How These Weird Barefoot Boots Saved My Feet

[@StephenJReid]

Get 20% off with code STEPHEN20 at www.vivobarefoot.com (Doesn't work on items that are already discounted) EDIT: Code has expired, but I’m trying to get a new one

[@russellzauner]

I wore the soles off my Danners in just about a year (back when I used regular boots); how is there any tread left on those? Disclaimer: Vibram FiverFingers for life, so that's an actual question

[@feelinghealingfrequences7179]

nah buy from a USA company like xero out of Colorado

[@johnprice4893]

bought some - thx

[@anthonyparmentier]

Coupon code doesn't seem to work for me. (From Belgium)

[@marconifpv508]

@@anthonyparmentier I've used this discount code 4 times so far but today I checked and it was not working, so it may have been disabled. I think I got a code for joining the mailing list of WELCOME20. If it is your first order it might be worth trying.

[@kevinmoore8780]

Thank you for another good video. Your comments about the boots bringing you joy to bounce around was a great closer. I am thinking more now about buying some although for me, I do have an issue with less protection. I don't want to be 10 km into a hike and have my foot slide forward on a rock and then have an injured toe - that would otherwise be find in a regular hiking boot. I do a lot of shoreline and headland hiking and am on rock very much of the time. This is a prime example of being overtly cautious due to the price and not sure it will serve your needs. BTW I am a recent subscriber to your channel and being in Nova Scotia, Canada, we have much more similar hiking and weather conditions with you in Ireland than we do with most of the rest of Canada. For that reason I learn much more from Irish and UK channels.

[@AliWade1971]

Last year, at the age of 52, I was still having to wear highly cushioned trainers with orthotics, using a disabled parking pass and suffering with extreme chronic foot pain. Now I am wearing barefoot shoes all the time, even hiking and scrambling, not renewing my disabled pass and a lot of my foot/leg pain has gone. I started gradually with some cheap fabric barefoot shoes, but treated myself to a pair of Vivobarefoot trail shoes recently. They are so smart, I can wear them anywhere. I decided last week that I needed a specific walking boot- style pair, as I am walking more (Geocaching is my new addiction 😀). Been researching and Vivobarefoot are high on my list. This video has persuaded me to order a pair. Thank you

[@StephenJReid]

Great to hear barefoot shoes have helped you!

[@luceinbattaglia9425]

❤🔝👏🦾

[@paulbeckwith5981]

A week ago I bought a pair of Tracker Winter 11 SG, having seen reviews on KZbin, I thought I would take a chance on them These are without a doubt the most comfortable boots Ive ever owned, straight out of the box. Now, Im not a hiker, but I walk the dogs in the great outdoors, nature reserves, beaches etc I thought I would break the boots in by wearing them round the house for a few days, an hour after putting them on I walked a couple of miles with the dogs over varying terrain, I could not believe how comfortable they were, no rubbing, no aches, no odd muscle pain, just super comfortable. I expected the “feel everything under your feet” experience to be odd and a bit “ouchy” but the opposite is true, it inspired confidence, grip seemed improved over a more traditional hiking boot, picking my way over big patches of beach pebbles was sooo much easier, in regular boots I would often almost turn my ankle, not in the new boots. Its fair to say Im very impressed with these, a second different style pair is in the mail….

[@morzh1978]

2:00 this terrain layout and especially the moment of crossing the creek over a log... excellent

[@olirc]

Same, I got really sick of rolled ankles. I switched to barefoot shoes about 2 years ago and not a single rolled ankle. I love my Trackers. Fab boot.

[@StephenJReid]

Oh good! I’m glad you’ve had the same experience, good to know it’s not just me. 🙂

[@gordonprice695]

Same here. Years and years of regularly rolled ankles. Switched to various kinds of barefoot shoes and now rolls are a stumble while running on a horse trail in Five-Fingers, not hitting the ground rolling an ankled just walking on the sidewalk. The last year has been 20 km + a day walking dogs at shelters in Ukraine, and I brought four pairs of different Vivo's and two pairs of Five Fingers. Walk on pavement, walks on trails, running with dogs through the forest wild man style. Love it!!!!

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

I use running shoes and never twisted my ankle.

[@gordonprice695]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 Lucky you. I have rolled my ankles over and over since I was a teenager. Barefoot shoes are what finally built the ankle strength that now I don't. Trail running and hiking increase the likelihood too.

[@gordonprice695]

@@adventureswithfrodo2721 Good for you. Not for me. Barefoot shoes and the ability of my foot to adjust to the ground made all the difference.

[@jamieorc]

Great review with loads of great humor. I laughed out loud several times. Great job! I've been wanting the Magna Forest ESCs but not in black/black, so have been waiting for a color change. I have a pair of Magna FGs that I've already put over 400 miles on this year. I love them and will be sending them to Revivo over the Winter now that that is offered in the US. So far they are my favorite hikers ever. I had the same ankle-rolling problem in traditional hikers. Several times a years, sometimes a couple times on a hike, I'd roll my ankle. I haven't since going to barefoot shoes. The only shoes I wear now that are *not* barefoot shoes are my dance shoes and sometimes my running shoes. (I had a pair of Vivo all-weather SG Primus that were great for running, except for the tongue cutting into the front of my ankle enough to cause bleeding. Nothing I did softened the tongue up enough, so back they went.) My knees and hips feel better in the barefoot hikers too, though I've also done PT exercises for that. Still, the one time I recently put on my old traditional hikers, I had pain where I just don't usually anymore.

[@Lerxster]

Great honest review. I'm a year into these boots and I have improved stability and a degree of comfort beyond what I have been used to! The waterproofing is definately an interesting topic and my experience is similar. I do not like walking through field of wet grass with these... they do get wet but on a rainy day with puddles and mud they are very resilient. I would find it very hard to go back to conventional boots.

[@RheinalltWilliams]

Great vid. I bought a pair back in January and have done 500+ miles in them. I had no issues with the transition, bought them, put them on and walked, no problems. They're not waterproof, that's for certain but not many boots are in reality, especially living in Wales. When they need it, they'll be revivoed until they can do no more, then it'll be a new pair. My old boots are gathering dust and will continue to do so.

[@Rationalskeptic49]

Just bought them recently. Put them on and they were so comfortable. I intended to transition slowly but took them out on a longer walk than I had meant to and found no problems. I did take a spare pair of boots just in case. Having done 10 years of karate, I think is why I found them so easy to wear. Anyway, I will still be cautious for a few more weeks, but they are now my favourite boots

[@nicklasfisker196]

These are also my go-to hiking boots. I love them. After three months of walking in barefoot shoes daily, my feet hurt tremendously after 1 hour in regular shoes. So I needed to get barefoot hiking boots, I wanted leather and not a membrane(they break down over time). So I ended up with these. My first 40 km hike in them was with zero problem except on the angle, as you mentioned, but it quickly went away. (And I was the only one on that hike without blisters) You need to give leather balm after a hike for them to last. But if you do, they will last for a long time.

