What I REALLY think about Barefoot Shoes

[@romeandcurry6915]

I’d had lower back pain my whole adult life - I’d been told it was inevitable due to a sit down job and being tall - it got very very bad, I tried chiropractors, shoe inserts - I was proscribed pain killers . I tried vivo’s 7 years ago and after 6 months switched 100%. My back hasn’t hurt since - I mean at all, ever. Never ever going back.

[@JohnnyMotel99]

You don't mention doing lower back excercises. The 'plank' is one of the best.

[@romeandcurry6915]

Might have helped but it seems just switching to these shoes with no additional exercise worked.

[@DJVOutdoors]

Altras are better as more cushioning and higher and wider toe box

[@zodoGames]

​@@DJVOutdoors Not better just different. Depending on what you're doing the cushioning can be bad. I'd rather not have it.

[@paulamoreton6522]

I love my vivobarefoot trackers. They are so comfortable. I have completed Hadrians Wall Path in them and a week hiking in the Lake District. I am currently backpacking The Coast to coast in them. I'm in my 60s. ❤

[@Des911]

I've never been camping nor ever wanted to, but have watched your videos and found them interesting. I don't know why it is but I found the way you talk quite soothing and relaxing. Good to have found you 👍

[@freddiemercerful]

Hopefully the manufacturers will make a proper 4 season bare foot hiking boot soon.

[@calcom193]

Odd recommendation for the heel issue but most trail runners come with a second top lace hole. You can tie a ‘runners knot’ that locks the heel down and prevents movement and rubbing. I have to do it in most my running gear to prevent movement.

[@matthewcollis6259]

I've been converted to barefoot shoes for over 2 years now. I was involved in a hit and run and ended up with knee and ankle ligament / tendon damage, I tried the more support route and my knee pain got worse. Did some research and reading and went barefoot style and haven't looked back! They are so comfy once you are used to them

[@NotAnotherAdventure]

I have the forest trackers and although I've only used them 3 or 4 times, but I absolutely love them! They're comfy and the tread is one of the best I've had. I want to get some every day ones as well but I am 100% converted

[@raymondwright8963]

Altra Lone Peaks and Olympus have worked great for me over the last 3 years. I think the wide foot box has provided the most positive impact. No problems multi-day backpacking for a week averaging 17 miles per day (never had a blister). They last longer than some naysayers may suggest.

[@jackduckworth1100]

I bought Altra Olympus 5 GTX after your first Olympus 5 video last year. 600 miles later they’ve been great. Two long backpacking trips with 10kg plus and no issues. Still waterproof too with no treatments at all. Never let anything in. Just invested in Altra Olympus 6 GTX for next year. Main difference for me is that the 6 has fixings for the Altra gaiters to keep stones out. Thanks so much for introducing me to Altra, zero drop and a wider toe box.

[@DJVOutdoors]

These get quite hot inside more of a winter boot cold weather

[@eddieallen6401]

I have two pairs of Vivobarefoot Addis shoes and a pair of their Gobi boots. I haven’t worn anything else on my feet since I bought them. I wear them for work, leisure and cycling (with flat pedals). Since then I’ve had no backache or knee pain. I love the ground feel, stability and sense of connection. I have learned to walk without heel striking and enjoy the feeling of my toes having room to spread and breathe. I’m in the market for the Forest ESC and your review has sealed the deal Paul.

[@MikeRyan-vd1qw]

I live vivos. Its essential that people transition slowly. Once you're used to them you feel like you're walking with super comfortable slippers on all the time

[@SpudUna]

Depends. I jumped into them straight away. No problems at all. I still wear my first pair occasionally. Even with holes worn in the heels. 4 years now. Can’t go back. I also was recommended them for my knees . And my back is not giving me problems anymore either. I was beginning to think my retirement would end my walking. But I’m doing miles now than I ever have done.

[@DJVOutdoors]

Altras better more cushioning and higher toe box

[@sugarloafoutdoors7601]

Chase Mountains was one of the main reasons I moved to Barefoot after watching his videos. My favourite boots are the Tracker Forest Esc like yours, Tracker II FG (my main daily boots) and Magna Lite Esc for summer same grip as the Forest Esc but really light weight.

[@shelleygilbert8025]

I switched to zreo drop (altra olympus) and then very quickly bought the same vivo boots you have about 12m ago and honestly, they changed my life for the better. I had problems with knee, hip and back pain which is not a problem any more. I have better strength and better balance and the same goes with me, i havent rolled an ankle in all the time I've been wearing them. It was you and chase mountains that inspired me to make the switch and give them a go. It definitely takes time and dedication to transition, but i now know that once you go flat, you dont go back!! Great video, as always. Keep em comin. PS decathlon micro spikes do fit vivo boots well enough, but I haven't had the opportunity to try them out yet.

