Males’s Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Evaluation

Backside Line

If you need barefoot-style mountain climbing boots for three-season mountain climbing with wonderful traction, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC is for you. It’s the one zero-drop boot on our greatest mountain climbing boots for males information due to its excellent pure really feel, stable traction, and burly design. Senior gear analyst Ian Krammer has examined these over 150 miles and 10+ days of mountain climbing within the Colorado Rockies. He put them by their paces on and off path, the place they provided wonderful flexibility and memorable floor really feel. 

Due to a large toe field and zero-drop design, your ft are capable of unfold out and flex naturally, serving to you keep a relaxed and ergonomic gait. The large 7 mm lugs present dependable traction on most surfaces, though the only depth stays skinny and versatile. So skinny, the truth is,  that the sneakers can truly be rolled up right into a small bundle for storage on and off path. We like these for his or her sturdiness and magnificence, too – the wild-hide leather-based uppers are powerful sufficient for wilderness adventures however fashionable sufficient for the suburbs. 

Nonetheless, the Tracker Forest ESC isn’t the perfect match for everybody. This can be a actually minimalist barefoot boot: they characteristic a zero-drop design, nearly no arch help, and a really extensive toe field for pure flexion. In different phrases, for those who’re in search of traditional construction and help in a mountain climbing boot, you might need to look elsewhere. They’re additionally impressively waterproof, however which means they’re on the heavy facet for barefoot boots, which could not work properly for light-weight hikers and backpackers. Lastly, the only depth is skinny, which makes them much less sturdy total in comparison with burlier boots.

These are additionally a few of the priciest boots we’ve examined – though you received’t discover higher high quality or safety within the barefoot boot class. In case you’re in search of versatile, comfortable zero-drop footwear for cooler temperatures and wish pure motion over most help and safety, the Forest ESCs are an excellent alternative.

Consolation

For barefoot hikers taking over diverse terrain, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC is one among our high picks. In contrast to conventional footwear, zero-drop boots haven’t any heel-to-toe top distinction. Meaning your ft can bend, flex and unfold naturally in these boots – as if you’re barefoot – to maintain your stride impartial over lengthy miles. In case you’re out there for zero-drop boots, these are within the candy spot for a foot-shaped profile, versatile soles, and malleable uppers.

We additionally love the large toe field in these boots. This design permits toes to unfold out naturally and the foot to flex uninhibited, which is necessary on off-camber trails and rocky routes. Due to the ultra-thin 2.5 mm sole depth and really minimal arch help, you’ll discover most rocks and roots within the Forest ESC, making for excellent sensitivity to the bottom that extra structured boots lack. We additionally discover them simple to placed on and take off due to the softer supplies and huge heel loop.

Gear analyst Ian Krammer discovered that after simply 10 miles of mountain climbing, the wild disguise leather-based and rubber paneling adapts properly to your ft for a versatile and comfy match, which makes them an excellent possibility for various foot sizes and styles. And as soon as the laces are dialed in, they maintain stress throughout the highest of the ft properly, and wish minimal changes. 

On the draw back, the Forest ESCs design isn’t for everybody. In case you want extra safety from the bottom or added help by the foot, the skinny soles and lack of construction can really feel uncomfortable. And, for those who’re used to extra conventional boots with a excessive heel-to-toe drop, switching to zero-drop sneakers can take a number of weeks to regulate.

Throughout testing on sizzling summer time days in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, we discovered the leather-based can really feel too sizzling above 80°F. At these temperatures, our ft have been sweating, which may result in blisters and rubbing on longer hikes. The lacing system is a bit cumbersome: the three lace hook pairs on the high of the boot curve inward, which catches the laces as a substitute of letting them slide simply. Typically, it takes a bit extra focus and time to tie the Forest ESC, which isn’t splendid whenever you’re in a rush or have to make a fast adjustment.

Ankle Help

If you need minimal ankle help, these are the boots for you. Their wild disguise leather-based and rubber overlays present a sturdy however versatile higher for agile, pure ankle movement in comparison with conventional mountain climbing boots. The taller ankle top provides waterproofing and a little bit of safety in brambles and overgrowth, nevertheless it’s greater than comfortable sufficient to maintain a pure gait. Plus, Vivobarefoot’s wild disguise leather-based will get softer and extra pliable the extra you put on it, making these an excellent match for various foot shapes and mountain climbing wants.

We suggest the Forest ESC on nearly any terrain the place groundfeel issues. We’ve taken these on severe off-trail terrain like rocky scrambles and thick bushwhacks in Colorado’s Entrance Vary, the place we wished to really feel the form of the rocks, the curve of a log, and angle of the bottom as we moved. When exact foot placement issues, otherwise you merely like a extra versatile boot, these are an excellent alternative.

