These are my winter boots of choice for navigating icy Scandinavian pavements. My feet do not get cold if I keep moving around. Definitely recommend these.
@@sahntahdemonthere was a crazy promotion from Vivo Canada only for email subscribers. I thought it was a scam because Vivo’s are never this cheap. I ended up ordering 4 different pairs. Now I wish I ordered even more.
I’ve owned these for over a year, as much as I love them, the upper wool absorbs water and floods the boot. Morning dew or wet grass and it’s wet feet. Dry climates only!
Bummer, well, no shoe works for everyone. I found the Tracker FG to be more comfy, although it is waterproof, so less breathable for hot weather. ua-cam.com/video/ZkOLb1FbLLw/v-deo.html
Same. I was hesitant to get them after I heard a couple youtube reviewers mentioning the leather tab near the ankle wearing into their ankles. Well sure enough…the tab is super uncomfortable just on the outside of my right ankle.
The Vivobarefoot Ababa is a great soft feeling slipper/shoe that can be used indoors and outdoors. It's what I've been wearing most of the time when i'm not running or hiking. ua-cam.com/video/aM11pUG67Oo/v-deo.html
Awesome vid! I was wondering if for cold muddy hikes and hot dusty trail runs if I should go for the magna forest esc or the new jungle esc. Thanks in advance!
The jungle ESC is not WP at all and meant for hot muggy conditions, so I'd go with the Magna Forest or the Magna FGua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html if you want less protection in exchange for more flexibility.
I’ve an older model of these and they’re great for summer hikes. Re the wool collar I sprayed it with a repellent proofer. Not 100% waterproof but better at shedding some moisture going through long wet grass. The Michelin sole is probably my favourite, and I’d like to see it on more of their trail running shoes (tried the Hydra but couldn’t get sizing right for my slim feet).
Clever! Hadn't thought of that. Michelin rubber on, say, the Primus Trail FG could be really interesting. I'm still waiting for the day when Vivo makes a toe shoe to rival VIbram, ha.
I used these shoes during my trip in Nepal 2019 for a 12 day trek on the Annapurna Circuit it was the perfect shoe for my feet it was flexible and had good grip for the change in terrain the magna handled all the weather conditions during the trek my foot never got soak and wet from the light rain or even the little water puddles on the terrain the water resistant coating helped it bead the water right off also I never allowed my shoe to go into deep water and I did not get any heavy rain during the trek. I am sure if that would have happened then for sure the magna would be completely soaked. When I reached higher in the Himalaya into Thorang la pass the temperature during the afternoon was around -5 celsius / 23 fahrenheit in the high pass. I had two pairs of socks on one was active socks and wool socks when I was in the pass so the magna held the heat inside my feet when I was moving but when I stopped and rest and didn't move for 10 -15 minutes I started to feel my toes getting cold and so I had to move around to warm up my body and feet. These shoes are made well for all weather conditions but not for the extreme cold temperatures or any heavy rain and deep puddles. It is truly an all weather hiking or trail running shoe.
That's a great summary, I'm glad they worked well for you overall. It's true that they don't have a lot of insulation for extreme cold. You can add a wool felt insole, which helps a lot on top of wool felt socks. bit.ly/46EsKEu Happy trekking out there!
It's about as breathable as you could get, while still being water resistant. Hard to be both. Also depends on whether you need a sole this thick. For casual hikes the Magna FG is a lot more practical. ua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html The ESC sole is best for extreme rocky conditions.
Mostly it's a matter of preference. For me the FG sole is protective enough in pretty much all conditions, while providing much better agility and ground feel. The ESC feels more clunky, although it's useful in extreme conditions with sharp shifting rocks.
