I ended up being intrigued by the minimalist boot idea since boots tend to drag me down. Before I switched over to VFFs a few years ago, I happened to be wearing my heavy duty Asolo boots on all my adventures. They performed well, but wow, these people were like lifting dead weights with every action and I always ended up with blisters following the trip. So I was interested to see how my legs and feet would fare after a couple of hours of walking the trails in this minimalist version.
Looks/Design
We think the style blends appropriate in as a typical hiking boot. You really can?t tell that they?re a minimalist design by considering them. Mine are an olive green with gray accents however it looks like they?re just offered in black colored and a gray/pink combo for females now. (Important to note: I think it?s regrettable that there?s just two colors to choose from for women and something of them needs to be pink). Why will they also have to pink everything simply because it?s women?s specific?? I like the olive green the most effective. Simple and classic.
Materials/Construction
Upper: Pull Up Leather: Vegetable tanned leather-based with abrasion fabric and rip stop Nylon trimmings for increased durability
Lacing: Speed hook Lacing: Quick fastening with a secure and personalized fit through speed hook eyelets
Collar/Panel & Lining: Woven Nylon & Polyester, Polyurethane
Insoles: Removable: 3mm Pressed EVA Insole for additional thermal protection when necessary
Sole Construction: Off Road: Rubber outsole specifically designed for off road surfaces with directional lugs to increase area contact for superior barefoot traction
Outsole Thickness: 2.5mm with 4.5mm lugs: Offering maximum proprioception with protection and ultimate hold
Toe Guard: Leather Toe Guard: Abrasion-resistant leather
Weight: 325g/11.5oz
Eco Credentials: Usage of Eco Friendly materials; minimal chrome fabric; Soles produced from recycled rubber; Dri-lex performance liner with environmentally sustainable Sorona yarn
I love VivoBarefoot?s usage of eco-friendly materials just like the usage of sustainable yarns and recycled rubber in the soles...bonus! For a boot these are typically exceedingly lightweight. My size 8 weighs 12.2 oz each/24.4 a pair. Ideal for travel and will lessen the weight in your backpack. They come up high around the ankle and the trunk is cut only a little lower at the achilles. Additionally, the upper is reinforced to safeguard your foot from rocks and debris and also the lugs on the outsole are chevron shaped and are multidirectional.
Waterproof Qualities
It says within the description, ?Designed with a waterproof sock construction...barefoot boot works for waterproof approach and hiking - also on the most challenging terrains.? I was curious to see how they would hold up while standing completely submerged in fresh water, therefore I put them through a bathtub test. It?s essential to observe that the tongue is not gusseted very high in order to only submerge these boots up to a specific point before your foot gets soaked. To check the boot, we filled the tub up with 2.5 inches of water and stood inside it for 30 seconds. After 30 moments I became popular the boots and discovered that my socks had been wet. This indicates that water somehow leaked into the shoe through the top. After this test, I?d say these tend to be more of a water resistant boot rather than completely waterproof. Could be fine for fast traverses through shallow streams, but definitely not for lingering in them.
Fit/Sizing
These dudes seem to operate a little bit small. I've a size 38 which is the same as a size 8, but it fits only a little too snug in the toes. I would recommend sizing up so your toes have space to go. But the proper size will depend on what kind of socks you plan on wearing with them. There?s also a removable footbed that can alter the means it fits. I favor using the boot with all the footbed because it feels more complete by doing this - to ensure that?s how I?m basing my sizing. Also, the interior is very soft and comfortable.
The boot comes up round the ankle in the conventional ?ankle protection? design. The laces use an eyelet system at the very top which are easily adjustable. I haven?t worn a hiking boot in an extended time so it felt odd to have my ankle limited once again. Also, there?s no pressure points within the heel or hotspots anywhere within the back which is good. The only hotspots I had were in the pinky feet and big toes due to sizing.
Performance
I moved the trails on brief quick hikes and also went on longer 2 hour hikes. It ended up being pretty wild to be hiking in a boot which has a barefoot feel to it! The ground feel is great and not over the top. I could feel the rocks and ground beneath my feet unlike a typical boot with a thick outsole. If you like more ground feel you can eliminate the footbed, but just keep in mind that it'll make it a little roomier in there.
