VivoBarefoot Magna Forest ESC Snow + Ice Waterproof Test (+15% off Vivo)

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Support the channel while getting your favourite Vivos! (US/UK) www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=7789&awinaffid=1251951 Use link for -20% off your Vivo order! (EU) vivobarefoot.mention-me.com/me/referee/registerko/116714748/447010295/er/30938c7c2b69f6d190bf444d075dfab01701fc96/ol/cw?epr=1

[@rvdt4ever]

Keep it up, you are working your way through their whole offering. I initially got those, but they were too big. Returned them, by then smaller size was sold out. Switched to Tracker Decon FG2. The Acorn version was still on sale. Quite like them. Stitched sole, removable thermal insole, comfortable merino sock part, bit more flexible than the Michelin sole. Where I live snow is not an issue, neither are ice water pools. Top part is a bit fidgety to close, just have to get used to it. Definitely value for money for me, especially at 158Euro. They need to release a Tracker 2 FG with stitched Michelin sole and an improved fit.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

The Michelin sole has no competition in most terrains from what I've tested. Indeed they really need to put it on a properly waterproof boot. Didn't realize the Decon also has a merino sock part. Should be pretty comfy!

[@ririemarilyn]

would u say they run true to size?

[@dmytrogarastovych7684]

That's the dedication! Good job!

[@micaelaiampietro1837]

Hello! What barefoot hiking boots would you recommend for the snow, sledding and heavy rain weather? I was looking into these bus water gets in 😢 Thanks! 🙏🏽

[@ostapkoziy3152]

Did a similar test (accidentally though) on mine just yesterday, got the same result :D

[@ElenaBenitoRuiz-j6k]

Hi, thanks a lot for this review. Would you recommend this one for snowshoeing too? Would this attach well to standard normal snow rackets? Also, when it's not snowing, I live in a pretty rocky area, typical of Mediterranean mountains. I see in a comment of yours that for that case, you'd recommend a different brand, like Xero. Which model would you recommend? I also hate boots, too restrictive and eventually painful due to the shape of my foot.

[@cannibrel]

Awsome tests! You have convinced me to get a pair (very hard to find any in stock these days) I have been using Tracker II for bush work Lots of mud, lots of climbing in sub tropical environment - I find the the tracker II grip is poor and the ankle support too restrictive I hope the Magna Forest Esc ticks my boxes

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

So how are the Magna's working out for you? They should be perfect for that application

[@cannibrel]

@@CptAngelADVlogs You're exactly right, they are perfect. All my life I've struggled finding shoes, its been life changing. Thankyou! All future shoes are going to be vivo now

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

@@cannibrel Damn that's so good to hear! Enjoy! Xero also make good ones.

[@germ79]

Aside from the water seeping in, did you find them to be warm enough in the snow? I need some boots to do some winter walks and hikes in and just want to be sure these offer some level of warmth with wool socks. Thank you!

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

I use them for snow and mud but they don't come with Vivos thermal insole and they're quite breathable. You will still be fine as long as you're moving and it's not extremely cold. The waterproof version of the Magnas should be warmer.

[@alminc91]

Hey, thanks for your videos! I am also interested in different use cases and maybe you have an opinion on this. You say the michelin sole is far superior in many scenarios? Is this only for soft wet ground, which is rather rare in the summer? How would you think about strenuous summer activities, I mean more serious stuff, like climbing UIAA grade II (like 4th class) or more difficult via ferratas C and up? In summer in the mountains there can still be loose stuff while climbing or mixed conditions like grassy or a bit slick or maybe even slightly wet (like via ferratas from waterfalls or so) in the worst case. So I was looking at options like Vibram V-Trek or the Vivos with ESC or the newer grippier Decon (low). Do you believe for these activities the new Decon sole would be enough? Did you have an oportunity to test them? Because if the Michelin sole is wearing out fast on more dry ground in the summer maybe the Decon would be better suited and offer good enough and confident grip? Would love to know your opinion. Maybe the Michelin sole would wear out fast on dry rock while scrambling/climbing? Just to make it clear, I have several years experience in the mountains with barefoot shoes, I recently did a short D/E via ferrata part with the Firm Ground sole. It is possible, but I would love something even more confidence inspiring :D. And how do you think about mountain activities in winter time, hiking in deeper snow even, maybe with C1 crampons? Would you still prefer the Magna Forest ESC for this or rather Tracker ESC? Or let's say easy glacier travel routes. I am not sure how much waterproofness is necessary in these cases. I guess it would be nice if Vivo would make their waterproof boots with the rubber rand with the Michelin sole for C1 crampon use and mountaineering use :). These are rather limited or more extreme use cases for barefoot shoes, but many people tackle similar terrain in the Alps and a comfortable barefoot alternative would be amazing :D. I apologize for the difficult questions and thank you for your time to inform people! Yahuwah's (God) blessings, Almin

