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Vivobarefoot Tracker FG

rated 3 of 5 stars
photo: Vivobarefoot Tracker FG hiking boot

A lightweight, comfortable alternative to traditional hiking boots.

Pros

  • Zero drop sole
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible
  • Good traction
  • Warm in cooler weather
  • Waterproof
  • Roomy in the toebox, snug fit in the heels.
  • VivoBareFoot product information claims a 100-day return policy. No experience with that.

Cons

  • Kinda pricey $$$
  • Haven’t found any yet, will update if I do.

I bought the VivoBareFoot Tracker FG after discovering my winter hikers were an uncomfortable fit after a year of a predominantly barefoot lifestyle.

I’ve only had these for about a month but I was won over the very first day. My feet are protected from cold, snow, ice, and slush in a very comfortable manner. Right out of the box they felt "broken in" and flexible. Trail feel is better than I’d expected, traction is adequate (I land mid foot, not on my heels so I can’t say with accuracy how heel striking/pushing off the toes is traction-wise), and my feet have been warm down to -15°C/5°F (thick socks). Sizing is true (European 43/size 10 North American) and my feet are extremely comfortable.

So far I’ve experienced ankle deep slush and puddles (no leaks), the previously mentioned -15C/5F, have hiked and ran snow and ice covered trails, and walked on various surfaces. No blisters, no hotspots, and no discomfort. It was pleasing to discover that an area on the top of my feet that gets pinched/rubs in other boots doesn’t cause me any pain anymore.

When the boots are laced up snugly there seems to be a lot in the way of ankle support. I prefer a looser feeling so I don't lace above the ankles (especially when running); I just use the first hook. I may try lacing to the top when snowshoeing.


51CD9BE8-4581-448F-9383-CDFDE5EC33CD.jpgstock photo from VivoBareFoot

C174AB09-5D1A-46A2-B5DC-25576E945880.jpgright boot is untreated, left boot has just had Zamberlan HydroBloc waterproofing cream applied.

Background

A few decades of outdoor experience...

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: $335 Canadian. Free delivery.

Thought I’d try these because I was tired of traditional heavy, clumpy walking boots. Used the boots every day for walking several dogs around fields and river walks.

Pros

  • Good looking
  • Comfy

Cons

  • Sole comes away from the boot after few wears and I’ve tried several pair.
  • Not very waterproof

Really poor boot. Sent two pairs back because the sole was coming away from the leather on my third pair and yep, same issue.

I’ve given up contacting Vivobarefoot because it’s just so disappointing. The grip on the boots in muddy conditions is incredibly poor, not good at all. The waterproofing is rubbish.

Basically it's a fashion boot at an overinflated price. At £195 for a pair of boots i expect a whole lot more 👎🏼

A4C17365-83B7-4352-8025-872758675905.jpg
first pair 
453F6361-1EB6-4DDF-A44E-A9C462847F85.jpg
second pair
57C7CEA8-CEE8-40BA-9144-3E64F02667FC.jpg
Same bonding issues on all the boots. Like I said before, the boots have been replaced twice now. On my third pair, same issue and this is after a couple weeks' wear, less than a month. I would not recommend these boots at all.

Background

Would not recommend for serious walking. There’s a major flaw in the sole bonding to the leather, incredibly slippy in the mud.

Source: bought it new
Price Paid: £190

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Specs

Men's
Price MSRP: $240.00
Historic Range: $219.01-$249.95
Weight 468.05 g
Women's
Price Current Retail: $157.55-$230.00
Historic Range: $149.05-$249.95
Product Details from Vivobarefoot »

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