[@StephenJReid]

Seems nearly everyone got used to them faster than me! 😂

[@anniwilson2534]

I’ve these in black and absolutely love them! Like you I had some Achilles rub with a new pair, so now I buy Good reconditioned ones from Revivo - they’re already broken in, much cheaper and the sole is brand new anyway. Use mine for mountain hikes and daily dog handling in mud, wet grass etc, feet remain bone dry. I clean the wet mud off after every use and polish weekly with Kiwi / renapur. I hope Vivo continue to make these as IMHO there isn’t a better barefoot boot.

[@Hydrosized]

I wear mukluks all winter in Canada and they feel like walking with warm bare feet in the snow. They are the Tundra model from Manitobah Mukluks.

[@GriffinGuy98]

Was great meeting you atop the peak Stephen! Now a happy subscriber :) Kind regards, Dan & Sofie

[@StephenJReid]

Haha! Thanks for commenting. I still haven’t finished my video of the actual hike, that’s still to come 🙂 Great to meet you both! Danish, not Dutch 🙈

[@lazzy251]

I use them everyday as working boots. I work outside with horses, on the gargen so, very muddy and wet environment and i can say absolutely brilliant. I have other ones (magna and primus) which i use for hiking and into the city. Only thing but it is related to my job that i have to condition them every week to keep their water-resistantance.

[@williscarnegie5527]

I have been wearing these for a year now in Canada, all year round. I love them for hunting season in November when the temperature gets quite cold. There is plenty of room for a nice thick pair of wool socks. My feet stay warm during the stalk. My toes did get cold when we were sat down and waiting for a lengthy period of time. The only other difference from your experience was the break in. I had no issues what so ever. I love these boots, well worth the spend.

[@ek-nz]

I went barefoot a couple of years ago and never looked back (in fact as you say my old boots now feel way too small). I have these exact boots and agree with all your points, though I didn’t get the heel pain. I started with Freet Mudee which are very minimal but have some ankle support, and took it gently till I was used to them. Walked on gravel roads and relearned how to walk gently. Now I wear the Jim Green Barefoot African Ranger every day and have the Vivos for proper hikes. They honestly do make hiking even more enjoyable, it’s not marketing hype.

[@mweingar]

Great review Stephen! Thanks for the analysis. I have recently returned to zero drop trail runners after "losing my way" for a few years with other types of shoes. The open toe box and grounding you get with them allows your feet to exercise with you in a natural way. Your video convinced me to take the jump on these hikers as well. Thanks so much for the introduction.

[@austinado16]

Excellent job creating and editing this video Mr. Reid! Thank you! My daughter and I switched to barefoot style shoes for running, hiking, backpacking, and casual wear, in 2012. She was 12 and I was 49. We purchased Vibram FiveFingers, New Balance Minimus 10V1's, and New Balance MT101's. We ran in the FiveFingers on both road and local hard packed, rock strew trails, and as she entered high school XC and track, she trained in the FF, and raced in them until she was just too fast for them (they're not a fast shoe, or a good racing shoe). She raced varsity XC and Track all 4yrs and was the only athlete on the teams to never have an injury. I used to privately coach her injured teammates, and by getting them out of their heavily marked running shoes (of all brands) I could get their injuries healed, fix their running form, and get them racing up near the top. My daughter and I backpacked R2R in the Grand Canyon with fully loaded packs, wearing the FF's, having backpacked there half a dozen times prior, it was amazing to do it in barefoot shoots. Our feet and legs felt so much better, and because of all the improvements to grip and balance, it was a completely different experience. In 2015 we started running R2R together as an XC run (no poles, no walking), in the FF's, and returned 5yrs in a row, on our birthdays, mid-Aug, because it was such a great adventure run. I'm now 60, still running in the FF's, the New Balance Minimus 10V1's, the Minimus MT1010's, and Merrell Trail or Vapor, Gloves. Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail FG are my work shoe, as a mechanic, and I can get a year out of those soles, standing all day on oily, gritty concrete in a shop. I'm currently training for more Grand Canyon runs, and the first one is in late May. I like to say: Shoes are not a religion, they are a tool. Pick the correct tool for the job, like you would any other tool™ There are rock strewn local trails that I simply won't run on in my FF's (Spyridon or V-Trail 2.0 or Trek Ascent). Sure, I could "trot" along on them for maybe an hour and be fine. But my training is much harder and faster, and I run for several hours. Doing in the FF's is no fun, especially once I've tagged the bottom of my foot somewhere, and then inevitably tagged it umpteen more times in the same place. So in those instances, I wear a barefoot shoe that's better suited: Minimus 10V1, MT1010, or the Trail Glove or Vapor Glove. It all depends what trail I'm running, and how I'm going to run it. When I race a trail half marathon, I don't race in the FF's. I've tried racing trail halfs in them twice, and while it was fun, it quickly became not fun, because they're just too thin when you want to really be putting down the power, or charging the downhills. So when I race, I pick a different tool... typically that's the MT1010's. For those looking to get into minimalist/barefoot shoes (Vivo BareFoot, Vibram FiveFinger, XeroShoes, Lems) I always recommend a very slow transition. The older the person is, the longer it's going to take to get the soft tissues in the feet, ankles, and lower legs, and especially the arch of the foot, to become strong enough to do what they're designed to do. Wear 'em around the house for a few weeks. Then wear 'em all day on the weekends. Then start wearing them while running errands and grocery shopping, etc (time on feet, spent walking around with a purpose). Then go for short walks in the neighborhood. Then start walking on trails....and finally, starting adding more time and mileage. Kids and young adults (teens) can jump right into this style of shoe, and just take off. But if you're an adult, plan on roughly 6 months to really feel great in them, and after a year, you'll be a completely different level of athleticism, no matter what you're doing. This is also a huge thing for elderly people who have doctors who start putting them into those thick soled shoes. That's the opposite of what should be done.

[@vivianbailey5214]

I completely agree with what you say about older people's shoes. I started with VivoBarefoot shoes for walking about 11 years ago at the age of 55. Took some getting used to, but I knew my muscles were learning. When I'd worn those away, I got Merrell barefoot shoes, great for walking in the Cairngorms, but not even water resistant. Recently got the Forest Esc and I love them, they're soooo soft and flexible, and the sole is rugged enough to cope with any terrain while still maintaining proprioception. Also NO BLISTERS! So now, age 66 and able to spend more time hiking, my feet are in better shape shape than they have been since I was a child. Regarding Stephen's comments about Revivo, the cost of this service compares favourably to other boots: I've looked at the price of getting my Scarpas resoled and that was £100+ when including postage. I decided to put that cost towards the new Vivos and discard the Scarpas.

