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Whether you are a fan of minimalist footwear or have just decided to transition to shoes that contribute to your foot health, Vivobarefoot will definitely be a part of your pool — the use of time-tested manufacturing technologies and hundreds of positive reviews speak for themselves.
In my search for a perfect pair of hiking boots, I’ve come across Tracker Forest Esc Mens. The first impression was nice — I was immediately sold when I saw how elegant they looked despite being barefoot.
These are refined with the help of survival experts and field testing, and I could clearly see their efforts given several great performance-based features. With its aggressive lug pattern and other characteristics, is this a boot that you should be investing in for your all-terrain adventures? Stick around to find out — I’m about to share my hands-on experiences with these shoes.
Flexibility & Ground Feel
What about making a rollout of a barefoot shoe? That’s my standard expectation of a top-tier solution in this category, but it’s not quite the case with Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Boots. They are sturdier than other products from the brand. While you can bend and twist it differently from side to side, it’s only the front part that is truly rollable. Nevertheless, it didn’t make my movement stiff.
As for their ground feel, these offer an excellent balance between protection and sensory feedback. The outdoor Esc Michelin outsole is designed for adventures in the wild, and I really appreciate its performance so far.
Comfort & Fit
I like the model’s gusseted tongue. Unlike typical ankle-cut designs for hiking and trekking, these boots won’t let you get any undue debris or water.
A thermal insole from Vivobarefoot can also be included. The amount of space in the forefront is normal, allowing for a natural toe splay without making these boots look cumbersome or massive. If you require more width, though, I would rather suggest alternative brands — Vivobarefoot doesn’t boast the widest fits overall.
It features a high-ankle lacing system. On the one hand, it offers more secure support and foot positioning in the shoe. On the other hand, the lace material and multiple eyelets may be a hassle to handle for inexperienced users. It may take some effort to adjust the tension to the desired level, I must admit.
Waterproof Efficiency
Compared to some other models in the series, the waterproof membrane has actually been removed. Technically, they belong to the water-resistant barefoot boot category. However, I can attest that these manage to keep my feed dry and nice — even when I’m ankle-deep in the stream.
I’m not so confident about prolonged exposure to water for hours, though. In this case, additional waterproofing techniques might be the answer.
Nevertheless, I don’t see the decision to remove that internal membrane as a bad one. It just implies there is less plastic in the shoe, which makes it more eco-friendly and breathable. Besides, the simpler the construction, the easier potential repairs at the end of the boot’s life can be.
Slip Resistance & Grip
Other models from the brand typically feature a much flatter profile, whereas Tracker Forest Boots have a far more aggressive sole. The tread depth is 7 millimeters, while the sole base is 2.5 millimeters. Altogether, this design allows for a great ground feel while delivering optimal traction on multiple terrains.
I also like how these lugs are distributed on the sole. You can see them included in both the outer and inner sides of the design, boosting your range of movement flexibility.
Durability
That’s my first pair of Tracker Forest. Even after five months of use, they show no critical signs of wear and tear — just minor scratches on the sole. I won’t mind buying them again in the future. So far, they have confidently outperformed cheaper hiking boots in terms of longevity.
Final Thoughts: What are Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Boots Best for?
At the end of the day, I would love to recommend Tracker Forest Esc Mens for adventurous hikes, off-trail walking, and other activities that require a solid and durable barefoot fit. They won’t feel super restrictive or heavy (525 grams per shoe), but you might feel a bit tired if you spend a lot of time on foot.
Tracker Forest has been included in such ratings as Best Zero Drop Work Boots, Best Hiking Shoes, Best Waterproof Shoes, Shoes for Wide Feet, and Best Wide Toe Box Boots. Check them out to familiarize yourself with not less impressive models from other barefoot manufacturers in the market.