Magna Lite SG, I love them!! I have been trying just basic barefoot shoes for awhile, nothing like VIVO. I got the Magna Lite about a month ago have put them to the test. I hike up mountains in Utah that has all the conditions you can imagine snow, mud, rocks and steep incline. These Hikers handle it all amazingly, feeling every step and I seem to be in more control. I have hiked, hunted and raced all over Utah mountains and for the hikes and hunts I have worn high end hunting boots and hikers. Those did what they are supposed to but feet were always destroyed by the end of it. I will probably never go back to them and stay with VIVO. I will use the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC for colder hiking situation during my hunting seasons if they provide me the same results as the Magna Lite SG. I have had surgery on both my feel almost 3 years ago and never did get back to what my feet used to feel like. So far these seem to be the answer to my needs.
That's great to hear, foot surgery can really throw people for a loop, so kudos to your for trying out barefoot shoes and addressing the problem naturally. It's also cool to hear what you're using them for. My Dad likes the Forest ESC's I gave him for land management, chopping down trees, etc. The SG's are indeed super for grip and flex. Keep having fun out there!
Thank you for the review! I tried Freet Howgill and they were just a tab too narrow in the toe box. I decided to give Magna Lite a tried and they actually fit! I have tried two other trail shoes recently and they both had thick and tough fabric which digs in my feet when bent. Magna Lite is so soft! They are just so much more comfortable than the other trail shoes and some of those are not even water resistant.
Hi Andrew, can't find a good comparison between the Magna Lite WR SG and Magna 2 FG , is it just the sole and it's thickness. Thank you for this article and your help.
Good suggestion, maybe I'll do that tomorrow. The SG is better for soft/muddy ground, while the FG is better on rocks and hard dirt, although it's fine in wet conditions too, as long as the hills aren't too steep. The Magna Lite is lighter and more flexible and can be used for running. The Magna FG is a pure hiking boot and has a bit less flex, but more protection.
@@AndrewFolts That helps alot and it's the detail I am looking for. Do they have the same water resistant capabaility though? Thank you for the quick response
Hi Andrew. I just sent you a comment on your previous post on this boot. Which would you say has the widest toe box? The Magna or the Primus FG. Many thanks for the great reviews. Karl
Thanks for the recommendation! I think I should combine the dash with some boots. The boots I can use there for hiking and daily use. And besides that the dash when it’s hot and also for summer. Don’t know if I should take the trailwalker over some boots. What do you think?
The Trailwalker's great for casual, dry trails, but if you're doing serious hiking, you'd want something more durable with a better grip. Could be a boot or shoe as long as the sole is tough.
So which 2x pair combination of shoes/boots would you recommend than? 😅 I like the wide fit of be lenka. Would need it for casual, gym and city etc. the other one I would use for hiking, in Australia and new zeleand. Maybe also Asia. That’s why I need 2x good combo. To actually cover most of actives.
So there aren't many extra-wide hiking boot options for warm weather. Be Lenka's are more for city use, so I think the Softstar Primal RunAmoc Megagrip would be the best trail option bit.ly/3FogsnP and then the Be Lennka Dash for gym/casual. bit.ly/3I5GFJB
Hey there, no, it's not even noticeable with a thicker pair of socks. Also helps to put a wool felt insole or other flexible insole into raise your a ankles up a bit.
Mine still seem solidly waterproof, but I've gotten a couple comments from people about the glue on theirs detaching, tho. Seems like Vivo had some quality control issues with the batch, maybe.
Thank you for your videos! Awesome as always. Any waterproof and not super warm shoes that you can recommend? I used shoe finder on your website but it didn't give me any clues.
@@AndrewFolts Thank you for your answer! Just walking urban mostly concrete. No hiking, no running. But the weather is mostly rainy 7-8 months a year. I have 2 xeros for warmer no rain times but nothing to use at 3-12c (37-53f) temps.
