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Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Review

A burly barefoot boot with outstanding stability that's built to tackle any condition
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Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Review (The Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG are rugged enough to handle even the tough jobs without sacrificing barefoot feel.)
The Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG are rugged enough to handle even the tough jobs without sacrificing barefoot feel.
Credit: Jon Oleson
Price:  $240 List
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Manufacturer:   Vivobarefoot
By Jon Oleson ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 13, 2023
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 11
  • Ground Feedback - 30% 8.0
  • Stability - 20% 9.0
  • Traction - 20% 9.0
  • Weight - 15% 4.0
  • Durability - 15% 6.0
Length Sizing
Runs Small
Runs Large
Width Sizing
Runs Narrow
Runs Wide

Our Verdict

If it weren't for the added weight gained through additional protection and support, the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG would have outscored all the barefoot competition. The durable leather upper hugs the foot and ankle to mid-calf, offering unmatched stability in any terrain. The soft rubber sole, which offers superior ground feedback, is lined with a puncture-resistant finish to help ensure that sharp objects stay out of your foot. The 4mm lugs that give the sole its traction are designed to grip pretty much any surface and, at the same time, shed dirt, gravel, and mud like a non-stick pan. These boots are truly built to tackle any condition while still offering you the barefoot feeling we expect from Vivobarefoot.
REASONS TO BUY
Unparalleled stability
Great traction
Durable construction
REASONS TO AVOID
Relatively heavy
Expensive

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards Top Pick Award
Best Barefoot Boot for Hiking and Work
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Barefoot Shoe
Editors' Choice Award
Best Barefoot Shoe for Beginners
Best Buy Award
Best Bang For Your Buck
Best Buy Award
Best Budget Barefoot Running Shoe
Price $240 List$135 List
$125.00 at Amazon
$109.95 at Backcountry$50 List
$49.86 at Amazon
$42 List
$47.49 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
75
82
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72
Star Rating
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Bottom Line No trail is too tough for this well-made and stable barefoot hiking bootThe next evolution of FiveFinger shoe built to tackle any trail conditionThe spacious toe box, grippy outsole, and minor stack height make this barefoot shoe ideal for rocky trailsWhitin punches well above it's weight with the high performing minimalist shoeIf you're looking for a high-value trail runner option then look no further
Rating Categories Vivobarefoot Tracke... Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Ground Feedback (30%)
8.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
8.0
Stability (20%)
9.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
7.0
Traction (20%)
9.0
8.0
8.0
6.0
8.0
Weight (15%)
4.0
8.4
8.3
7.8
7.3
Durability (15%)
6.0
8.0
9.0
6.0
5.0
Specs Vivobarefoot Tracke... Vibram V-Trail 2.0 Merrell Trail Glove 7 Whitin Minimalist Whitin Cross Trainer
Measured Weight (per pair) 38 oz (size 10) 14.6 oz (size 43EU) 17.4 oz (size 10) 20.2 oz (size 43EU 20.4 oz (size 43EU)
Stack Height 5.5 mm (3 mm base + 2.5 mm lugs) 5.7 mm (3.7 mm base + 2 mm insole) 14mm (2.5mm lug) 12mm 6.5 mm (5 mm base + 1.5 mm insole)
Heel to Toe drop 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm 0 mm
Outsole 55% Synthetic rubber, 20% natural rubber, 25% additives 3.7mm, Vibram megagrip rubber w/3D cocoon mesh Vibram® Ecostep Rubber Rubber
Midsole None None None None None
Insole RPET 2mm EVA EVA foam - not removable Not specified Yes, not specified
Upper Material Leather/cotton Water repellent polyester 100% recycled breathable mesh Knit Stretchy mesh

Our Analysis and Test Results

Of the barefoot boots that we tested, the Tracker II FG quickly proved its worth. Not only is the leather upper super durable, easily handling some hefty work days in the woods, but it also hugs the foot and ankle like a heavy work glove, lending confidence to tread into some pretty hairy conditions. This toughness has an underlying sensitivity, however. The base of the outsole, at just 2.5mm, is thin enough to allow you to feel every contour of the ground below while affording the added protection of a puncture-resistant finish. Add to this the 4mm lugs, and you will soon feel why this boot will take you anywhere that you want to go.

