm using La Spotiva TX4 and I hike in the Rockies, going up 14k foot mountains, with a lot of scree and scrambling. Having that light shoe feel, wide toe box, with a really protective, sticky, sole for stepping on sharp edges of rocks makes ascending and descending so much more worry-free.
Great video! Thank you for putting it out there. I used to run in my bare feet for a mile or two with my dog and just chase and play. I usually ran in Brooks Ghost shoes 3-7 miles at a time for my regular runs but the barefoot runs always felt so good! Especially after eating pasta and wine haha. Now that im starting to get into backpacking, the "hiking boots" are causing me so much pain. Youve brought up so many good points! Thank you!
As someone who has broken one foot with additional soft tissue damage and torn my other ankle, I'm not confident hiking in shoes that don't have higher support.
Please consider an option that the reason you were injured in the first place is because rigid shoes had atrophied your foot
@@AntonAdelson you beat me to it.
Have confidence in your body first, boot second! Check out my ankle strength series :)
@@AntonAdelson Or the tendons which attach to the 5th metatarsal are strong enough to tear the bone apart when an ankle is rolled.
I mostly use big hiking boots with good support. As geologist, I rarely follow the trails when working.
For my leisure hiking, I use some Salomons. Would definitely try trail runners/barefoot boots for the trail once my curent pair dies.
You talk about ULTIMATELY reducing the chance of injury - and I fully believe that. I'm quite worried that up to that point I'd be at significantly higher risk if I were to go for shoes with less support - and a bad ankle can of course not just be an inconvenience but can be ruinous to doing something we love for a really long time.
It depends on your feet condition but most importantly on your approach towards the mountains.
In my opinion:
Heavy pack: boots
snow and ice: boots
rain and water: boots
scrambling: boots
off trail adventures with the element of surprise/unknown: boots
protection from snakes, ticks etc...: boots
a small ultralight excursion through trails on a sunny day without snow: trail runners
training: barefoot
Haven't felt the need for anything boot-like, including the Tahoe Rim Trail last year. Merrell Trail Gloves all the way. But with the Yosemite High Route coming up this summer, I just picked up some Vivobarefoot Magnas to try! A bit more ankle protection (from scraping, NOT "support"), and hopefully less grit infiltration (even with gaiters). Thanks for clueing me in to their existence!
Just buy a pair and try. I’ve had mine for almost a week and I’m fine. Sure, my calf’s and feet ache a bit after a long walk but it’s in the muscles. My body will adapt in no time and I just love the feeling of freedom these shoes give me. I feel light and nimble.
Keen Targhee mid, with SOLE brand insoles are the most comfortable footwear for hiking rough rocky terrain for me. Super durable also.
my pair of converse low tops do pretty well over these years.
Calf raises were so important when I started barefoot running 🙌
From personal experience with Vivo shoes, which I used for years, training and daily life. They are directly dangerous in T4+ grade grade hiking, moist or not, they offer no security, especially when you know the difference between them and TX2 or even Evo GTX kind of tools.
They are ok for
so which barefoot/wide toebox ones are seriously good then?! what brands to look for
No support is the whole point. Some primitive tribes have the healthiest feet in the world and they're either barefoot or wear basic sandals. I don't think they comnplain about "support". Unless you're carrying massive weight, the muscles in your foot/ankle are all the support you need.. Naturally you have to strengthen them first though, which won't happen in heavy boots or regular shoes..
I completely agree with this comment. I have been a pretty enthusiastic but sporadic barefooter since I was about 16. This summer I tried a pretty long all day hike with these Vivo hikings books. On the descent it was really really apparent that my ankles would be in much better shape if I had some support. I get the argument that primitive tribes dont need support. But guess what. We sit around all day. Unless you are actively moving around barefoot, at all times, I don't see how you can actively stay strong enough to do a "modern" hike in barefoot shoes safely. I will still use the Vivos for hiking, but I will now be sure to have a pair of sturdier boots in my pack on long hikes in case I start feeling my ankles get overworked, encounter snow, or anything steep and wet. The soles on these have no grip compared to more traditional hinking boots.
