Vivo forest tracker esc durability

[fwafwow]

Has anyone seen sizing differences in Vivos across different models? I have pair of the Forest ESCs and a pair of the low-top Magna ESCs, both in the same size. The Magnas are significantly smaller. Almost too small. Definitely don’t have room for larger socks.

Definitely.

 

[ElPollo]

Definitely.

I was a little surprised by this given that both shoes seemed to use the same last and sole. I can still wear the Magnas, but it’s definitely a thin sock only situation.

 

[fwafwow]

I was a little surprised by this given that both shoes seemed to use the same last and sole. I can still wear the Magnas, but it’s definitely a thin sock only situation.

Same, but I attributed it to the way the Magnas are more restrictive at the front side of the ankle. The more I wear the Forest ESCs, the less tight I tie them. I also bought another pair a full size up because I don't need them to fit the same way "normal" shoes do

 

[ElPollo]

Same, but I attributed it to the way the Magnas are more restrictive at the front side of the ankle. The more I wear the Forest ESCs, the less tight I tie them. I also bought another pair a full size up because I don't need them to fit the same way "normal" shoes do

With you on the lacing for both the Forest and Magna. Keep them loose, even on slopes. The laces on the Magnas are basically decorative for me. I use them as slip-ons. The Forest have a good 1/2”-3/4” of slop around my ankles when I have them laced up. I cannot imagine going back to normal boots after wearing these for 6 months.

 

[fwafwow]

With you on the lacing for both the Forest and Magna. Keep them loose, even on slopes. The laces on the Magnas are basically decorative for me. I use them as slip-ons. The Forest have a good 1/2”-3/4” of slop around my ankles when I have them laced up. I cannot imagine going back to normal boots after wearing these for 6 months.

I may have said this elsewhere, but the only downside to the Forests is the lacing and the time it takes to lace and unlace them, as my buddies just throw off or on their slip-on rubber boots.

 

[twall13]

I may have said this elsewhere, but the only downside to the Forests is the lacing and the time it takes to lace and unlace them, as my buddies just throw off or on their slip-on rubber boots.

I keep mine tied/knotted all the time and just loop the laces over the speed lace hooks really quickly after throwing them on. It's easy to do since they aren't laced tight anyway.

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[ElPollo]

I keep mine tied/knotted all the time and just loop the laces over the speed lace hooks really quickly after throwing them on. It's easy to do since they aren't laced tight anyway.

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This is what I do.

 

[UpperLeft86]

Has anyone seen sizing differences in Vivos across different models? I have pair of the Forest ESCs and a pair of the low-top Magna ESCs, both in the same size. The Magnas are significantly smaller. Almost too small. Definitely don’t have room for larger socks.

Definitely some differences, yes. My Primus Trail Knit FG fit smaller than my Tracker ESC. My Gobi Lux fit similar to the Tracker ESC, but not quite as roomy, and with less volume in the forefoot.

 

[EastCoaster]

Does anyone have a recommendation for less restrictive socks? I have been using the mid weight smart wool socks but they shrink up a lot after washing and seem to be pretty tight for the first little while when I first put them on. I am asking here because I wear zero drop wide toe box boots and am trying to find socks that will flow with them.

 

[dtrkyman]

I have a pair of keen socks, not sure the model but they are loose fitting and really warm!

Darn tough suck for me, skin tite and I have skinny feet and ankles!

 

[twall13]

Does anyone have a recommendation for less restrictive socks? I have been using the mid weight smart wool socks but they shrink up a lot after washing and seem to be pretty tight for the first little while when I first put them on. I am asking here because I wear zero drop wide toe box boots and am trying to find socks that will flow with them.

Point 6 essential or Gore are both pretty good for toe space. Injinji or Yak wool from Happy Yak are probably the best I've found for toe space, not sure how well the Yak wool will hold up yet as they are relatively new to me. I wear holes in the toes of injinji socks quickly but they definitely work well for toe spacing.

Darn tough tend to be tight in the toes for most models... The twisted yarn models seem to be the best for me in that area from Darn Tough.