[@BjornAndreasBull-Hansen]

I wear the same and I love them. Much, much better for hips, knees, back and general health.

[@PedalSlip]

I have exactly the same experience with Vivos. My calves hurt for the first few weeks before they adapted and the soles of my feet become fatigued if I'm 10+ miles in. Having said that, they're by far the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned. My balance has always been good but I've definitely seen an improvement using them. For winter, I use merino waterproof socks and the thermal insoles and haven't had any issues (although I might not be getting out when its as cold as you do). Interestingly, when I wear dress shoes (for weddings and stuff like that) my legs really hurt. I think. my body must've just adapted to the barefoot shoes I've been wearing for the last 5 years or so.

[@paulscribbans7850]

I did the Dales way in Merrell barefoot shoes. Absolutely fine - although I had worn barefoot shoes daily for over a year previously. You have to let your body adapt to walking/running the way it was designed.

[@ek-nz]

I have these too. Walking in them in the outdoors really makes me happy. I just love feeling the earth with my feet, it feels so great. I seek out different textures to walk on. Haven’t worn them on more than a long day hike so I don’t know about packs more than about 5 or 6kg.

[@rttd]

I've a pair of Vivobarefoot shoes as my day to day shoes. Walking to the shops, going to the gym etc. They are fantastic, I absolutely love them. I've had foot pain forever, and standing for a while and my arches would be killing. Never had it in my Vivos.

[@TheLive2pedal]

Exactly my experience with Vivobarefoot, all my daily footwear is Vivobarefoot and I moved over to these 4 years ago to resolve a plantar issue from running. I have the Forest ESC and they are the most comfortable boot or item of footwear I have owned. However, for multiday hikes, or lakeland hiking you need something to cushion the foot from rocks. For that I have Altra Olympus Boot. For anyone making the switch, it takes time, for me it was 12 months before my feet stop feeling tired at end of a work day.

[@dutchtacos]

I'm 29, weigh 155, I have a host of lower leg issues. Been wearing zero drop for over a year, and "barefoot" zero drops for about 6 months. Stack height shoe used depends on activity. But I have yet to find any relief from pain or any improvements in strength etc. I still will continue to follow this path though due to the wide toe boxes - which is almost exclusively associated with these types of shoes and helps comfort for my wider, stubbier feet. So far, the topo athletics are the best i've used and actually verge on providing some relief though they are 5mm drop. I wear xeros around daily. Altras occasionally. It's an interesting trend but I'm not sold on the benefits that are touted by most of these retailers... at the end of the day you need to exercise and do strength and conditioning training adapted to the activity you are trying to consistently do, things like these shoes beyond that are negligible to me thus far. The only real difference I notice is the lack of energy return. Fatigue comes quicker in barefoot shoes, immensely quicker. The energy return provided from "regular" shoes is noticeable when it is not present. Also when a rock jams into your foot wearing xero shoes lol.

[@Uploaderization]

If you would ever want to try some more ordinary shoes with wide toe boxes, Meindl have a series of different shoes / boots with that feature. They call it "comfort fit". I'm sure there are other brands too.

[@daviess77]

Totally agree with all of this. Love my Vivo's and they are my main hiking boot now. Only time I have had a problem with them was on a wild camping trip in the Lakes. The thin soles and lack of cushioning coupled with a full pack (15kg ish) and rocky fell top paths wasn't the most comfortable experience. However, for normal day to day hiking, even long distance, recommend 100%

[@user-wt8jp4qx6l]

My partner and I have spent many holidays, self-supporting backpacking and wild camping, in the Pyrenees, 3 to 4 weeks at a time, along the High Level Route during summer. We've carried (at the start, when fully loaded with food) 16Kg rucksacks (a Hilleberg akto tent for us both). About 15 years ago we shifted from wearing lightweight walking boots, to wearing Inov-8 fell Roclite running shoes . It's important they're not gortex lined. They are great, and far better grip than any vibrim soled boot.

[@wandering_not_lost]

Paul, I'm grateful to you for making me aware of zero drop footwear. I've switched to Altra Timp boots and Altra Lone Peak trail runners for my hiking and general wear and it's really helped reduce my knee pain. I was lucky that I have quite strong calfs anyway but there is a bit of extra effort required from the calfs but for me it's been a very positive move. Another benefit of trail runners over traditional boots is that they're so light. Over the course of a long day it must be the equivalent of several tonnes less lifting, that means my legs are less tired at the end of a day hiking. Thank you.

