My new barefoot hiking boots - Vivobarefoot Tracker FG first impressions

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

I own these shoes for a while now. Here are my thoughts after 2 years: kzbin.info/www/bejne/omLZlZd5i7V3etE

[@slylizard01]

Had the same problem. Used neatsfoot oil on the back of the boot and really bent the leather once soaked. Also used a compeed patch on my left heal to prevent a blister .a week later all is good.cheers

[@09agentbill]

This is the best videography I've ever seen for a "trying-out-some-shoes" video!!!

[@chellsee4167]

I came here to see the Vivobarefoot boots. I'm more impressed with the location and your filming, it definitely outshines those boots!

[@harlanwilder2328]

i guess Im asking randomly but does someone know a method to get back into an Instagram account..? I somehow lost my account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can offer me.

[@ryanwilliam2176]

@Harlan Wilder instablaster =)

[@harlanwilder2328]

@Ryan William Thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and Im in the hacking process atm. Takes quite some time so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@harlanwilder2328]

@Ryan William It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my account!

[@ryanwilliam2176]

@Harlan Wilder happy to help =)

[@scentybeast9531]

Most cinematic 'I tried on these shoes' video of all time lol, awesome

[@YTesting]

Wow the cinematography is on a next level.

[@taesikyun8011]

awesome cinematography! and a solid review! this is the review that I was looking for. keep up the great work man.

[@childcrone]

I have used a technique for softening stiff parts of the inside of leather boots. Find a garden tool (like rake, shovel, etc) with a rounded wooden handle. Standing with it upright in front of you, you can hold the boot so the handle is inside and work the stiff spot over the rounded end.

[@MrsPaulinaBell]

I want to buy these. Thanks for great and honest review!

[@Henry-C-Bukowski]

Thanks for the video. I'd be really keen to see an update video after some more wear. I love the look of these boots and the idea of them but the issue with the sole becoming unstuck really puts me off.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Unstuck?

[@lauralucy1]

@@treebeardtheent2200 Gosh maybe they have a history of the sole detaching??? 🤷🏼‍♀️ That would not be great ☘️

[@treebeardtheent2200]

@@lauralucy1 I have repaired many of my own shoes. Very few manufactured shoes are designed to really last. The exceptions are very expensive. I am poor. A really good shoe repair job requires sewing and adhesive. I use a product called Shoe Goo, but without extra stitching it is mostly only good to replace worn out areas on sole bottoms. I use heavy duty thread and a sewing awl to pre-punch the holes for the needle. Small needle nose pliers helps too. I made the awl myself by simply sharpening a small screwdriver (like for eyeglasses) to a point.

[@leowalton6322]

I’ve had a pair of Tracker FG for so long now the tread is almost completely worn away in places, but the sole hasn’t even looked like coming unstuck, so don’t worry about that too much. For non-stitched footwear it’s always a good idea to have some ShoeGoo on hand for emergency repairs anyway.

[@baringforge]

I had the exact same issue with back of the heel. I'm glad he's calling it out.

[@BWT599]

I have the same Tracker boots and the Forest ESCs from Vivo. I was trying to watch your gait and there were a few instances where you're landing with the heel of your foot. Once I made sure I walked on the outside of my foot and little toe then rolled inward as some videos mention, I didn't have the heel issues with the Trackers. The Forest ESCs are a lot looser as well and I can feel a ton more on the ground but are not waterproof. I ended up grabbing the Tracker for the Canadian winter as Vivo is sold out of the thermal insoles and man the cold goes right through the sole on the Forest ESCs.

[@onerider808]

I’ve been hiking and packing in my Vapor Gloves, and love them. These Vevos might be my new winter boots. I suppose for deep snow I’ll still need (ugh) traditional boots. Thanks!

[@OlMoldy]

Get a pair wrap arounds

[@porkrind225]

Mukluks

[@MajorFletcher]

Thanks for the review.

