Category: Natural Foot Shaped

Fits Correct ToesMixed TerrainNatural Foot ShapedNon-runningUncategorizedVivobarefootZero-drop

Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC

I deliberated long and hard before choosing the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC, considering both
the Tracker II FG and Tracker Winter SG as alternatives. I can’t say what either of those would have been like, but I am totally in love with my Forest boots! They are so comfortable from the off and fit true to size. I feel in touch with the ground without experiencing every flint or pebble underfoot. I don’t feel weighed down or constrained; just lightly protected and supported, and eager to take them on an adventure…

I have long been a fan of Vivobarefoot shoes – from pumps to Chelsea boots – but had yet to try any of their walking boots. I normally wear Keen’s Targhee boot, which have a good wide toe box (ideal for Correct Toes, as are the Tracker Forest) and feel relatively nimble on the feet. But they have a short life, and having consigned yet another pair to the bin, I decided to try something different.

The Tracker Forest is billed as suitable for ‘off-trail’ walking and expeditions. The ESC stands for
‘escape’, while the initials in the other boots I mentioned stand for ‘firm ground’ and ‘soft ground’ respectively. The boot has a Michelin sole, well-known in the outdoor/running world for superb grip. The sole base is 2.5mm thick, with lugs extending to 7mm compared to just 3mm on the Tracker II FG. All the better to gain purchase on sloppy mud or scree slopes.

The boots lace quite high up the ankle, and I did have concerns that they might rub across the front, but absolutely no chafing or rubbing has occurred. A minor quibble is that it takes a bit of effort to lace them with the right amount of tension. I’m not sure if this is because there are so many eyelets or if it’s the material from which the laces are constructed. It’s not an issue on local walks, but I’d make the effort to lace them properly on more serious hikes and climbs.

The boots are made from wild hide and are not billed as waterproof, only water resistant. So far,
however, I have not had wet feet, despite the ground being very muddy and riddled with puddles. I used Renapur leather protector, which allegedly boosts protection from water ingress, so maybe that has helped.

Wear and Tear:

I’ve had these for four months and there are no signs of wear and tear.
___

VERDICT:

At £210, the Tracker Forest ESC is a purchase not to be made lightly. So far, it’s one I’m glad I made. 94/100

Stats:

Weight – 566g – (women’s 41)
Midsole – None. Zero-drop
Outsole – Michelin with up to 7mm lugs
Insole – Standard and removable.
Flexibility – High
Fitting – Wide toebox. Natural foot-shaped last.

02Dec
Fits Correct ToesMixed TerrainNatural Foot ShapedTrailUncategorizedVivobarefootZero-drop

Vivobarefoot Hydra ESC

The latest VB trail shoe. Following in the footsteps of the Neo Trail, Breatho, Primus, and the Swimrun. The number one criticism of VB trail shoes is upper durability. But this shoe is bullet-proof. The...

02Sep
AltraFits Correct ToesMixed TerrainNatural Foot ShapedTrailUncategorizedZero-drop

Altra Superior 4

This is the Altra Superior 4.0. We loved the Superior 1.5, but were disappointed with the 3.0. In our opinion, it had too much cushioning, particularly for a trail shoe and this reduced its stability. The...

02Aug
AltraFits Correct ToesNatural Foot ShapedRoadUncategorizedZero-drop

Altra Solstice

The Altra Solstice is the best minimal road shoe available at the moment. It weighs only 196g, yet has enough structure to hold the foot in place well. It’s also very resilient – I’ve trained...

08Jul
Fits Correct ToesNatural Foot ShapedRoadUncategorizedVivobarefootZero-drop

Vivobarefoot Primus Lite

The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite is too good-looking! Its pure white looks are amazing, tempting you to save it for Sunday best. But, it is great to run in too. The road sibling of the trail shoe brothers...

31Jul
Fits Correct ToesMixed TerrainNatural Foot ShapedTrailVivobarefootZero-drop

Vivobarefoot Primus Swimrun

The Primus Swimrun is the perfect marriage of the Primus Trail FG (firm ground) and SG (soft ground). I liked both of these shoes, but my concerns with each are answered in this beautiful combination....

11Jun
AltraFits Correct ToesNatural Foot ShapedTrailZero-drop

Altra Superior 3.5

This is most recent incarnation of the Superior. In our review of the Superior 1.5, Sam argued that the 3.0 was no match for the earlier model. Is the 3.5 any better? In short, while it is foot-shaped,...

06Apr
Fits Correct ToesNatural Foot ShapedRoadZero-drop

Altra Vanish-R

This is the Altra shoe I’d been waiting for. Zero-drop, foot-shaped but also thin-soled (14mm) and with an incredibly minimal upper. There was a real buzz on the web about this shoe for these...

07Mar
AltraFits Correct ToesNatural Foot ShapedTrailZero-drop

Altra Superior 1.5

The most recent incarnation of the Superior – the 3 – is a very different beast from this one, the 1.5, and in my mind, no match. What’s so good about this earlier model? I explain below.. When...

30Nov
Fits Correct ToesInov8Natural Foot ShapedTrail

Inov8 Terraclaw 220

The Terraclaw replaced the much-loved Trailroc. It has now been discontinued too (Inov8 has brought out a new Trailroc, which looks very different and isn’t as light) so I urge you to buy this shoe...