Nonetheless, these boots lack the agency ankle help present in bulkier, conventional mountain climbing fashions. In case you like inflexible boots, particularly boots with ankle help for heavy hundreds or rugged situations, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Hikers with weak or injury-prone ankles might discover the minimalist design underwhelming, particularly on steep inclines and routes with combined terrain. Their zero-drop platform additionally shifts extra stabilization work to the ankles, which might immediately result in pressure on longer or intense hikes. 

Weight

If you need minimal ankle help, these are the boots for you. Their wild disguise leather-based and rubber overlays present a sturdy however versatile higher for agile, pure ankle movement in comparison with conventional mountain climbing boots. The taller ankle top provides waterproofing and a little bit of safety in brambles and overgrowth, nevertheless it’s greater than comfortable sufficient to maintain a pure gait. Plus, Vivobarefoot’s wild disguise leather-based will get softer and extra pliable the extra you put on it, making these an excellent match for various foot shapes and mountain climbing wants.

We suggest the Forest ESC on nearly any terrain the place groundfeel issues. We’ve taken these on severe off-trail terrain like rocky scrambles and thick bushwhacks in Colorado’s Entrance Vary, the place we wished to really feel the form of the rocks, the curve of a log, and angle of the bottom as we moved. When exact foot placement issues, otherwise you merely like a extra versatile boot, these are an excellent alternative.

Nonetheless, these boots lack the agency ankle help present in bulkier, conventional mountain climbing fashions. In case you like inflexible boots, particularly boots with ankle help for heavy hundreds or rugged situations, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Hikers with weak or injury-prone ankles might discover the minimalist design underwhelming, particularly on steep inclines and routes with combined terrain. Their zero-drop platform additionally shifts extra stabilization work to the ankles, which might immediately result in pressure on longer or intense hikes. . 

Traction

The Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESCs have dependable traction due to skinny, sticky rubber outsoles with big lugs that supply wonderful floor really feel. The only real depth is just 2.5 mm, which implies you’ll expertise the lumps and bumps of the path greater than most mountain climbing boots. When cautious foot placement is vital, otherwise you merely need most floor contact with each step, these are an excellent alternative. Their Michelin model outsoles are tremendous versatile and preserve fixed contact with the bottom whenever you’re heading off-trail and wish dependable traction on difficult, forested inclines and rocky routes. 

Their lug depth is a whopping 7 mm, a few of the deepest lugs we’ve seen within the mountain climbing boot class. Meaning the Forest ESC feels extremely safe on ascents and descents. On a climb of Colorado’s 13,154’ Ogallala Peak in summer time, we discovered this design was particularly efficient for traction on unfastened, dry terrain like gravel, filth, and sand. It additionally carried out properly on quick, technical sections the place sensitivity to edges was necessary. The lug design is unfold out sufficient that it sheds mud simply, too. In case you’re clamoring up sharp inclines and braking on gnarly downhills, these kicks deal with tough trails like an SUV in low gear.

The draw back? These are minimalist boots with much less padding than conventional choices. We observed the shortage of cushioning most on flat, groomed trails and human-made surfaces, the place the skinny soles and deep lugs nonetheless grip properly, however can really feel a bit awkward and knobby. In case you want boots with thicker midsoles constructed from foam, or for those who’re mountain climbing solely on flat, groomed trails, these boots will miss the mark.

We additionally discover these boots aren’t probably the most dependable on icy, tremendous slick terrain. They have been dependable when crossing moist logs and rocks after rainstorms within the excessive Rockies, however relating to onerous surfaces the place the lugs can’t dig in, like moist grass, boulders, and ice, they have an inclination to slip. That mentioned, this was a small challenge – relating to traction, these boots get the job finished.

Climate Resistance

The Forest ESCs supply stable climate resistance, so that they’re a superb choose for mountain climbing in early spring till late fall. Their wild disguise leather-based uppers present a protecting layer towards moisture and damp situations that may preserve your ft dry throughout fast storms. A water resistant leather-based construct, mixed with a comfortable ankle collar, helps forestall water from seeping in. When Senior Gear Analyst Ian Krammer was crossing shallow streams, puddles, and shifting by moist underbrush throughout testing, he discovered the ankle top and supplies minimized splash-back and saved twigs, gravel, and dust out.

That mentioned, the Forest ESCs do have some limitations. They’ve a water-resistant coating, rubber overlays, and double-stitched outsoles to assist resist moisture – however that’s their main line of protection. They don’t have a water-resistant membrane like extra conventional choices. Though we haven’t discovered this to be a problem in our testing up to now, you’ll want to remain on high of standard waterproofing remedies with leather-based care merchandise to maintain the leather-based performing its greatest.