[@arnoutmalfliet4913]

Hello Andy, I had the same problem with these shoes. I put on some tape against the heel of my foot and after a little while the pain went away. Now the are great. I don't have to put tape anymore against my foot. Ans would not change them anymore. But going barefoot, without any shoe or sock is what i like the most. When it get warmer i wil go again on the street barefoot. I like you're videos a lot. Many thanks

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

Thanks for the wonderful comment and the recommendation! I use multiple layers of socks in these shoes. That reduces the pain a lot as well. But maybe I am going to give the tape a try too... many others recommended a similar method as well.

[@fusioned]

It's interesting that I have the same issue with these shoes too (at least for the Tracker FG II) where the heel section is causing issues. I originally ordered one size down (as I would usually do with the other vivobarefoot trainers too), but the toebox area was too tight, so going up one size (to my usual street shoe size on non-barefoot shoes) helped with that. However, the heel rub issue feels more prominent, and the first short excusion led to the skin being rubbed off. What helped was wearing thick socks - that made it much more bearable. The other thing that really helped was ensuring the laces at the 3rd-from-top hooks were pulled tight and enforced with extra wraps of the laces, so that my foot was kept secure and anchored down below the ankle, stopping my heel from rising. The top two hooks were relatively looser (though I would tie the top hook, before finishing on the 2nd row). That would help give me ankle mobility while keeping my foot anchored down so the heel doesn't rise up above the "cup" edge. I've managed to do 5 hour hikes since, but the heel feeling, while much lessened, is still there, especially when going uphill. Hopefully they improve this in the 3rd version of this boot, as the feeling of the ground is exemplary.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Such honesty on a KZbin video about gear is refreshing. Most others just reinforce what a person already planned to conclude. If I had the money, I would try those. Ankle protection is a must for any hiking footwear for me and that pretty much eliminates most of the lightweight cushionless sole options. So this video has my interest. The heel stitching seems to be too common. Idk why it seems that modern footwear is consistently so different from Old school. This is what I notice: New footwear: - Excessive priority on being easy to put on...slips off way too easy. - Way too much stiching and many layers of synthetic fabric...no natural flexibility. - Lots of cushioning. Old school - Shoe horn was needed sometimes to get your heel in, but shoe and heel were better matched...shoes stayed on. - Shoes were leather which stretched where needed...often there was a very necessary "break in" period. - Cushioning was your socks and maybe nothing more.

[@harpocrates302]

My theory is that the heel problems on the tracker come from over-sizing to accommodate thick socks, with the frame of the boot being too large for the foot to successfully mould into, hence the chaffing. Barefoot shoes are ultimately designed to be worn without socks or insoles. If the boot is too large without the insole, you`ve bought the wrong size.

[@othala7540]

I have had this problem also with normal hiking boots. Thick woolen sock do help. I noticed when im walking when your feet gets more warmer and sweaty it does even hurt more. Sometimes even till you get blisters. The best thing is dont do hikes with new shoes thats for sure.

[@arycarys2280]

Great review and beautiful filming and editing. I have no doubt you'll get a lot of new subs soon!!

[@amirbootbool7286]

Perfect video, review is thorough and percsise - and the trails are absolutely gorgeous :) keep on filming, and share a link to the product you are referring to , cheers and danke ❤️

[@baudosgarage4761]

Hi! I love these shoes too! Did you have any delamination issue?

[@MrTurtleneckbreath]

For foot chaff I have long used cheap band aids and Elastoplast to break in tough work boots. (Australian brands) On the bottom you want a crappy and cheap band aid against the skin that comes off easily and cover that with a sticky plaster bandage from hell to hold it in place. Carry wide and narrow sticky plaster and scissors for various foot areas. You will want to adapt the plaster to your foot, toe, heel, etc. Zip lock bag for water proofing. Only put it on the areas that begin to complain and get it on IMMEDIATELY once a complaint is starting to be felt. No exceptions. Don't work your foot hard if the boot is breaking in slowly. Don't actually develop any blisters. Break in the boot, not your foot. Bring old, broken in, alternative footwear if the break in period is arduous. Protect chaffs with plaster even after switching to broken in foot wear.