Angel K.N most tribe people die unhealthy from lung diseases! what does it matter what your feet look like if you die between 40-50
@@CptAngelKGaming News just in, those 'primitive' tribes grow up doing it for years.
I started hiking in mocasins and mukluks on dirt trails and it really is so much more fun. I feel lighter and more stable. p. It's very freeing. Also: Zero shoes has crampons designed for barefoot boots.
I would think that minimalist style shoes can be a great tool for training your foot muscles, but they should probably just that; a training tool. Hiking boots with more support are engineered to give you a more effective stride as well as the right kind of support. I think a good approach might be a combination of "low support"/minimalist shoes for short hikes with little load, and "supportive" shoes for longer hikes with more load.
Your the first person I’ve heard speak like me, thankyou bro! After going through hell for 8 yrs of wearing insoles and losing so much functional movement from them, I can’t stress how correct you are! I’ve been following my intuition and I believe in strength and mobility for things like fallen arches or knees that go in. It’s amazing what I’ve learnt and how much it aligns with what you’ve said!
Normal boots - I have to catch an ankle once or twice a day. When I had vibram toe shoes - never.
aaaaand wait til you kick a rock or log by accident.... which yes, despite your "awareness" still happens.
I don't wear a seat belt cause I intend on needing it all the time - little analogy to help convey my point.
@@v0hero691 👍🏼 better the be prepared than in trouble
I wear these shoes hiking and they have benefited me in a myriad of ways. I used to dance and I have high arches. I find stiff structured boots to be painful. With barefoot shoes, I balance better, I experience less soreness in my feet and body the next day and I find feeling the ground beneath my feet is therapeutic.
Seriously happy with my Vivos! Had them for over a year & are easily the best boot I've ever owned.
I have recently got into minimalist shoes and love them. I feel more stable and my feet and legs feel stronger. HOWEVER, I have not found an adequate solution for wet, boggy, cold terrain. I need a high boot that is reasonably waterproof (not necessarily lined, but can be treated). The Tracker is too short. The only other options I've seen are the Bellville TR102 (not waterproof enough) and the Feelmax Kuuva (mixed reviews on durability and waterproofing).
Conclusion: There is a gap in the minimalist boot market for this kind of terrain. I would love to find a good solution, but for now I am going to reluctantly stick with traditional boots.
You're right. The tracker in wet cold (snow/ice) conditions is big trouble. I wear a size up with a warm liner sock inside a quality waterproof sock and while I need to wait for next winter to really test it in subzero conditions, so far it seems to be working a treat.
Oh but just remembered it sucked with microspikes/crampons in icy conditions as the boot is too flexible.
Reached the summit of my first mountain today in these shoes. They're fantastic
First summit! Man that is great, preserve that memory and treasure it! Congrats :)
I have some five-finger shoes for light hiking .. Not the best idea. For rocky sections, you spend a lot of time starting at the trail for for placement. So less time looking at nature. So really best for smooth trails. But love the light weight and adequate protection
I wore my Barefoot ESC to Everest Base camp and back 12 days it’s a tough walk about as rough as hiking gets had no problems you just need to watch where your walking which in fairness you should do anyways!
I have been practicing as a physical therapist since 1995. I have to say that I agree with your approach. Nearly all of my shoes and boots are minimalist. My feet feel better than ever. My hiking boots are the Lems Boulder Boot! Love them! I do on two pair of VIVO barefoot shoes for casual.
Hi Chase,.In general you are right, but there are a lot of people who are not flexible enough in their hips and therefore cannot fully extend their hips. This means that you cannot roll over the big toe and thus also cannot create tension in the inner longitudinal arch. If that works, absolutely in your opinion, if not, then there is too much pressure on the big toe joint, the knees and the axis of the legs. For these people, a shoe with a little support is still the first thing to do. If the muscles are okay in terms of stretching and strengthening, then go for the barefoot technique.
