I have both and used them extensively for over a year now. My favourite boots are the Forest ESC, which I have in black. They are the widest toe box that I have experienced across Vivobarefoot, Xero and Magical (Or however you spell it). With the Forest ESCs, they should include the wax but I didn’t receive any with my ESCs. I reached out to them and they promptly sent me a small tin can of wax. I have applied this wax about 4 times over a year, often not bothering to clean my super dusty boots and it gives new life to the ESCs. I wore my ESCs all summer at the motocross track as my kids race dirt bikes and we often camp anywhere from 3 to 6 days in a tent. It’s primitive camping and the terrain is rough, hot and very very dusty. There were several days where it was torrential rain and the ESCs held off the rain while I was packing up camping gear. With the Injiji toe socks, the ESCs are a perfect marriage and surprisingly handled a ton of abuse. I never once experienced discomfort or trench foot, I have no idea how they are the most breathable boot I have ever owned. Over the course of a year, I predominantly wore the ESCs, but during the winter I would switch to the Tracker IIs or mostly wore the Xero Alpines due to the cold weather in Canada. The Tracker IIs cannot handle Canadian winters as the cold ground goes right through the red thermal insole (I don’t have this insole for the Forest ESCs). So I would say I wore the ESCs about 7 months of the year and my foot went up a half a size in my hockey ice skates and I had to go the widest size I could find (CCM JTF6 Pros 9.5 wide, I am now a 11.5 to 12 US shoe size). The Tracker IIs are about 15 percent less wide, providing a nice snug fit for longer hikes in the fall or early spring. I do like them, but they are hassle to slip on vs my ESCs and Xero Alpines. I really can’t wear any other shoe that isn’t in the barefoot category, and each brand fits differently. I credit the ESCs in completely fixing my Plantar Facitis, remnants of a broken ankle from snowboarding years ago which was accompanied by a constant clicking of the tendons around the outside of my left ankle. All cured. Now that winter has rolled back into Canada, my Xero Alpines which were very roomy last winter, are now very snug in the toe box, almost uncomfortable. I’m now looking at the Tracker SG, but man, even though Vivobarefoot boots last a very long time, they are really expensive, especially after the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate and then customs charges. Basically a $600 winter boot!
Norway here - I'm a bit late to this but I concur. I also have the Tracker II and there were my favorite boots that I wore most of the autumn and winter until they started to look a bit battered. Then I bought the Forest ESC. Wow, those were like soft leather gloves out of the box. Best boots I've ever owned. The only issue I have is that they don't come with a thermal insole that you can use for winter, especially as it is so difficult to get ahold of those vivo thermal insoles here. Even with very thick socks, the ESC are just a bit too cold on the sole for the worse part of winter, so considering my options for the next winter season. Still, the ESC are hands down my favorite boots for hiking. And I have never had any water ingress - so although they are water resistant rather than waterproof , that still means resistant enough for most wet conditions if the boot is prepped properly with the leather cream vivo supply or another like the doc martins balsam. Expensive but absolutely no regrets.
It seems like the forrest version may be the better choice with the sewn in lowers with some people having delamination issues on the FG2. You're the only person I've seen point that difference out, much appreciated!
I have the FGs and I like them but I’d say they’re quite slippy in mud which we have a lot of in the UK. Also they’re only waterproof for a short time. You’ll need to wax them after the first season and make sure you wax the material under the laces because it leaks otherwise.
I would have loved to hear more about how each of these treatments affects water. I bought the Tracker II FG because I really wanted a fully waterproof boot. After 6 months, however, when I went on a hike in the rain, my toes got soaked, which was very concerning. I believe that the fully waterproof treatments have more to do with a liner, which can degrade over time. The liner also makes it less breathable. If these "waterproof boots" are really more resistant, I wish I had gone with the ESC. They look cooler, in my opinion, and the sole is much more impressive.
Don’t listen to people saying order a whole size bigger! They fit so good your normal size. I’m 8 1/2 but order 9 and they fit just right. Would be able to wear wool socks too comfortably
I had both boots and prefer the Tracker FG. The ESC felt too over-engineered and restrictive around the ankle for me so I returned them. Both give a good barefoot feel to me. The ESC are better in mud for traction with the Michelin soles. The FG haven’t delaminated but I care for them with cleaning and regular boot polish after being in acidic soil conditions. Visually the FG look nicer both on and off the hill and I like the bracken with the brown sole.
