Vivo Tracker Textile or waterproof socks

[elkhunter505]

Hey folks, wondering if anyone has any insight into this specific boot. I am 100% on the barefoot shoe game and I really love my Tracker ESCs, but in certain cases during elk season, I am spending a lot of time hunting through meadows and creek bottoms where I am getting soaked feet after a while. For that reason, I’m looking at these boots right now given that the original version is currently on sale. Really just wondering if they would be worth it vs using some type of sealSkinz type sock on those specific days. If anyone has any insight, I’d really appreciate it!

 

[bhylton]

I was a big skeptic of waterproof socks.. they sound like the most janky idea ever… but they have worked amazing for me. I wear a normal Mid weight wool sock under a pair of sealskin waterproof socks. Used them at work (forestry) and through a hunting season and they are still waterproof to my surprise.

No issues with sweaty/damp feet for me. Highly recommend

 

[JDBAK]

I’ve hunted extensively in soaking wet areas (SEAK, PWS). There’s no perfect answer for me. It’s about managing moisture. I’ve tried goretex socks, Sealskinz, Rab vapor barrier. All leak over time, and all will let perspiration build and get clammy.
So, change socks when you can. And always wear completely dry dedicated sleeping socks at night.

All waterproof/breathable boots leak eventually. All the waterproof breathable socks leak eventually.

My go to is newish Rab VB socks, just understand they are going to get wet from sweat. But I’ll wear them if it means less wet and cold then not wearing them.

Xtratuff boots are actually waterproof, but you’ll sweat eventually. If it’s truly soaking wet that’s probably the best option.
And Xtratuff are actually not that far off from a barefoot feel. Wider, less cushion and heel drop.

 

[North Idaho Stickbow]

I can tell you from experience that waterproof socks work just fine, but you’ll hate them as soon as your feet get hot. They don’t breathe at all.

I’m a big proponent of barefoot shoes too, and I’ve worn the Merrell Wrapt for a few seasons now, and I’m really happy with them. I’m not nice to hunting footwear, and these have held up well and are still waterproof after the abuse.

 

[whiskybiker]

I've been wanting to try the wrapt's out for winter time stuff. I run the trail gloves daily, but they breathe so well. They are cold as heck in the winter.

 

[elkhunter505]

Thanks everyone for the info! Just for more context, I’m definitely not dealing with the SEAK or PNW level of wet that’s for sure. This is just for certain backcountry hunts where hunting near wallows and other deep timber spots have gotten my feet wet during the day and then my boots don’t dry overnight. Putting my feet back in wet boots on the second day is not a very enjoyable feeling to me but it is tolerable.

That’s surprising for me to hear that the waterproof socks are not super comfortable given I’ve seen quite a few folks advocate for them on the original Tracker thread. Good information to know. I’m budget limited so if I can get away with a single type of boot I will but if it’s gonna be a hindrance, I’ll pony the money for the waterproof version. I do kind of wish that Vivo hadn’t taken the membrane out the the Tracker AT but I digress.