Males’s Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Evaluation

Backside Line

In order for you barefoot-style mountaineering boots for three-season mountaineering with glorious traction, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC is for you. It’s the one zero-drop boot on our finest mountaineering 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 mountaineering within the Colorado Rockies. He put them by their paces on and off path, the place they supplied glorious flexibility and memorable floor really feel. 

Because of a large toe field and zero-drop design, your toes are in a position to unfold out and flex naturally, serving to you preserve a relaxed and ergonomic gait. The massive 7 mm lugs present dependable traction on most surfaces, though the only depth stays skinny and versatile. So skinny, in actual fact,  that the footwear can truly be rolled up right into a small package deal for storage on and off path. We like these for his or her sturdiness and magnificence, too – the wild-hide leather-based uppers are robust sufficient for wilderness adventures however trendy sufficient for the suburbs. 

Nonetheless, the Tracker Forest ESC isn’t the most effective match for everybody. This can be a really minimalist barefoot boot: they function a zero-drop design, virtually no arch assist, and a really extensive toe field for pure flexion. In different phrases, if you happen to’re in search of basic construction and assist in a mountaineering boot, chances are you’ll need to look elsewhere. They’re additionally impressively waterproof, however meaning they’re on the heavy aspect for barefoot boots, which could not work nicely for light-weight hikers and backpackers. Lastly, the only depth is skinny, which makes them much less sturdy general in comparison with burlier boots.

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

Consolation

For barefoot hikers taking over different terrain, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC is one in every of our high picks. Not like conventional footwear, zero-drop boots haven’t any heel-to-toe peak distinction. Which means your toes 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 available in the market for zero-drop boots, these are within the candy spot for a foot-shaped profile, versatile soles, and malleable uppers.

We additionally love the massive 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. Because of the ultra-thin 2.5 mm sole depth and really minimal arch assist, 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 mountaineering, the wild disguise leather-based and rubber paneling adapts nicely to your toes for a versatile and comfy match, which makes them an incredible possibility for various foot styles and sizes. And as soon as the laces are dialed in, they maintain stress throughout the highest of the toes nicely, and want minimal changes. 

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

Throughout testing on scorching summer season days in Rocky Mountain Nationwide Park, we discovered the leather-based can really feel too scorching above 80°F. At these temperatures, our toes had been sweating, which might 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 an alternative of letting them slide simply. Typically, it takes a bit extra focus and time to tie the Forest ESC, which isn’t perfect once you’re in a rush or have to make a fast adjustment.

Ankle Assist

In order for you minimal ankle assist, 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 mountaineering boots. The taller ankle peak provides waterproofing and a little bit of safety in brambles and overgrowth, nevertheless it’s greater than delicate 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 incredible match for various foot shapes and mountaineering wants.

We suggest the Forest ESC on virtually 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 incredible alternative.

Nonetheless, these boots lack the agency ankle assist present in bulkier, conventional mountaineering fashions. In case you like inflexible boots, particularly boots with ankle assist for heavy hundreds or rugged situations, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Hikers with weak or injury-prone ankles could 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 instantly result in pressure on longer or intense hikes. 

Weight

In order for you minimal ankle assist, 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 mountaineering boots. The taller ankle peak provides waterproofing and a little bit of safety in brambles and overgrowth, nevertheless it’s greater than delicate 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 incredible match for various foot shapes and mountaineering wants.

We suggest the Forest ESC on virtually 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 incredible alternative.

Nonetheless, these boots lack the agency ankle assist present in bulkier, conventional mountaineering fashions. In case you like inflexible boots, particularly boots with ankle assist for heavy hundreds or rugged situations, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Hikers with weak or injury-prone ankles could 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 instantly result in pressure on longer or intense hikes. . 