Just bought the Tracker II FG yesterday after a trip to New Zealand where the Columbus & then Merrell boots I had caused no end of foot issues. Looking forward to getting to know them, thanks for a balance, informative real world review.
I felt a lot of pressure on my ankle from the lace hook over the ankle on the ESC. Not sure if it is just where my bones line up but I had to send them back. Took the tracker IIs hiking in Patagonia and they were great!
if your feet are going to get wet, you might as well go with the army style and pack extra socks. the more breathable less waterproof model will dry faster too.
I have both, but wear only the ESC now. The FG are leaking water and slightly delaminating on the sides. ESC are the best boots I ever had. Truly recommend them. By the way: I transitioned to barefoot in 2017 and have about 7 pair of Vivo’s for now.
Hi! Love this thank you. I have owned the forest tracker esc and instantly fell in love! Fav boots of all time. I did not even waterproof them and my foot stayed dry on a mild river/waterfall hike and in the snow. I would def say the toe box is a bit more narrow than other barefoot shoes however this was my first pair of vivos. Just found your channel off of vivo boot search! Like the content I am on the hunt for great backpacks. Can you recommend your top backpacks. I searched your RU-vid and did not see a backpack review video. ❤
Unfortunately, my tracker 2fg's started to delaminate. Vivo was hesitant to honor their warranty, but after 7 days of emailing back and forth we came to an agreement. Im not sure if I believe their company is the best. And especially at the price when there's offers from Lems with their boulder summit, and barefoot and their bruins. Im also not a fan of their stock, it seems they're always out of size 12.5. Such a shame, I really love these boots.
I am on my 3rd pair of FGs and 2nd pair of Forest escs. The FGs all leaked quite soon after purchase and are terrible in mud. They are great on hard ground and so I use as a summer boot. The Forest escapes are much better in the mud and remain watertight if proofed regularly. Unfortunately one of the big eyelets for lacing failed after a rivet broke so they are not so watertight now ( I just thread the lace through the rivet hole). I also had the winter version with the felt lining which were useless in the wet. Personally I don't think the price of these is justified. In the wet I have gone back to Meindl/Hanwag. I bought these are am ACL Tear and they really helped recover.
The soles of my Tracker II FG's started to delaminate after my first walk. They went straight back to where they came from. I would not touch that sh!t with a barge pole!
Weird. I had to downsize for Tracker II FG to 44 (I wear 45 Primus Trail II FG). Tracker II FG 45 was way too big. I wear most of my shows/boots in 45 and 46.
Nice review! I have both these boots along with several other pair of vivos. Once I started wearing them, couldn’t go back to normal shoes. I’m wondering if you’ve applied Renapur to both or either of these boots? I did on my ESCs because it is recommended by VIVO and many others but not sure on the Tracker 2s…
One thing you forgot to mention is the arch support of the ESC, this was a surprising feature I didn't expect. No supportive inner soles needed. The support overall is spot on. For me that is. Yes they're in and are on my feet right now. Snug, but can move my toes. And I like that for backpacking, going one size up will make me trip. Will need a pair of gaiters, though. Any suggestions are welcome. Absolutely love these boots!
I love mine as well! While the shape of the insert follows the contour of the foot, it is very flexible, offering no resistance. I'm just noting it isn't 'arch support' in the mainstream sense of structure that props up the arch. I do love how the shape and design of the sole there allows the arch to bend and form around rocks/roots/logs underfoot :~)
@@childcrone Yeah, the arch support is a bit like walking on sand. Did a two day hike around the hills of Nijmegen in order to give these boots a proper test carrying an overloaded backpack. I noticed going downhill that my feet had no intention of sliding forward like I would have in a regular hiking boot. I didn't feel the need to kick off my boots during lunch break as I would normally do, which was another surprise for me. They performed beyond expectations. I hope other brands such as Lowa and Meindle will embrace this barefoot movement in order to keep it affordable and available for the future for I expect a rise in demand for these type of (hiking) boots. Happy hiking!