[@nickfry7705]

I have also transitioned to Fell Runners from hiking boots. Your comment about transitioning is very valid. First walk I did was the Edale Skyline (which was quite a tough challenge for me) and towards and the end I was having severe foot muscular pains. Guess it wasn't their best christening. I'm assuming ones feet and muscles do have to adapt over a few walks or wear every day for a while. Following that I have worn them for virtually all rambles over last 3 years and never had any more problems whatsoever and like you counter-intuitively never rolled an ankle. Love wearing them as they are so comfy, surefooted, cool and lightweight. They are my day to day and rambling footwear of choice nowadays. I do still revert to my Altbergs for wet and boggy or deep winter though and no real complaints about them at all, it's just that the trail runners are so nice to wear.

[@adrianswriting]

I very much enjoy my Vivobarefoot Primus summer thin-sole trainers. I wore a pair out and bought some more. I love feeling the ground beneath my feet. My knees are fine now, and they have played up in the past, but I've no idea if that's the vivo's or my better diet (no wheat or alcohol, swapped most of my carbs for healthy fats and protein). I also have spoon-like feet, and vivo's help them spread out and not get squashed.

[@Sam-e5p8h]

55yrs old with lots of arthritis, however, 18 months ago I heard of barefoot shoes for the first time. I tried the Hobibear brand on Amazon. I know they are a budget brand but after spending a couple of weeks getting used to them I would never go back to regular shoes for my everyday. On occasion I still use my very trusty army patrol boots but I have to say, my feet have never been better and I find barefoot shoes outlast traditional footwear by miles.

[@thehikingbiker9254]

Best boots I've ever had. Comfort, knees are absolutely loving these boots and I definitely feel the science behind them. Would never go back to normal.

[@cabbagemechanic]

I bought a pair of the Vivo Barefoot after watching an earlier video and they did wonders for my right knee. Thanks for sharing!

[@matty741]

Love barefoot shoes. I started in them a few years ago while I was still serving in the army and it helped me with my knees so much. I actually started running with nothing on my feet for a while, just on camp mind you. But year i love them. Quick shout out for the thumb nail Paul, really cool. 🤙🏻

[@devjon123]

A really thought provoking video. I have a very high instep on my right foot which is 2 cm wider, and 2 cm shorter than my left. I wear UK 9 or 9 1/2 sized shoes. Measuring my feet using the guide on the Vivo website tells me that my right foot is UK6 and right foot UK8 which just seems wrong.

[@paularoberts8540]

Just completed Glyndŵr’s Way in a pair of Altra Olympus 5. The first time ever, I’ve walked a long distance path without blisters. Love the extra space in the toebox. Thanks for the review.

[@theaccidentalhiker]

I absolutely love my Vivo’s, game changer for me on multi day hikes

[@andrewbaxter9395]

I swear by my Altras. I definitely agree that you need to take time to adjust but for me it was simple enough. I suffered with foot (bunion) and knee pain from walking and spent years buying increasingly cushioned and high drop shoes thinking the answer was more cushioning and arch support. It just made things worse because my toes were cramped into a narrow toebox and my toes, arch and calves had less to do so they weakened which then made me heel strike sending the shock through my heel to my knees and hips. Someone said to buy foot shaped shoes instead of shoe shaped shoes and they were right! Free toes, no heel strike and stronger arches. I would say if you experience pain or breathe a huge sigh of relief when you take your shoes off chances are zero drop barefoot will help 🙂

[@KNURKonesur]

I've got achilles tendonitis and barefoot shoes have been a heaven sent. I can hike for a day and not wake up to excrutiating pain having to stretch a rock solid tendon for half an hour before I can walk anywhere. Vivos are way too expensive, so I get Saguaro with some discount codes. My feet ruin shoes too fast for me to afford spending 500 quid a year just for shoes/boots.

[@paullaw5035]

I will say I have the vivobarefoot and love them, the aftersales support is brilliant and I wouldn't hesitate in buying again

[@SheriffCartman]

I love my tracker ESC boots so much I bought a second pair in case they stop making them in the future, which they likely will at some point, or change them for the worse. There is no better feeling than going for a walk and knowing you can go straight through the deep mud and not worry about it. Stop avoiding puddles/mud and you will be mentally much happier (I dare say even enjoy it) when you don’t care and just go straight through the mud!

