Vivo forest tracker esc durability

[TheUgly]

On my 3rd pair of Forest Tracker ESCs in 4.5yrs. Forgot how deep the lugs are on a new pair. Last pair was worn for ~2.5-3yrs

 

[Amathanda]

I don’t know anyone who hikes more than my Son (even has his own hiking podcast). He hikes literally thousands of miles per year and now wears the Vivo barefoot trackers exclusively. I learned of these boots from Form and they are a game changer for foot comfort, once you get through the adjustment period. I buy him a new pair every year for Christmas. He abuses those things.

 

[Braaap]

On my 3rd pair of Forest Tracker ESCs in 4.5yrs. Forgot how deep the lugs are on a new pair. Last pair was worn for ~2.5-3yrs

View attachment 1031013

Why did you replace that pair? Did the upper have issues? Or just to get a new sole with the deep lugs? My first pair looks similar and I noticed the sole compound getting harder with age and not gripping rocks as well.

 

[TheUgly]

Why did you replace that pair? Did the upper have issues? Or just to get a new sole with the deep lugs?

Mainly due to noticing the lack of grip.

Also, one of the inside seams on the leather upper split so water leaked in extremely easy. First noticed the split last summer, but I still wore them for the past 9mo.

My first pair looks similar and I noticed the sole compound getting harder with age and not gripping rocks as well.

Not very scientific, but I ran my fingernails over the rubber soles and the new soles feel a little softer than the well worn compound.

FWIW, I still have my very first pair so I pulled them out to check the hardness:
from L-R (1st, 2nd, 3rd pair)


The rubber on the 1st pair of trackers feels softer the 2nd, but not as soft as a new pair. The feel is much more apparent on the sides of the soles than the bottom.

The 1st pair I ever had I only wore for 1yr (maybe 1.5yrs?) compared to 2.5-3yrs for the 2nd pair. So it seems like use is more of a factor than age when it comes to sole compound hardness

 

[Undrgrndprdcts]

Slightly off topic but does anyone know if Vivo (or any other barefoot brand) has a model that won't deform and swell when subjected to oil, like in a work environment? I'm having a heck of a time finding this.

 

[ElPollo]

On my 3rd pair of Forest Tracker ESCs in 4.5yrs. Forgot how deep the lugs are on a new pair. Last pair was worn for ~2.5-3yrs

View attachment 1031013

I am still amazed at how durable these soles are. I’ve been wearing my current pair for almost two years and have an estimated 1500 miles of non-pavement hiking, plus daily town wear. My soles look about like yours or maybe slightly more worn. Before I switched to these I wasn’t getting a year out of a pair of hiking boots.