Man you have great content. Do either of these work for wide shoe sizes? I always wear wide or double-wide. I know you mentioned a wide toe box so hopefully they might work for me.
I just purchased a pair f the esc and they have decent width, but I wouldn't call them wide. That being said, I have proportionally wide feet and they are a bit snug with wool socks. I feel like they will loose a bit as I wear them more. I think they're a great boot and they do have a money back guarantee of I think 100 days
Also, RE:waterproofing -- I often have to step through muddy/swampy areas. Could both shoes stand going 1-2 inches into water/mud without becoming wet inside? What do u think? Would you recommend one model based on this?
I bought a pair of moccasins and noticed how great the flat sole walks! Has become my favorite shoes. Anyway, I'm interested in the ESC, is it okay to hike with this shoe with a big pack, I mean big, on my back? Newbie to bare/flat sole shoes, I'm used to the support of my Lowa Army boots when hiking. But I find them a bit narrow at the toes. Waterproofing them is not an issue for me, Lowa has some great stuff for this which I still have. Thanks for this comparison!
@@TheNinjaEveryDay Thanks for such a quick respond! My pack is slightly heavier, love bomb proof camping gear you see. Going for a 200km hike in Denmark coming November, so still time to break them in. Easy feet I have so no worries there, as it depends on ones feet individually so I've learned. All the best!
I'm in between these 2 and the Belleville Tactical Research Mini-mil. I want to use them for work as well. I work as a Sawyer and tree climber, so I'm in the forest all the time and stepping on brush, logs and rocks. Which do you think would last longer in that environment?
Never even heard of these, they sound like great outdoor footwear for hiking, training, walking and all in between. Questions for ya: * On the Forest ESC, how long did it take to break-in? Daily wear? Did you train in them during break in? * You mentioned mobility and feel as a plus on the FG vs the Forest. How large of a difference between the two? (This video has me thinking about putting these up against my Salomon Ultras which are light but you don't feel much) * Because I have to ask, IF you had to pair down to one as an everyday driver which one would you lean to? You mentioned backpacks so i'll give you my two cents. I'm rocking a Mission Workshop Rhake back pack, they are kinda bougie but they make good looking and durable stuff. I've travelled to a few countries with it and hauled it around. Alternately, Datsusara's hemp stuff holds up super well (use one of their duffel bags for training gear and luggage).
These boots are both made by Vivobarefoot. The Foret ESC was stiff at first, but I took them on a work trip where we were cutting trails, and by the end of the first day, after moving hard, sweating in them, and getting them in and out of a couple of creeks they were absolutely perfect. The main difference in "feel" was due to the tread pattern. So the FG just isn't as aggressive; therefore, I "feel" the ground a little better. For everyday wear, I would go with the FG. I'll check out the backpacks, thanks for the tip!
^ This is right on with my experience as well. I only wore the Forest ESC for 1-2 day hikes before going on a steep, all day climb and they were comfortable the whole time. The treads are really aggressive, which is wonderful if you are in muddy or loose terrain, otherwise they do reduce groundfeel compared to other barefoot boots. Relative to traditional hiking boots both these models are very light weight and flexible though, so it just depends what you are coming from and what your normal terrain is like.
@@TheNinjaEveryDay thank you so much for the reply! I think I’m gonna grab the 43 esc tomorrow and if loosens up just a little bit I will be golden. I feel like the 44 would eventually be huge. There is also less padding on the esc tounge and upper than the trecker 2 fc for reference!
Thanks for the comparison! I'm torn between these two models. The salesperson talked about breathability in these two shoes -- that the ESC is more breathable and the FG feels more enclosed. Is this something you have noticed between them ?
The ESG`s have ventilation holes built in, to help with breathability. The FG`s speciality is good shock absorption on rocky trails, but do get warm above 15 degrees C, while the ESG are more suitable for off track, woodland etc.
@@harpocrates302 What holes are you referring to? I have the Forest ESCs and they have no holes in them. They do have a thin foam & mesh lining that is for airflow around the feet.