Just found your videos and i'm loving them 'cause they're concise and jump directly into what one needs (gear, exercise, etc.) in order to be prepared, you also explain the whys and the hows. Amazing, thank you. New subscriber.
Own a pair for 6 months now, good shoes
Definite jump in video quality with the addition of sexy Chase. I am a fresh convert to barefoot shoes and have been using Xero shoes for everyday running (3-5kms) for about 2 months now. I overdid it by running 7kms which caused swelling of my inferior extensor retinaculum (had to look that one up) tendon sheath at the front of my foot. I own a pair of ASOLO Powermatics that feel like they're walking me, but am fixated on improving foot and ankle strength with the barefoot shoes. Would definitely recommend Xero shoes. Plus all their shoes are vegan if that floats your boat.
I use the Vivobarefoot Primus Trek with the same sole and walked about 200-300km and they are great shoes. I walked with these shoes and Merino wool socks through heat, rain, water, mud, no problems.
I have the same shoes since 5 months. These are so fantastic. I will go with them for an 1800 km trail this summer.
I absolutely love my Merrell boots. I have had all 3 types. The tall boot, the mid boot and the short boot "which is styled just like a tennis shoe". I have found nothing as comfortable for me but you have to realize every shoe/boot has different uses and some are better in different applications. My go to are the tennis shoe styled for everyday use and the mid boot for general hiking. But thats my preference.
I had some Merrel goretex boots that I took up to 4500-5000m a few times, lots of snow. They did the job well.
I used vivo barefoot shoes to become a barefooter myself. I certainly wasn't expecting the amount of leg pain - I suddenly had muscles I never knew I had, waking up!
It took a while to become completely comfortable with these new sensations, one tricky aspect was teaching my legs and ankles to relax as I was subconsciously holding onto tension and therefore it was needlessly painful to walk.
But I'd recommend something minimalist like that in your day-to-day as that provides practice and develops foot strength.
If I have to use shoes now I prefer VFFs. I like how closely it fits my foot, and they're pretty versatile even if not waterproof.
But the best footwear I've found to be my own pair of feet and use shoes as a tool rather than be wholly reliant on them indefinitely...
I have trail runners and lowa tibets. They are different tools for a different job. Most hikers stick to groomed trails, which is why they love trail runners so much, but when you are in the backcountry hunting for weeks you need a stiff boot
From my experience, you need to be day hiking or have an ultralight backpacking set-up to wear barefoot shoes. I hike bare foot plenty, but when you add extra weight it can lead to some serious damage. Train fully barefoot with no weight, then work your way up to the shoes and pack weight.
Rubbish!
I agree to a degree but disagree, also. (unless I'm misunderstanding you and we are saying the same thing?) You should work your way up into the barefoot/minimal style of shoe, but once you do... it's the same or better. I've portaged a 52lb canoe, while carrying 47lbs of gear, multiple miles/times, for a week, in just my Vibram 5-fingers. I recently did 50miles in the Snowmass wilderness wearing my Altra Superiors with 37lbs, so not ultra-light, with zero complaints. I haven't done a long distance through hike like the AT since I've been wearing minimal/barefoot shoes, but I know I'd never do another one without them. I do agree that it's harder on your feet with less cushion after long-long miles if you're carrying a lot of weight... but, to be honest, my feet feel that way no matter what shoes I'm wearing. YMMV / hike your own hike!
@@tiburonimbus Yes true. This needs to be worked up to and slowly. I was merely saying that it's rubbish to think it's not possible because given the right transition, quality minimalist footware is superior even carrying heavy loads in harsh terrain.
@@shoutatthesky sorry, I was responding to OP. I agree with your reply, haha.