[@MrTurtleneckbreath]

www.elastoplast.com.au/pages/search/search-results?q=Plaster+on+a+roll

[@Elizabeth-pc2yx]

Hi 🙋‍♀️ I’m a SAR field Leader and extremely experienced in advising boot choices, helping over 100 people every year with these choices. There may be one of a few things going on, first I’m suspicious of the rigidity of what is referred to as a heel counter, the part behind the heel. In traditional leather boots there is layers of leather that shaped to your heel, but in a shoe like this where it’s essentially completely dynamic rather than static, I think there may be a “cup” or stiffened material for a heel counter that in a pair of shoes so flexible would cause an unnatural immobility in contrast with the rest of the shoe. If it was leather it would soften up, but from how hard it was to soften I doubt it. Very few leathers can be that stiff and yet thin. Stiffeners that aren’t leather often won’t shape to the foot, and with ought the cushioning some boots offer it causes issues, though I think this is the less likely of the two issues. Second issue you may be having is your Achilles’ tendon, the tendon in the back of your foot, boots with a drop or heel reduce fatigue on hills, this is why many modern snow shoes have this thing that flips up to put your heel on to drastically increase that drop to reduce fatigue. This is why for backpacking, I wear leather boots with a heel, because of this issue. I simply cannot do the elevation gains in these kinds of boots, it’s to hard on that tendon, and causes pain and can lead to micro tears and injuries. I’d be happy to recommend some boots if you’d like. :)

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

Hi, thanks for the advice 👍🏻 the problem is that the seam creates a pressure point which is hurting on the bone of my heel. Someone from a vivobarefoot store recommend that I try them without the insoles. That way my heel is located a tiny bit lower in the shoe and the problem might be solved. I haven't tried it yet but I will next time I wear them. But during summer time I am using some sort of barefoot trail running shoes for hiking. I used more traditional hiking boots before as well. First it was much more exhausting in barefoot boots but meanwhile I am wearing barefoot shoes almost all the time also for running and hiking. I feel that I am getting used to that additional stress on the tendon. Upwards I would probably be a bit faster with a bigger drop but I get there also with zero drop. I don't mind that extra effort when therefore I get the benefits of barefoot shoes.

[@fearthebeard.outdoors1189]

Hi what boots would you recommend 😀👍OUT

[@Elizabeth-pc2yx]

@@fearthebeard.outdoors1189 I’m a danner and whites fan. Both great boots different price points. Something like the danner light, or for even lighter the ridge, whites hiker or frontiersman. The basic requirements are thus, narrow last ( prevents sliding and thus blisters) decent heel counter that your foot “snaps “into, no foam type lining, good arch support, meaning a real shank, stitchdown construction, or “Goodyear welting” ( not glue). The difference in whites and danner are the heel counter and shank and mechanism of water resistance. Whites uses leather tanned specifically for wet weather, danner uses a gortex membrane. Whites shank and heel counter is leather stacked up leather to creat support that mold specifically to your foot. Danner uses a fiberglass shank that provides support, but doesn’t mold the same way, the heel counter is good but not the same kind of leather layering. Whites are known to last upwards of 20 years danner’s are Great, but not bombproof the same way.

[@harpocrates302]

@@MrOutdoorAdventure Just wondering if you bought an over-size boot to accommodate thick socks ? I watched another commentator having problems, also say the boot was too large to use without an insole. My trackers are a snug fit, and were comfy out of the box, with or without the insole.

[@childcrone]

@@Elizabeth-pc2yx I think none of those traditional boots -- with raised heels, stiff shank & sole, and tapered toe-box -- will give the feel, feedback, and balance of a barefoot designed boot.

[@ThePikeywayne]

Other guys have explained it can take upto 4 months to adjust to barefoot shoes, we have trained our bodies with higher heals so we have to ease ourselves back I to the more natural foot position

[@Mangoslicefps]

I got a pair of davinci baxter barefoot boots and man are they comfy as hellllll. They have blundstone style to them but barefoot. Probably the best boots ive worn in my life haha

[@terryzuniga2473]

Premium quality boo... Videos, bro✨

[@zekaa1]

I have Magna trail mens, at first they were so hard and they were not comfortable on the same area that you are mentioning but with time they become so comfortable that nothing in my experience could mach...so just keep wearing then and they will for sure become lose and comfortable

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

I think so too. On my next hike they were a bit softer already. Not perfect yet but it's going in the right direction

[@teeoconnell8716]

How is the Magna Trail with ankle support? Does it provide any or is it more cosmetic?