[@bigdru777]

Great review! I am new to zero drop shoes and have been wearing them consistently about 4 months or so. I have the Olympus 5's also Climbed Mt. Elbert (a 14er ) in them here in Colorado, and they are great! No complaints. I previosuly tired the new iteration (Olympus 6's) but didn't like them because of the new heel cup design - gave me blisters on the side of my heel during a 12 mile backpacking trip. I just ordered the Tracker Forest ESCs and am excited to test them out!

[@benvivian8040]

Nice one Paul. I’ve worn barefoot 95% of the time for the past 5 years. I agree with all your comments. It’s a personal choice. One thing you didn’t mention and I think is worth stating - I have adjusted my stride pattern in wearing them. I am lighter in contact and take shorter strides with a higher cadence compared to when wearing cushioned or supportive shoes and boots. Also another point is I have tried more cushioned shoes for the reasons you’ve described (to go farther) and I tried a pair of Altra Olympus at Outside in Hathersage and I felt really unstable and so didn’t buy them. It’s a strange thing that having gotten used to the stability of being grounded, I now find cushioned shoes weird. 11:27

[@rudmerv]

I've worn Vivos as my daily shoe since they first came out in mid 2000s. Great shoes, but getting to be very expensive here in NZ. I have worn Vivo trail runner shoes with a heavy pack in our mountains when my Scarpa leather boots blew out half hour into an overnight hike. Carrying a heavy pack was fine for foot stability etc , but the lack of cushioning did give very tired soles after 2 days walking on hard alpine terrain. I happily wear Vivo trail runners on trails and with light packs. Hiwever, for carrying heavy packs and going off trail in alpine terrain I will wear boots with more cushioning.

[@KimTebrok]

Wow. For years I’ve been wearing rigid walking boots & every few miles have had to remove them & massage my feet because they seem to get locked & become V painful. Think some of it is arthritis as I’m now 70. But, this has really opened my mind. Will have to try a pair. Thanks for the advice.

[@Rob-zv1oz]

Vivobarefoot do a 100 day money back guarantee.

[@The88Nomad]

Thank god you have a video about your shoes. I've been trying to find their name in your videos, because they look so cool!

[@ShazBookOwl]

I agree - foot wear is very personal. And of course the other consideration is the local conditions in which you're likely to hike. Shoes are definitely an investment - that said, you only have one pair of feet, so cheap shoes are NOT the way to go. Buy what you can afford, save up if necessary. Same here in Australia - I have not been able to locate a physical shop to try these on. Am happy with my current Arc'Teryx hike boots - but always listening out for good reviews on other brands. Thanks for sharing

[@chrisar2252]

I totally agree with everything said, I generally use trail shoes and accept the wet feet, I'd recomend trying the inov8 trailfly g270, a bit less cushioned than the altras but I've found them grippy, very robust and more flexible on the foot. Inov8 aren't as good for minimalist shoes as they used to be but the g270 is still very good.

[@kimberlym4289]

I'm wearing very thin BeLenka shoes for hiking and I've noticed that for more Alpine terrain with lots of rocks, my feet have been suffering. I've never heard of Altras but it sounds like just the shoe for my through hikes/alpine terrain. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@bradfieldb]

Ditto been barefoot shoes for a little over a year now, they take some adjusting to (I’m over 60) that said hip and knee pain is soo much less, uneven adverse camber pavement walking the dog is much easier to navigate but not an overnight swap

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

I tried zero drop shoes about 8 years ago and have never looked back. All manner of pain and ankle instability is gone. Thanks Altra!

[@pw5842]

Really informative. Thank you. Like yourself, I use a combination of low and zero drop shoes depending on the situation. I find some drop helps over longer distance however, that is more likely due to my lack of lower leg strength than the zero shoes.

[@mandyinabudhabi]

Good topic. I’ve been wearing viva barefoot for the gym for a couple of years. Then started wearing the outdoor casual for everyday use. So now when I put on my trusty old hiking boots, for the first time my tootsies are sore and had an odd blister due to my feet spreading. I’m in a quandary about spending £200 odd on the viva barefoot hiking boots 🤔 Chase Mountains is brilliant, I try to do some of his exercises.

[@mtadams2009]

I love how my zero drop Altra’s fit and feel but because of a past Achilles injury I can’t wear them for any length of time. If not for this past injury I am sure they would be my go to shoes. In the U.S. they are very popular, especially for long distance hiking.

[@Dutcharmytent]

I ditched my work boots for walking when I retired and now wear wide “Sketcher Air Sole” trainers every day now. Turned my ankle over so much before. Forest and trail walking is a doddle now.

