I see comments about wanting waterproof. I mean I wear waterproof Forsake shoes everyday And love them but they can get a little warm and hold in the sweat. The “jungle” boots are designed to help prevent Trench Foot so drying out quickly is more effective in those situations than being waterproof
Absolutely, that's a great point! While waterproof shoes have their benefits, especially in wet conditions, the Jungle boots are uniquely designed to prioritize breathability and quick drying to combat issues like Trench Foot. It's all about finding the right balance for different environments and needs - these will be my summer boot, i went on a 7 mile hike today with them and they didn't feel sweaty at all! Thanks for sharing your experience with waterproof shoes!
It's impossible to have waterproof jungle boots. If you wade through streams etc then water will get in. Altima Maritime boots have vents on the side to drain water and can be used for Scuba diving. This Vivobarefoot Jungleboit is revolutionary
So, what about accidentally standing in a puddle of still-standing water? Shouldn't you be worried about parasites in the water that can penetrate the skin? And believe me, nothing is ever dry in the jungle.. Once you get wet feet, they will not dry up. They will stay damp, no matter the footwear.
They may designed to do that, but in practical testing on a multi day backpacking trip (6 nights) the boots really didn't do great. The forest esc, I brought as a backup however kicked absolute ass, and after switching to these the 3rd night. I spent the rest of the trip in slipper like comfort, and was dry. The only thing that vivo did right on the jungle boots was the outer material, and miscall height provided alot of protection against barnacles and other such hazards along the trail
Let me elaborate, yes the jungle boots dry without a fire in damp conditions, in about 30 minutes. If you have a sock on while wearing them they won't fully dry until you change socks, let the interior dry (20-30 mons) then keep moving. With my forest escapes, if they get wet they dry in 3-4 hours but because they are treated with obenhaufs, even in stream crossing the inside never got wet beyond my own sweat. Anyone who's ever hiked the west coast trail in bc know hom much mud and water is along the trail. And with practical testing forest escape beats out the jungle boot 90% in my use
To add clarification to these boots being “waterproof”, what Vivobarefoot are actually claiming is that it is made from non WATER-ABSORBING materials. It is designed to let water pass through like a sieve, but not absorb it and then get wet and heavy. This sounds perfect for backcountry mountain hiking here in New Zealand. I’ve just come back from three nights in the mountains, crossing multiple rivers up to 3 feet deep, with constant rain, mud and snow flurries. A boot that lets water drain is exactly what I want (I already have the Vivo Magna Forest ESC boots with essentially the same sole). Can’t wait for the Jungle ESC to arrive in this part of the world! Just pair them with quick drying, waterproof, or neoprene socks depending on the season or water levels likely to be encountered, to keep feet warm or cool as required.
My question is, which you addressed at the end, was what good is a permeable water shedding shoe when they do not really have any socks that do not hold water or moisture? Even neoprene stays wet.
Actually, the pattern on the outside the shoe is from their swim run shoe, which came out a couple years ago. This is just the high top version of that shoe.
I also just got these boots. But there are some major warnings for vivobarefoot lovers.... these boots are tight in the toe cap, compared to the 3 other vivos I have. Especially compared to the forest esc, there is no room for your feet to spread out. My pinkie toes haven't felt this squished since converse, or ski boots that were to small. I'm talking knuckle crushing with every step. If you have wide or even average sized width these might not be a good shoe for you. Compared to the other boots I have the barefoot feel is also reduced, but not eliminated, the insole has a gel like feel that's not bad, but definitely not as minimal as their other shoes. The build quality is amazing, I've worn the shoes for about 20 hrs so far (hoping the toe cap would stretch/break in) and the shoes look identical to when I got them. The higher uppers on these is great for muddy/wet/sandy terrain. With or without socks the shoes drain extremely well, and are incredibly easy to clean with a hose, or rinse in the shower/creek/ or pond. The look and color of the shoes do give them amazing blending in ability on just about every forrest, beach, or boulder field ive been too. I would give these shoes a 4/10 if you have wide feet. If you have narrow feet these are a 10/10.
Did you get your Forest ESCs and the Jungles in exactly the same size? If so, I'm thinking the difference has to be that the Forests are leather and they stretched/softened, whereas the synthetic material (as you said) doesn't stretch out at all. If you're still within your 100 days, you might consider returning them and trying the next size up.
