Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG Review - King of Barefoot?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG (mouthful of a name I know) is my latest and most successful barefoot shoe purchase. In this video I'll let you know why I love it so much, but also where it falls short so you can decide whether it's good for you.

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

Good points in your video around durability in particular. I love my Vivos but they aren’t perfect and I think you pretty much nailed it. As the Primus Trail are a really versatile running and everyday barefoot shoe 👌👍

[@HadarEyal866]

Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for your review, It helped me decide to buy my pair.

[@skinnylegsbarefootshoes]

@@HadarEyal866 Aww that’s cool thanks man 😁 keep up the good work 👍

[@fraac]

i like this shoe. the pinky toe fit can be a problem though. the knit version is more forgiving, and comfier for casual walking around

[@HadarEyal866]

For sure, I'll be looking at the knit version once my pair are finished in about 10 years time.

[@JasonCollin]

Thank you for the real review of the true pros and cons. I'm kind of surprised you still recommend them as I've watched other reviews mention the cheap lacing system, pinky toe rubbing issue, and cracking at the toe flexpoint. Then add the very high price, and it seems they are not worth it even with the great performance? As you'll have cracked shoes, broken laces, and holes in the insole?? I really like the look and how they perform on trail, as I have several pairs of Xero shoes, but wanted to try Vivo. It just seems the Xero Mesa Trail II though not cool looking at all are just the better overall trail running shoe.

[@HadarEyal866]

Yeah man, couldn't agree with you more. Today, after using these for far longer my opinion is very different. The splitting at the flex point got worse and they are falling apart in many places. I use them without insoles now and the fabric on the inside of the shoe is in tatters. It is worth mentionaing that I absolutely abused these things, and maybe intense wear is normal on this type of shoe but I don't have experience with any other barefoot trail shoe so I'm not sure. Definitely if you know of a pair that wears better go with those.

[@Jonny_Nemo]

I haven't had any of these issues. In fact, they are my fave sneakers now. Great fit to size, quality build and a bit thicker on the sole which helps when starting out. I got them on sale for $194 AUD too, so shop around and be patient. Oh. and if you don't like the lace plastic, just tie and cut them off. I did the same on my cycling shoes. And if you don't like the insole, just replace it as you would with any other sneaker. The big bonus is they are great design and don't make you look like a freak.

[@aradrad1098]

Cannot believe that they would cheap out on synthetic pads at the 300 dollar mark. That’s probably gonna be a deal breaker for a lot of people

[@HadarEyal866]

real af

[@curanderoverde]

Best shoes around

[@HadarEyal866]

Agreed. Best shoe I've owned period, but as I said I recon it could be even better if some small changes were made like making it a bit wider and replacing the insole with a cork one.

[@pete801]

It's not the best barefoot imo. The Xero Mesa trail and all of the vibram 5 fingers. For trail, the v train. But the vivobarefoot I can wear to do anything, going out casual, trails, road, gym. Great looking shoes. Shame about the lack of half sizes.

[@HadarEyal866]

I'm sure you are right. I have only ever tried 5 barefoot shoes, two of them have been Vivo, and no Xeros or Vibrams yet, though I am eager to try those and compare agains Vivos soon.

[@londonmunch-jurutravelsandeats]

Can you run on hard outdoor ground with these? Like the pavement?

[@HadarEyal866]

Totally can, I ran a pavement marathon in them, just keep in mind this will hugely speed up how quickly the lugs and tread on the bottom wears, though I never found it made a huge difference to traction anyway, and even so, the upper breaks on these before the sole ever wears through.

[@bigmcwhopper8697]

slipped over today in the run. 💀💀💀

[@HadarEyal866]

First time ever, and that was after posting this video yesterday 😝.

[@torrenwulff8371]

you were looking swole in that vid brotha.

[@HadarEyal866]

💖

[@RaedMohsen]

how are they for road running?

[@HadarEyal866]

Very good, I ran a pavement marathon in them and they're still holding up, although the lugs on the bottom definitely wear down faster on the pavement. I'm not sure if you're new to barefoot shoes or not so I'll say this anyway, If you're just starting out with barefoot shoes then the impacts on concrete can be pretty jarring and painful, so you have to start slow and build up the strength and bone density to withstand it.

[@RaedMohsen]

@@HadarEyal866 Good to know ! I am not new to barefoot style running. I have xero shoes but they are not snug and feel very roomy althought the size is correct. I also have a MAGNA FG MENS boot from vivo which I believe have the same sole as the one you are reviewing. The boot size is very good so I was thinking that I would get this shoe for road running.

[@HadarEyal866]

@@RaedMohsen Sounds good. I you know what you're getting into these are good, although maybe some of the lighter duty shoes would be better? I feel that the features of the Trails are overkill and just add weight for just pavement running. Maybe look into the Primus lights? I haven't got a pair so I can't speak on their quality.

[@youtubularTV]

They look more like ordinary, thick runners

[@HadarEyal866]

Yeah, they're pretty under the radar with the design.

[@jackhood4448]

Oi! ITS BIBBLES!

[@HadarEyal866]

You are correct my friend.