Built to last? Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC long term review

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Do you have a pair - would you?? LMK 👇👇

[@anniwilson2534]

I tried a pair from Revivo. They come up big around the foot compared to the Primus Trail FG. Also I wasn’t sure if that stiffer rubbery part would give me the top of toe pressure discomfort I had with their Primus Soft Ground on toe extension … I think you had that too?

[@robglavin8287]

I have just got a pair. I purchased them for field hockey. The grip on astroturf is great. I have found them a little large, but got a bad blister on my little toe. I think that this is because my toe sits at the crimp point in the plastic outer layer. Do you have any tips to avoid this?

[@Moving4Well]

​@@robglavin8287hey, I'm thinking of getting them for football on Astro and grass. How have they held up for hockey?

[@themilkemissary7898]

I was hoping you'd return the shoes and say they were shit so i could buy them on revivo at a cheaper price 😂

[@Lilllingstoner]

I hiked the Colorado Trail (500 miles) in these and it was a perfect balance for all the rain you get during a thru-hike in Colorado. This pair rocks 🦵

[@Kasual_Art]

Shout out injinji toe socks! Honestly I cant that you enough for sharing. My feet have been jacked since birth. Mom always stuffing me into not only misaligning shoes but cheap misaligning shoes. Smh feet really looked like velocirator claws. That was until about 3 years ago when I purchased my Vibram fivefinger toe shoes, also at the same time dicovered injinji toe socks. These products changed my life. Im a advocate for logic and having 10 individual slots for my 10 individual toes for me was a no brainer. Of course I got stared at but im not one that really cares about the outside noise in the first place. All in all my feet are realigning to the way that they should have been all my life, thank God! Ever since the beginning of my journey ive been researching alot of barefoot shoes and Vivo is one that intrigues me alot. I have heard about the cautions of running in barefoot shoes and was going to just by a nike or addidas until you presented these Hydra ESCs to me. Now im sure of what my next running shoe is going to be, thanks you. God bless.

[@Cull_Obsidian]

Just a heads up, they’re on sale right now. For £119. Got a pair of the all weather he mentioned, and they’re great. Wanted these and now’s the best time!

[@duncanhamilton5841]

Well, I've got a Tough Mudder coming up, and was pondering what to have on my feet - so a well timed review. Scooped up the last pair of 11s from Revivo, so saved 35% over new. That'll do for me.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Result! What colourway did you snag? And good luck in the tough mudder, let me know how you get on!

[@duncanhamilton5841]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject same as yours, all they seemed to have in 11/45. Tough Mudder will be a laugh, got half my kickboxing dojo doing it as well. The teamwork will be farcical as we completely fail to transfer skills from the ring to the field.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

@@duncanhamilton5841 I've done one before and it was great fun - I'm sure you'll have a laugh!

[@reiddickson]

Any thoughts on them 3 months later?

[@duncanhamilton5841]

@@reiddickson Well.... funny you should ask. Tough Mudder was Sunday just gone, and the conditions were unbelievably wet and mudd thanks to torrential rain for days on clay soil. The Vivos were immense - the concept of letting water in and out works. The grip from the Michelin sole is unreal. I was walking through slippery sections where other people couldnt even stand up. They were so good in fact that I got complacent... found the limit of the sole's ability to grip, and fractured my fibula.

[@rabbitcowboys]

6:25 I don't have a problem getting into them and I have wide feet. The trick I found useful is to do the Das Boot maneuver from Beer Fest. Slip the toes in slanted and rotate the shoe to slip in the heel.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Solid trick ✌🏽

[@mowgli3711]

did you go one size up with these shoes and was the size recomendation from vivo helpful?

[@rabbitcowboys]

@mowgli3711 true size. I'm a 46 Eu or 12.5 US. You should have about a pinky width of space between toes and end of shoe for room.

[@Saint.0000]

Happy to see your channel growing. Its invaluable for all the niche questions someone might have about particular pairs of shoes

[@kitcraft9516]

Now for a "I wear only one pair of shoes everywhere ESC", lol. You know, the beach/mountain/forest/gym/shopping center shoe.

[@Allan_Garcia]

I removed the lacing system and replaced it with flat elastic shoe laces👍

[@rupertswallow]

Grip wizardry. I like the sound of that!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

The ESC sole is another level - if you ever get the chance to try them out I’d strongly recommend it! Definitely raises the bar

[@rupertswallow]

Ah very interesting!! I think I might! Thanks for the great review

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

@@rupertswallow No worries 🙌🏼

[@nodnarbz_1327]

As a fan of Michelin tires, this makes a lot of sense.

[@dovidwerde7264]

I have the previous version of these and love them so much. But unfortunately about after a year of wear the upper has ripped so it’s good to see that they made them more durable. I should note, I wear them a ton for sport so they do take a beating and definitely use them more than the norm.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Yeah they’ve definitely upped the abrasion resistance! Were your pair the Tempest (ankle high versions?) or the OG hydras?