Performance Comparison


vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - the vivobarefoot tracker ii fg provides a durable and stable...
The Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG provides a durable and stable platform that keeps your feet happy mile after mountain mile.
Credit: Jon Oleson


Ground Feedback


This boot proves you don't have to sacrifice ground feedback for durability, versatility, and all-around toughness. Vivobarefoot laid the foundation for superior ground feel with this boot's 2.5mm rubber outsole base. Despite the additional few millimeters of thickness, the thermal insole helps maintain thermoregulation inside the boot while still maintaining the ground feedback of a barefoot platform.


The combination of the puncture-resistant layer on the outsole and the well-padded thermal insole does create some additional space between your foot and the ground compared to the more minimalist barefoot contenders. Because of this, it won't feel quite as sensitive as those platforms. Yet, for a burly boot that kept our foot protected in all conditions, we were quite surprised and impressed by the barefoot feel of the Tracker II FG.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - the tracker ii fg offers plenty of ground feedback, while still...
The Tracker II FG offers plenty of ground feedback, while still offering the stability of a boot.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Stability


The toe box of the Tracker II FG is wide. At almost 5 inches, it proved to allow plenty of room for our feet to naturally splay. This represents the foundation of this boot's stability. Building from there, it integrates a leather upper that's welded to the outsole, providing excellent waterproofness. A metal-pronged lacing system secures the whole platform to the foot, firmly hugging all the way up just past the ankle. And it stops there, still allowing nearly full mobility in the ankle.


There was a breaking-in period for the Tracker II FG to feel totally comfortable. The stiff leather put pressure on the ankle for several miles until we warmed them up. After the break-in period, however, they fit like they were made just for our feet. The combination of the sensitive, puncture-resistant outsole with the comfortable ankle-hugging upper makes this contender our superstar of barefoot stability.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - the tracker ii fg kept our feet, and ankles, safe and sound no...
The Tracker II FG kept our feet, and ankles, safe and sound no matter how uneven the terrain.
Credit: Jon Oleson

While it initially seemed like this boot's roominess may negatively affect stability, that wasn't our experience. If your foot can move around inside a shoe, it may feel less stable on uneven terrain. But the lacing system on the Tracker II FG firmly holds the foot in place. Not only did our foot not slide on the wide sole, but it felt more stable in its ability to naturally splay.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - looking at our testers foot and the sole of the vivobarefoot tracker...
Looking at our testers foot and the sole of the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG side by side, it's easy to see how our foot is able to naturally splay in these boots.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Traction


When choosing a hiking or work boot, you want to ensure that the tread is built to suit your environment. Some treads are built for mud, others for rock, and the best are designed to handle any condition. Vivobarefoot tried and succeeded in this effort with the Tracker II FG. We found the outsole of these boots to be among the best when traversing tricky terrain — whether sandy slopes or slick rocks.


The simple yet effective design of the beefy 4mm lugs on the bottom of this boot's outsole do a superb job at gripping the ground, whether soft or hard. The space between the raised lugs allows the sole to easily shed dirt, mud, and gravel. As you move forward up the mountain, you won't be bringing any of it with you in these hikers. A key note is that the soles grip the ground, whether wet or dry, which is important when traversing slick, wet river rocks. Rest assured that you won't have to worry about slipping while wearing the Tracker II FG.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - we could confidently move across the slick river rocks with the...
We could confidently move across the slick river rocks with the Tracker II FG.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Weight


When placed alongside super minimalist barefoot shoes, a hiking boot is likely to place at the bottom of the list for weight. Sure enough, at 19 ounces per shoe, the Tracker received its lowest score in this metric. We'd like to take the opportunity to highlight that what gives this boot its weight is also what fortifies its strengths. The durable and padded leather upper, reinforced lace loops, and 4mm lugs all lend to the stability, durability, and traction that make this boot top of its class.