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Hello. I wouldn't use the ESC sole for any activities on sharp/harsh ground. Sure you'll get great grip but I think they would get destroyed. They're pretty soft. I'd much rather have Xero's hard luggy soles for those uses. Vivo FG soles should be good enough too. When it comes to crampons the Trackers should be a better choice because I'm not sure the wool part of the Magna can take them. I did see a video of someone putting some screws on the lugs of the Magna ESC sole to get grip on ice though.

[@vzlomzhopi7465]

I've been thinking the same as you! Where I live vivo has a black friday sale for magna esc and tracker esc and im struggling to choose a bettee option. I have 2 options that I can think of: buying only tracker esc for multi use (winter in the city and hiking in the snow, because it will definitely let less water in) or buying magna esc for winter in the city, maybe just a bit of hiling in the snow, and then via ferratas in autumn/spring. If I get magnas and they are not enough for winter here in Austria I can also think of buying Tracker Winter. But as you mentioned some tracker with rubber on top for grip on stone would be perfect

[@alminc91]

​@@vzlomzhopi7465 hey, maybe we can do a tour once haha, I live in Germany, but near Salzburg :). I think CptAngel has a really good answer! Barefootstrength has also made a video on the Decon boot model as a very versatile option and he mentions in one comment: he can use the boot/sole for everything, city pavement etc., but with the ESC sole he is much more specific in order to maximise life span. It aligns with the great advice from CptAngel. So if you are not planning very steep and very deep snow adventures with strap-on crampons, ice axes etc. a harder rubber compound sole could be more durable for you. It sounds like you are aiming for general use like the Decon FG2. I can share my experience with you that I did a mountain tour with easy climbing in mid-deep snow (UIAA I) with a Vivo FG boot. I also used microspikes with them and did other snow mountain tours. But also normal use pavement etc. and the sole is still in pretty good shape I think. For waterproofing you can renew it with wax or leather fat. The Decon FG2 sole should be even better and grippier for winter and general use, also via ferrata. Canadiannomad did multiple via ferratas and a high alpine climb with some snow in Switzerland with the Decon low even (it has a thermal insole). So you could basically take the versatile boot for everything, FG or FG2 and look for good offers. I did not test Xero shoes. You could also think about using the Decon low for everything from summer up to ankle deep snow even and via ferrata like Canadiannomad. It is lighter and more breathable. And for more winter then a general boot or more specialized ESC (Tracker is 30gr per shoe heavier than Magna). I hope this helps you with your decision, otherwise you can also contact me here or personally. For pavement maybe the cheaper or more durable the shoe the better :D. It really seems the Decon low is a nice barefoot approach shoe alternative whereas Tracker/(magna?) ESC a mountaineering boot alternative (especially if Vivo adds the rubber rand and more wateproofing like their SG boot). Blessings!

[@ajo12Oba]

Hello, thanks for the video. Would you say the michelin sole is good for day to day activities in the city as well?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

It's too thick for my preference so it's up to you

[@MichaelGilboe]

Did you treat the leather with wax before the waterproof ice test?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

@@MichaelGilboe No but water got through the wool part not the leather.

[@MichaelGilboe]

@@CptAngelADVlogs thanks for your response! How is the sizing? I was planning on getting a size larger to accommodate thicker wool socks, but then I’ve been hearing that this particular model already runs larger. (same size might be okay?)