Yea, the SG tread feels fine on firm ground, but with less surface area they'll wear faster than the FG tread on rocks/roads. You'd want the Primus Trail All Weather. ua-cam.com/video/QlqCacc8ONQ/v-deo.html
Hello Andrew sir, I have the be lenka trailwalker now. I will be in Australia soon, and new zeleand. I’m looking for a second pair of barefoot shoes to take with. For urban, city stuff. They should also have this nice fit as the be lenka, as I do have wide feet. The vivobarefoot were to narrow for me. What would you recommend? Which one would fit nice to the trailwalker I’ve just ordered.
Hey there, so if you like the Trailwalker, then the Be Lenka Dash would be a nice city option: ua-cam.com/video/35YNL1iB5mk/v-deo.html. Here's a custom list of Be Lenka's other casual shoe options: www.barefootwear.org/finder/?sortId=e%2560g%253E_dsc&filterIds=LpqE%2CyBoS%2C%257BLg%7E%2Cog%255CG&filterValueIds=%60Lmt%2C62c34737-7ef9-4338-819f-dbaae82d927c%2C70cddc08-3d91-4b71-8d80-bdb39ca695cc%2Ca50678ae-4a17-41c3-ae68-f150bdf17135 Have fun in Australia!
I'd guess they're just out of stock right now, because they still have the women's ones listed and my Vivo rep has them marked as his favorite shoe in his email signature.
Hey Thi, no, it's meant for wet trails. You'd want the Vivo Primus Lite Knit ua-cam.com/video/ydf1R2Z2KAY/v-deo.html or Asana ua-cam.com/video/zS9okH355uE/v-deo.html for that.
Why does the color of the shoes in the video look so different form the one on the vivo website? Is it actually a different color or do they just have weird photos? I like yours a lot more.
I look for a Wide Toe Box first,then I look for the other features. The toe boxes have to easily work with toe socks,and toe spacers(I have bought Barefoot Footwear, that are two sizes larger than my regular size,in order to get a wide enough toe box).If the footwear is waterproof,that is a big plus. ☺️
Probably Softstar and BeLenka would work really well for you, then. The Softstar Switchback ua-cam.com/video/ybp_g-8z2vo/v-deo.html is a great extra-wide alternative to the Magna Lite, plus it has a Vibram tread.
@AndrewFolts Thank you for the suggestions,and the link. Your help is very much appreciated! The Leather Softstars look great,and that company is based in the US!!!
I’m trying to find a lightweight, non-waterproof hiking shoe with ankle support. Do you know is these drain water well? I plan on doing a swamp hike so proper drainage is a big must. Do you think these would fit the bill? It’s approx 30mi @ ~1-2 mph through part of the Everglades. Thanks for the quality content!
There's no drainage because they're highly water resistant, but they do dry quickly. The Freet Zennor would be my first pick, tons of drainage, but a nice tough sole too. bit.ly/44xAkz7 You can see more water shoe options at my website, as well: www.barefootwear.org/finder/?sortId=e%2560g%253E_dsc&filterIds=LpqE%2Cog%255CG%2C%253BQnw&filterValueIds=%60Lmt%2C7f05c9a4-b52f-48c0-b442-1285b4ac6038%2C63500a12-3bf4-4141-93ce-bd87d4d22e8a
I have been on a beach with them and the SG tread was nice for added grip. They're ok on firm ground too, just as long as that's a smaller percentage of what you're doing.
No need for extreme waterproofing at those temperatures. You can get the leather version (magna forest esc) that is very water resistant but still breathes well.
@@robertsoliz6821 If there's texture (not just flat and slippery), then both treads will do well, but otherwise the ESC tread has more surface area to handle smooth rocks and slick boardwalks, etc.
@@robertsoliz6821 FG's in the middle, more grippy for flat/slippery than the SG but less so than the ESC, which is a softer more moldable Michelin rubber.
Hey Andy, your video was well-filmed too! Loved that shot in the beginning with the shoe slowmo falling down toward the camera, like it came from the tree. Bravo!
I wasn’t that impressed with mine. “All Weather” is optimistic at best as the upper isn’t even water resistant, let alone waterproof. The upper feels like neoprene and I’ve tried using a repellent on it to no avail. Other companies can make a waterproof trail running shoe, yet Vivo struggle with this. Definitely a fair-weather shoe. The only good thing is the FG sole.