[@austinado16]

@@vivianbailey5214 I'm delighted to hear this! I see all the time here in the US, that "old" people (I'm 60) are being put into stiff, very thick soled shoes, and they are barely able to walk in them. This happened to my former wife's father about 3yrs ago. We are all still very good friends, but I hadn't seen him in a while. He was bobbling around on top of some kind of thick "medical shoe" and I literally said, "What the hell are those and why are you wearing them?" "Oh, a doctor prescribed them so I can walk better. I have a lot of health issues and I can barely get around now." I showed him my Vivo Barefoot Primus Trail FG, gave he and his wife an online link of where to find them, and then started a discussion about the dozens of inflammation creating foods that they every day, their weight gain, and that fact that he'd become diabetic. I'm happy to report that they purchased the shoes and he immediately loved them, started wearing them everywhere, including with a suit to my daughter's wedding, and it motivated him to start making other changes for his health. They started following the Dr. Gundry "Yes and No" food list, cut items containing sugar, corn, and grain out of their diet, lost a bunch of weight, and eventually, he was no longer diabetic. They are both doing fantastic...literally like they are 2 different people. It's amazing, because 3yrs ago, it was so bad that I was thinking, "Well, they won't be around much longer."

[@vivianbailey5214]

@@austinado16 That's amazing! Well done. I'm amazed at the number of folk I know of my age and younger who are on medication for various ailments that could have been avoided by better self-care, and more informed advice. Keeping active outdoors is an important part of this, and the right footwear is a basic to enable that! May the road rise with you.

[@AliWade1971]

Thank you. Great to hear about people loving barefoot shoes

[@user-yv8kd2jo2x]

I've been wearing these for 2 years, a lot of pavement too. They are holding up very well. To help with barefoot transition, i wore other shoes half the time. And off road is more forgiving on the feet than pavement.

[@stefanelf7794]

Thanks for a very thorough review! Similar sentiments to my own: I switched to barefoot shoes gradually by first wearing inexpensive water shoes I bought on Amazon for a couple of hours a day (hot tip!). After a month or two I took the plunge and bought my first pair of Vivobarefoots. Now I own four pairs of Vivos and they’ve completely replaced all of my other shoes. It’s a lot of fun to feel the ground when out walking, it’s like I get to experience my surroundings in a new way. I never intend to buy or wear “normal” shoes again. Learning to walk on the balls of my feet instead of striking the heels has been the key to enjoy these shoes. My strides are shorter but more comfortable now and I never get heel pain even after walking on tarmac all day. Can’t recommend enough.

[@TedGoebel]

I have the same. Worn them almost daily for last yr. Love them! 67 yr old.

[@childcrone]

Ah, nice update; I quite enjoyed this :~) I shared about my pair of these on your The Truth About... video 10 mos ago. I am still beyond pleased with mine. I didn't get the little pot of balm, but was always going to use Sno-Seal anyway. I am one who loves the look of these; 'growly' and purposeful and adventurous. Pretty sure I've watched Mt. Mike's video about them at some point. So cool to see his 4yr/1000+ km look at his pair here, thank you both!

[@wvideoyahoodk]

I have two pairs of Tracker Forest ESC and one pair of Jungle ESC. Love them. Changed my relation to my feet and my way of walking :-) 63 years old and will NEVER wear anything else for the rest of my life. I´ve tried a lot of different boots through these 63 years. Should have started earlier - never too late. Wear them every day full time at work - and have done that since September 2023 - 8 month. A knee problem disappeared completely. I carry a large video camera and tripod for work. 20 kg total and no problem. Often several kilometers a day. My boots are tested seriously. If you trek in a rocky environment people always say that you need more support in the boots. I disagree. I´ve been hunting in Sweden for years in a rocky environment. I used neopren kayak boots to be noiseless. No problems at all. You just change the way you walk. Being more aware of where you place your feet. These boots would have been perfect for that if I had them. If I ever go to Himalya again I will wear Vivobarefoot Forest Trackers ESC. Afters years with a left knee problem I think I know what the problem was with my former hiking boots. They lock my feet because of their support. That locking went into my knee. In my Forest Trackers my feet and my knee works independently thereby not forcing my knee into unnatural angles. And then I love that you show the boots in water ! I use Lundhags Leather Grease very often. If you stay in water it will get in after some time. But it takes a long time if you treat them carefully. We just had a tough winter with lots of snow and water. Used them every day. No problem. Could go on. I’m not sponsored by Vivobarefoot. Just the best boots I have ever had.

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Try the Magna ESC. Far more nimble and comfortable than the Trackers.

[@wvideoyahoodk]

@@CptAngelKGaming i’m with the jungle. Maybe in a year. Now i’ve got 3 lovely pairs of Vivobarefoot. Thanks for your reply 😘

[@valdius85]

Thank you for making a review after one year. Long term reviews are very valuable. Next step - 5 finger socks. 5 toes socks work as well :) Takes some getting used to but I only wear these right now.

[@felix-eeee]

the cold is most likely because of the thin sole, I have worn the magna forest esc for over 3 years hiking and I have their thermal insoles and I haven't had problems with cold, everybody feels cold differently though so it could be that, I have worn them in -5c for hours though

[@SeriouslyJaded]

Been wearing these since last autumn - I'm a big vivobarefoot fan and have had their shoes/boots for 10 years at least - these forest ESC are my favorite by far. So comfortable they are unreal. My only gripe is getting hold of vivo thermal insoles these days is a pain and winters here in Norway are cold, so I wish they came with 2 sets on insoles, one of which would be thermal (it's not as if they are cheap after all).

[@c.d.3485]

I've been in these for nearly 2 years. Wear them every day, all day. I'm a gardener. Wear them at work and hiking coastal paths and moorland. So perfect outdoor foot wear. I don't lace the very bottom eyelets, gives more room for my toes. Biggest problem I had was bruising the soles of my feet on gravel and Rocky ground. So I fit flexible steel safety shoe insoles. Problem solved, and still very fkexible. Best gripping soles of any boot I've ever had. Most waterproof leather boots I've ever had. But you do need to keep well proofed using Renapur wax. No blisters. No roller ankles, or aching knees etc. Can't recommend them enough.

