Vivo forest tracker esc durability

[UpperLeft86]

Alright question for you guys using these for longer weight bearing activity. Granted I'm a newer to full-on barefoot shoes (but have been wearing Altra Lone Peaks and Lems for a couple years) - but now that I'm starting to add 30-50 pounds to hikes with my Trackers and Primus, I'm getting some pain, mostly in the first joint of my big toe. Nothing crazy, but no super long hikes yet either, just 3-5 miles. Any tips here?

Other issue is sometimes I get this popping/flapping sound when I'm walking, like every step. Worse with one pair specifically (ordered black and brown, in a couple sizes.) Anyone else experienced this, does it go away? Am I just walking weird?

 

[FZMT]

And this page has more about the ESC series history and future: https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/blog/the-origins-of-esc

Including this:

The Tundra ESC looks very similar to the Steger Mukluk, I’m very interested in trying them and seeing the desert ESC.

They start talking about the Tundra at around 1:20:00.

Screenshot from the video:

 

[FZMT]

For those experiencing leaking boots, my Forest ESCs were leaking at the leather/sole junction as others have observed, I emailed Vivo to let them know that the boots were great but a rand should be added due to that issue.

It took them 16 days to respond to me, but they did end up offering to exchange the pair I have with a new one despite having owned them for a year.

Vivo makes great products, and while the CS seems hit or miss I’ve only had positive experiences with them, albeit slow.

 

[Formidilosus]

Alright question for you guys using these for longer weight bearing activity. Granted I'm a newer to full-on barefoot shoes (but have been wearing Altra Lone Peaks and Lems for a couple years) - but now that I'm starting to add 30-50 pounds to hikes with my Trackers and Primus, I'm getting some pain, mostly in the first joint of my big toe. Nothing crazy, but no super long hikes yet either, just 3-5 miles. Any tips here?

Yes- it’s going to take a while to build your feet up. Think multi year process to be fully switched over, not weeks or months. Add no more than 10% weight, or distance per week- not both; and I would actually state per every two weeks.

 

[twall13]

Yes- it’s going to take a while to build your feet up. Think multi year process to be fully switched over, not weeks or months. Add no more than 10% weight, or distance per week- not both; and I would actually state per every two weeks.

This is good advice, tough to follow in practice, but really what you should do to transition.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk

 

[UpperLeft86]

Yes- it’s going to take a while to build your feet up. Think multi year process to be fully switched over, not weeks or months. Add no more than 10% weight, or distance per week- not both; and I would actually state per every two weeks.

Well heck. I guess I'll slow my roll then. Am I right that keeping up with longer distances/heavier weights in other footwear is ok, in terms of not being counterproductive with building my feet up? Thanks for the advice.

 

[Formidilosus]

Am I right that keeping up with longer distances/heavier weights in other footwear is ok, in terms of not being counterproductive with building my feet up? Thanks for the advice.

Generally yes. If your feet are tired, don’t push it even with normal shoes.

 

[Dobermann]

The Tundra ESC looks very similar to the Steger Mukluk...

Screenshot from the video:


View attachment 700903

You might have just got @Formidilosus's attention ...

 

[Formidilosus]

You might have just got @Formidilosus's attention ...

 

[Dobermann]

What's the best discount right now?

I've started a Vivo discount thread so we can catch them in real time, and not clutter this thread: https://rokslide.com/forums/threads/the-vivo-barefoot-discount-code-thread.356043/

 

[Dobermann]

I want a leather wellington style boot

I've heard Xero does one, but haven't looked it up ..,

 

[Dobermann]

Attention @Lawnboi and everyone else who wanted black Tracker Forest ESCs - I just saw they're currently listed on the UK site, but not the US site. Not sure if that means you can order to the US or not, and if the US site will get them back in stock or not ...

If anyone has a good current discount code, please add it to the thread in the Gear Deals subforum above so those of us who were hankering for black can give it a go! Cheers.

 

[UpperLeft86]

There's a bunch of black pairs (and brown) on Revivo right now as well! Saves a bundle.

 

[Dobermann]

@Lawnboi - I just ordered a pair of *black* Forest ESCs from the UK site. Used the current 25% off code on the Rokslide gear deals thread above (thanks @revoked!).

I'm going to use a UK remailing service to get them shipped to me, as they're still not listed on the US and NZ sites.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

As much as I love the Tracker ESC’s for hiking and backcountry use, I don’t find them great for an everyday shoe around town and for work. Taking them on and off is a bit of a chore and getting the uppers laced perfectly so that they don’t pinch can be tricky.

Enter the Magna Leather FG. This thing is the most comfortable shoe I’ve worn. They slip on easily, without untying. the sole is plenty grippy enough for everyday use on gravel, dirt, grass. The leather is even higher quality than the Trackers ESC’s and waterproof.

5/5 Highly recommend.

 

[Lawnboi]

As much as I love the Tracker ESC’s for hiking and backcountry use, I don’t find them great for an everyday shoe around town and for work. Taking them on and off is a bit of a chore and getting the uppers laced perfectly so that they don’t pinch can be tricky.

Enter the Magna Leather FG. This thing is the most comfortable shoe I’ve worn. They slip on easily, without untying. the sole is plenty grippy enough for everyday use on gravel, dirt, grass. The leather is even higher quality than the Trackers ESC’s and waterproof.

5/5 Highly recommend.

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Use the speed lace hooks, I leave mine tied, in the tracker esc. Maintains the same tension .

 

[dtrkyman]

I have been eyeing these for a while, I just do not see 270$ sitting there?

Probably get some everyday training shoes first.

 

[fwafwow]

As much as I love the Tracker ESC’s for hiking and backcountry use, I don’t find them great for an everyday shoe around town and for work. Taking them on and off is a bit of a chore and getting the uppers laced perfectly so that they don’t pinch can be tricky.

I thought it was just me. I keep all but the speed laces tied and every time I put them on I have to do some trial and error to get them loose enough.

Enter the Magna Leather FG. This thing is the most comfortable shoe I’ve worn. They slip on easily, without untying. the sole is plenty grippy enough for everyday use on gravel, dirt, grass. The leather is even higher quality than the Trackers ESC’s and waterproof.

I wanted to love these so bad, but for me, the slip on function with the flexible material at the top of the foot, was too constrictive feeling around my ankle. I wish the ESC came in a low-cut and only lace up option.

 

[dtrkyman]

Reynolds cost me 310$ dollars today, the Magna leather were on sale and I also bought a sale training shoe.

I wear a 9.5 mostly and went 10, my left foot is longer and I see no way the 9 would work!

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

I thought it was just me. I keep all but the speed laces tied and every time I put them on I have to do some trial and error to get them loose enough.

I wanted to love these so bad, but for me, the slip on function with the flexible material at the top of the foot, was too constrictive feeling around my ankle. I wish the ESC came in a low-cut and only lace up opti

Reynolds cost me 310$ dollars today, the Magna leather were on sale and I also bought a sale training shoe.

I wear a 9.5 mostly and went 10, my left foot is longer and I see no way the 9 would work!

I talked myself into ordering a second pair yesterday!