[@martinkemp5378]

Great overview of the Forest Tracker Esc. I've had pretty much the same experience of the boots over the last 18 months having completed the Cape Wrath Trail, the Skye Trail, a TGO Challenge and, just last week the Kungsleden Trail in Sweden. I'd find it hard now to ever go back to conventional walking boots. That said the only problem I have had with them, particularly on the very rocky Kungsleden, is the lack of any real toe protection. Kick a rock and chances are you going to feel it !

[@esbenbaes7067]

How did you find the Forest ESCs in terms of water ingress and drying afterwards. I am bound to do the TGOC in 2025 and am looking for a pair of zero drop boots that are water resistant while also drying somewhat faster than barrier lined boots/shoes. My experience from Scotland is that quick drying trail runners are only good if there is ample time for them to dry out which is rarely the case in Scotland. For reference I’ve hiked the WHW in weather resistant Lone Peaks and the Skye Trail in Xero Scrambler Low non-weather resistant shoes. On the latter trip I had wet feet for 7 days which I don’t particularly fancy.

[@WalkWithWallace]

A good honest perspective, I can only wear my Vivos a short distance before I feel a bit of fatigue in my heels and must admit I’m concerned about developing Plantar Fasciitis 😬 they’ve been relegated to dog walk shoes.

[@daviemaclean61]

A good, well balanced video. You're right, they're not for everyone and research is key. Cheers.

[@shougo4453]

Love your channel! Zero drop shoes with foot shaped last had resolved my Achilles pain. Mostly been trail running with the Altra Superior or Mont Blanc. I use the Olympus or Timp Hiker for backpacking..🏃‍♂🏃‍♂🏃‍♂

[@stevekent3991]

I started wearing five finger shoes about 15 years ago. Been wearing minimalist footwear ever since. I second advising newbies to spend a few weeks getting used to minimalist footwear. Your calf muscles will start working much harder than you will be used to.

[@feltusfeicit]

I moved to Barefoot (mostly Xero) about 7 years ago because of foot issues, realizing that the first thing I'd do to get comfortable was to take off my shoes. Hiking I find the ankle security of not being on stilts to be a huge benefit. However I am only a day walker, never a really heavy pack.

[@carbonnieferrous2689]

Ive got Lone Peak and Olympus Altra trail runners. Did the Cleveland Way last year. Found that I couldnt go back to my Meindl boots after that so I went for a pair of Grisport leather boots for winter which advertise as broad fitting and lightweight. Found that you could wear them straight from the box and so far so good. They are made in Italy and are half the price of the Meindls which are going on e bay.

[@graham8854]

Thanks for sharing this information Paul. I tried Altras but like you found they didn't last that long. I then found Topo make zero drop, foot shaped shoes with a little more cushioning. I'm on my 2nd pair now after the first pair had well over 1000 miles on them (trail and road running). Uppers were still good but understandably the sole grip had worn out. Gonna try a pair of vivo's out next as a day shoe.

[@wescam]

While people with serious pain should consult a medical professional, my journey to barefoot actually started with a doc telling me to wear higher stack shoes and a custom insert for planar problems. It worked, but I developed pain in the front of my knees. PT worked on that and led me to zero drop and eventually barefoot (Xero, Vivo, etc). I only do about six miles a day. Might still use Atra or Topo on a serious venture.

[@davehumpleby3440]

I wear Keens. They are the only brand I've found that comfortably accommodate my wide feet. Even other 'wide toe box' brands rub. I appreciate this doesn't relate to the Subject of zero drop, but if anyone is looking for properly wide footwear for comfort, I'd give Keen a try. And no, I'm not sponsored by them. Nor do I get freebies, discounts or kickbacks. I just really like them and maybe this will help someone else who has spent years suffering with wide feet stuffed in narrow footwear.

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

I switched to Lone peak Altra 7s as I have a small but relatively wide food. I find them extremely comfortable and light. For one thing I’ve saved a kilo and a half over my heavy boots. If I’m going over boggy terrain I wear waterproof socks and small gaiters. I also use 3FEET high arch inserts which give added cushioning and fix my inclining foot gait. They are not a. Gimmick, for me they are a game changer. It’s worth getting assessed re your gait and stance as a knee problems may be due to this issue. Older guys like me are often too heavy and need to eat better and lose weight. Sometimes such as in snow I use heavy boots but 99% of the time I use trail runners.

[@raymondlogister6828]

you have also the altra olympus gtx mid. They are waterproof. I step 4,5 years ago to Altra zero drop because the knee pain and it helps me a lot. It is not complete over but much less pain.