Am a trailrunner shoe und sandal guy myself for the most part, but I do own boots and I wear them for particular terrain. These flexible boots may be good for people who walk trails and need ankle support. But when I personally put on boots I wear them precisely for the rigid sole that comes in useful for rock, snow and ice (like said in the video). I would consider these boots presented here an option if they are light an can be re-soled. Then they would maybe replace my trail runners (sick of chucking them every 700 miles producing waste) but not my boots.
Couldn't agree more, minimal trail runners all the way! I like merrill bare access for pavement running and crossfit, mix masters on the trail. Switching to these from Asics and saucony after a few marathons fixed knee and hip/IT problems, as well as plantar fasciitis in the heel, despite losing the cushion. Ease into them
Here on Kauai many locals hike completely barefoot, better grip on the mud
Everyone I see wears boots fit for the alps in winter. I got a pair with soles like trainers. Timberlands new heritage boot looks good. I had Timberland nubuck boots in the early 1970s. Best boots I ever owned.
Thanks. My dad was a Podiatrist and my business partner for 10 years built orthotics/sport-orthotics, and they both asserted not having good arch support accounts for the majority of foot injuries. They said that studies on indigenous / native Americans and other tribes showed many had injured feet and distorted bone/joint development. I guess many believe the opposite now...
Great comment.
Couldn't agree with you more, this is just a marketing ploy for manufacturers to retail a high dollar item with low dollar manufacturing costs. The emperor's New clothes if you will.
@@AggyGoesOutdoors You can go barefoot, but your feet must be made of steel. Like the ones people in track and field have.
@@user-8fna3m0ga maybe I'll just wear shoes that offer appropriate protection to my feet 👍🏽
@@AggyGoesOutdoors No, don't get me wrong. I'm just saying that your feet and ankles must be extremely conditioned to go barefoot or to wear thin sole boots.
Would be great, except its 250$. For a bit more you can get a Limmer which has 2lbs of thick leather per boot, which is what most of the cost goes to. The Vivo's intrinsic value is much lower than the price, with most of it going towards advertisement and taking advantage of the minimalist shoe trend. Their sandals consisting of nothing more than a little rubber going for over 120$ is proof of this. Not something I'd want to invest in.
2 pounds of leather per boot?! That sounds like a recipe for foot fatigue resulting in foot injury. My trackers are light, supportive, and stable, and they allow me to feel the ground which result in smarter foot placement. They're definitely worth a go.
But the heel provides heel break during downward walks, this has proven true for me, it goes all the way back to my Army reserve days more than 30 yrs ago I still prefer tactical boots on hikes that involve climbing and carrying heavy packs
Yeah, i'm looking at getting at pair of these Trackers, but if i'm hauling 20kg+ up and down a steep ass mountain, i'm not sure these will quite cut it quite like my Scarpas do.
Not sure if I would go down a scree in those minimalist boots. As a scrambler I will stick to the hard boots for climbing mountains.
I can wear the minimalist shoes/boots on well developed trails for sure.
Having owned two pairs they are good shoes but they have big issues. Where the sole meets the upper is prone to separating and cracking and the grip at the bottom wears out extremely quickly. Given their price there is better options and if you do get these shoes get some Renapur and shoe glue as it will be a constant battle to keep the leather from disintegrating and separating from the sole. They are some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever warn and look great but having gone through two pairs with the same issues I won't go for a third.
Trail runners. I had an Achilles heal injury and it healed the fastest in trail runners. I don't buy the ankle thing. I've found I can relax and move my foot better to avoid an injury with trail runners.
I'm with ya on that for sure.
I've got a weak ankle that is easily turned on poor terrain so I use British Army mid-calf Para boots for enhanced support. These do however pass additional stresses to knees & hips. I will only buy boots with Vibram soles due expense vs longevity. For those lightweight boots to be so flexible the sole must be very soft which means they will last no time at all!
I have mids and shoes. Moab Ventilator. I do have a pair of Merrell boots from 1996 and they are still going strong.
It all depends what I’m doing.