There was a noticeable distinction in height when comparing them to an old-fashioned boot. Once I wear my Asolos it feels like I?m walking on a platform. In this barefoot model my foot feels more level to your ground and I also never felt like my foot wanted to ?roll?. I loved that aspect!
We could definitely tell that they were more lightweight than your typical boot too. I could walk a fast pace without feeling like I happened to be being overly bogged down by weight. Although, since I?m used to putting on VFFs most of enough time, the weight of the boot was still visually noticeable to me personally while going downhill. This is a big factor that deters me from wearing boots because it causes IT musical organization discomfort within the knee for me personally. I noticed some small knee discomfort on the occasional downhill, but everyone?s legs are different so that it might not influence somebody else the same. Also, we had some pinky toe and big toe pain (especially on the downhills) due to the smaller fit. I wound up with a blister on my pinky toe because of it.
When attempting on for size, there should be enough room in the toes for expansion so they don?t hit the end associated with boot. The heel was really comfortable so I didn?t have actually any issues here.
The tread comes with 4.5mm multidirectional lugs which provided some great traction. I really could walk up and down hills with out any difficulties with hold and I didn?t slip at all. I didn?t get a chance to try the tread in the trail while wet, so I?m curious to know how well they would do while stone hopping through streams. Therefore let me know if any one of you decide to try it!
Summary
These shoes are great if you?re looking for something more robust that still keeps minimalist footwear qualities. We liked the very fact that despite the fact that I was putting on a boot, I still felt the ground beneath my feet. The outsole allows you to be connected to the floor but in addition provides the right quantity of protection from stones and debris. I really like that they?re lightweight too...most boots are heavy and can weigh you down. It?s a bummer that my couple fits too small because I?d love to test them away on much gnarlier hikes. MSRP $175 (Note: the colorway seen in these photos is not any longer available. Also, the Off Roads also come in a "Mid" version which has a lower cut ankle covering.)
Advantages â€"
Great traction
Eco-Friendly
Best for whenever you'll need something more robust on the trails
Cons â€"
Runs small
Not waterproof
About the Author â€" I are now living in southern California and write a creative life style blog about adventure, travel, and photography I interview inspiring women and feature travel tips such as how exactly to pack a backpack. I can't live without avocados, standup paddling, mountain biking, and cameras.
Leah has written 8 articles and 18 comments.
Comment from: Cody R. Visitor
I am assuming the ankles are flexible, if they truly aren't you're just asking for an ankle sprain...
06/21/12 @ 15:57
Comment from: Horse Rider Visitor
Good review. I really like my Off Road Hi's. I haven't actually stood in water deeper than the junction involving the sole and the upper, but in snow and slush and superficial water they performed really well last cold weather, never had water arriving, which is the reason why We had bought them for.
06/21/12 @ 16:16
Comment from: John Visitor
Please suggest to Vivo a military desert boot. I'd pay the $175 for some. Any questions, check the Nike SFB, it's probably the most comfortable boot I've worn, and yes, doubters, I've worn it in combat, both Iraq and Afghanistan.
06/21/12 @ 16:34
Comment from: Jeremy Visitor
To a city slicker like myself, these seem like potentially nice winter boots.
06/21/12 @ 17:53
Comment from: Fey Visitor
I bought a couple of these (also the green version) but I returned them, because I'd issues using them pressing into my ankle at the front.
I did so wear them a bit first.
I'd agree totally that they seem to do fine in snow and such, but that the tongue could certainly be gusseted higher than it is.
I really liked the sole. This has good traction, some insulation contrary to the cold (I bought them as winter shoes) and continues to be actually versatile and provides ground feel.
The isse I had with them, had been that at the "corner" in front of the ankle the shoe would flex in a manner that would press the tounge (esp. at the corners of the gusset) into my leg (I could see marks after removing the shoe). This dilemma was tolerable on a single side and actually bad regarding the other, so it migth depend regarding the individual shoe (I did notice the tounges self-folding a bit differently under the laces). I liked the boots a whole lot, so I tried padding the location, lacing them differently, but nothing worked, so I had to return them.
06/21/12 @ 19:04
Comment from: Mike Visitor
I really like vivo barefoots generally speaking. They are the footwear we wear when I don't want to wear five fingers.
I bought these boots and sent them back. The toe box was somewhat smaller compared to the toe box for my dharmas (another vivo shoe) for exactly the same size. I am uncertain sizing up could have worked for me.