[@protarget1]

Fell walking legend, Alfred Wainwright, in his years of walking, and writing the 7 pictorial guide books on the lakes, spoke about mountain safety. "Watching where one puts their feet speaks volumes for mountain safety"

[@peterjrmoore3941]

got a pair cuppla yrs ago before this style came out - great lightweight waterproof and makes hiking on rough rocky ground easy compared to when i backpacked in vibram fivefinger shoes first got into barefoot shoes when those five fingers first came out. I asked my well-informed physical therapist about what's the big deal about ankle support, and she told me that if your foot is allowed to be flexible then you don't need all of that ankle stuff

[@henrikryhle1536]

Love these boots so much I had to fomo-buy a second pair in case they would stop making them. Bought the second pair from revivo in great condition for almost half the price and they looked like they were worn like once or twice. Been using nothing but barefoot shoes for 10 months and I´m surprised how much shoes can hippiedippie change your life for the better. Great video bud 👍🏻

[@nephicus339]

8:45 - Have you tried switching out the balsam for dubbin? Dubbin is mostly mink oil for most brands; this means it's heavier and greasier. It increases the water resistance in the leather, and I find it moisturizes the leather better. Been using dubbin on all my leathers for 27+- years now. It's a bit much for a pair of unlined ranch hand style gloves, but everything else I prefer dubbin. (Canadian perspective and experience here, for what that matters)

[@tubulzr]

Nice video. Not my kind of boots, I actually walk in pretty heavy and high boots, leather and goretex to keep my feet dry and warm, whether it's raining or soggy bog hikes. I can understand though why folks enjoy barefoot. As kids, me and my brother would walk for hours on gravel/rocky paths barefoot every summer holiday. The first days it would hurt as you were used to 'stamp around' on trainers, the last week we'd be running over those paths. About getting wet feet when walking through grass, once I read an article that especially in morning dew circumstances, grasses give off a bit sugar, which lowers the surface tension, therefore making it easier for the 'sugary water' to penetrate through a membrane/leather. Was an old newspaper article so no link available.

[@Randefelt]

I have been wearing barefoot shoes for about 7 years now and Vivos for 6 of them. I have had quite a few models (3-4 different gobis, magna trail, scott II utilety, 2-3 different primus, addis, tracker forest ESC, ) and my absolute favourite daly is the gobi in leather without any insole or socks, i even hike in summer with them, for wet and cold weather i love the Forest ESC, i the beguinning the Forest ESC put pressure on the inside ankle bone when using the standard lacing method. Good things about vivos is that they are soft and supple and you can change the lacing to pull on one part of the boot and at the same time bee looser on a different part. I use a modified sawtooth pattern from Ian's Shoelace Site and skip the inside roller to relive the pressure on the ankle bone. The sawtooth pattern pulls the inside of the boot up into the arch of the foot making the boot form and making it feel even more like a sock than a boot.

[@vickhines6302]

Thanks for talking about transition. Normal shoes with heels shorten the Achilles tendon. Going too quickly to low rise barefoot shoes stresses the tendon. It took me six months of gradually longer walks.

[@darrenb3551]

I have been doing the barefoot shoes for a while. My wife picked up a pair of those trackers for me a couple of years ago. I really appreciate these boots. I hike in them and camping. They are also great to use for hunting early season. But you will need two pairs of socks in the snow/ winter or some thick alpaca socks. Aside from that well made boot.

[@garysgotatent]

I started with altra and tracker barefoot.i use both for different types of hike.really enjoying the boots.love the way my feet seem to shape to the rock.sports pursuit sometimes have them at almost half price.i,m 67 and basically grew up in plimsoles so the transition for me was pretty quick.

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve a pair of Altra Olympus on the way to try for running. I have a nerve injury on the sole of my foot so for higher impact activities I feel I want a bit of cushioning. I’m maybe just paranoid from when I hurt my foot running in vibram five fingers

[@SteRumbelow]

Really pleased you’re enjoying them, Stephen. I thought you would! They’re a fantastic boot, and there’s lots more where they came from! Once the weather is nice, I’d definitely grab yourself a pair of trail shoes… 😁 Regarding your bit about longer distances, you’ll be surprised how far you can go. I comfortably did the Caledonian Challenge years ago, which was 54 miles in under 24h. Did the Helvellyn ridge a couple of years back with full camping gear, which was around 20 miles. I don’t even consider it anymore, they’re just what I wear whatever I’m doing. Sure you’ll end up the same way!

[@StephenJReid]

I have my eye on the new Hydra ESC, although honestly I’m not sure if they are the right kind of shoes for me to do a lot of running in. I have a bit of a nerve injury on the sole of one foot which for running I feel does require a bit of cushioning. But we shall see!

[@SteRumbelow]

@@StephenJReid I have them, they’re great. I really love the ESC - it’s one of the biggest positives. I do have the Primus Trail shoes, in knit and non-knit and really like them too; though the sole isn’t AS grippy, at least ok damp ground.

[@Trundlebugg]

@@StephenJReid I have reallllly low volume feet so I habitually add insoles to all my shoes and a hack I’ve found that also works with vivos is cutting up a cheep yoga mat to make custom insoles. They take a few hours wear to compact down but you end up with a very thin layer that adds a bit of cushion as well as more insulation, I bought my forests a little big so I could do this and still fit maximum cushion smartwool socks and it’s cosy as hell in snow. It really does help with cold feet and if you have space you can add more layers over time which is what I used to do with my big boots. I’ve yet to find any on the market that are low enough volume for me!

[@chrisdheath]

@@StephenJReid I have the Hydras (as well as the Tracker Forest ESC, the Magna Forest ESC and several other pairs of Vivos), and they're definitely more forgiving over rough ground than the standard FG sole. I struggle a bit with the FG sole over rough ground, but no issue with the Hydras. The Michelan outsole really is great. Do you use the thermal insole in your trackers? I find it really helps with cold weather use. There's a noticeable difference between my trackers with the thermal insole and my magnas with the standard insole when the ground is frozen.

[@mattmathai]

I have a pair of these - well, ones just like them. Ugly, well, unusual, they might be, but they're also the most comfortable boots I've ever worn. My dog and I go on walks almost every day - about 1300 km per year. After 2 years of daily use on gravel covered roads, I'm seeing quite a bit of wear on the soles, but that's to be expected.. I intend to buy another pair the second these are unusable. They've been fantastic for the kind of walking I do. Thanks for the video

[@lackystrike8]

I buyed this boots in the color obsidian at easter sale. I had a really bad experience with them. After 4 hours of wearing them the glue which is connecting the leather to the sole started falling apart on both boots. Then I put them on next morning and while lacing up one of the lacing hooks popped of. I contacted support and will recive my new pair soon. I hope they are better quality. I will update you if I used them for some time.