Ah, yes. Those holes are only in that outer layer; they don't go through to the inside. I'd say they're decorative or to give flexibility to that scuff-protection piece.@@harpocrates302
My wife just bought me both colors! The brown tracker forest and… the OBSIDIAN (Black)!!! Size 9 US aka size 42 EU. My wife had to go onto the “UK” version of Vivobarefoot. I almost had to order the woman’s just to get me the black ones. I guess it’s only a UK exclusive. They arrived in 3 days! They just came in today, get while you can! 🥷
how do they fare in the winter? I just got into barefoot and loved using em. But we have cold winters here with loads of snow. im trying to find a shoe for the winter.
the sole on the esc should be on the tracker 2 since they look like a more sturdy backpacking boot whereas the esc is more of a lightweight boot. the esc looks like it can handle a 30 pound backpack but the other looks like they will wear out if using weight load.
I am a hunter and have been considering both. I’m curious if you have any experience with how each hold up to cold weather i’m from northern Midwest so it can get cold I would use them as a fall to early winter boot
Please help me with figuring out my shoe size for this boot! I’m a size 11.5 U.S. currently holding the ESC in my cart awaiting for your response because I don’t want to order the wrong size.
I have been wearing Vivobarefoot primus lights 3 for 6 months. I just started wearing magna forest esc. The magna feel tight at the front were the toes meet the main part of the feet(ball of the feet). Is this by design or do I need to get a bigger size?
I have a Tracker HI II FG, which is very comfortable, not too snug, but it holds my feet. I've ordered a Magna Forest ESC, but it doesn't fit well, I have a feeling, my feets just slopes in the boot inwards and downwards to the inner edge as if pronates (so my ankle gets hurt). I don't know exactly why, maybe wider, or the low cut style or the sole is thicker. My feet is narrow and low volume. What do you think, is there any chance the Tracker Forest ESC fits well? I need something mud-walker.
@@mikailahamilton5735 For me it's got better. I've tried a few times and I could thigten the laces on the top of my feet better (softend the material). I experienced that on uneven, rocky and mudy terrian my ankle isn't roll and without insole is more stable. On concrete it's getting better, but a little bit too heavy I should keep attention how to step.
I did the Kalalau trail in the Tracker FG with about 35/40lbs. It was 22 miles over 2 days. ere is the link to that trail review: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-KCztv0tr7h8.html , I have hiked with a much heavier backpack for much shorter distances wearing the Tracker Forest ESC's. Both performed well in those applications.
Hi, did you buy the same size in both boots? If there is a size difference, is it such that you would size down for the ESC, if you already know your size for the Tracker II FG? Thanks!
Hello from Norway! I have a normal foot and usually use size 42, should I buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc shoe in size 42 or go up or down a size?
I've been hesitating between those two for a while as I already own 2 VB pair of shoes and their toebox isn't wide enough for my duck-foot/palm shaped feet. Still, I can't manage to find any other brand that offers wider hiking boots (do you know any?) so... I might take the jump. Question for you is : between the two version (FG and Forest ESC), would you say one is wider than the other at the toebox area? If equal, I would choose the ESC both for looks and also because I plan on using them in forests mostly and it's very slippery here a good part of the year (raining a lot) with plenty of mud. The FG doesn't seem to cut it with its tiny lugs... BUT, the ESC seem narrower/snugier and more pointy at their tip. Is it just an impression or do you confirm my feeling? Thanks in advance for your hint.
You may look at Altra boots as an alternative. Of all my barefoot boots, they "feel" like the roomiest toe box. I would say the vivos are really comparable to each other and you may want to make your decision based on the outsole.
I've heard a few times, no first-hand experience, that Be Lenka has the roomiest foot-shaped toe boxes, and they do have boot models. I got the Forests to use in field/yard/woodlot chores & hiking, all that could involve mud & snow. I chose them over the FGs for the luggier tread, and stitched-on sole to upper. They have performed as if waterproof from out-of-the-box and just before the winter I treated them with Sno-Seal (a great beeswax waterproofing product). I love 'em more every time I use 'em. If you're still thinking of them, I'd say size up a bit, and they have a no-reason 100 day return policy if they don't work out even after using them for a while :~)
