Vivo forest tracker esc durability

[BBob]

For you guys that have both the gobi IV and the tracker esc, how's the fit compare between the two for the same size?

A little different but maybe applicable. Magna ESC and Gobi both in 44. Gobi fit is shorter by .5cm ish but close width wise in the forefoot. My really old beat Gobi's have stretched width wise and fit noticeably looser than the newer ones. Insulated Gobi's in 44 are about the same length as the Magna.

I'll add that I wear a lighter sock with the Gobi than the Magna so actual fit isn't much different between the two.

 

[Choot]

For you guys that have both the gobi IV and the tracker esc, how's the fit compare between the two for the same size?

I'm considering getting the gobi while they're on sale for a daily work shoe. My tracker esc is very roomy and maybe a little too roomy with normal thin socks that I'd wear to work, so I'm not sure if I'd want to size down or not for the gobi.

I have the regular trackers I wear for work and the magna ecs both in size 12. I just got the gobi iv on their sale and tried a size 11 and they fit great. Figured I didn’t need quite the toe room out the front since they won’t be for hiking around

 

[rabbithuntr]

For you guys that have both the gobi IV and the tracker esc, how's the fit compare between the two for the same size?

I'm considering getting the gobi while they're on sale for a daily work shoe. My tracker esc is very roomy and maybe a little too roomy with normal thin socks that I'd wear to work, so I'm not sure if I'd want to size down or not for the gobi.

I wear the same size in my hobo and my tracker escapes, the gobies do tend to get a little looser as you wear them though.

 

[Dobermann]

Has anyone used the Xero Alpine boots at all?

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/alpine-men/

@Formidilosus?

 

[HighUintas]

I have read that Xeros quality is garbage, otherwise I thought about trying them

 

[rabbithuntr]

Has anyone used the Xero Alpine boots at all?

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/alpine-men/

View attachment 828915

@Formidilosus?

I don’t have any experience with these boots but I bought a couple zero shoes , speedforce and mesa, they definitely hold up better than the vivi addis shoes I’ve had but they are not as nice as my gobis or trackers.

 

[RojoGrande]

I have a number of different model of Xero shoes. I have the Mesa Trail for a low, light weight trail running/hiking shoe (I don't run). These are not waterproof. I have a couple pairs of the Excursion Fusion that I have hunted in, mostly Colorado archery season. These are a waterproof mid hiker with a little more aggressive tread. I have Daylight hikers as a light weight mid hiker. Also have the Ridgeway also waterproof mid-hiker. Used during archery and early rifle hunts including pack-outs. I have a pair of the Alpines but only recently purchased at their clearance sale a few months ago and have not used much.

Overall, I've been pleased with Xero shoes from a quality perspective with the exception of waterproofing. The shoes/boots have held up well to hiking, hunting, and daily use. The Ridgeway has a higher stack and less ground feel. All the other models have shorter stacks and a lot of ground feel. I wouldn't recommend them for longer hikes unless you've used to barefoot shoes for a while or have used other models like Vivo's with thinner soles. The Mesa Trail, Excursion, and Daylight Hikers don't have as aggressive or grippier sole as the Ridgeway's. Not as stable on loose rocks, wet rocks and roots. Not sure what Xero uses for waterproofing but its not durable. It lasts maybe a few months of consistent use. They are fine in dry snow but dewy wet grass they wet through fairly quickly once the waterproof membrane breaks down. Of all the models, I like the Ridgeway's the best; comfortable, decent support, grippier sole, waterproofing seems to last a little longer than the other more sneaker/trail runner style models. YMMV

 

[ledflight]

Has anyone used the Xero Alpine boots at all?

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/alpine-men/

View attachment 828915

@Formidilosus?

Yes, but not extensively. Was using them in the snow this past weekend for pushing the kids sledding and some time in the woods. I was happy with their performance.

 

[Formidilosus]

Has anyone used the Xero Alpine boots at all?

https://xeroshoes.com/shop/boots/alpine-men/

View attachment 828915

@Formidilosus?

I have not.

 

[eli425]

I've had a pair of Vivo Trackers for several years now and they are comfortable but were never really waterproof. (the older model that was advertised as waterproof. even has the waterproof tab on the side) The leather is coming apart from where it meets the soles as others have mentioned.
So for this year, I picked up Freet Impala and honestly I've been impressed. Been on several hikes now and they are very grippy and comfortable. All the materials seem to be of high quality and the water proofing works well. Highly recommend for anyone in the market if you're having doubts about the Vivo.

Impala

About Impala All the barefoot benefits in a true mountain boot Great combination of waterproofing, comfort, lightness and toughness However tough the trail, Impala will keep you sure-footed

usa.freetbarefoot.com

Hope this helps someone. I know I've been constantly searching for something like this, and think this may be the ticket. We'll see how they last though as I keep prepping for the fall.

 

[HighUintas]

I've had a pair of Vivo Trackers for several years now and they are comfortable but were never really waterproof. (the older model that was advertised as waterproof. even has the waterproof tab on the side) The leather is coming apart from where it meets the soles as others have mentioned.
So for this year, I picked up Freet Impala and honestly I've been impressed. Been on several hikes now and they are very grippy and comfortable. All the materials seem to be of high quality and the water proofing works well. Highly recommend for anyone in the market if you're having doubts about the Vivo.

Impala

About Impala All the barefoot benefits in a true mountain boot Great combination of waterproofing, comfort, lightness and toughness However tough the trail, Impala will keep you sure-footed

usa.freetbarefoot.com

Hope this helps someone. I know I've been constantly searching for something like this, and think this may be the ticket. We'll see how they last though as I keep prepping for the fall.

I recommend making another thread for those boots and put the link in this one. I'd like to see a few more people get those and test them out. We've got a nice pile of peoples' experience with the tracker esc here. It's been great.

After putting the rand onto mine with Aquaseal SR, I love them. I really like not having a waterproof membrane for the breathability when the membrane isn't absolutely needed. They're water resistant enough with the rand I will likely use them for all my hunting going forward unless it's extremely wet or if something comes along with more aggressive outsole lugs