[@StephenJReid]

Oh yikes, definitely sounds like a bad batch for that to happen immediately. Hopefully they sort that out for you.

[@lackystrike8]

Yeah I hope so, because they were super comfortable and I really liked them.

[@andydt82]

I went for the magna forest esc rather than the tracker, they’ve been excellent and very comfortable after breaking in - the thick leather strap that holds the top eyelet rubbed on my ankle bones to begin with. Still a bit warm for summer, and obviously more susceptible to water getting in through the wool section at the top. Still going strong after 18 months’ use. I have worn barefoot shoes for everyday life for over 10 years so pretty well adapted - but I only run short distances in Vivos and prefer more cushion for decent runs

[@Engrave.Danger]

I bought them to pair with Darn Tough socks as winter boots. They're awesome for hiking and hunting. I can't wear anything that's not zero drop anymore. I prefer the comfort and stability of flat minimalist footwear and normally no more than a few millimeter sole but the additional tread insulates my feet when the ground is cold, so it's the perfect compromise imo.

[@StephenJReid]

Are they good for hunting as you can step more softly in them? I’ll have to investigate Darn Tough socks

[@Engrave.Danger]

@@StephenJReid personally I just feel more sure footed. Darn Tough are just lifetime guaranteed Merino wool socks that are made in the USA, which is where I'm from. So far I haven't had to have any replaced, so maybe it wouldn't matter where they're manufactured.

[@StephenJReid]

@@Engrave.Danger love me a good pair of Merino socks, I’ll have to have a look. I spotted them at the National Outdoors Expo this year but didn’t take a closer look.

[@matthewcollis6259]

@@StephenJReid Darn tough socks are just the absolute boll0x, top quality and no questions guarantee too. They are incredibly hard wearing and comfy and great at wicking away moisture. Like the Vivo's they are not cheap but they are the Top Gun of toe coverings!

[@PeterBonsaiPete]

You can sort out the rubbing on the heal by using a small pin hammer and tapping around the heal from the inside , it will soften the leather. I have done it on many shoes and boots.

[@gregsutton2400]

I bought some vibram 5 toes for canoeing,. But found I could just wear them all day with no arch pain at all. Any shoe I wear with a heal but no stiff shank causes me pain in an hour at the most. So I believe you about these boots.

[@nickgettins6606]

Had mine a couple of years and love them. Hiking and rucking with no problems. I wear barefoot shoes all the time as normal footwear is too tight now.Toe socks help too.

[@jspin33333]

I'd also super recommend Lems as a fantastic minimalist boot/shoe option. Their boots have more of a "normal" boot look which I really like. Their trailhead shoe is such a great inbetween shoe option from a minimalist and normal shoe, I'll cut my feet off if they ever discontinue it.

[@TbonePlummer]

Love mine, changed my walking life and extended it having developed severe Bunyans on both big toes. THEY DO TAKE TIME TO physically GET USED TOO, if you’ve never walked barefoot before, as you are retraining your feet and legs to walk as you’re intended too, allow for that , your calves will thank you in the long term! You also change how you walk I find: you become more aware of the ground beneath your feet, in feel, grip and terrain, but that’s a good thing. Take your time and enjoy reinvigorating your hiking!

[@Kraaketaer]

I gradually switched to barefoot shoes this winter/spring, and while I still have and use traditional running and hiking shoes/boots, that's mainly due to budget constraints and wanting to take the transition as easily as possible as I've had a lot of foot pain pretty much all my life. Still, pretty sure I'll be getting a pair of Tracker ESCs, as they seem pretty much perfect for what I want for hiking. Expensive, yes, but they can clearly last for years if treated reasonably well, and honestly after my experience switching my regular shoes to barefoot shoes, I'm kind of excited to do the same for hiking boots.

[@johnprice4893]

sounds great I have large feet 14s and hate boots, i love inov8's with zero drop - a lb on the foot is 5 on the back

[@zripster]

Got a pair of these boots a couple of years ago. Even after my puppy chewed a hole in the toe of them a year ago, I took them to hike up a couple of mountains on a cross-country road trip last year. With the hole in the toe, I still had no issue with wet feet during a few stream crossings and rainy days. Even with little preparation and training, I was able to get through the trip without tons of blisters and too sore feet. They've also held together way better than the Bearfoot Bruins I bought last year, that has the sole peeling off at the toe.

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

I agree with u mate, love these boots! I get achiles pain from stretching the achiles on long hikes. Hoping it will wear off rather than get worse as I'm on the whw in June. Great review, best ive seen on these boots 👍

[@kateowens45]

I have worn Crocs at home for many years and suffer wearing regular shoes and boots while away from home. I am retired and have no padding left on the soles of my feet so the cushioned Crocs are heaven when kicking out of regular shoes and boots. I ordered a pair of barefoot sneaks to try out because i have wide feet from the croc wearing and wide enough shoes are really hard to find. I like the look of the Trackers and your review has convinced me to order a pair for this fall/winter. I live in the Rockies in snow country so there will be sheepskin inserts and heavy socks. Hopefully that will add enough padding so that I wont be feeling so much pain from walking.

[@jamespearce1262]

I have been wearing forest escape for 2 years summer and winter . They are the only boot I wear now . I had chronic bungeoun pain and was booked in for an Op. after wearing the forest for 6 months the pain has totally gone and I cancelled the Op. Get some Vivo thermal insoles for the winter . No more cold feet 😊 I think Vivo should supply them as standard with the boots .

[@Count_Smackula]

I wore Lem's boulder boot (zero drop) to transition to barefoot boots. Currently rocking Jim Green Barefoot African Rangers. Note: They did take about 6 weeks to really break in & mould to my feet.

[@falcolf]

I grew up running around barefoot so when I started wearing zero droo trailrunners for thruhiking there was no transition for me. For the incredible dexterity, the way that I can practically dance across the rocks in stream crossings, the lightweight, and how I never lose my grip, I'll never go back to conventional hiking clodhoppers!

[@EtcilYasam]

I just ordered my pair of Tracker Forest ESC, which will be my second pair of Vivobarefoot shoes. Thank you for the comprehensive review and also for the discount code, mate.

[@dannyknight8082]

Great thorough review. 👍🏻. I have these and the magna forest esc.. And various other pairs.. I agree in general, one caveat I would add is that if you are doing a thru hike or just a long distance multi day over predominately rock or hard surface then make sure either your feet are very very accustomed to it with heavy weight, or look at an alternative.. Before switching I hiked lots around the world with lowa renegades at got I think 2 minor blisters. I did the GR131 in gran Canaria with the dekons tracker low and got the worst pressure blisters. The last 12 miles were agony as I squelched my way to the finish.. I then did the GR131 in Tenerife with a friend.. Luckily he bought my magnas, however my feet were so badly damaged from the original hike I got the same pressure blisters. Maybe it wouldn't have happened if my feet had fully healed. I've just bought some altras for my coast to coast as I'm too worried about using my vivos for these. I'm always walking around barefoot have had mine about a year and do lots of strength work for my feet.. Also a yoga instructor so it wasn't a case of not being used to them.. Thought its worth mentioning as nearly ruined my trip. Overall I love them, just for long distance with weight I'm still not so sure..