[@keithmcmean4902]

Very much like you Paul I suffered from knee and hip pain while walking. I switched to zero drop shoes, trainers and boots around 3 years ago and never looked back. I think I was one of the lucky ones as my transition was quite short. Now I wear Altra trainers, Olympus 5's, during spring and summer and Altra GTX low and mid shoes and boots autumn and winter. Last week we were in Glencoe and walked the Lost Valley. I used the Olympus 5's for that walk. Next month we're off to walk Ben MacDui in the Cairngorms and no doubt the weather will dictate what I wear. I am 66 but love being in the hills and mountains. Wearing zero drop shoes has transformed this for me but as you rightly say it's not for everyone. I tried the Vivo's but couldn't manage the lack of cushioning. Don't do what others do, do what suits you. See you on the hill.

[@PaulMessner]

Couldn’t agree more. We are all different so we need to try new things to see what works best for each of us. 👍🏻

[@ModestasLukauskas]

I walked the entire JOGLE in 59 days wearing Altra Lone Peak 6 and didn’t get a single blister. This was a stark contrast to when I walked the C2C in boots and got a blister by the third day. Since then, I've only worn Altra.

[@MichaelAndersen_DK]

There are "go to the pub shoes"? Only in England, haha!! But I'm with you on the Olympus ones. I'm on my 3rd pair and only use boots in snow or around freezing

[@timh847]

I wonder if high cusion insoles would fit in the Vivos. For longer distances

[@childcrone]

I got that model for wet-mud-snow, off-road, woodsy pasture work & hiking. I and my feet are happy through all of that. Being a horse-owner I couldn't help noticing those yellow-flowered plants in the fields you're hiking through: that's toxic tansy ragwort. Don't pick it or otherwise touch with bare hands :~)

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

I switched to Altra Olympus about 3 years ago and haven’t looked back. I dread having to put the boots back on for winter walking so I’ve just purchased the goretex version of the Olympus 5 as I can’t stand narrow fitting shoes these days. Hopefully they will keep me out of the boots for all but the worst conditions!

[@ScreamOG1]

I have Achilles tendonitis, struggled with it until I bought my waterproof Zamberlan Hiking boots. Replaceable sole, probably going to outlast me, classic old stiff boot for me!

[@AB-qp6yj]

Good balanced honest to goodness video. Vivo barefoot essentially warm dry climate, low level low mileage, perhaps light weight backpacking short distance footwear for me. Trail runners essentially too flimsy.

[@deadprivacy]

The tracker decon is a great boot even in summer tgey breathe wellamd saw thriugh a winter, .good luck finding them though. And go for the ones with stitched on soles ..not cheap

[@miken7629]

I am 70 and Zero drop shoes cured my knee pain, foot adaptation took about 6 months, at 11 months am running again without knee pain although calves get a workout, totally a muscular run.

[@consecuencias.imprevistas]

Thanks for the honest review

[@kernowoutdoors]

Great stuff !! Many thanks, appreciate your honesty and input

[@TheThorntonBrapper]

I've just got a pair of these and I'm impressed. I have a problem though, they rub that badly on my inner-right ankle that it is now bruised and I can't go out in the boots due to the pain. Did any of you experience this on 'breaking them in'? Many thanks!

[@deanoboland]

I brought a pair of shoes from your previous video, haven’t looked back no more knee pain 👍

[@h533feg]

I've been a convert to barefoot shoes for years now. I love my Vivobarefoot Trackers, but they aren't robust, they split and crack at the foot crease (and then leak) and are also not grippy at all on muddy surfaces (this is the original Trackers) so don't expect more than about 500miles from a pair. I'd like to try the more aggressively soled Forests you've been wearing.

[@colingraham6125]

Hi Paul, First off, your videos are a joy. I genuinely look forward to each of them. Hope your ears were burning today, I was speaking about your videos and a mate of mine loves hiking, biking, and simple camping. Today, though, he made me think about an idea of mini adventures after work. I wanted to ask if you have ever tried anything like it? The idea is to leave work already kitted out, camp, then head back to work the next day. What are your thoughts?

[@infinty1412]

The Vivo Barefoot shoes and boots are awesome AND they have a 100 day no quibble, return if you don’t get on with them warranty. ALSO, If you signup to their newsletter before purchasing your first pair you get a 10% discount. No, I don’t work for Vivo Barefoot.

[@tizdaz5698]

if ya get wet feet due to lots of rain etc, Sealskinz Waterproof Socks... They are 100% waterproof & also breathable, I do lots of MTB'ns/Bike Packing mostly in wales & soon doing a 7 day bikepacking trip in not so sunny scotland! my last trip, my mtb shoes legs got soaked due to water logged trails, my feet however, were bone dry! because i was wearing sealskinz socks, quite pricey, but worth every penny imo as there is nothing worse than wet feet when outdoors! They are available for all different types of use/thickness also depending on weather etc as you don't want to be wearing a winter pair for summer and vice versa! ;) but yeh i highly recommend them and in my experience, the only sock out there that is truly 100% waterproof, and ive tried a few over the years!

