Vivo forest tracker esc durability

[R boar]

I've been wearing TR105 minimils for 7-8 years now, and have worn out half a dozen pairs. They leave some things to be desired but I'm all aboard with minimist boots. I like how tall they are and I've never found anything similar, but after reading this whole thread I figured I'd try the vivos.

I used the size guide with the piece of paper and photos, and it said I was size 12, so I ordered those. They were too small, sent them back (cost $5) and got a pair in 13. They are barely big enough. Next pair might go 13.5. I wear 12-13 in most boots and 14 in the minimils. Hopefully this helps some folks. I know the paper photo thing worked for a lot of people but was way off for me.

The vivos seem good so far. The traction in mud is insane compared to the minimils. The break-in is almost non existent too. First thing I did was run 5 miles with 1300’ up/down on some steep and muddy trails around my house and they didn't hurt my feet.

 

[Braaap]

Is there a post on here that walks through how to apply the rand and aquaseal? Have a new pair and was thinking of applying this process before breaking them in.

I just rubbed the area I was planning on applying the aqua seal with some rubbing alcohol first and let it dry. That’s it.

 

[benconfused]

I just rubbed the area I was planning on applying the aqua seal with some rubbing alcohol first and let it dry. That’s it.

How many tubes did you need for one pair?

 

[HighUintas]

You could search through my posts in this thread. I can't remember how much detail I gave, but there's some info.

I taped off the area with painters tape, then sanded everything a little with probably 180-300ish paper, then used some mineral spirits to wipe it off, then applied a couple coats of awuaseal sr. I recommend sanding the outsole part pretty well because it's smooth.

 

[Dobermann]

Is there a post on here that walks through how to apply the rand and aquaseal? Have a new pair and was thinking of applying this process before breaking them in.

Yes.

 

[Braaap]

How many tubes did you need for one pair?

Good question. I don’t remember but I doubt I bought two. I’m pretty sure just one. I used a small cheap brush I bought at Home Depot.

 

[Levy_ken]

How many tubes did you need for one pair?

I also didn’t use a full tube.

I recommend sanding the outsole part pretty well because it's smooth.

Seconded - forgot to do this and I have some spots that are peeling off the outsole. So far hasn’t really had an effect, as my seams are still sealed and the leather is still adhering well, but probably best to avoid the peeling if possible.

 

[trickyrabbit]

Has anyone tried the new Lems tactical boot? Seems similar to the Breville Minimil. https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-tactical-pro-tall-boot?variant=41066794418234&country=US

 

[R boar]

Has anyone tried the new Lems tactical boot? Seems similar to the Breville Minimil. https://www.lemsshoes.com/products/mens-tactical-pro-tall-boot?variant=41066794418234&country=US

No, but they don't look like the Minimils to me. They look to be more like a Belleville C320, which is also a great boot and similar to the Minimil (super lightweight, thin, flexible) but with more of a real sole. You feel every stone with the Minimil, not with the C320. This looks like it has more of a real sole.

In other news, I tried the Reebok Rb7125 Nano 8" Tactical Soft Toe Boot thinking they might be similar to the Minimil, and they are terrible. Granted they were only $97. The sole slips on every wet rock that the Minimils grip just fine on, and the soles squeak like crazy when they're wet. The laces suck, and even with new laces, they stick in the grommets so you have to pull tension at every grommet, whereas the Minimils you can just pull one or two places and it all equalizes.

 

[eLightfoot]

Don’t kick anything wearing these lol. Threw a micro tizzy fit at work and kicked a box of crap that was in my way. Pretty sure I broke my big toe. Not advised for construction obviously. Just a psa that there is NO protection for your toes.

 

[B_Reynolds_AK]

Don’t kick anything wearing these lol. Threw a micro tizzy fit at work and kicked a box of crap that was in my way. Pretty sure I broke my big toe. Not advised for construction obviously. Just a psa that there is NO protection for your toes.

Username is ironic

 

[Big_wals]

I've been wearing TR105 minimils for 7-8 years now, and have worn out half a dozen pairs. They leave some things to be desired but I'm all aboard with minimist boots. I like how tall they are and I've never found anything similar, but after reading this whole thread I figured I'd try the vivos.

I used the size guide with the piece of paper and photos, and it said I was size 12, so I ordered those. They were too small, sent them back (cost $5) and got a pair in 13. They are barely big enough. Next pair might go 13.5. I wear 12-13 in most boots and 14 in the minimils. Hopefully this helps some folks. I know the paper photo thing worked for a lot of people but was way off for me.

The vivos seem good so far. The traction in mud is insane compared to the minimils. The break-in is almost non existent too. First thing I did was run 5 miles with 1300’ up/down on some steep and muddy trails around my house and they didn't hurt my feet.

Love my minimils, I just wish they had a more aggressive tread pattern. I wear them for work. Tried hiking with em a few times and ended up doing more slipping and sliding than I like.

 

[R boar]

Love my minimils, I just wish they had a more aggressive tread pattern. I wear them for work. Tried hiking with em a few times and ended up doing more slipping and sliding than I like.

Yeah certain places they can be pretty slippy, like sidehilling on dry grass or steep forest floor duff with all the dry needles, I've taken some rides in them. But on wet logs and rocks they grip super well, it's like having your tires aired down. They just wrap around stuff.

But now that I've tried the vivo forest trackers, the traction is insane compared to the minimils. I think I'm gonna like them. I always hesitated because I didn't think I'd like having boots shorter than 8" but it's probably fine.

 

[Big_wals]

Yeah certain places they can be pretty slippy, like sidehilling on dry grass or steep forest floor duff with all the dry needles, I've taken some rides in them. But on wet logs and rocks they grip super well, it's like having your tires aired down. They just wrap around stuff.

But now that I've tried the vivo forest trackers, the traction is insane compared to the minimils. I think I'm gonna like them. I always hesitated because I didn't think I'd like having boots shorter than 8" but it's probably fine.

Yeah I wish the Vivos were taller. I have a pair of Freet chamois boots right now that I really like, but they’re also pretty short.

 

[Dobermann]

Yeah I wish the Vivos were taller. I have a pair of Freet chamois boots right now that I really like, but they’re also pretty short.

I'm not sure the Vivo Forest ESCs really need to be any higher - but if you want taller Vivos, I think the Deserts, Jungles, and Tundras are all taller, so that covers a fair range of conditions ...

 

[Big_wals]

I'm not sure the Vivo Forest ESCs really need to be any higher - but if you want taller Vivos, I think the Deserts, Jungles, and Tundras are all taller, so that covers a fair range of conditions ...

The Jungles don’t appeal to me, I like leather boots. I hadn’t seen the Deserts before so thanks for the heads up! They’re only available in womens right now, but I’ll have to keep my eye out for mens.

 

[HighUintas]

I'm not sure the Vivo Forest ESCs really need to be any higher - but if you want taller Vivos, I think the Deserts, Jungles, and Tundras are all taller, so that covers a fair range of conditions ...

They're needed for stream crossings. I have to fashion a temp collar/gaiter to cross the streams in my hunt area. It works ok but is a pain to put on/remove repeatedly