[@zekaa1]

@@teeoconnell8716 it has ankle support but not so much. The shoes are designed in a way that you use your feet and your feet get stringer with time. If you are wearing barefoot shoes for the first time or if you are not regular user, do not go wild all of a sudden. Take your time for your feet to get stronger and walk counciously.

[@teeoconnell8716]

@@zekaa1 Thanks, Art. I used to wear barefoot shoes like Vivos but stopped due to discomfort (probably because i never gave myself a transition period but just dove right into it) and now i'm working back into it through transitioning this time. I can definitely feel how they're working my feet. Will ankles will get stronger too, over time?

[@zekaa1]

@@teeoconnell8716 when you go through transition time it is wonderfull...I will not buy and wear anything that is not bearfoot. Yes, ankles are going to get stronger, especially if you walk on the ruff terrain in the nature. But be careful, and have patient if you do not want an injury.

[@Shozodi]

*Barefoot walking is awesome* *August 14 i will walk 100 kilometers (62 miles) barefoot* *Love being barefoot!* *Greetings from Belgium!*

[@calebhixon8971]

Amazing quality video

[@HG-Tv23]

Bad placement of the stitching... maybe I buy one of these when they bring out a adapted version with a improved heel.

[@kernowoutdoors]

Have you still the boots? How are they a year on?

[@dirkdil8268]

Have you tried lacing your shoes for heel locking? You use surgeon knots and can skip crossings for tension relief. Fwiw.... 4 ties from the top I do a triple surgeon knot. Skip the crossing between the 3rd and 2nd ties. Triple surgeon knot after the 2nd tie. A bow on top. I have no idea if this works on a barefoot model.

[@expiredmilk4156]

Beautiful trail

[@tacticalant3841]

Try gluing a couple layers of moleskin over the stitching in the heal to eliminate the raw seam.

[@misko_hryzko]

I received mine yesterday and noticed heel pain straight away at home. Bad placement of stitching. Magna FG is much more comfortable. Tracker II FG is going back. Maybe ESC version will fit me better. I don’t think Tracker is pure barefoot shoe as I cannot feel the ground surface under the sturdy sole. Magna or Primus Trail II FG gives my feet total ground connection.

[@DrLazic98]

Try to put some hard soap/spray antiperspirant both on inner side of the sock and inner side of your boot. It should help. After that, use cotton socks once and wear it for several hours (to make your feet wet). Repeat the proces one more time- but this time don't use cotton socks. Voila.

[@NickandRachel]

Awesome video!

[@Oni-One]

What brand and style shorts are you wearing? Thanks

[@NEMELBONEREH]

Did you have to up a size like Vivo recommends?

[@mcquadenup]

Mr Adventure, have your feet ever overheated at all in these? Get sweaty in warm weather?

[@kevmcd8603]

Maybe get some Compeed Blister Plasters to wear until the heel leather softens? How do you feel the underfoot support in them? I usually go for boots with a thicker midsole to protect my foot from sharp rocks etc

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

The sole is thin but not as thin as in other, lighter barefoot shoes from the same brand. I can still feel the ground very well but never had any pain caused by a sharp object on the ground. I've been wearing them on a couple hikes now and I think the issue here is entirely about the seam which is at the wrong place for my foot. Wearing multiple layers of socks helps a bit.

[@kevmcd8603]

@@MrOutdoorAdventure instead of the multiple layers I'd really recommend trying the blister plasters! Cheers for the reply

[@dustinewing7974]

If you saturate the leather with oil it will become extremely soft and flexible. It will dry out over time... but if you wear the shoes a lot while the leather is still wet... the shoes will form to the shape of your feet :)

[@sdqsdq6274]

lol, remind me of mine fresh combat boots during my army stint, what i did was use a rock to grind the leather down , well its was ugly but the it did pre season the boots well enough

[@simonkarkochi]

soak he shoes in water and walk with them. when they're dry, cover them with mink oil, bees wax or some oher leather impregnation. that should make them soft. you can do this every time your shoe gets stiff.