I have v2 of these, with the black trim around the sole. They're waterproof, just not durable. The proverbial sole releasing from the boot, specifically, on either side of the forefoot crease as well as some general cuts on the sole junction around the boot. I broke off a couple lugs scraping mud off on a step. In the suburban backyard, got a deep stick gouge like it was butter. Beautiful, comfortable, and waterproof though. YMMV, but NO WAY I would take them on a real outing without backup footwear. I wish LEMS boulder boot had a more offroad sole. I beat the hell out of a non-waterproof pair til they blew out. They took on farm visits, mountain visits, family visits, greenhouse work. I'm sure they woulda gone much farther had I waxed them or didn't constantly soak them in the greenhouse. So many compliments too.
Absolutely LOVE my Vivo boots. They make me feel so connected and aware of to the environment around me🍃👣
I think for light hiking day trails those would be great. But for Heavy packing long hikes I think those shoes could cause more issues. Just my thought.
Exactly, people who love trail runners aren't doing this kind of rigorous packing
It's just a a question of training, I've done two weeks of hiking in the French Alps with a 12kg backpack 24km/1500m D+ in average per day with minimalistic footwear ( altra lone peak). I didn't have any issue with my feet at all. Just try to increase your mileage with this kind of footwear maybe it won't work for you but if it does it's really enjoyable.
@@mickaelo466 I was talking about packs double that weight, 12kg is fairly light. When you're in the woods for a long time boots are the only answer to prevent rolling your ankle
@@FluffyBuzzard2TheMax I am.
@@FluffyBuzzard2TheMax Actually wearing boots will lead to weaker ankles. Having a soft sole is so much better for your joints. I know from experience. I exclusively hike in the shoe version from this brand.
This was a very motivating guide for me :) as Im currently nursing a foot injury and cant wait to get off them soon!
I got some Tracker 2 FG's, they are absolutely the most comfortable outdoor shoes I've ever worn, but the rubber is delaminating from the leather. I've been wearing them less than two months and both shoes are slowly coming apart where my toes bend. There's about a five mm gap now.
I met someone wearing Lems who said the same thing- their Vivo Trackers came apart after working in them for two weeks so they sent them back.
I had another friend who had a pair of the old Trackers for two years though & they were fine.
In the Andes they hike with abarcas (tire sandals) I basically have been hiking mainly with sandals since the mid 90s...except with mountaineering boots for above like 5,000 meters...I think Luna sandals are good enough with a Vibram resole of Sierra soles or Kletterlift
Team boots all the way 😍Unfortunately my insoles and ankles aren't too excited about barefoot hiking, glad it works for others though!
Where do you find "team boots" that you're mentioned?
switching to a zero drop from like an 8mm drop is definitely going to cause injuries. But I believe that pain will eventually go away. I switched my running shoes. the new pair were about 2-3mm lower than my original shoes...but after a 10mile race, my calves, feet, achilles, etc were hurting pretty bad.
Try the LEMS shoe line. They are near zero drop with less aggression and more forgiving than the Vivobarefoot. It's a nice midpoint transition shoe before going full Kenyan Barefoot wilderness runner 😂
Really interesting point about the heel part off the shoe!!
Such a thorough and balanced look at barefoot shoes and boots. A last by the way is the wooden or plastic mold, the foot shape that the shoe is built on. The pattern for the ‘upper’ is designed on the last.. the other thing I notice about the design is the lack of seams, so less possibility of rubbing 👍😎💪
Everything you’re saying about foot strength is absolutely correct! I had to learn the hard way after severe issues and now only use lightweight and neutral shoes so my feet have the correct muscular support :)
I've been using vivobarefoot shoes (for street) not for hiking. I'm really happy with the pair. I will provably buy one of those when my altras burn out. :)
Depends what you use them for. I'm likely going to get some Altra Lone Peaks in the coming weeks if I can
I switched over to the barefoot shoes a year ago but now that’s it’s winter how to keep my feet warm. I feel so much better since I switched over but but I’m 75 and my footsies get cold. Can you recommend a waterproof sock or boot? Great video and this is all I wear now!
according to the vivo website, this boot IS water proof
I start with 20kg and end with 16 kg and I hike in the highest mountains of Scotland for a week. I need very strong and supportive boots to be able to do that. No trail running shoes will let me go on multi-day heavy rucksack treks. I use Lowa Ticcam and Anatom Cuillin.