Traction

The Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESCs have dependable traction due to skinny, sticky rubber outsoles with enormous lugs that provide glorious floor really feel. The only depth is simply 2.5 mm, which implies you’ll expertise the lumps and bumps of the path greater than most mountaineering boots. When cautious foot placement is vital, otherwise you merely need most floor contact with each step, these are an incredible alternative. Their Michelin model outsoles are tremendous versatile and preserve fixed contact with the bottom once you’re heading off-trail and want 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 mountaineering boot class. Which means the Forest ESC feels extremely safe on ascents and descents. On a climb of Colorado’s 13,154’ Ogallala Peak in summer season, we discovered this design was particularly efficient for traction on free, dry terrain like gravel, grime, and sand. It additionally carried out nicely 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 seen the dearth of cushioning most on flat, groomed trails and human-made surfaces, the place the skinny soles and deep lugs nonetheless grip nicely, however can really feel a bit awkward and knobby. In case you favor boots with thicker midsoles created from foam, or if you happen to’re mountaineering 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 had been dependable when crossing moist logs and rocks after rainstorms within the excessive Rockies, however in terms of arduous surfaces the place the lugs can’t dig in, like moist grass, boulders, and ice, they have an inclination to slip. That stated, this was a small situation – in terms of traction, these boots get the job accomplished.

Climate Resistance

The Forest ESCs supply stable climate resistance, in order that they’re a very good decide for mountaineering in early spring till late fall. Their wild disguise leather-based uppers present a protecting layer towards moisture and damp situations that can preserve your toes dry throughout fast storms. A water resistant leather-based construct, mixed with a comfortable ankle collar, helps stop 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 peak and supplies minimized splash-back and saved twigs, gravel, and dust out.

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

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 comfy 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 mountaineering socks when the temperatures dip. On the flipside, chances are you’ll need to look elsewhere if you happen to’re headed into particularly scorching 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. Regardless that Vivobarefoot claims quick-drying synthetics on the within, we discover the alternative once we by accident dunked our toes in a creek crossing. The Forest ESC took many hours to totally dry at room temperature, and it was an uncomfortable stroll out, which may very well 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 robust however versatile within the backcountry and successfully resist abrasions from sharp rocks, brambles, and roots whereas retaining 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 important put on on the uppers happens on the forefoot flex level and throughout the ankle’s higher space. We’ve additionally seen injury to the stitching behind the foot, the place the outsole is connected to the heel.

Easy metallic parts, spherical laces, and a burly heel loop enhance the longevity of the Forest ESCs. The versatile rubber outsole is stitched instantly onto the leather-based of the boots for added sturdiness, lowering the probabilities 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 dearth of sturdiness of the outsoles. Total, Vivobarefoot’s rubber mix is sticky and cheesy on most surfaces, however it isn’t 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 primarily based 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 beloved footwear – so when it’s time for a brand new pair, you’ve gotten choices.

The Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 is a good 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 comfy 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 the whole lot from rocky routes to groomed trails. In case you’re in search of a close-to-the-ground mountaineering 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 mountaineering solely on easy, flat trails – or if you happen to’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 will take a very long time to dry out. Lastly, the ESC is a bit heavy and spendy. Nonetheless, for hikers who need robust barefoot-style boots with stable safety, an ergonomic design, and unequalled floor really feel, the Tracker 2’s will test each field.

What Different mountaineering boots Ought to You Think about?

Head over to our listing of the Greatest Climbing Boots for Males to take a look at the total listing of suggestions. The Vivobarefoot Tracker 2 is the one minimalist possibility among the many boots we’ve examined. In case you’re not bought on minimalist, zero drop footwear, take into account a few of the different mountaineering 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 likewise supply minimal ankle assist and distinctive development These boots are additionally a very good 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 in every of our favourite boots for low weight, minimal ankle assist, 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, basic mountaineering boot design with increased price ticket.

Merrell Moab Evaluation – The Moab 3s are probably the most well-liked mountaineering boots of all time due to their consolation and flexibility. Whereas they’ve the next stack peak than the Forest ESC, they provide comparable sturdiness and minimalist ankle assist. We favor the Moabs for hikes the place floor really feel is much less necessary however you need a extra comfortable trip – and aren’t as spendy, both.