[@whatisjoedoing]

are they decent for an everyday walk around shoe or even strength training? or do i need to go with a more all-in-one model.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Go more well rounded with something like the Primus Trail FG

[@mikelambrou4462]

I have these, my only issue is the rub the top of my foot without socks. So much so I’ve resorted to using KT tape to protect my feet when barefoot. They are great when wearing socks but that kind of defeats the purpose for me.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

I had the same issue on longer runs so pull out the injinjis for anything over 4/5km, has the KT tape worked well since using it?

[@tommyj1811]

Just subscribed. Thank you. These look like they will do what I ask of them. Happy owner of the Magna Lite WR boots btw.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thanks for the sub!

[@jeremebonesaw]

I've been meaning to buy these exact shoes for a while as my first pair of vivos.

[@StePea-y7y]

You’re previous video talking about the shoes a year ago were a different pair, how long did they last? Why are they not featured in this video?

[@jacobfernandez6055]

In for the conspiracy 🤔

[@StePea-y7y]

⁠@@jacobfernandez6055nope, i own the same version and curious how well they faired after a year. If you want to talk conspiracy then i propose the review was disingenuous and he was paid/received free shit to talk them up yet didnt bother to actually review the exact same pair!!

[@StePea-y7y]

Deleted my comment??

[@StePea-y7y]

@@jacobfernandez6055 nope, i wasn’t, i was curious to know how well they fared after a year, as i have the same version! I already replied here for which seems my comment was deleted by channel?? Anyway i says if you want to talk conspiracy then i put the original video was disingenuous and the channel has been paid or received free stuff to promote without being honest about the shoes otherwise why not have the actual initial pair on the original video.

[@rollingnome]

Personally, I think this shoe falls way short of its intended use. Firstly, the sock around the ankle is baggy and lets in debris. Secondly, they are difficult to put on. Thirdly, your foot slides around inside when wet. But the Michelin sole is simply brilliant. The boot style aqua run offering from Vivo that preceded this had a much more snug sock / collar, and kept out debris. Same sole.

[@bobbyjones7609]

all I know is that I’ve never worn and barefoot style shoes and took a chance with these. I have had them for about a month and my feet have never felt better. I play golf, hit baseballs and literally wear them every single chance I can. I have no experience with other shoes like this, but my balance and overall foot health feels incredible in them….

[@Shaman_Ray]

I have the Hydra shoe and I was a little disappointed when I wore them for the first time without a sock and got 3 (small) blisters on my upper foot in less than 10,000 steps! I love the shoes, (with socks) but I bought into the hydro hype, now I find I have to wear socks where I could simple wear my Teva sandals.

[@Moving4Well]

Hey, really helpful review, thanks. Which tread do you think performs better - this or the Primus trail SG? Particularly thinking about grass/ mud. I'm still looking for a good barefoot shoe to play football in!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thanks! Personally I would go for these over the SG sole

[@sim001]

Thanks for the update! 😊 I have been thinking about these as my next pair of trail shoes. However I am a little worried about the width of the toebox, especially in the pinky toe area. In your experience, do you consider them to be narrower compared to other vivos?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Great question and no I haven’t found them to be any narrower in fact I personally think they’re a little roomier than say the Primus Lites BUT I don’t have especially wide feet. Hopefully another viewer will be able to jump in and assist!

[@sim001]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject That is good to know, thanks for the reply!

[@anlangms4208]

I think their shoes are priced well. Think about other shoes like a Hoka . $170.00 and these type of shoes are going to break down , tennis shoes typically last six months they start off comfy and then they get bad. With VIVO you don’t have to worry about a squishy insole breaking down. The shoes are gonna be comfy from beginning until end. It’s just all about natural wearing of the sole , leather, or other materials.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Absolutely, I did a whole video on the cost comparison, let me know what you think: Why Are Barefoot Shoes So Expensive? kzbin.info/www/bejne/p37MpXStabx0jtE

[@thijmenvandegraaf300]

I work in a barefoot shoe shop and bought a pair of these for trailrunning. Best fitting shoe for my footshape and the grip is unbelievable. However, the hard (algea) cage on the outside of the shoe causes it to bend in a way that it pinches my little toe wich causes a uncomfortable/ painfull sensation on the pinky toe, left foot only. I work in a store that sells only barefoot shoes so I tried on all the other pairs in my size and all the same problem. The right shoe bends ok and causes no issue. I have heard similar complaints, did you also experience it?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Cool job and definitely agree on fit & shape! Can't say I have personally experienced any pinch and odd that it's only happening on one side... Hopefully they ease in a bit after some more wear?