[@SPARTANTROOPER]

I had a pair of the previous version of the trackers, they were super comfortable for a couple of days until the insole started slipping all the time and destroyed my left foot. I was within the warranty so Vivobarefoot were happy to take them back, but they didn't have another pair in my size so I got a refund instead. Never ended getting around to buying another pair due to the poor first impression.

[@feldgraufox4927]

Love mine. Walked 15 miles in wet socks (i did change socks but they got wet from the moisture inside the boot) after falling in a bog up to my thighs. No blisters or hot spots.

[@Theleaddog]

I typically don’t wear shoes at and around my home. I work in my garden, land scape and some other tasks without shoes. I think I can transition to these uneventfully! Looking forward to it! I do expect to break them in though.

[@eggs2627]

Bedrock sandals!!! This is all I wear nowadays! To the gym, to the store, to concerts and hang outs!

[@easternmenace]

I have walked a couple of long distance hikes in these including Cape wrath trail. Numerous day hikes and other walks. The limit that I found was using them in -22C, then again any non insulated shoe is too cold at those temps. The durability surprised me. My particular pair stings my ankle bone on left foot where one of the hooks is, wearing thicker socks and not tightening them as much removes that.

[@StephenJReid]

-22C?!!! I get cold in them at around 4C. But then I have terrible circulation in my feet. Any issues over multi-day?

[@easternmenace]

@@StephenJReid Well on the Cape wrath I found them to be a bit too warm at times funnily enough. Also when they got wet for a long time the black dye stained my feet black for a few days lol. I will now mostly use these for colder weather (not -22 haha) and will try to find trail runners for the long distance stuff. Got the Hydra ESC but just don't really get on with the tongueless design.

[@StephenJReid]

@@easternmenace I was eyeing up the Hydra ESC, what don’t you like about the design?

[@easternmenace]

@@StephenJReid Well it's tongueless so the top of it is like a sock. The problem I found was that it's just not stretchy enough so putting the shoe on with socks is really hard, the heel of my socks end up being pushed up and sits above the shoe. Tried wearing without socks but just shredded my feet lol so don't do that. Might improve with time I dunno. Also I got the red ones and they are fk ugly. As my luck would have it Vivo released a really nice colour recently.

[@ek-nz]

I got black feet from mine as well when I first got them

[@jimtolan7967]

Changed over to these about 6 months ago and I absolutely love them. I've since bought the winter trackers which are also fantastic. Cannot recommend these enough!

[@WillN2Go1]

After reading Born to Run about the Tarahumara Indians of Copper Canyon Mexico I stopped buying the silly expensive inserts for my shoes and boots. I also tried to find the flat least cushioned hiking boots and trail runners I could find. I also buy larger sizes. (I didn't know that our feet continue to grow throughout our lives.) Terrific book. I'd buy a pair of your boots if they weren't so expensive. Even 'waterproof' Keens need to be regularly recoated to keep out the water. It's easy enough to do. What I learned hiking the Wessex Ridgeway six years ago in a very wet April was two pairs of smart wool (merino) socks were okay. They'd get wet of course, but keep my feet dry. It would take almost an hour in camp for my (poor circulation feet) to warm up in the sleeping bag. Then I gave Sealskinz socks a try. I got the long ones. Brilliant. My feet were never cold, never wet, in my sleeping bag they were already warm. Caveat. If you get water over the tops of them and inside, they can be very cold. I bought a pair of Sealskinz gloves and tried them sea kayaking. The worst. I thought maybe they weren't the same as the socks. I tried out both in a bucket of ice water at home. So long as water is kept out of the top they both worked. If I lived and hiked in Ireland and the UK, I'd definitely use Sealskinz all the time.

[@rebeccasponderings8459]

Years ago I went searching for comfortable dress shoes for wearing to a convention and discovered the benefits of going barefoot as well as wearing barefoot style shoes. Because barefoot style shoes were so expensive, and because I was not yet sure this was going to work for me, I primarily went barefooted or wore homemade barefoot style shoes. I was shocked at how my feet and ankles gained so much strength. It also greatly improved my circulation such that I now find most closed-toe shoes unbearably hot except in cold wintry weather. I never plan to go back to regular footwear. So in late 2022 I was planning a winter hike and wanted something a little more weatherproof than tabi socks with thin sandals or homemade moccasins. I decided to purchase a pair of Vivobarefoot boots. I had never spent that much money on shoes. But I wanted something that would keep me warm in cold, wet weather AND give me good grip on slippery mountain trails. I am so glad I chose this brand! They performed beautifully on the hike and have held up wonderfully for all my other cold-weather hikes. I highly recommend them to all my friends.

[@z0uLess]

I am a long range hiker and a shoe-nerd. I would love to have a pair of these since most of my training is done in barefoot shoes; but, when I do long distance hiking (around 40 km days), I prefer going for lighter zero drop terrain joggers with no ankle support, some added cushionging and a pair of hiking poles. The lack of cushioning against the rocks will totally destroy your feet if you go for really long days for several days in a row, no matter how much you train your feet for it.

[@StephenJReid]

I agree with that, as much as I can do long days in the vivos I don’t have the confidence or I think the experience to do multiday in them. Although there are people who do. Been testing the Altra Olympus 5 lately. I don’t feel as confident in them as the vivos but they are very comfy underfoot for flatter trails

[@z0uLess]

@@StephenJReid Those are the ones I hiked 12 days in a row with last summer. The only issue I had with them is the wide heel area of the cushioning which seemed to dig into the heel from the side. Unoticable when running or dayhiking, but certainly noticable after five or so days. After researching it, other hikers had the sime issue, and I am not that much of a heelstriker, but I will certainly land on heel when walking slowly or supporting weight downhill. Seems like most people prefer Topo these days, and I am going to try a little less stack height than the altra olympus. I also ordered a pair of leather vivobarefoot Ra III today to make sure I have a more dressed up barefoot alternative!