[@melissa377]

What's the brand called?

[@tizdaz5698]

@@melissa377 Sealskinz ;)

[@manuelh.4147]

I've got those and they are the best on natural ground. If you walk a lot on gravel roads they aren't as great. I prefer boots with a stiffer or more cushioning sole. Also, when going uphill a lot, I feel it affects the achilles tendon a bit. Regarding the weight, they weigh as much as my Meindl boots, I don't think they are particular lightweight. they are lighter than boots for the alps. Currently I'm looking for trailrunners for longer distance. I had some Altra Lone Peak 8 but sent them back. They are very narrow and didn't fit. They also felt very flimsy.

[@CristiNeagu]

Been wearing Xero Prios for a year now. And it's been really good. They're not as durable as they claim they are, and you will feel everything you're walking on, so I wouldn't recommend them for wild trails. Great driving shoes, though. I also have their Xcursions, and those are much better for outdoors stuff, but they're also not waterproof, as they have mesh for breathability. With this type of shoe I really like the open toe box. The zero drop is not an essential feature for me. And it's kinda nice that they're so light. And being in touch with the ground more does help you have a surer step. But they're pretty expensive for what they are, and seems to me like they really need to introduce some essential features that hiking shoes must have, like being waterproof, or supporting your ankle so you don't twist it. All in all, I do recommend people give this type of shoe a try. There's loads of brands and models and price points.

[@JulianHaeger]

I spotted you were wearing the forest esc the other day and asked how you got on with them, this is a far more detailed answer than I expected! I already pulled the trigger and have a couple of pairs in different sizes which I'm trying to decide between walking round the house. One pair feels a good fit all over but I wonder if it's giving my toes all the room they'll need, the other has ample room in the toes but is just a touch looser all round. Trying to figure out if the latter are going to be a rubbing issue for me at some point. Always hard to tell without putting more miles in on them than you really can if you want to send them back!

[@borker99]

If you bought from Vivo UK you can send them back up to 100 days after purchase, even if worn outside

[@JCJ7754]

I now hike all the time including on multi day camping trips with the same Vivobarefoot boots, I would not go back. My feet and ankles have never been so strong.

[@SandraOrtmann1976]

We only have gravel roads around here...not sure I could use these. I have started to mostly walk around barefoot at home though...

[@sophianorris-k1v]

I have the same problem as you with wearing holes in the back of shoes. Which patches are you using? I use the Engo heel patches, they are great. I have a love hate relationship with my forest trackers. I love them to wear, but now on my second pair that the ankle lace eyelet rivet has broken, both happened with less than 4 months wear. According to Vivo it is not a known problem.....but two pairs in a row with very little use suggests otherwise.

[@mkscott12]

I have been wearing Treks Airo barefoot shoes and love them

[@CrovieStudio]

Ive been a full convert for 2yrs now, I no longer own a single pair of conventional footwear, no knee pain, no back pain

[@paulietv2162]

This is an interesting video because the logic behind these kind of goes against what I was advised by my podiatrist. I think they would work well for younger people or people who still have a lot of meat around the foot, but as an older guy I have lost a lot of the padding that I used to have on the bottom of my feet and ankles, and I started getting severe pain in the ankle joint a few years back when walking on uneven ground in unsupportive shoes. Therefore I switched to very supportive stability shoes with good padding and with the addition of orthotic insoles, and that improved my ankle overnight. I can tell from the way you are bending these shoes around that my ankle would be killing me if I walked half a mile in those.

[@johng8043]

The old adage "Use it or lose it" comes to mind. I personally prefer to use it. But each to their own!

[@martinmoss317]

Vivo forest tracker esc $270 here in the US ouch!

[@talesfromthebike]

I love barefoot shoes/ wide toe box shoes. My feet increased by a full size over the past 6 years 😁 I was listening to an audiobook called "born to run" and at the beginning of the book he was talking about knee pain and running shoes. Was very interesting We don't hike, but when we go for a walk when off the bikes I slip into my Palladium boots which I absolutely love. Maybe worth having a look at them? Keep doing what your doing. Always watch your videos, even though I hardly comment 🫣

[@SteveBoon-z4u]

For what its worth paul, im with you. I wear that type of shoe too. Every day comfortable.