Also, the construction of the boots was a bit weak if you ask me personally.
I am waiting for an actually good minimalist boot for winter (although the best minimalist solution I have found for really cold and wintery days is a pair of Neos overboots) and for field work.
06/21/12 @ 19:12
Comment from: A C C Visitor
@Mike : I emailed Vivobarefoot in the last while the wide toebox ones will be the ones using the original sole such as for instance the Dharma, Ra, Aqualite, plus the Neo.
Their offroad soled ones are not wide in the toebox.
06/21/12 @ 21:46
Comment from: Mr. Leigh Visitor
These appearance as though they may be a good winter-friendly option. The single appears to be the same as that on my Hydrophobic trails. I bought those for winter use of course I determine I need a lot more of a boot-like fit We will certainly provide these my consideration.
06/22/12 @ 11:09
Comment from: pochivki lqto 2012 v cheshme Visitor
I really like this boots - where can I find them in Bulgaria?!
06/23/12 @ 16:11
They sound somewhat heavy to me personally!
Last year I went on a Peru journey and needed a pair of (more) minimalist footwear for the hiking/trekking - went with inov-8 roclite 286/288 shoes after doing a ton of research. 4 mm drop, ultralight, gore-tex waterproof liner. Not really barefoot feeling, but definitely ultralight.
They were great. Sounds like these vivobarefoots are a good option, but i really could never get vivos to match right - the top of the shoe would always fold (when walking) right into the top my big toe.
06/26/12 @ 12:53
Comment from: Tonya Visitor
I tried the mids but had to return them. The curve across the ankle is cut higher on these than on the neo as well as would rub on my ankle. I really wanted to like them. The upper feels a bit Plasticy and stiff. I exchanged them for trails which are much roomier. Since the materials were so stiff we was afraid to try the highs. These were also tight in the toe box and I also was not at all sure the plasticky materials would stretch like leather would, specially because the abrasion strip was def not leather.
06/26/12 @ 20:35
Comment from: Andreas Visitor
Hi, we own moobs of these along with various other pairs of Vivobarefoots, but have some trouble here:when running in barefoot shoes, I land midfoot/forefoot and any offroad-lugs will barely be noticeable. Nevertheless when hiking/walking with an all-natural gait, the heel touches ground first. After the break-in period, the only of this OffRoads became nicely flexible...great. But now the one lug sitting right under the heel kept "pertruding" through the only real resulting in an extremely sore heel after per day of wearing the shoes. What exactly do I do now? Sacrifice proprioception and try to find an insole that has something similar to a plastic cup under the heel? Have always been we the only one with this specific problem? Help....
07/16/12 @ 12:40
Comment from: Kyle Visitor
I've got the low form of these, and I really like them, the treads in the sole are using off quickly though. The boot version scares me off not because it isn't waterproof, but because i am concerned about drying speed. I figure they are going to inevitably get wet, so I'm more worried about how fast they dry out. Leather doesn't dry out very well in my experience. does the reviewer have any applying for grants this?
07/19/12 @ 12:28
Comment from: fred Visitor
We purchased a pair last winter cause I couldn't get a hold of the feelmax winter boot. Utilized them for 4 months in the French alpes for climbing, walking snowshoeing and alpine climbing. They are excellent boots! We had to alter the insole to a wool one for conditions under -1ºC. Had them on in temps down to -18ºC with thick socks with no issues. Cons: They are a tad on the expensive side and you have to look after them well as they are fabric. I discovered them become pretty waterproof so no complaints.
07/24/12 @ 14:09
Comment from: Vanessa Visitor
These seem like some comfy climbing shoes. I am currently using nevados ambush low boots, and now cant find any more. I may be searching into these. Also, I ABSOLUTELY HATE along with choices Vibram, Merrell and Vivo have actually for females. Unfortunately their mens shoes do not come small enough for me personally.
08/07/12 @ 10:29
Comment from: Ryan Visitor
We've had the shoes a week now & having worn them to work a couple of times & took them on a short yet assessment 4km hike today We have always been definitely deeply in love with them!
They do exactly what they state regarding the tin & are a pleasure to walk in. I agree that they're not 100% waterproof and they are doing size a bit small, We went5 higher after reading these reviews (many thanks guys) and they've been spot on. They offer the perfect ratio of ground feel : protection.