[@jumboon]

Hi, I started using barefoot shoes after beginning of pandemic. Every day. I had two pairs. One for outdoors and one for the gym. Same brand, different colors. Now, I have four pairs. I added one polishable black (formal!?), one brown (casual). What I notice after years of use of the first pair I bought and still use, is about an even sole consumption. Not just one side (inner or outer, outer in my case) of the heel. Or the area underneath the big toe. All that meaning a better distribution of my (heavy) weight, and a rebuilding of my feet/ankles structure. Also using barefoot shoes has been the first step in the recovery of sciatica nerve inflammation (homeworking using improper chair). With this kinda shoes the sensibility of my feet is unbelievable. I love walking the worst paths end enjoying the quick reactivity of my body. Can't use "normal" shoes anymore. I dream of buying these boots. When I saw them first, my mind immediately went to the "Similaun man" whose body was found mummified high in the Alps, and almost 5000 years ago he was crossing the Alps between actual Italy and Austria wearing a sort of barefoot boots. Let's see if my piggy bank is fat enough to buy these boots.... 😉

[@markkilkenny1768]

I love mine. I’ve had a few different pairs. I just wish they had more stores so you could try them on. I think people need to see them in hand before they give them a try.

[@StephenJReid]

Agree 100%, not being able to try them on was a big reason I waited so long to try them.

[@Trundlebugg]

Yeah one of my local shops has approached them about being a stockist but they seem really set on their online business model 😐 Last Xmas I got a lone from a family member and order 5 pairs to try on and sent 4 back since they don’t charge. Still annoying though!

[@mattmacpherson1033]

I need those boots and the hip leg helper exoskeleton as well. At 66 all my tendons and muscles are getting too tight for long hikes. If I do not do multi mile hikes the tendons get tighter. Loose loose situation with age. The products might be a win-win!

[@fjellmike]

also using these on hiking for few years now, my legs are not getting as tired and beaten up like in the past with harder boots. Also the wider shoe helps with my rheumatoid arthritis as some joints are pretty swolöen from time to time. Still looking for some good day to day similar shoes.

[@dualsportdadz]

I just put these on today after eight months of not wearing them. I mostly wear xero or earth runner sandals. Or other barefoot "trainers" as you UK lot would call them. Nothing more than about 8 mm thick. Today, I can't stand the ankle support of the esc's. But they are great boots (used to love them), i think i just have to tie them lower. My ankles need to roam free. It's insane how much stronger my feet, ankles and knees are after being "barefoot" for a year and a half. If you are thinking about doing the barefoot thing, i can't recommend it enough. You will need to figure out what thickness of sole works for you for which application. If you're going to be on your feet longer than normal or are competing in a run, you might want to ratchet up the thickness of what you would normally wear for instance. Or maybe even get something with a slight drop, i know alta has some options for instance. Edit: your/you're

[@janefreeman995]

Ive used barefoot shoes since 'born to run' came out. Ive got great splay in my toes. I even include toe separaters in my shoes. Ive hiked the length of New Zealand on the Te Araroa and the Pacific crest Trail mexico to canada. With the added weight and months of long miles I found i need some cushion so i wear runners with zero drop, wide splay no arch but with a stack height of cushion. Otherwise i wear flat bendy inexpensive canvas shoes from Splay. They are cute have a few styles and colrs and i get compliments all the time. Recently I have some far less expensive waterproof barefoot boots with low stack height for day hikes from Saguaro as i just spent the winter near the rainforest in Washington State. Also i dont wear leather. I do have a pair of walking shoes from vivo, tho. To add, up until wearing barefoot shoes I had a lifelong meniscus knee problem from a childhood skiing accident. After a few weeks of wearing barefoot shoes that issue went away. Ive never looked back.

[@phil.clarke]

Tried these but just couldn't get used to them so binned. However wearing them did teach me about space for toes in boots so I now have wide toe box boots from Hanwag Tetra II Wide GTX . They are amazing.

[@StephenJReid]

You binned them?! 😱😱 But fair enough, I did say that I don’t think they will suit everyone. I wear a mix of shoes but like you look for wider toe box now.

[@phil.clarke]

@@StephenJReid Binned = took them to my local charity shop!

[@StephenJReid]

Oh phew 😂 Was about to go poking about in your bins

[@BSmith244]

Thanks for the in depth review. I’ve been tempted to try these after seeing others wear them but I’m concerned they might not be suitable for someone with flat feet.

[@wilsonov87]

They will help to raise your arches in fact. But make sure you ease in gently. You can start just walking without shoes more often, that's how I started barefooting nearly 20 years ago before barefoot shoes existed. Used to have dead flat feet and terrible shin splints. Wearing no shoes as often as possible lifted my arches for the first time in my whole life. Walking barefoot on sand is a really good way to strengthen your foot and toughen your sole. Go at it!

[@Hootie22B]

I have been using the Magna Lite SG and Mens Hydra ESC Love them both for the trail and mountain hikes. Thank you for your code I just ordered Tracker Forest ESC and hoping they are everything I expect.

[@AjaySingh-228]

4:41 It happens to me most of the time...this boot looks good..i like it, Sir

[@StephenJReid]

Painful 😬

[@AjaySingh-228]

@@StephenJReid ya it is sir 🥴

[@frankmcleod2503]

Just bought a pair, thanks for discount. Hope you’re right I’ve worn Salomon for decades.

[@StephenJReid]

Enjoy! 🙂 Just take your time getting used to them. Bought my sister a pair last week and she loves them.

[@ashmaybe9634]

I love my vivo boots. The only thing I noticed in the mountains is you have to be more delicate on the scree than in traditional B1/B2 boots, which is no bad thing.

[@aarondelany5793]

Got my trackers 2 years ago and waxed them from the start, especially the stitch lines, and have never leaked. The ankle stability is unreal.

[@alberte6109]

What wax did you use?

[@aarondelany5793]

@alberte6109 any wax will do, I wax the whole boot, paying special attention to the stitch lines. Make sure the boots are clean before waxing and remove the laces so you can get to all the stiching. The main areas are the stitch line between the sole and the boot and the vent holes on the heal. Repeat every 2 months

[@healthy-natural-10]

I bought my husband the Hykes Trailblazer barefoot boots and he loves them

[@tomrecane6366]

I gave up hiking years ago because the huge stompers I wore tore up my feet and knees. Years later I started hiking in the lightest road racing shoes I could get. I even used the spikeles XC shoes. No more knee and foot pain in spite of the fact I was 50 lb heavier.

[@simonpgough]

I wore these boots regularly for nearly two years and loved walking in them. I was pretty pleased with the way the leather lasted over that time but the rubber outer heel cup completely fell apart rendering them uncomfortable and extremely leaky. To be fair, they did eventually replace them for no charge (after a few emails) and told me this was an unusual failure (and I've not heard anyone else report this issue). I'd love to know what caused it though as I really didn't put them through anything particularly challenging.