[@zahitemremetin606]

I had the same problem at first but then they eased in with time

[@fraac]

not sure i can justify buying these when i already have the primus trail sg. good for watery specialists i suppose

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

I prefer the sole on these over the trail SG so could be worth looking into once you wear those through 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@bobby449]

Would you recommend them for ocr races like Spartan or tough mudder?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Absolutely, the grip is phenomenal 🙌🏽

[@amercer333]

Would you recommend these or the primus trail all weather?

[@amercer333]

For mud runs…spartan races etc

[@ryankeithtonsberg4177]

Looking to see if you could provide some guidance ? Don't own a pair of vivos. Just looking to get one pair to start. Looking at the Primus trail knit FG or this shoe that you reviewed here. I do love to golf and I thought this shoe might be more versatile for that as well. Would you use this shoe for an everyday shoe?

[@zahitemremetin606]

I’m wearing Hydra ESC as an everday shoe in the city on concrete all the time. I’m quite happy with them. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@zahitemremetin606]

These are my first pair of Vivos and also my very first barefoot shoes as well. After these I got Magna Forest ESC which I’m also happy with.

[@cannibalmanimal2336]

I have both, the trail FG is less grippy, but still a great sole & it’s more versatile overall. Less aggressive tread but very sufficient. Both are great & would work on short grass.

[@andyfreebird1917]

Awesome video! I’m new to the channel and I’m very impressed by how good your content is. I have a question: do you have any experience with the tempest ESC and if so how would you say these compare? I haven’t been able to find a comparison anywhere!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Thank you! Yes I used to have a pair but ran a hole through the material on the upper. I believe they were discontinued to make way for the Hydras which have never given me similar issues so I’d opt for them (hydras) any day of the week over the tempest

[@andyfreebird1917]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject gotcha, thanks for the fast reply. Was asking cause they actually have some brand new pairs of the tempest on reVivo. I ended up going with the Xero Mesa II since they were on sale at REI, I was worried about how heavy the Hydras are. I hope Vivo will eventually make a lightweight shoe with whatever rubber is used for the ESC. It’s a great sole but quite heavy for technical trails that demand agility. I think the FG sole could stand to be a lot stickier!

[@nawfeloussedik2766]

Thanks for the great review! Since you've tested these for a while I was hoping you could tell me if you recommend them for a very-long multi-day hike? I’m heading out on an 8-day trek in Borneo, with 5-7 hours of walking each day. My feet will definitely be submerged in water-up to knee-deep-multiple times per hour, so getting completely soaked is inevitable. My main concern is confort while walking in these shoes for a very long time. Would you recommend them? Thanks a lot!

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

You could definitely hike in them all day assuming you’re already used to wearing barefoot shoes BUT for a multi day trek in Borneo, I’d suggest checking out the Jungle ESC, basically the big brother of the Hydra and made for long, multi day treks in a jungle environment. I tested them out in the jungle of Indonesia and did a video on them here: VivoBarefoot Jungle ESC || Tested IN a Jungle kzbin.info/www/bejne/oH7Sc4Cgf5iteMU

[@nawfeloussedik2766]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject Thanks !

[@matthewvanhelsdingen543]

Hi guys, would you recommend the hydra ESC over the regular primus trail ? I'm more looking for durability and grip over the quick drying/draining features/

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Grip wise, these blow the Primus trails out the water 🙌🏽

[@dman7106]

Thinking of getting these for portage shoes. They seem that they would be perfect for that, would you agree?

[@wescam]

great channel and review. I wish they made these in a muted color or still made the slate colored ESC Tempest (out of my size at Revivo on that one).

[@Mangeosaurus]

What shoe would you recommend as the best for Road/Pavement hard surface running. I have watch a lot of videos but they tend to skirt around road running and focus more on trail and hiking. Thanks.

[@amercer333]

For mud runs…spartan races etc…would you recommend these or the primus trail all weathers?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Probably the Hydras as they have better drainage + grip on muddy/wet surfaces. Definitely take some time to get used to running in them though!

[@davide88rn]

I already have a primus lite and looking for a second pair, trail (white road and easy woods) and urban daylife. Which sole si better? Esc or FG? Thanks

[@vdpoortensamyn]

Would you advise them for walking on a beach and in the wake?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

If you plan on walking in and out of the water then yes absolutely - but why not just go fully barefoot? 🦶

[@vdpoortensamyn]

@@TheBarefootStrengthProject In the meantime, I've bought them and really happy. Especially while wearing Sealskinz because I do get some small bruises when wearing them barefoot.

[@HarryHart29]

How would you say these are for a first pair of barefoot shoes? I’m looking to make the switch and was pretty set on the Primus trail knits but these also look cool. Would you say that the thicker tred lessens the barefoot feel at all?

