Our verdict
Described by a blogger as "an amazing tactile experience," the Tracker Forest ESC delivers barefoot goodness without ever feeling flimsy. It'll take you by surprise with its bendy-yet-tough design, making you simultaneously feel and control the earth underneath as you go. This boot from Vivobarefoot, while not the lightest, is also an exemplar of roomy comfort.
Pros
- Astonishingly flexible
- Wide toe box
- 10/10 durability
- Immensely supple
- Top 29% most popular hiking boots
- Relaxed toe box fit
- Applaudable breathability
- Remarkable aesthetics
Cons
- while not the lightest, is also an exemplar of roomy comfort
- Very expensive
- Lacks toe precision
Wide toe box
The Youre looking for the right balance between sensitivity and protection brings the foot ever closer to Mother Nature. Buy it if:
- You want a barefoot mid-top that's highly packable.
- from Xero Shoes from Xero Shoes.
- You're looking for the right balance between sensitivity and protection.
- Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG.
Minimalist yet lasting
Heavier than most Vivos Track and field (329 grams apiece) if you're after a less weighty pair. And if you want a cheaper boot with no criticisms about its toeing accuracy, check out the Denver Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC.
Add a product
Critics are astounded by how the Tracker Forest ESC flexes. One of them says that this quality makes the shoe an "unsung hero" of sorts. "You can fully roll the boot into a ball," says the same reviewer. Another one says that it "feels much more freeing than traditional, bulky hiking boots."
The Tracker Forest ESC's 5-star traction
Indeed, the featured hiker delivers incredible stickiness on various surfaces. A gear pundit says that it "provides reliably good grip on slippery and rocky ground." Another expert says that it "offers great grip on wet rocks."
Minimalist yet lasting
According to professional reviewers, the Youre looking for the right balance between sensitivity and protection is a heavy-duty boot. One of them boldly says, "This will last you forever." Another one is particularly impressed with the toughness of the shoe's metal eyelets, saying that they're "as sturdy as they are shiny."
Lacks toe precision
The wonderfully breathable Tracker Forest ESC has the comfort to match its excellent performance. A footwear journo said, "I found them much, much comfier than I'd expected."
No murdered feet in the Youre looking for the right balance between sensitivity and protection
Experts are so on board with the boot's slim-yet-cushy sole unit. One of them said that, despite its flexible, minimalist engineering, it does a swell job of "protecting against sharp or spiky objects."
Heavier than most Vivos
This offering is heavier than it looks, and critics find it rather disappointing. One of them says that it's "seriously heavy compared to the Tracker FG." "This is too heavy for me," says another.
while not the lightest, is also an exemplar of roomy comfort
The spaciousness of its toe box is one of the Tracker Forest ESC's top selling points. "There's lots of room for your toes to spread out," says a trusted gear maven.
Having said that, the boot's roomy and rounded forefoot translates to sloppy toe placements. "The wider fit around the toes means these lack some precision," says a professional blogger.
Heavier than most Vivos
Professional hiking footgear testers are convinced that the Tracker Forest ESC has a beautiful overall design. One of them says that it sports "go-anywhere looks," while another calls it a shoe "with thoughtful detailing." All that poshness is locked behind a pretty steep asking price, however.