[@Tulbia]

I like the video, you seem like an interesting person. Question about the boot. Have you tried it with rucksack 20kg and more? What is the feeling?

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

Probably, but if I had a backpack over 20kg that would have been in winter. It was exhausting with a rather heavy backpack but that was also because of the snow. There is some support on the ankle but I don't think I am the right person to answer that question. I don't have that much experience with this shoe and a 20kg backpack in normal conditions.

[@Tulbia]

@@MrOutdoorAdventure sure, ok - makes sense. Similar experience here, but never tried lighweight boot/shoe with +20kg. But actually I'll try those. Will see. Thanks!

[@joelledevries5124]

When I see you walking I think your heel might start to hurt on the footsole. With barefoot shoes you should try not to heel strike because they are not made for that.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

I was thinking about something similar. First a question. What about walking v. Running. The barefoot design is superior for running. No question in my mind on that, but do people going this way also walk on the front of their feet exclusively?

[@treebeardtheent2200]

Next question has to do with load bearing. Self-sufficient hiking means a serious backback, not a tiny knapsack. This extra weight changes the dynamic...a lot. When I trail run (or used to) I trail run, when I hike I carry a load which runners don't carry. As I'm typing, I'm thinking....thinking about the Roman legionaries and their thin sandals they wore covering many Miles of stone pave Roman roads...hmm?

[@joelledevries5124]

@@treebeardtheent2200 I have worn heavy backpack while wearing barefoot shoes. The first time I did this I noticed that my heels started hurting very fast which is not illogical If you think about how barefoot shoes work. So I started to search on de correct way of walking and out of most sources I do understand that also walking on the forefoot it better, at least in barefoot shoes off course. But even wearing normal shoes people do recommend landing on your forefoot. I have been using this method and it is working for me.

[@treebeardtheent2200]

@@joelledevries5124 Since my last comment, I studied the caligulae ("boot sandals" I call them) worn by the legionaries. I'm being inclined to think that heel walking/running is just wrong all around. Dancers don't do it, Boxers don't do it, martial artists don't do it, equestrians don't even do it.

[@joelledevries5124]

@@treebeardtheent2200 yea I think the same thing.

[@greenyankee]

If only all bootmakers would steal from Limmer's classic (and unpatented) design and make the seam only on the instep (seamless heel). Have a pair of Limmer Light Weight boots (made by Meindl) and they are great for this issue. However, they are heavy duty hiking boots and I wish barefoot manufacturers like Vivobarefoot and Softstar would copy this.

[@garyhynes]

Thanks for the review. Very good. Can you tell me if these are Tracker 1 or 2 boots? I just bought 2 pairs of the 1, they went for 41euro each on their website. Going cheaper now that the 2 is out I guess, but probably still a decent start for that price.

[@matthewgarland693]

How does the width of these compare to other vivo shoes? I have some trainers that are wide enough, but I wish they were even a little wider

[@dr.ryanbland6973]

I live in Washington and it is muddy and wet how good are these at keeping your feet dry?

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

I've been hiking a lot in rather wet snow lately... never had any issues with wet feet so far.

[@Flyboard12345]

Great 👍 video

[@TheMillertym58]

well this is probably too late but if I were in your shoes... boots rather. I would find the thinnest neoprene I could find and glue it over the problem area. but I would do it resentfully because you should never have to modify a product that pricey.

[@jacobkolberg6861]

What size are you wearing

[@krimke881]

Leather boots have to be wore in. So it actually will hurt the first times, and it will get better. It's not like sneakers made of rubber. Did we forget that?

[@maricpredrag6055]

hi, can you do update of those shoes after using them almost one year?

[@giantslug6969]

Barefoot shoes eased my foot problems

[@armandvanderspil4905]

Je kan met lijm een stukje stof in de schoen plakken

[@mykie1795]

Try the next size up

[@harpocrates302]

He should try the next size down, the chaffing could be occurring because his foot is not big enough to mould into the frame of the boot.