Nice to see a tree behind you!
In many ways the shoe you are reviewing is a crossover. You get the minimalism, the tactile response, the wide toe box and the zero drop of a trail runner, but you also get what many TR's don't have. Ankle support and durability. I think one of the added benefits to minimalist style and trail running shoes is they tend dry out pretty quickly, and this is especially important for foot management and trail health for blister prevention. I could see using these in a Spring or Fall scenario, and switching to a more traditional trail runner in the summer and a stiffer warmer boot in the winter. It will be interesting to see the long term review. Cheers Amigo.
That's pretty much my plan! And to wear them to a bar when there's one open 🤣
@@ChaseMountains Sweet. An all season club shoe for @10:41!
A barefoot style safety boot would be great. I spend most of my day walking, it would be good for my feet.
Try steel toe work tabi
Steel toe are 60's tech and theory of safety. Now a Kevlar toe are the common thing. Which means factories are making safety sneakers and boots with Kevlar toe, nail safe sole etc. Also means zero drop(which is the 1st point of ergonomic with barefoot shoes) will be possible to buy.
Tried these on the tahoe rim trail and ended up injuring my foot.
I think the muscles in the foot need a long training period (several months of shorter hikes) before putting in serious miles in barefoot shoes. I ended up switching out to altra lone peaks.
Yeah I actually cut my training recommendations out of this video but there's so much to it. Definitely a follow up video coming if this video does well.
Chase Mountains awesome, looking forward to it. Great content by the way
@@ChaseMountains I would be very interested in a training follow up. I've been doing barefoot for most of my normal walking and on non rocky trails. It would be interesting to have another take
Don’t worry, the lone peaks are still zero drop. Most important part.
I believe a reason we decided to keep a heel is some of us lack an arches and, In theory, we wouldn't have to stretch our plantar as much if our heels are raised. This leads to other problems such as improper mobilization as you mentioning. I personally wear barefoot shoes, but I fo have a low arch. There is research that shows if our mother is deficient in manganese while pregnant, that might effect our arch outcome. There is technically an ideal arch for foot mobilization. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for quite some time now. I prefer it. But I do get more plantar pain on my left foot than my right. Seems the tendon sticks out more. I usually massage my calves to solve this along with rolling my feet on a golf ball. Seems like a great boot. I really wish they were less expensive, though.
I have just used Inov8 Roclite 400s for a 1000km thru hike and they worked well. They are basically very lightweight boots/sturdy trail runners. I like to have hiking shoes with an ankle not for stability (a myth in my opinion) but simply as protection for my ankles from rocks/abrasion. I also like thinner, grippy soles as I feel more sure footed whereas in heavy boots I stumble around and tire quicker. If footwear is too lightweight there is a risk for most people of injuring your toes and bruising the soles of your feet. If you are very agile, sure footed and fit then that is much less of a problem. That is why I am always wary of very fit and experienced hikers advocating very lightweight footwear without caveats - it might be fine for them but not so suitable for the average hiker.
Highly recommend putting superfeet insoles in them. Also the rubber sole started separating from the leather around the toe area after about a year of hard travel wear. They are nowhere near as durable as a pair of Merrells
Thanks for the heads up Sir.👍
I tried trail runners but too me it's only comfortable with light hikes. I usually travel with my dog and need to carry his foot and a bigger tent so my pack is relatively heavy and I am very tall and fairly heavy myself. I feel more stable with hiking boots. I also usually walk in colder and wet areas and use gaiters as well. This, and the hiking boot seems to keep me warmer and protected as I move through swamps and areas with high grass and shrubs. Fortunately I never had any major foot or leg injuries. Finally in these wet conditions, whatever boot you have, quality is important. I had cheaper boots fall apart in a few (very rainy) weeks.