Female model definitely doesn’t have extra wide toe box:( I compared the insoles from this shoes and from Primus. The width of insoles is the same. Yes, Magna ESG has more space on top and softer skin, so they really feel wider. But if other Vivobarefoot shoes was narrow for you in toe box this model is not the best for you either. I regret that I buy it. May be man model is different
The Tracker's ua-cam.com/video/ZkOLb1FbLLw/v-deo.html insulated throughout the whole boot and is waterproof, whereas the Magna is designed for warmer weather and doesn't have any insulation. Ankle support isn't necessary with barefoot shoes, since you're so low to the ground that it's almost impossible to injure your ankle. I've "rolled" my ankle almost to 90 deg without even any pain, since there's no pressure from being on a high platform, as with traditional boots.
Not much, since they're quite flat. Although it is a heavier boot overall, so it's definitely overkill for roads. I personally prefer the Magna FG ua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html in all but the most extreme cases, because it's a lot lighter and more flexible, while still providing plenty of protection.
This is Vivo's thickest sole (9.5mm). You can check the thickness of any shoe by clicking the search button on my website and then going to the "Footwear" page for any shoe you want to know about. You can also filter by width, thickness, etc, with my shoe finder. bit.ly/49U1Ryo
This sole is fantastically capable. I have it on my Forest ESC boots (the taller one Andrew showed). The only thing they slip on is hard, icy/slimy surfaces. I tried mine on our iced-over road once with a simple pair of WinterTrax and I could not MAKE my feet slide.
No, definitely not. The sole is way too heavy for running. You'd want the Magna Lite bit.ly/3vhhTCY or Primus Trail FG ua-cam.com/video/QkfksIma8zU/v-deo.html.
This model didn't exist when I bought my Forest ESC boots (which better fit the purposes I needed them for anyhow). I considered these Magnas in my quest for something between my canvas Splay sneakers and the ESC boots, but it seemed a bit redundant & overkill. I decided to go for the Decon Lows, and on the 3rd try wound up with my pair from ReVivo. First try got lost in shipping. Second arrived but I had to return because they fit very differently than my ESCs of the same size. Third ordered half-size bigger and they fit great, though with a tad more length in the toe than I need. I've only used them a handful of times but so far feeling good.
Sounds like an ordeal, but glad your third pair worked out. The Decon series are great "in between" shoes/boots for filling in gaps. Hope they serve you well!
@@AndrewFolts Thank you :~) I know you have some boots with the FG2 sole, I think not the Lows? I'm interested to know how you find that sole for trail running?
@@childcrone I have the high Decon FG2's, yea. That sole is crazy flexible with some good grip on wet terrain. For hard rocky terrain and roads there's less surface area, which can wear the lugs down faster, but overall I like it.
These are my winter boots of choice for navigating icy Scandinavian pavements. My feet do not get cold if I keep moving around. Definitely recommend these.
Yea, I bet those beefy lugs will come in handy this winter. Good to know they can survive Scandinavia too!
Just got a new pair of those for only $125. My new favourite hiker! Super grippy tread and nice soft leather.
Good snag! The tread's ridiculous, ha. Chews up everything in its path. Have fun out there!
@@sahntahdemonthere was a crazy promotion from Vivo Canada only for email subscribers. I thought it was a scam because Vivo’s are never this cheap. I ended up ordering 4 different pairs. Now I wish I ordered even more.
How are they with puddles and rain?
@@HenryKlosokFunny you should ask, today I went for a 3 hour hike in the pouring rain. Feet were completely dry even with huge puddles everywhere.
I’ve owned these for over a year, as much as I love them, the upper wool absorbs water and floods the boot. Morning dew or wet grass and it’s wet feet. Dry climates only!
Yea, it's fine if the grass is low/medium and stays below the wool, but I could see it being a problem for high grass.
They are unfortunetly not for me. In the back of the shoe there are some bad material which is hurting me.😢
Bummer, well, no shoe works for everyone. I found the Tracker FG to be more comfy, although it is waterproof, so less breathable for hot weather. ua-cam.com/video/ZkOLb1FbLLw/v-deo.html
Same. I was hesitant to get them after I heard a couple youtube reviewers mentioning the leather tab near the ankle wearing into their ankles. Well sure enough…the tab is super uncomfortable just on the outside of my right ankle.