Despite the added weight, we never felt like this boot was heavy underfoot. Compared to other work or hiking boots, the Tracker II FG feels lightweight. Heading into a long work or trail day, we were comforted knowing that our choice of footwear would protect our precious pads no matter what conditions we encountered. Additionally, this boot proved to be fully waterproof, which means that you won't have to worry about the added weight of soggy socks.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - the reinforced metal eyelets and speed hooks, along with the durable...
The reinforced metal eyelets and speed hooks, along with the durable leather upper all combine to make this boot heavier than most barefoot platforms. Although we'll point out that they're “heavy” as in “heavy duty”.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Durability


These barefoot boots are designed from the foundation up with durability in mind. While the designers clearly wanted you to experience the feel of a barefoot shoe, they didn't accept that a thin sole has to lack toughness. Vivobarefoot's Pro5 puncture resistant finish on the outsole aims to prevent your foot from being poked by sharp objects that you may happen to step on along your adventures. We can attest to this ability after many long days of sawyer work in the woods of northern California while wearing this boot. Not once did we feel like our feet were in danger of being compromised despite plenty of sharp and jagged objects to navigate.


Likewise, these boots perform admirably on the trail. The tough outsole is welded to the thick leather upper, providing trail-tested waterproofness. The metal eyelets and speed hooks work in favor of the boot's longevity while providing a strong foundation for the laces to hold your foot and ankle firm.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - delamination along the weld where the tracker ii fg's leather upper...
Delamination along the weld where the Tracker II FG's leather upper creases is a weak point that could affect waterproofness over time.
Credit: Jon Oleson

The only potential weak point that we found on these boots is the crease points where the upper meets the outsole weld. This has a tendency to delaminate with a lot of use and abuse, which, over time, could decrease the waterproofness of the boot. Yet we subjected these boots to a lot of abuse, and they still feel like they've got a ton of life left. No question the Tracker will last you many hundreds of miles.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - after weeks of abuse on the worksite and trail, the tracker ii fg...
After weeks of abuse on the worksite and trail, the Tracker II FG have a few battle scars but maintain their integrity.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Should You Buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG?


If you're looking for a burly boot for the worksite or your next adventure, then we wholeheartedly recommend the Tracker II FG. While it may be too much for many pursuits, if you need ankle stability, excellent traction, and the natural feel one would expect from a leading barefoot company, this boot checks all your boxes. Vivobarefoot is so confident that you'll love this boot that they even offer a 100-day trial period. If there are any issues during that period, return the boots for a refund. No questions asked. Even if you're unaccustomed to barefoot footwear, we encourage you to give these hikers a try. The added stability offered by the ankle top design and the puncture-resistant outsole offer much more stability and protection than more minimalist barefoot shoes.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - the tracker ii fg proved to be as waterproof as they claim. even...
The Tracker II FG proved to be as waterproof as they claim. Even after long days of stream crossings our feet were comfortable and dry.
Credit: Jon Oleson

What Other Barefoot Shoes Should You Consider?


An ankle top boot may not be the right footwear for more moderate pursuits. If you're looking for a barefoot hiking shoe that sits below the ankle, check out the Xero Shoes DayLite Hiker Fusion. If you want to go light and fast over the mountain trails, consider trying the Vibram V-Trail 2.0. And if you're thinking, “Wow, barefoot hiking shoes are way too expensive,” then you may want to take a look at the Whitin Cross Trainer hiking shoe.

vivobarefoot tracker ii fg - mile after mile the tracker ii fg offer superior durability...
Mile after mile the Tracker II FG offer superior durability, stability, and barefoot comfort.
Credit: Jon Oleson

Jon Oleson