@@AndrewFolts I’ve heard good things about the Xero Mesa Trail WP, but I’ve not tried them yet. It’s a barefoot shoe but the sole looks stiff which puts me off. I usually run in VFF V-Run which as you know are definitely not waterproof!
Why, what happened? I've done about ten miles in them for my longest run so far and they were great, but it does have to be mostly soft ground (hence the "SG").
@@AndrewFolts I hazard to say that he was using Cunningham’s Law by posting that comment. I think he wanted to know if they could be used for running and phrased it in a way to elicit a right-answer reaction.
Magna Lite SG, I love them!! I have been trying just basic barefoot shoes for awhile, nothing like VIVO. I got the Magna Lite about a month ago have put them to the test. I hike up mountains in Utah that has all the conditions you can imagine snow, mud, rocks and steep incline. These Hikers handle it all amazingly, feeling every step and I seem to be in more control. I have hiked, hunted and raced all over Utah mountains and for the hikes and hunts I have worn high end hunting boots and hikers. Those did what they are supposed to but feet were always destroyed by the end of it. I will probably never go back to them and stay with VIVO. I will use the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC for colder hiking situation during my hunting seasons if they provide me the same results as the Magna Lite SG. I have had surgery on both my feel almost 3 years ago and never did get back to what my feet used to feel like. So far these seem to be the answer to my needs.
That's great to hear, foot surgery can really throw people for a loop, so kudos to your for trying out barefoot shoes and addressing the problem naturally. It's also cool to hear what you're using them for. My Dad likes the Forest ESC's I gave him for land management, chopping down trees, etc. The SG's are indeed super for grip and flex. Keep having fun out there!
Thank you for the review! I tried Freet Howgill and they were just a tab too narrow in the toe box. I decided to give Magna Lite a tried and they actually fit! I have tried two other trail shoes recently and they both had thick and tough fabric which digs in my feet when bent. Magna Lite is so soft! They are just so much more comfortable than the other trail shoes and some of those are not even water resistant.
Yea, the Magna Lite has a really good toebox, wider even than most Vivo's. It's quite a versatile shoe and I hope they make an FG one too!
Hi Andrew, can't find a good comparison between the Magna Lite WR SG and Magna 2 FG , is it just the sole and it's thickness. Thank you for this article and your help.
Good suggestion, maybe I'll do that tomorrow. The SG is better for soft/muddy ground, while the FG is better on rocks and hard dirt, although it's fine in wet conditions too, as long as the hills aren't too steep. The Magna Lite is lighter and more flexible and can be used for running. The Magna FG is a pure hiking boot and has a bit less flex, but more protection.
@@AndrewFolts That helps alot and it's the detail I am looking for. Do they have the same water resistant capabaility though? Thank you for the quick response
@@paolosantos6704 They're both water resistant, but the FG is a bit more so due to being thicker.
Hi Andrew. I just sent you a comment on your previous post on this boot. Which would you say has the widest toe box? The Magna or the Primus FG. Many thanks for the great reviews. Karl
Amazing video quality as always! Thanks
No prob, thanks for hanging out!
Thanks for the recommendation! I think I should combine the dash with some boots. The boots I can use there for hiking and daily use. And besides that the dash when it’s hot and also for summer. Don’t know if I should take the trailwalker over some boots. What do you think?
The Trailwalker's great for casual, dry trails, but if you're doing serious hiking, you'd want something more durable with a better grip. Could be a boot or shoe as long as the sole is tough.
So which 2x pair combination of shoes/boots would you recommend than? 😅 I like the wide fit of be lenka.
Would need it for casual, gym and city etc.
the other one I would use for hiking, in Australia and new zeleand. Maybe also Asia. That’s why I need 2x good combo. To actually cover most of actives.
So there aren't many extra-wide hiking boot options for warm weather. Be Lenka's are more for city use, so I think the Softstar Primal RunAmoc Megagrip would be the best trail option bit.ly/3FogsnP and then the Be Lennka Dash for gym/casual. bit.ly/3I5GFJB
Hello, Andrew! Thank you for review!
My body type is slim too. Does the support insert rub ankle too much?