[@lauralucy1]

Someone here in Ireland would love an update before I buy 🙋🏼‍♀️☘️

[@brettfliesser]

Have you looked into the brand Xeroshoes? They have 2 hiking boots, the Xcursions (which are waterproof) and the Daylight Hikers (not waterproof). Definitely worth considering if your shoes are causing you issues. I had the xcursions but had to return Bc they were too small. Looking to get a new pair soon I think.

[@nh8324]

I really want these but they are sold out ;((

[@alcurtis93]

I would re-waterproof your old boots

[@alcurtis93]

Sounds like your Achilles has shortened from very cushioned shoes that aren't zero drop so will take time to get used to maybe?

[@stefanienia3914]

Hello Andy, Thank you for this video! It's good to know that the running with this shoe on this trail is fun. (I tend to run for some parts too) I have a question which make my decision for buying a hicking- trail- barefoot shoe a bit difficult. The big promises of the company itself is not that helpful. So I ask you! How is this shoe working on very stone- & rocks - based gounds? Especially on Crete the stones and rocks are sharp and have spikes ( Spitze Kanten). This is a big point for choosing the right shoe. Crete is one of my every- year- hicking-part. So, could these shoes deal with challenge of this kind of trails? If you find the Moment to answer I would appreciate that. Thank you !

[@MrOutdoorAdventure]

Honestly I didn't come across a trail with many sharp rocks so far in these shoes. But I had no painful situation because of the thinner sole. It is thin enough to let me feel the ground but also thicker than the ones from other, lighter barefoot shoes. To put the sole to the test, I've made some steps on the spikes on the bottem of my snowshoes. That might be a similar terrain... It is not that you wouldn't feel the spikes but it's not painful neihter. With my older, more traditional hiking boots I would for sure feel them less but I would wear the barefoot boots on this surface as well. I think they can handle it and I like that I can feel what I am walking on. I hope this answer is helpful and have a good time on Crete, it is so beautiful there. Been there once many years ago.

[@stefanienia3914]

@@MrOutdoorAdventure oh this helps me a lot! With your testing on your snowshoe as well I think I get an impression how they could work on my trails. Thank you so much !! Have a great day 🌟 Greetings, Stefanie ☀️

[@kujda22]

Hi there, I have 3 Vivobarefoot shoes with various thickness. I live in Ireland and hike on very sharp cliffs and rocks. Even in the thinnest sole (on the Gobi shoes) it doesn't hurt. If you want to be more comfy, go for the Trail SG or FG. I've been waiting to get these Trackers for months but they're out of stock. Also, if they're your first barefoot shoes, make sure to walk in them first before going for a hike. It's a process that your feet have to get used to it because you've been walking "wrong" all the time wearing shoes with heel protection. It'll hurt at the beginning. It took me a month of daily walking to stop walking heel first (even if you don't realize you're doing it!). Now I can't go back to "normal shoes" anymore and I only wear barefoot.

[@stefanienia3914]

@@kujda22 thank you a lot! I appreciate you're sharing your thoughts and experiences! I will keep that in mind. Thank you! ☀️

[@tevystesrevoliucija3777]

Put packers where your heel is.

[@eliameierhofer]

Des is aba en coles Videa!

[@carbonshadowLaw]

Tight

[@user-ks1ze4io6b]

1:38 hiking is not comfortable in general

[@jaroslavbenes3963]

Yeh, well, but for how long. No Vivo can last longer than a year and they are ridiculously expensive. I have tried it four times. Twice it was even less than half a year. Never Vivo again. Contrary the Merell in now making barefoot I have almost two years with no damage, and for half a price.

[@AllenLindig]

Hasn’t been my experience; have had three pairs now that have been put though hell and back, and amazingly look, feel, and perform great still almost two years later. Most durable shoes I’ve bought. The leather can be a beast to tame, though.

[@janekay4147]

All shoes have to be worn in..

[@eliameierhofer]

Supo!

[@carbonshadowLaw]

You have them to thight

[@Oni-One]

Fantastic video!

[@blackjohnny0]

Are they good on rockies?