I use trailrunners for all my bushwalking now - have switched from rigid soled footwear that are only useful for wearing crampons. However, I did use merrell barefeoot trail runners but found them with too little cush for pack walking off track (i.e. on pointly rocks) but were fine for formed tracks like the Inca Trail and daywalks.
Pack carrying I wear salomon trail runners now that have a little more structure to them. I walk on and off track in Alpine Victoria and Tassy and they hold up fine - would never go back to boots for general 3 season backpacking .
Depends on the terrain. Where I tramp (generally above the bushline and off track) I want full rigid soles to support every little bit of toe hold you can get. Also these flexi things don't seems to have much grip and look like every sharp rock will poke through. Bet they are great for a walk in the park.
I guess you're in NZ and probably you're better off with much sturdier boots!
The important part is the training BEFORE switching to trail runners. I have multiple foot issues (overpronation, flat arch, and I mean flat) but still went for zero-drop trail runners (Altra Lone Peak). Don't get me wrong, I love them. Light and fast. However, my ankles and shins do not love them so much when I go on a 2-3 day hike with a 12kg pack. I certainly do not blame the shoes. I have gone back to (light) boots and embarked on training my feet, legs, ankles, knees, hips so that in a few months I can give the trail runners another go.
As an infantryman in the Army, i prefer the light boots that feel like running shoes because i can do 20 mile ruck marches and walk through any terrain just fine in them. The only reason i see to wear a traditional heavy boot is if youre going into the artic or the jungles of vietnam.
You are absolutely on the money here! Thanks for posting such a good and very informative review.
Thanks I appreciate the love. I did spend a fair bit of time on this one and I'm glad it's going well!
@@ChaseMountains I have a saying on my channel. "Shoes are not a religion. They are a tool. Choose the right tool for the job, just like you would chose any other tool." I started wearing vivobarefoot as my "work shoe" about a year ago. I'm a mechanic, and work standing all day on a concrete floor. My shifts, with no breaks, are 9hrs long, but can go longer, and it's 6 days a week. It's a lot of hours, all basically barefoot. At the moment, here at the end of Sept. I've worked 3 additional months already, just in the amount of "overtime" I work. Point is; our feet will return to being actual feet, if we let them. Feet are extremely well engineered, very strong, and very receptive.......we should not be interfering with that!
I love these boot. Best boots ever hands down! I bought the brown ones, went wow as I first put my foot in them. So 3 days later I went back & bought the green ones as a 2nd pair! Lol
There are trails in Alaska where this shoe would just not cut it. I like it though.
Tried sole runners (still have them) and they are OK, they take some getting used to, you cannot go tooooo far in them and the soles wont last 12 months hard use, they are too thin and light, However, if not all your shoes are of this type there seems little point as your feet will never get used to one or the other.
Me! I like a good, well made leather Boot.
I have a pair of these and am still breaking them in but am definitely a huge fan. It is an adjustment though as my favorite go to hiking shoes are my vibram 5 fingers. Vivo does a great job of giving you a barefoot feel but there will never be anything like the 5 fingers allowing each toe to move independently. It's the closest thing to being barefoot but when you step on something it doesn't hurt. I did a trail earlier this year actually barefoot for a good two miles until my feet couldn't take it anymore, slipped on my 5 fingers and felt like I was walking on clouds.
I liked all the attributes that you identified of the tracker, especially that it’s lighter but hiking the solid granite Sierras hour after hour I have a hard time adopting such minimal padding, especially as I’m getting older and am not as well cushioned as I used to be. I’ve been adding cushioned insoles to my current boots and it really helps. After wearing heels on and off for 40 years I’m not sure it would be all that comfortable to switch to zero drop….