The leather-based additionally offers a little bit of added heat, making this mannequin a good selection for cool shoulder season situations the place you want a bit of additional insulation with out overheating. These boots felt snug on frigid 35 to 45°F days within the backcountry. Nonetheless, we don’t suggest them beneath freezing – they don’t have a lot padding in comparison with thicker choices, so that you’ll need to use heat mountain climbing socks when the temperatures dip. On the flipside, you might need to look elsewhere for those who’re headed into particularly sizzling climates. The leather-based isn’t breathable and has no mesh, to allow them to really feel very popular in 80°F and above.  

One other draw back of those boots is that they dry slowly. Though Vivobarefoot claims quick-drying synthetics on the within, we discover the alternative once we by accident dunked our ft in a creek crossing. The Forest ESC took many hours to completely dry at room temperature, and it was an uncomfortable stroll out, which might be an actual downside on longer journeys in unpredictable climate. 

Sturdiness

With strong wild disguise leather-based uppers, artificial rubber overlays, and robust rubber soles, the Forest ESC’s supply stable sturdiness. These supplies are powerful however versatile within the backcountry and successfully resist abrasions from sharp rocks, brambles, and roots whereas conserving the boot’s integrity and form. 

Like most leather-based boots, this mannequin requires common upkeep like leather-based cleaner and waterproof remedies to forestall drying and cracking, protect their flexibility, and improve their water resistance. Our testing exhibits probably the most vital put on on the uppers happens on the forefoot flex level and throughout the ankle’s higher space. We’ve additionally observed harm to the stitching behind the foot, the place the outsole is connected to the heel.

Easy steel parts, spherical laces, and a burly heel loop increase the longevity of the Forest ESCs. The versatile rubber outsole is stitched immediately onto the leather-based of the boots for added sturdiness, lowering the possibilities of the outsole separating from the uppers. Though the soles are skinny, Vivobarefoot makes use of Michelin’s proprietary rubber composite that balances grip and sturdiness.

Our greatest gripe about these boots is the shortage of sturdiness of the outsoles. General, Vivobarefoot’s rubber mix is sticky and cheesy on most surfaces, however it’s not as long-lasting because the uppers or boots with heavier, thicker, and stiffer composites. We’ve but to check these boots to their level of failure, however based mostly on how the lugs have worn down on the 250 mile mark, we count on to get at the least one other 250 miles earlier than the soles put on out. Fortunately, Vivobarefoot companions with Nushoe.com, a resoling service for cherished footwear – so when it’s time for a brand new pair, you will have choices.

The Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 is a superb alternative for minimalist hikers who need zero-drop boots with a pure foot form for day hikes and fast adventures in cool and truthful climate. The Tracker 2s have a large toe field, tall ankle and padded tongue that makes them really feel snug mile after mile – however due to leather-based and rubber uppers, these boots nonetheless supply stable safety from brambles and sharp rocks. Combining deep lugs with a skinny sole depth,  the Tracker 2’s really feel mild however dependable on every little thing from rocky routes to groomed trails. In case you’re in search of a close-to-the-ground mountain climbing expertise, the Tracker 2s provides best-in-class floor really feel and suppleness that barefoot hikers will love.

Nonetheless, we don’t suggest the Tracker 2’s for mountain climbing solely on easy, flat trails – or for those who’re tackling icy or extraordinarily moist environments, the place the deep lugs aren’t as grippy. The soles aren’t as sturdy as boots constructed with stronger and thicker supplies, and in the event that they do get moist inside, they’ll take a very long time to dry out. Lastly, the ESC is a bit heavy and spendy. Nonetheless, for hikers who need sturdy barefoot-style boots with stable safety, an ergonomic design, and unequalled floor really feel, the Tracker 2’s will examine each field.

What Different mountain climbing boots Ought to You Take into account?

Head over to our record of the Finest Mountaineering Boots for Males to take a look at the total record of suggestions. The Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 is the one minimalist possibility among the many boots we’ve examined. In case you’re not offered on minimalist, zero drop footwear, take into account a few of the different mountain climbing boots we’ve examined and reviewed: 

La Sportiva Extremely Raptor II Evaluation – These La Sportivas are on the dear finish just like the Forest ESC and in addition supply minimal ankle help and distinctive building These boots are additionally a superb guess for moist shoulder season situations the place heat and and traction matter, though they don’t match as ergonomically because the Tracker 2s and have minimal floor really feel.

Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX Evaluation – The Salomon X Extremely 4 Mid GTX are one among our favourite boots for low weight, minimal ankle help, and traction. From winter day hikes to technical trails, these boots are a slam-dunk with ample cushioning, correct sizing, and stellar climate resistance, though in comparison with the Tracker 2s these are extra  structured, traditional mountain climbing boot design with larger price ticket.

Merrell Moab Evaluation – The Moab 3s are one of the common mountain climbing boots of all time due to their consolation and flexibility. Whereas they’ve the next stack top than the Forest ESC, they provide related sturdiness and minimalist ankle help. We want the Moabs for hikes the place floor really feel is much less necessary however you need a extra soft trip – and aren’t as spendy, both.