@childcrone the length is the same as their other shoes, it's the width and depth in the toecap they got wrong on these boots. I recently wore them on the WCT In Canada, for around 25 miles, was very glad I packed my forest esc as a backup, first time I've had blisters in 10 years. The crazy thing is after I switched to the forest esc, my feet healed over the next 25 miles. Goes to show, the quality, and craftsmanship on the forest esc, they are amazing boots. The jungle boots on the otherhand look cool but didn't preform well in wet muddy, rainy conditions, even paired with sealskins socks 😢.
Thank you, but I guess I'm asking: are your Forests and your Jungles labeled the same size? I agree re: the Forest ESC boots; brilliantly designed & versatile to terrain and seasons. I appreciate mine more every time I use them.
So I'm actually going to Vietnam next month to do jungle trekking and caving. I saw these a few days ago and I'm wondering how well they release water when you walk through rivers and such. Do they get all soggy with watter sloshing in them or do they drain well? And how quickly do they dry up? Thanks so much for doing this review. These boots look so cool. Jedi casual wear. 😆
"Jedi casual wear", love it! 😂 I haven't tested them at walking through water yet, but from just the hose pipe test they did dry out quickly, the only issue was my socks weren't quick drying, so with some good waterproof or quick drying socks i can image that they will be great. Hope this helps and have fun on your adventure!! 🌴
I love the look of these boots. They scream MGS Big Boss/Solid Snake aesthetic. I’m in Florida and boots are a struggle for me because of how hot they get. I’m really considering investing in these, but want to see how they hold up first in your review.
I’m happy they have paracord lacing. Aside from the usefulness of said cord the wire system involves more wear and tear leaving them less durable and needing a replacement in the future.
Why do you want AI? its not better than human design. I think these pattern are moreliekly computer generated pattern more than AI. But I would prefer human generated patterns over AI any day.
Hey PandaKnight! I agree, in the wrong hands Ai can be a catastrophe, but if we use it to leverage more tedious tasks we can focus on more important things we enjoy. I was saying how it resembles something that Ai would design, i'm still not sure if Ai has some input in the design process, i would love to know 👽
Thanks for the video m8. Been a fan of vivo for years now. Really like the direction they're headed in with this new boot. I forsee in the future a boot with designs such as this, blended with the sensus or vivobiome. Hopefully versions with natural materials will come out.
@@CharliePayne1 I've wanted a barefoot-function-friendly muck boot for years! When I first saw these Jungle ESCs my heart leapt because I imagined they were waterproof. I understand the performance they are designed for now though. I got a pair of the leather Forest ESC boots (same sole) two years ago, for woodsy tromping, hiking, and mud/snow-capable property chores. They've performed essentially waterproof from out of the box and I maintain that with Sno-Seal (natural beeswax waterproofer) a couple times a year. I love them more every time I use them.
These are based off jungle runner s aren't boys which had holes so water could escape and they could dry easier. You don't need water proof if your get will dry quickly
That's so interesting! I am learning so much about this type of footwear, I never knew jungle boots existed and now it's opened up a whole new door for learning, thanks for your comment Donald! 🫡
Funny I have a pair of the middle-high top trail VIvos in green leather. I love them. I actually went on Temu and got the wire windup laces for all three pairs of my Vivos. I mean like 2 dollars each, pretty cheap and I don't worry about laces anymore.
To better secure your boot laces, learn to tie a double slip knot (tibetan trekking knot/sherpa knot) on your boots. This will also take up some of that excess lace.
Seems very interesting. One minor nitpick is that cleaning them is probably going to be a pain in the ass with all those ridges. But then, you do not need them spotless in the forest, so that might not be an issue at all.
I haven’t cleaned mine since I’ve had them and they’re doing just fine, having them a bit dirty makes them more camouflaged. But no doubt there will be people wearing them as a fashion item on the streets and they do hide the dirt pretty well with their colours 🤙🏼
9:30 If possible you can leave figure 8 knots by the aglets and then tie the boot like you would normally but pull the rest "bunny ears" to the aglet stuff the leftover "bunny ears" into the boot.