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[BBob]

Kuiu med weight socks aren't restrictive at all. My Darn Tough are tight. Point 6 kind of in between those two. I wear the Kuiu in my Jim Green's and Vivo Magna's.

 

[WyldGoose]

Winter Tracker 2’s showed up. Super comfortable.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Winter Tracker 2’s showed up. Super comfortable.

View attachment 811069

How “insulated” are they? Do your feet sweat at all in higher exertion?

 

[Braaap]

I’ve been wearing some Altera alpaca socks this season and don’t find them restrictive. I use the Injinji liner toe socks underneath them and it’s been a great combo. They’re definitely not as restrictive as my Darn Tough socks.

 

[WyldGoose]

How “insulated” are they? Do your feet sweat at all in higher exertion?

I’ll get back to you on that, today’s been the first day wearing em and it wasn’t really high exertion, just walked the dog in the backyard a bit and went to the range. I’m wearing medium weight Duluth merino socks and it’s been in the low 60’s up here in rim country which is weirdly warm. So far they feel good temp wise.

The factory insoles have a foil reflective layer sandwiched between the foam, I swapped those for my Superfeet Hikers.

 

[HighUintas]

I’ll get back to you on that, today’s been the first day wearing em and it wasn’t really high exertion, just walked the dog in the backyard a bit and went to the range. I’m wearing medium weight Duluth merino socks and it’s been in the low 60’s up here in rim country which is weirdly warm. So far they feel good temp wise.

The factory insoles have a foil reflective layer sandwiched between the foam, I swapped those for my Superfeet Hikers.

Beat em up asap. I'd like to know how they hold up.

 

[mtnbound]

Does anyone have a recommendation for less restrictive socks? I have been using the mid weight smart wool socks but they shrink up a lot after washing and seem to be pretty tight for the first little while when I first put them on. I am asking here because I wear zero drop wide toe box boots and am trying to find socks that will flow with them.

I use Yak wool socks, and they work very well. I have also been using Darn Tough socks for years, and they are great but a little tight for me.

 

[HighUintas]

How “insulated” are they? Do your feet sweat at all in higher exertion?

I happened to receive some of these today. Same size as my tracker esc. They fit similarly, but the feel slightly narrower and that could be due to the rand and leather type. They're incredibly comfortable.

I wore them with some random wool socks from Mongolianstore.com. I don't know if they're camel, sheep, or yak because I didn't order them. They just came along with my wife's camel leggings, so I'm guessing they're sheep.

We went on a hike to sled today in about 33F weather. The trail was uphill for about 1.5-1.75mi and we gained about 800 ft or more. I had my 3yr old on my shoulders and we moved at a quick pace. Getting to the top, I was sweating heavily in my coat and pants, but my feet felt dry and only warm ... Not hot. After getting back and taking the boots off, the bottom of my socks were barely damp. Barely perceptible.

So, I like them. I think they'll be great for cold hunts with potential wetness.

Sidenote, where are you guys getting your camel or yak socks from? The ones (probably sheep) I received from Mongolianstore.com are great

 

[fwafwow]

Sidenote, where are you guys getting your camel or yak socks from? The ones (probably sheep) I received from Mongolianstore.com are great

I purchased both camel and yak wool socks from Mongolianstore through their Etsy website (note - their camel and yak socks say "camel wool" or "yak wool" on them) for $25 and $30, respectively. I've also purchased more from Happy Yak. I'd say the socks are pretty comparable, but I'd lean towards the Happy Yak Purist version (also 100% yak) at $45, or their Adventurist (40% Yak cashmere, 40% Mongolian wool, 14% nylon, 6% elastic) for $40.

I have had some problems with Happy Yak in communication and shipments being split and delayed. Hopefully it was just holidays, etc.

For Xmas I bought Mrs. fwafwow socks, gloves and a scarf from Happy Yak. As feared, she wasn't thrilled with any of them, but the gloves and scarf can be worn by yours truly, so not a complete loss.