[@billl8774]

I looked at the comments expecting to find cynicism and all i can do is add to the positive comments and back the findings of Paul and others. After increasing issues with knee pain and with running shop treadmill tests advising evver more supportive trainers i swapped to zero drop mostly minimal cushion shoes 9 years ago and now my legs and feet feel strong. Knee pain now minimal which i feel is mostly due to the greatly improved proprioception leading to a softer and natural gait. Negatives, takes time to adapt, my feet got wider, quality of shoe models is variable, wet grip on vivos is mostly poor compared to best trail runners, lastly the best barefoot models are too lightweight for heavy work whether carrying, digging etc . But the +ves for me have been priceless

[@craigmacc1604]

Ive done the Pennine Way and Offas dike path in freet leather boots with a full pack.Apart from long distances on sharp stoney ground they are great.I cant wear traditional boots now they just squash my toes up and its like trying to balance in high heels.

[@shoutatthesky]

The problem with Vivobarefoot is that once you start wearing them all other shoes feel like concrete blocks. I hike in Primus trails most of the year and Trackers in cold weather.

[@samimurtomaki5534]

I Don't know if "If its not broken, don't fix it" is that of an wise advice for thongs that can be adjusted or helped not to broke and if the fixing afterwards can be impossible. Avoiding joint problems before they occur must be way more efficient than trying to fix them aftewards. Anyways, I have some and I'm interested if shoes can meke some difference. I'd probably should keep my knees warmer too.

[@robg521]

After 20 years of knee pain I went to a specialist and got orthotic insoles made to put in my boots and my knee pain went away overnight. When checking my leg alinement the angle of my ankles and feet do not line up perfectly [pronate and supernate issues] this means that every time I place my foot down when walking the mis-alinement throws my knee out to the side on every step. [this also explained why I used to roll my ankle over all the time when running as a kid] The orthotic insole correct the angle of my foot and ankle so my knee remains in the same position when I walk. [35 years later I don’t have knee pain and I don’t roll my ankle over anymore] It was the best thing that I ever did. …….. Saying that I was talking to an orthopaedic surgeon once who dealt with people with spinal issues and he said that heavy duty stiff working boots were the worst thing for a bad back. Because when walking on a rough terrine like a building site all day the ankle cannot move and react to the uneven ground so it throws the body alinement out as you walk. his opinion was the healthy thing for keeping the skeleton alined correctly is to walk in bare feet, but of course the law require you to wear safety boots on construction site so builders with bad backs made up most of his patients.

[@leeendley8009]

I have both these shoes. I first bought the Olympus 5, I then also bought the Olympus 5 hike which is leather and goretex, much sturdier, and waterproof. Interestingly I've just bought another pair of Olympus 5's and I've gone up half a size because my current pair seemed a little small , I'm sure they weren't when I bought them, I wonder if like you the shape of my foot has change. In my late 50s I have arthritic knees , these shoes don't cure arthritis and I can't suddenly walk long distances, but I can walk further and with less pain than in say my regular Nike trainers. The Vivo barefoots are really comfy and great quality but I havent walked great distances in them. I think they are worth trying if you have any knee or foot pain or even if you don't. The human foot should have spread out toes and give lots of support and balance to us when we walk. We haven't evolved over thousands of years to have a toes squashed in pointy shoes, and heals tilting us forward, look at some of the African bushmen who cover miles and miles each day, they are doing it barefoot, I would definitely recommend trying a pair, might not be for everybody, but the majority of people i come across who try zero drop, wide toe box stick with them.

[@childcrone]

Back after finishing the video to say Hear, Hear! for the ChaseMountains channel.

[@jimmyjohnstone5878]

How do your feet cope with long distances on dry hard stoney paths such as at the first sections of the WHW ? Were they ok with trail runners even though your feet are now wider from wearing the wide toe box ones for so long. Were the trail runners just as wide ? I have wide feet and can't stand my toes being squashed. Crocs are my feet shape but they aren't much use for rough ground walking.

[@makesenseofmusic]

I swear by barefoot shoes for day to day wear, especially if doing a lot of walking (at work or on a city break). However, the first time I wore them for hiking. I hurt the bottom of my foot on a particularly gnarly section of rocky pat (Langsett Reservoir). Also Vivo shoes are unjustifiable expensive for myself and maybe most people, though there are budget priced alternatives available on Amozon/Temu etc which to me seem just has good (I've owned Vivo too). Maybe some seal skin socks might be the way around lack of waterproofing. I now tend to wear trail runners for hiking but would like to try barefoot shoes again.

[@bekki2308]

If you ever want to try wider Ahinsa do an extra wide hiking boot. Your feet are wide and you might like the space :)