I did step in a puddle and my foot got wet almost instantly, I think a splash should be okay though. let me know what boots you choose if you get some! 🫡
@CharliePayne1 it seems the updated the description on these to say they are quick draining rather that water resident. So in theory if they do get wet, they will drain fast and dry out. I still want some of these or the hydro pair
Your laces are coming undone, because you're tying them wrong. If you tie the initial knot before you make a bow one way (i.e. right over left), you want to tie the bow the other way (left over right). That way the loops will be pointing to the sides, instead of up and down, when you pull on the laces and you'll have a much stronger knot. Here's a TED talk on the matter, if you don't believe me ;-) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zAFcV7zuUDA.html
@@CharliePayne1 You're welcome! I bought the boots as well, by the way. They walk amazingly. I just wish I had a little more feeling in the sole. And they're warmer than expected, even though they breathe really well. It's definitely a good barefoot boot to walk long distances in. I'm considering buying their Tracker Forest ESC for the winter, for a bit more water-proofness. But I'm doubting now if the Tracker II FG might be a wiser choice. Have you got any experience with them? Or do you perhaps know someone that does? I'm really curious.
In my neck of the woods I am less worried about jungle and more if morning dew will seep through. I know that it is meant to let water pass but I wonder how much it will just let in while passing through tall grass.
In all honesty unfortunately your feet will get pretty wet in these when walking through wet grass, all would be okay if it’s 19 degrees plus but any colder and it may be uncomfortable 🫡
Thank you for this review. Just subscribed. Really good analysis I've been looking for a reliable lightweight boot, however it's not Mil Spec and protective of feet from blunt trauma. I have other Vivobarefoot trainers and they are decent. I think I will buy a pair to compliment the Salomons which are heavier.
I’m happy to hear it helped you out, they are a boot in their own category aren’t they! I have read that the Michelin soul has some protection for thorns and any spikes you may find in the jungle. You sound like you have an awesome shoe collection!
@@CharliePayne1 I've trained in the desert and jungle. It's very hard to find boots to withstand such terrain namely the Sahara and Mangrove swamp jungles. The mangrove is difficult to navigate and locals use wellington boots. This review you've given shows this boot can withstand that harsh condition. Thanks for the sole update. Yes its puncture proof and resistant to blunt trauma.
Do they fit like other Vivo? Run a touch large for a bit of extra room? I have a second generation pair of leather trackers I love the fit of and I’m really considering these…
I have tried the trackers and in comparison the jungles are more lightweight, more flexible and the grip seems more versatile, and they do have the same fit. Although the trackers do have much better water resistance, I would say these are like a summer version of trackers, hope this helps!
No these shoes don't fit like the other vivos.... I was very sad when even after 20hr of painful breakin they have 0 stretch and crush my pinky toes. If you like the fit of forest esc these boots are not for you (I'm returning mine after a painful week of testing)
Nice video. Got exited for a minute, then I saw the acid green insides, making me imagine the beautiful chemicals mixing with my sweaty feet, creeping into my insides- super healthy! Man can't they just use some anti bacterial organic stuff on the insides??
Given that Vevo are a really sustainable and eco conscious brand, I would believe they don’t use any toxic and harmful chemicals in their shoes or at their manufacturing facilities, it would be interesting to know how they achieved that colour though, I’m sure someone will reply to this comment who knows the answers in the near future 🌳
@@CharliePayne1 I do not doubt the sustainability in the manufacturing process- but recycled pet ist still pet for example. I like the designs of quiet some barefoot companies, sadly few implement organic options. I think vivo only has very few, like maybe the scott or leather models- which aren't vegan then lol. I just thought it's a bit unnessecary to add this plastic layer instead of adding another 20$ to the price for something nice & organic.
@@o0oo888oo0o The bright color is designed to make seeing unwanted critters camping inside your boots easier. Imagine you're backpacking, leave these outside your tent, and have to put them on before daylight using a headlamp to look for spiders inside. The bright color creates better contrast.