[@mrfitz96]

I went "barefoot" about 20 years ago and I genuinely feel I got tons of benefits from it. But my toes have spread out so much I can hardly find any off the shelf shoes or boots to fit. Even so called wide fit trainers from Altus and Meindl are too narrow. A few Merrel and Keen shoes are wide enough for me, and I'm wearing Altberg boots with a H width, but frankly it's become a bit of a problem.

[@CptAngelKGaming]

Just get barefoot shoes..

[@fraac]

i have these! they're great. i also recommend the magna forest esc for similar terrain but less boggy. (i think a lot of vivo shoes are form-over-function, but a handful are really excellent)

[@StephenJReid]

I’ve wondered about those or the Hydra ESC for warm weather

[@AmazingPhilippines1]

Interesting boots. I walk a lot here in the Philippines and have often worn very thin soled "water" shoes and I would feel every stone so this might be a good alternative to the heavier boot that I have used on occasion and do not prefer. Watching from the Philippines.

[@alisdar1234]

Got these and been wearing lots. Definitely not waterproof for me, and does take time to dry out, which is a pain. Also get too hot from about 20 degrees up. Having said that I’m still super happy with them.

[@theaccidentalhiker]

Yep Vivo barefoot shoes changed the game for me on multi day hikes and wildcamp. No more blisters or hot spots

[@frosty_soda]

I use these boots too, mate. Great boot. Light, fantastic tread. Incredible grip on wet granite and just a fantastic boot. Not the best on tarmac, though, lol. Still prefer the altra runners on the tarmac

[@frosty_soda]

what's the trousers, they look mighty comfy

[@StephenJReid]

If I was doing a lot of miles on tarmac I’d use something more cushioned as well, especially if I was running. I like a bit of cushiony bounce when I run. I’ve got some Altra Olympus on the way to try. The trousers are Revolution race outdoor jeans, had them a few years. Comfy but can be a bit warm.

[@hyper_fn_al1459]

loved your first video, so helpful for when I got mine. Happy to see this vid too. Inspired me to maintain mine more often with the balm it comes with. I also bought another pair from revivo for my indoor training and cant wait for them to arrive (Motus Strength) they seem to be the most sturdy in terms of preventing my foot from sliding about when I'm doing fast-paced agile work. God, if only they had spikes for the track. Bolting or screwing spikes into shoes worth 200 quid is ballsy to say the least ;>_>

[@wildtactical2662]

i have barefoot shoes for gym. great for deadlift, but it took a while to get used to them in squat, clean and movements like that. probably, the best way to get your feet used to barefoot footwear is to get casual, everyday shoes. but for outdoors... i'll be injured very quickly in boots like that, i'm used to rush like a tank trough terrain in combat boots or hiking boots. i wish there would be foot-shaped hiking boots... not barefoot, just regular hiking boots...

[@tammywright6636]

These are the boots that I use. They are great! I'm curious if anyone has used them for thru hiking. I'm walking the West Highland Way later this year. I was going to swtich to trail runners for that. I've done quite a few 17 miles days in my Vivos, but I'm not sure my feet would be happy about multiple 17 mile days in a row.

[@miken7629]

Barefoot shoes saves my knees, I am near 70 and my old knees have seen better days. Regular shoes with raised heels cause me to come down on my heels with legs straight and this causes impact shock on my knees, got a severe knee injury a couple years ago. Switching to zero drop shoes (Altra Lone Peak 6) causes me to come down on my forefoot with knees bent and my leg muscles act like shock absorbers removing shock on my knees. However, these took over 7 months for my feet to adapt but know they are fine. Just got back section hiking the Appalachian Trail and the soles on my shoes were thin and I felt every rock & root on the trail, I have a different Altra zero drop model that has 1 inch thick soles and I will use that next trip. There was one other problem, since my leg muscles are working "on every step" I got wore out sooner, I don't yet have the muscle strength on my legs necessary, probably a multi year adaptation to build enough muscle strength to hike up & down those mountains carrying a 32lb pack.

[@TimJChester]

Normally when you buy walking boots you get a size up from your normal size to allow room for walking socks. Is this the case with Vivebarefoot boots? (I have Vivobarefoot shoes which I love.)

[@StephenJReid]

They have a size guide tool on the website which I found really useful. I think I might have gone down a half size, good fit but would be tight with double socks n winter

[@TimJChester]

@@StephenJReid Thanks. That's helpful.

[@thomasshafe]

A good honest review. They do look good.

[@conchureify]

I have used the revivo service I would caution people to say it took 2 months and the new soles have already started to separate

[@clairedonaldson-lj8lb]

Brilliant review. My feet are getting worse and worse and now limping. When I was a kid (10 and under) my mum couldn't get me to wear shoes. I find them so uncomfortable and can never understand why they go into a point haha, where is the logic??? Im now finding my very expensive hiking boots very restrictive in movement and causing more issues. Thank you for this video, I shall give them a go, even a daily casual pair to try

[@AliWade1971]

After several months of gradually wearing barefoot shoes, I literally cannot put my expensive walking boots on now. Causes immediate pain - and so heavy 😳

[@hughmac7423]

As a kid and teenager, I use to walk everywhere outside in the Australian bush with bare feet, I ended up with very tough soles. Then when I was 21 I broke my left femur (due to a car hitting me at 40kph) and ended up with my left leg 20 to 25mm shorter, making bare foot walking very odd (try walking with one shoe on). I had to use orthotics to lift my left leg. I still did a lot of bush walking, but I need a boot with a high back or hand made leather boots with the left heal built up. I wonder if they would work with a full length orthotic? My favorite boots are a set of Thursday Captain boots, with the left heal built up. They are glove leather lined and have the Dainite rubber sole, reasonably flexible, and the upper is very strong.

[@GavTatu]

i like mine, except for cycling. i like to be barefoot at home, years past i have proper bare foot run, along beach, back on the cycle/walking path.... its just getting used to it, and changing ones foot fall.

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

This is a brilliant video you've made. The Tracker Forest ESC's are definitely my favourite hiking boots, if you ever get some sun in Ireland, give the Primus Trail FG's a go for some fast and light summiting 👣

[@StephenJReid]

Definitely going to be looking for a summer option. Glad you enjoyed the video. Was a lot more work than I thought it would be 😂

[@TheBarefootStrengthProject]

@@StephenJReid they often work out that way 😂

[@kosovoiraq]

Suggestions for those who have problems with ankles wearing that type of barefoot boots. I also got some uncomfortable feelings my ankles were sore but I found the solution- under my socks wear a football ankle guards and now I can walk all day with Vivobarefoot boots with no scratch or bruise, I am delighted with Vivobarefoot.