Hey there, no, it's not even noticeable with a thicker pair of socks. Also helps to put a wool felt insole or other flexible insole into raise your a ankles up a bit.
Thank you!@@AndrewFolts
Great video! Somewhat unrelated, but how are the Tracker Textile FG2s holding up for you?
Mine still seem solidly waterproof, but I've gotten a couple comments from people about the glue on theirs detaching, tho. Seems like Vivo had some quality control issues with the batch, maybe.
@@AndrewFolts yeah, I heard a few people talk about their sole detaching, but it's good that yours are holding up. Thanks!
Hi Andrew. Do you know if the feel grounds patrol boot has a wide toe box? Thank you
Hey Pat, yea, it's wide, although not extra-wide.
@@AndrewFolts 👍
Thank you for your videos! Awesome as always. Any waterproof and not super warm shoes that you can recommend? I used shoe finder on your website but it didn't give me any clues.
The Magna Lite WR has high water resistance and no insulation, so it might fit the bill. What type of shoe and activities do you need it for?
@@AndrewFolts Thank you for your answer! Just walking urban mostly concrete. No hiking, no running. But the weather is mostly rainy 7-8 months a year. I have 2 xeros for warmer no rain times but nothing to use at 3-12c (37-53f) temps.
@@EJIqpEP Gotcha, so the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite All Weather would be a great choice for that: bit.ly/3uqWIOy
@@AndrewFolts Thank you for your help. I wish you all the best in life and for your channel.
Would it be a detriment to the nubs on the outsole if you’re only on firm ground in these?
Yea, the SG tread feels fine on firm ground, but with less surface area they'll wear faster than the FG tread on rocks/roads. You'd want the Primus Trail All Weather. ua-cam.com/video/QlqCacc8ONQ/v-deo.html
Very tacticool looks, I like them.
"tacticool" Love it, Vivo should have like nicknames for their shoes, ha. The "Tacticool SG."
Hello Andrew sir, I have the be lenka trailwalker now.
I will be in Australia soon, and new zeleand. I’m looking for a second pair of barefoot shoes to take with. For urban, city stuff. They should also have this nice fit as the be lenka, as I do have wide feet. The vivobarefoot were to narrow for me.
What would you recommend? Which one would fit nice to the trailwalker I’ve just ordered.
Hey there, so if you like the Trailwalker, then the Be Lenka Dash would be a nice city option: ua-cam.com/video/35YNL1iB5mk/v-deo.html. Here's a custom list of Be Lenka's other casual shoe options: www.barefootwear.org/finder/?sortId=e%2560g%253E_dsc&filterIds=LpqE%2CyBoS%2C%257BLg%7E%2Cog%255CG&filterValueIds=%60Lmt%2C62c34737-7ef9-4338-819f-dbaae82d927c%2C70cddc08-3d91-4b71-8d80-bdb39ca695cc%2Ca50678ae-4a17-41c3-ae68-f150bdf17135 Have fun in Australia!
Is the Magna Lite SG non resistant just out of stock or delistet? I cant find them anymore. :/
I'd guess they're just out of stock right now, because they still have the women's ones listed and my Vivo rep has them marked as his favorite shoe in his email signature.
Is it good for running on treadmill at the gym?
Hey Thi, no, it's meant for wet trails. You'd want the Vivo Primus Lite Knit ua-cam.com/video/ydf1R2Z2KAY/v-deo.html or Asana ua-cam.com/video/zS9okH355uE/v-deo.html for that.
Why does the color of the shoes in the video look so different form the one on the vivo website? Is it actually a different color or do they just have weird photos? I like yours a lot more.
Yea, it did look a bit different from the website. They're a medium light green with a darker green trim.
I look for a Wide Toe Box
first,then I look for the other features. The toe boxes have to easily work with toe socks,and toe spacers(I have bought Barefoot Footwear, that are two sizes larger than my regular size,in order to get a wide enough toe box).If the footwear is waterproof,that is a big plus. ☺️
Probably Softstar and BeLenka would work really well for you, then. The Softstar Switchback ua-cam.com/video/ybp_g-8z2vo/v-deo.html is a great extra-wide alternative to the Magna Lite, plus it has a Vibram tread.