[@WalksOfWonder-BC]

Get the Primus Trail Knits. I have 12 pairs of barefoot shoes and the knits are my favourite of all. Best do it all shoe there is, if I could only have one pair the knits would win.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

I’m with @WalksOfWonder-BC , the Primus trail knits are my go to pair of do it alls and as you picked up on in your comment, the thicker lug does add a bit more cushioning (without detracting from the barefoot experience). If you do get them you can save yourself 10% off with the code GT10

[@Innaething9]

@@WalksOfWonder-BC could you detail a little bit why you would go primed trail over these ? I’m slowly switching out part of my shoes to be barefoot and a big part for me is looks. I’m in the minority I realized but I think the hydras look amazing and would get them over the primus knit I would barely use them for their purpose but mostly everyday city thing and some light outdoor use. Am I gonna destroy them using them on concrete you think ?

[@WalksOfWonder-BC]

⁠​⁠@@Innaething9I think you should get what you love. If you like the hydras the best, get them. Vivo’s are all built well enough to last, even when you don’t use them for their intended purpose. So get what you want, you’ll be much happier and wear them more often.

[@Innaething9]

@@WalksOfWonder-BC Thanks !

[@Drippin94]

i keep seeing videos and pictures of people wearing these with socks are they good to wear without socks? i just would like to swim/run with out having socks hold onto the water

[@AmirJones]

why did you get a brand new pair if they lasted as well as you said?

[@andrewmccune2895]

Can you really not use critical thinking to come with an answer yourself?

[@simoneala3]

Hi,thanks for the video, I been watching all, so I have a couple of question, I start with gobi boots and these one are great fit at 10 uk, do you record should I get the same size ? I’m looking for a shoe for summer but also winter, more for sport short hikes, wondering if is worth it the hydra with gore t socks I don’t like to much the all weather just a little bit uncomfortable in the toe box. So I will get the magna esc and the hydra, as a combination to hike, run , outdoor activities

[@lucarusso3687]

Do you use the sole or did you removed it? I have tried both and without the sole the shoe is too wide for me, with the sole the rigidity of the heel (the upper part) is uncomfortable, at the moment I am not 100% satisfied, as i usually am with vivobarefoot

[@mauimaxmtb2154]

Do you think these would be any good running in sand?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

For sure but I’d wear socks if you’re going a long way 🤙🏽

[@russ4king1]

Do you wear them with socks? Or no socks?

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

No socks on shorter runs, injini toe socks on longer with goretex socks in the winter when I want dry feet 😆. I talk about it in more detail in the video

[@russ4king1]

Thanks…about 2 mins after I made the comment you answered it in the video. I bought a pair a few months ago (Camo edition) and I love them but never really got comfortable in them with traditional running socks. I need either no socks or really thin ones.

[@crazysocer]

I don't think vivos are expensive. Nike metcons are roughly the same as primus lites, so I think it's very fair, and cheeper shoes wear quicker

[@337ClimbingSnowman]

Am considering switching to Vivos after 12 years of Altras. Anybody in here who have done the same? If so, what is your experience from it? Kind of curious about the fit and durability. :)

[@anlangms4208]

People have no problems spending almost $200 on a Hoka and those are going to last how long before they break down , maybe six months

[@2024Alfredo]

Great shoes. But why so ugly? I can wear primus lite all black for running and hanging out with the family. Vivo can just make an all black version.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

Yeah they definitely wouldn’t be the fashionistas number 1 pick… the green JJF ones look pretty sharp but if it’s just a casual pair you’re after the Primus lites are hard to beat!

[@paddywiggle]

One year. It seems like you haven’t even worn it. They look brand new

[@xthatkidx]

vivo is over priced, its all the name over the shoe

[@kingdomthings9887]

i stopped the video, when you started defending the high price. 🚫 $$$. Unsubscribed 👋

[@themilkemissary7898]

Out of curiosity, do you know of anything of a similar quality that is cheaper?

[@kingdomthings9887]

@@themilkemissary7898 Hey 🙂. I don't have any yet. I'm currently doing research, to try and find the best kind for my feet. I'm starting to think I might just buy a less expensive pair, just to try the wider toe box/zero drop barefoot experience. So far I have found 22 brands. The lowest priced ones are 👉 1. Splay 2. Whitin 3. Origo 3. Hike 4. Saguaro 5. Zero has a couple of styles, that are under $100. There are many others outside the USA. Just do search for low price barefoot shoes, if you're intersted in that.

[@WalksOfWonder-BC]

I’m not a fan of the high pricing either, but I can’t find better quality, longer lasting shoes. If you’re patient you can find a good deal.

[@kingdomthings9887]

​@@themilkemissary7898 hey , i responed to your comment, listing several low price shoes, but it was deleted. imagine that... 🤔

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

But before I tell you the 3 ways to get around it? 😆. Another good budget option is the Lono Flow, I got a pair recently and for $77 I was blown away.