These will be seeing an abundance of the welsh countryside in the very near future & would recommend them to any like minded individual.
I really like the styling of these too & went for black as then I'm able to wear them to the office.
Happy Hiking
Comment from: Erik Reitan Visitor
Are anyone using these for running? Experiences? Im considering purchasing the lontras for cold weather operating in snowfall and ice, but where I live (north noway) these might be a good alternative, also doubling as hiking boots in the summertime.
11/08/12 @ 08:29
@Erik,
I would not run in these. The ankle structure is pretty built up and I also think it might get annoying/irritating fast. They are a sturdy boot but nowhere nearby the flexibility over the ankle you'd get with a Lontra.
11/08/12 @ 09:53
Comment from: Ben Visitor
Would you dudes think that these would be good for winter shoes in Finland, where the temperature is below -20C many often than not? I possibly could place a woollen sock inside & possibly modify the insole to a better insulating one.
11/23/12 @ 12:47
@Ben
I feel fairly confident that they would work out well in the cold over in Finland.
You simply need certainly to ensure that you have sufficient area (VERY IMPORTANT! sizing up is a good idea), and add those types of thin woolen inner soles that you could find in every shoe/outdoor store like mentioned in a comment above.
I don't possess these boots, but i've the VB Synth Hiker, plus they are pretty similar.
I am walking in deep snowfall and temperatures into the minus 15-20C range here in Norway and they stay nice and hot with an additional couple of woolen soles and slim woolen socks..
We've even been making use of moobs of VB Gobi's (sized up one size) with an added woolen sole in similar temperatures, and even they are fine.
It is amazing just how small shoe you'll need for the feet to really stay warm.
It's been a real eye-opener for me.
12/20/12 @ 11:39
@Erik
I have ab muscles similar Synth Hiker and went a bit in them when the climate was very wet here in the Oslo area in oct/nov, as a result of waterproofing while the high top.
They worked OK for operating on actually wet, really gnarly trails, but they'd be horrible for road operating.
Since the snow arrived I've been running a whole lot in the Neo Trail, they are plenty warm enough and have great grip in the snow.
If you are mostly running roadways you have access to something like the regular Neo. Most minimalist shoes could work in the event that you just use some slim woolen socks.
12/20/12 @ 11:59
Comment from: Val Visitor
So far as size, I have now been wearing & offering these footwear for decades, a 38 is not equal to an 8. we'm a 7/7.5 and I wear a 38-39. So that's probably why these are typically snug for you.
I enjoy this design, and I enjoy that they're waterproof. but the ankle area is stiff until broken in and I wouldn't suggest them for running, but instead for hiking and such. I'm an EMT & do Search & Rescue, as well a whole lot of hiking and rappelling - and that is what We'd use them for.
Currently i love the Vivobarefoot Breatho Trail and Neo Trail. We reside in Las Vegas and haven't required huge boot yet.
02/06/13 @ 16:42
Comment from: Danny Visitor
i jst ordered the vivobarefoot mens off road hi boots. i normally wear a size 12 the biggest size I possibly could find in these boots is a 12 (USA sizing) i read they've been a bit snug..if i remove the insole will that produce much of a difference???
02/20/13 @ 13:43
Comment from: isaac Visitor
Do the shoes inhale well? Hot sweaty feet a problem? Vivo Customer Service told me the waterproof lining is NOT breathable!
-Thanks
Comment from: Oliver Starr Visitor
No body right here is speaking about the elephant within the room with these boots; durability - as in there is none.
We've had one set replaced by the factory after the soles disintegrated in a matter of days as well as the second pair has unsuccessful in numerous places since well. The split between the forefoot and mid-foot "notch" came in which the upper and outsole connect split, the outsole and the uppers have actually divided on both pairs as well.
Even though the boot is wonderfully light and comfortable, the quality of the finish for a shoe of this price definitely renders one thing to be desired. If they could overcome these issues it might be a good three period boot, but for me (I'm from the Colorado Rockies), they are doingn't have sufficient waterproofing or insulation to be a winter-capable footwear alternative.
I'm currently using the Belleville Tactical Mini-mil and it is a much more durable and well built product nonetheless it isn't a real barefoot boot, but as close as I can realize that will not fall apart under the sorts of good use We put my boots through.
01/08/14 @ 00:21
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