I really enjoyed the Godzilla reference and the sound effects!
THANK YOU, ha! No one ever comments about them, but the animations are my fav part to make.
Hey, I’ve been using barefoot shoes for over a year, what would you suggest for recovery shoes?
The Vivobarefoot Ababa is a great soft feeling slipper/shoe that can be used indoors and outdoors. It's what I've been wearing most of the time when i'm not running or hiking. ua-cam.com/video/aM11pUG67Oo/v-deo.html
Awesome vid! I was wondering if for cold muddy hikes and hot dusty trail runs if I should go for the magna forest esc or the new jungle esc. Thanks in advance!
The jungle ESC is not WP at all and meant for hot muggy conditions, so I'd go with the Magna Forest or the Magna FGua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html if you want less protection in exchange for more flexibility.
I’ve an older model of these and they’re great for summer hikes. Re the wool collar I sprayed it with a repellent proofer. Not 100% waterproof but better at shedding some moisture going through long wet grass. The Michelin sole is probably my favourite, and I’d like to see it on more of their trail running shoes (tried the Hydra but couldn’t get sizing right for my slim feet).
Clever! Hadn't thought of that. Michelin rubber on, say, the Primus Trail FG could be really interesting. I'm still waiting for the day when Vivo makes a toe shoe to rival VIbram, ha.
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Extra wide toe box?
Yea, it's significantly wider than other Vivo's. Not quite as wide as Softstar or Realfoot, but they certainly felt loose on me.
Get some.
Somezilla, king of barefoot shoes.
Your discount code didn’t work. Is there a new one?
I used these shoes during my trip in Nepal 2019 for a 12 day trek on the Annapurna Circuit it was the perfect shoe for my feet it was flexible and had good grip for the change in terrain the magna handled all the weather conditions during the trek my foot never got soak and wet from the light rain or even the little water puddles on the terrain the water resistant coating helped it bead the water right off also I never allowed my shoe to go into deep water and I did not get any heavy rain during the trek. I am sure if that would have happened then for sure the magna would be completely soaked. When I reached higher in the Himalaya into Thorang la pass the temperature during the afternoon was around -5 celsius / 23 fahrenheit in the high pass. I had two pairs of socks on one was active socks and wool socks when I was in the pass so the magna held the heat inside my feet when I was moving but when I stopped and rest and didn't move for 10 -15 minutes I started to feel my toes getting cold and so I had to move around to warm up my body and feet. These shoes are made well for all weather conditions but not for the extreme cold temperatures or any heavy rain and deep puddles. It is truly an all weather hiking or trail running shoe.
That's a great summary, I'm glad they worked well for you overall. It's true that they don't have a lot of insulation for extreme cold. You can add a wool felt insole, which helps a lot on top of wool felt socks. bit.ly/46EsKEu Happy trekking out there!
How’s this shoe for summer hikes? Is this shoe breathable enough? Or is there a better vivo that’s WR and breathable for summer?
It's about as breathable as you could get, while still being water resistant. Hard to be both. Also depends on whether you need a sole this thick. For casual hikes the Magna FG is a lot more practical. ua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html The ESC sole is best for extreme rocky conditions.
I live in utah and backpack in the uintahs and do dayhikes around the rockies. Would you recommend the ESC or the FG treds?
Mostly it's a matter of preference. For me the FG sole is protective enough in pretty much all conditions, while providing much better agility and ground feel. The ESC feels more clunky, although it's useful in extreme conditions with sharp shifting rocks.
Female model definitely doesn’t have extra wide toe box:( I compared the insoles from this shoes and from Primus. The width of insoles is the same. Yes, Magna ESG has more space on top and softer skin, so they really feel wider. But if other Vivobarefoot shoes was narrow for you in toe box this model is not the best for you either. I regret that I buy it.