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

@@MichaelGilboe Always measure your feet and use the sizing guide no matter the brand. Each brand and different models have different sizing. I can't give you sizing advice without knowing your measurements and what you wear in other brands/models. Size up or down compared to what? For me Vivos run long and narrow so I don't use them anymore. I've only kept the Magnas because they're awesome but they annoy my outter toes and I can't size up because they'll be too long. I'm a 44 in most barefoot shoes and it's the same for Vivos.

[@MichaelGilboe]

@@CptAngelADVlogs I wear American 10 in all other Vivobarefoot shoes. I’ve gotten quite a few.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

@@MichaelGilboe Then I'd get a 10 in those too but I can't comment on wearing them with thicker socks. I wear rather thin socks with mine since they're too narrow.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Btw I didn't roleplay the ice water part. I had to put stuff in the car and there was slush all around it so I had to stay in it for a bit. Waterproofness IS important in the real world.

[@MM-lo9tk]

That is the magna forest esc?? It looks like the tracker decon fg 2? You should do a review on those next.

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Tracker doesn't come in that colour. It's a Magna. I won't be getting the decon unfortunately.

[@myleftthumb2294]

The sole looks Christmassy. The red Vivo logo looks like holly berries next to the green pattern there. Ho ho ho !!!

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Lmao

[@joker2100]

Is there actually water seeping through or is your foot just getting cold more quickly?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Water

[@joker2100]

@@CptAngelADVlogs Gotcha. Thanks.

[@computertoucher]

Now that you've tested out both, overall, would you say you prefer or would recommend the Magna Forest ESC or the Tracker Forest ESC? I'm finding lots of reviews of the Tracker but not many for the Magna since it's newer, and not a whole lot of direct comparison...

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

I sent the Tracker back a while ago so.. Magna is a far superior option for everything other than pure water resistance (which the Trackers also fail). I love big boots but I hate wearing them because they're so restrictive. I have no use for the Tracker ESC other than water protection and it's not good at that so I replaced them with some Freet Tundras that are much more nimble and waterproof (they have crappy soles though). Overall the Magna with the Michelin sole is the best shoe boot hybrid I've found. I'll be using them for Snow and Mud hiking since they're waterproof enough for that and they have amazing traction, without being restrictive like a boot.

[@vzlomzhopi7465]

does merino part of magna provide enough warmth for the ankle in winter?

[@computertoucher]

@@vzlomzhopi7465 Well, I got a pair and I live in Scotland, which is famously Not Warm. I would say yes. I have been really impressed with them, thus far.

[@vincentg9620]

Hello, what is your foot lenght please? Your vivos are in 44?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

27.5 cm longest foot. 44 yes. Vivos are narrow and long which is annoying but what can you do.

[@luctang4916]

What kind of water proof coating did you use?

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Just a generic waterproofing spray. No point investing in anything particular since the sock part will always let water in after a bit. The paint that's on the leather seems to be good enough at repelling water.

[@jgsk78]

​@@CptAngelADVlogs is not just about not letting water in the shoe, it's also about protecting leather from soaking the water which in long term makes it to desintegrate. Even worse if its in salty slush in cities where they salt roads in winter..

[@okthen22ok]

anyone that thinks barefoot boots would be good in winter is just stupid! you need insulation between you and the ground, not less!

[@CptAngelADVlogs]

Anyone who writes comments like this without knowing what they're talking about is also stupid. Those have thick soles.

[@Anomic-mo9ji]

Barefoot shoes with feet conditioned to them do not need as thick soles as compressed feet in modern footware. The increased blood flow of barefoot boots is a game changer, warm blood is rapidly moved into the feet, releasing heat and oxygen to the foot keeping it warm. My opinion comes from 6 years in Alaska at the Bering Sea, -40 winters (C and F are the same at -40)

[@okthen22ok]

@@Anomic-mo9ji ok so you are stupid that's ok

[@okthen22ok]

@@CptAngelADVlogs lmao I have worn a pair before you tard! Make a video of you standing in water on - 20 degree day and wear those pieces of crap all day out in the cold! LOL

[@based3765]

wow, what barefoot shoes are you wearing for -40 winters? winters where I live don't get lower than -5-10C and I'm planning to get either Magna ESC or Tracker ESC @@Anomic-mo9ji