@AndrewFolts
Thank you for the suggestions,and the link. Your help is very much appreciated! The Leather Softstars look great,and that company is based in the US!!!
Did you order your regular size or size up for hiking?
Hey Emma, just went with my regular size of 44, which is the same for the Primus Lite, etc.
I’m trying to find a lightweight, non-waterproof hiking shoe with ankle support. Do you know is these drain water well? I plan on doing a swamp hike so proper drainage is a big must. Do you think these would fit the bill? It’s approx 30mi @ ~1-2 mph through part of the Everglades. Thanks for the quality content!
There's no drainage because they're highly water resistant, but they do dry quickly. The Freet Zennor would be my first pick, tons of drainage, but a nice tough sole too. bit.ly/44xAkz7 You can see more water shoe options at my website, as well: www.barefootwear.org/finder/?sortId=e%2560g%253E_dsc&filterIds=LpqE%2Cog%255CG%2C%253BQnw&filterValueIds=%60Lmt%2C7f05c9a4-b52f-48c0-b442-1285b4ac6038%2C63500a12-3bf4-4141-93ce-bd87d4d22e8a
@@AndrewFolts thanks! I appreciate it. Will check them out. Definitely earned a follow. 👏🏼😂
are these good for disc golf in the sand? mostly sg but tee pads might wear down the tread
I have been on a beach with them and the SG tread was nice for added grip. They're ok on firm ground too, just as long as that's a smaller percentage of what you're doing.
@@AndrewFoltsYes I got the tuxedo color on the way😄 Excited to test them against the sand and hills
Would these be breathable enough for australian hiking (17- 27 degrees celsius weather) or should i opt for the non water resistant version
I'd go non water resistant, unless you're hiking somewhere extremely wet and want your feet to stay completely dry.
No need for extreme waterproofing at those temperatures. You can get the leather version (magna forest esc) that is very water resistant but still breathes well.
@@CptAngelKGaming i thought the magna forest is for cold temps
I wonder if they have any plans to make a leather version of this? Like the ESC.
Maybe, Vivo's always coming out with new combo's each season. I really do love the SG tread.
Does the sg tread grip better on like wet rocks and slippery surfaces or the esc? @@AndrewFolts
@@robertsoliz6821 If there's texture (not just flat and slippery), then both treads will do well, but otherwise the ESC tread has more surface area to handle smooth rocks and slick boardwalks, etc.
@@AndrewFolts great info! And compared to the fg?
@@robertsoliz6821 FG's in the middle, more grippy for flat/slippery than the SG but less so than the ESC, which is a softer more moldable Michelin rubber.
Iv just video reviewed these as well. prefer your video, just thought I would make your day, great video.
Hey Andy, your video was well-filmed too! Loved that shot in the beginning with the shoe slowmo falling down toward the camera, like it came from the tree. Bravo!
@@AndrewFolts thank you.
I wasn’t that impressed with mine. “All Weather” is optimistic at best as the upper isn’t even water resistant, let alone waterproof. The upper feels like neoprene and I’ve tried using a repellent on it to no avail. Other companies can make a waterproof trail running shoe, yet Vivo struggle with this. Definitely a fair-weather shoe. The only good thing is the FG sole.
Are there other shoes you've had better WP luck with?
@@AndrewFolts I’ve heard good things about the Xero Mesa Trail WP, but I’ve not tried them yet. It’s a barefoot shoe but the sole looks stiff which puts me off. I usually run in VFF V-Run which as you know are definitely not waterproof!
Hi Andrew mine came today I'm very impressed
Rad! Yea, the light upper and aggressive, flexible tread are a killer combo for trails. Have fun!
I do not recommend for half-marathons. It took 3 months before I was even able to run a 5k again. NOT a good distance running shoe/boot/what have you
Why, what happened? I've done about ten miles in them for my longest run so far and they were great, but it does have to be mostly soft ground (hence the "SG").
@@AndrewFolts I hazard to say that he was using Cunningham’s Law by posting that comment.
I think he wanted to know if they could be used for running and phrased it in a way to elicit a right-answer reaction.
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