May be man model is different
Yea, I can only speak for the guy's version. They're as wide as my Softstar boots, and they're one of the widest barefoot brands.
The tracker only has the added ankle warmth part? In comparison to the magna?
Do you think this part is important for ankle support?
The Tracker's ua-cam.com/video/ZkOLb1FbLLw/v-deo.html insulated throughout the whole boot and is waterproof, whereas the Magna is designed for warmer weather and doesn't have any insulation. Ankle support isn't necessary with barefoot shoes, since you're so low to the ground that it's almost impossible to injure your ankle. I've "rolled" my ankle almost to 90 deg without even any pain, since there's no pressure from being on a high platform, as with traditional boots.
I got these for summer hiking in Banff. They were perfect. Wore them all day and were great in muddy conditions and even some icy parts of the trail.
Great to hear! Yea, that tread's a monster for any kind of slippery terrain. Keep rocking out there! (:
Can you feel the rubber lugs / cleats on flat ground?????
Not much, since they're quite flat. Although it is a heavier boot overall, so it's definitely overkill for roads. I personally prefer the Magna FG ua-cam.com/video/NYIWI47hooA/v-deo.html in all but the most extreme cases, because it's a lot lighter and more flexible, while still providing plenty of protection.
How’s the thickness on these? What’s the thickest Vivo? I tried some long ago, but my feet are just too thick and I never went back to them.
This is Vivo's thickest sole (9.5mm). You can check the thickness of any shoe by clicking the search button on my website and then going to the "Footwear" page for any shoe you want to know about. You can also filter by width, thickness, etc, with my shoe finder. bit.ly/49U1Ryo
I have those. They are comfortable and durable.
Yea, they really are a dynamic duo of coziness and toughness!
Love Godzilla!!!!
Tread looks sticky and grippy on any terrain, and glad there are wider options in vivo's arsenal.
I like these.
This sole is fantastically capable. I have it on my Forest ESC boots (the taller one Andrew showed). The only thing they slip on is hard, icy/slimy surfaces. I tried mine on our iced-over road once with a simple pair of WinterTrax and I could not MAKE my feet slide.
They should call it the Vivo Magna Sticky, ha. Does give Vibram a run for its money.
Hey Andrew I just got some vivo pigrams there like the Scots fantastic boot
Interesting, what's the Pigram? Couldn't find it on the site. An older model?
Sorry andrew there called PILGRIM
@AndrewFolts
Is there a video on how many shoes do you have?
Not *all* of them, but I just came out with the "Best 50" video. ua-cam.com/video/vBuIsama950/v-deo.html I probably have about 80 now.
Mine arrive tomorrow! Do you think they could work for running trails?
No, definitely not. The sole is way too heavy for running. You'd want the Magna Lite bit.ly/3vhhTCY or Primus Trail FG ua-cam.com/video/QkfksIma8zU/v-deo.html.
@@AndrewFolts ah great thanks for the advice!
This model didn't exist when I bought my Forest ESC boots (which better fit the purposes I needed them for anyhow).
I considered these Magnas in my quest for something between my canvas Splay sneakers and the ESC boots, but it seemed a bit redundant & overkill. I decided to go for the Decon Lows, and on the 3rd try wound up with my pair from ReVivo. First try got lost in shipping. Second arrived but I had to return because they fit very differently than my ESCs of the same size.
Third ordered half-size bigger and they fit great, though with a tad more length in the toe than I need.
I've only used them a handful of times but so far feeling good.
Sounds like an ordeal, but glad your third pair worked out. The Decon series are great "in between" shoes/boots for filling in gaps. Hope they serve you well!
@@AndrewFolts Thank you :~) I know you have some boots with the FG2 sole, I think not the Lows? I'm interested to know how you find that sole for trail running?
@@childcrone I have the high Decon FG2's, yea. That sole is crazy flexible with some good grip on wet terrain. For hard rocky terrain and roads there's less surface area, which can wear the lugs down faster, but overall I like it.