I would say it’s just like wearing a trainer boot, not too bulky and heavy with the added benefit of a barefoot experience with the wide toe box and being able to feel the contour of the ground beneath your feet 🦶🏼
Agreed! I think I’m just going to keep these for summer, they look like they will dry quickly and I don’t mind wet feet when it’s warm, but cold and wet feet I can’t deal with! I’m interested to know if they are planning to make a wellington boot 🦶🏼
Do you think they would take well to a DWR type added coating? I’m from the PNW where it rains a ton and I’d prefer not to be hiking in soggy socks and boots. Over all they seem like the perfect fit for me in every other category but zero water resistance is a deal breaker
I cant see it working too well on this boot because the mesh is made to be really breathable and made for water to escape if it gets in the DWR will struggle to make a tight seal in my opinion. I was thinking the same when i got them, but after learning about why they are designed in the way that they are (See other comments to learn about it) it made me appreciate this interesting design.
@@CharliePayne1 I get why it’s designed that way and it’s great for the jungle but I’m from the PNW where wet means Cold 9 months of the year and it doesn’t matter how well it drains if the primary thing getting them wet is rain cause then my feet are just going to be wet the whole time. I guess I can only hope they make a version for colder climates. I prefer taller boots like this that my pants can tuck into for bushwhacking their current forest esc’s just don’t look like they’re the kind of boots I like.
I also live in the PNW and was intrigued by these shoes myself. I've had them for a week and been in rain, and muddy hikes with them and can definitely attest to their breathability. However they do let any and all moisture in, so 2-4hours with wet wool socks is not a deal breaker for me, they do dry extremely fast, even with wet socks inside they will get 90%dry if they are not in water frequently. Longer then 4 hours I do have concerns about foot health, trenchfoot could be a real thing with socks and these shoes, they are comfortable enough to wear without socks for me, but blisters will develop. I did find compared to all other vivobarefoot shoes ive tried, that these are narrow, and dont have any stretch in the toebox. I will be returning them because they squeez my toes wayyyy to much. I also own 2 pairs of the forest esc, and honestly I've found them 9/10 for wet rainy PNW weather, they keep moisture out very well as long as you use obenhaufs or another leather treatment every so often, and they hold up extremely well on crappy terrain. I also wish the forest esc had an option for full size boot uppers but even walking in knee deep tidal mud, I've found the forest esc perform amazing. And dry out quicker then any other leather shoes I've tried.
@@wcransom thanks for this. Yeah the cold wet socks part for a few hours seems just not worth it compared to my boots I currently have that do a good jobs keeping moisture out. I do like thinner more flexible soles than my current boots I feel like I can’t feel the grip levels from them as well that way. Yeah trench foot/athletes foot are a concern of mine with these boots on longer days in wet conditions. The forest esc seem like a better option for this type of climate but personally I prefer the jungle/combat boot form factor quite heavily I like to have my pants into my boots for bushwhacking and rough trails. I hope they make a version of the boots that are adapted to colder climates. Ik it’s not a fashion show but they also just look a lot better than the forest one imo
@tarettime9392 I have found with the forest trackers I always have my pants tucked in if I'm wearing full length pants, and they actually do great for this, I would say that the combat style boot has alot less ankle flexibility/more ankle support feel, bit the forest trackers honestly offer alot of ankle support! But not quite as much as the jungle boots
@@shinobiighost6946yeah but in the PNW wet and cold is not great combo. Water resistant is a lot better up here cause it’s mostly rain and puddles your dealing with rather than wading through ponds and bogs
@@tarettime9392 you probably should practice not stepping in puddles, regardless of shoes. Heavy water logged "waterproof" boots are the worst, being wet makes them cold regardless if your foot is dry or not.
@@shinobiighost6946 it’s not like I’m jumping in puddles man but if you’ve ever hiked in the rain in the PNW it’s not always an option to avoid them. I step in the shallowest parts I can but I’d prefer my boot not just let the water in and get my socks all wet. I’d prefer they keep it out a bit
All it takes is a change of repetition of words to completely change your outlook on life bro, I know you have what it takes to afford anything you want. 🙏🏼 It may even start with saying “What can I do to afford” instead of saying “I cannot afford”. Much love 👊🏼
I've worn vivobarefoot and still do, the price is high but mine have lasted years. You'll want to do the math one whether you're going to buy cheap shoes every few months or expensive shoes once a blue moon.