I have both and used them extensively for over a year now. My favourite boots are the Forest ESC, which I have in black. They are the widest toe box that I have experienced across Vivobarefoot, Xero and Magical (Or however you spell it). With the Forest ESCs, they should include the wax but I didn’t receive any with my ESCs. I reached out to them and they promptly sent me a small tin can of wax. I have applied this wax about 4 times over a year, often not bothering to clean my super dusty boots and it gives new life to the ESCs. I wore my ESCs all summer at the motocross track as my kids race dirt bikes and we often camp anywhere from 3 to 6 days in a tent. It’s primitive camping and the terrain is rough, hot and very very dusty. There were several days where it was torrential rain and the ESCs held off the rain while I was packing up camping gear. With the Injiji toe socks, the ESCs are a perfect marriage and surprisingly handled a ton of abuse. I never once experienced discomfort or trench foot, I have no idea how they are the most breathable boot I have ever owned. Over the course of a year, I predominantly wore the ESCs, but during the winter I would switch to the Tracker IIs or mostly wore the Xero Alpines due to the cold weather in Canada. The Tracker IIs cannot handle Canadian winters as the cold ground goes right through the red thermal insole (I don’t have this insole for the Forest ESCs). So I would say I wore the ESCs about 7 months of the year and my foot went up a half a size in my hockey ice skates and I had to go the widest size I could find (CCM JTF6 Pros 9.5 wide, I am now a 11.5 to 12 US shoe size). The Tracker IIs are about 15 percent less wide, providing a nice snug fit for longer hikes in the fall or early spring. I do like them, but they are hassle to slip on vs my ESCs and Xero Alpines. I really can’t wear any other shoe that isn’t in the barefoot category, and each brand fits differently. I credit the ESCs in completely fixing my Plantar Facitis, remnants of a broken ankle from snowboarding years ago which was accompanied by a constant clicking of the tendons around the outside of my left ankle. All cured. Now that winter has rolled back into Canada, my Xero Alpines which were very roomy last winter, are now very snug in the toe box, almost uncomfortable. I’m now looking at the Tracker SG, but man, even though Vivobarefoot boots last a very long time, they are really expensive, especially after the US to Canadian dollar exchange rate and then customs charges. Basically a $600 winter boot!

It seems like the forrest version may be the better choice with the sewn in lowers with some people having delamination issues on the FG2. You're the only person I've seen point that difference out, much appreciated!

I would have loved to hear more about how each of these treatments affects water. I bought the Tracker II FG because I really wanted a fully waterproof boot. After 6 months, however, when I went on a hike in the rain, my toes got soaked, which was very concerning. I believe that the fully waterproof treatments have more to do with a liner, which can degrade over time. The liner also makes it less breathable. If these "waterproof boots" are really more resistant, I wish I had gone with the ESC. They look cooler, in my opinion, and the sole is much more impressive.

Hi! Love this thank you. I have owned the forest tracker esc and instantly fell in love! Fav boots of all time. I did not even waterproof them and my foot stayed dry on a mild river/waterfall hike and in the snow. I would def say the toe box is a bit more narrow than other barefoot shoes however this was my first pair of vivos. Just found your channel off of vivo boot search! Like the content I am on the hunt for great backpacks. Can you recommend your top backpacks. I searched your KZfaq and did not see a backpack review video. ❤

I have the FGs and I like them but I’d say they’re quite slippy in mud which we have a lot of in the UK. Also they’re only waterproof for a short time. You’ll need to wax them after the first season and make sure you wax the material under the laces because it leaks otherwise.

Just bought the Tracker II FG yesterday after a trip to New Zealand where the Columbus & then Merrell boots I had caused no end of foot issues. Looking forward to getting to know them, thanks for a balance, informative real world review.

I felt a lot of pressure on my ankle from the lace hook over the ankle on the ESC. Not sure if it is just where my bones line up but I had to send them back. Took the tracker IIs hiking in Patagonia and they were great!

Thanks for sharing this comparison, very useful !

Thsnk you for review! Im considering Forest version.

great review....thanks for doing the legwork!

Thank you for this review.

I had both boots and prefer the Tracker FG. The ESC felt too over-engineered and restrictive around the ankle for me so I returned them. Both give a good barefoot feel to me. The ESC are better in mud for traction with the Michelin soles. The FG haven’t delaminated but I care for them with cleaning and regular boot polish after being in acidic soil conditions. Visually the FG look nicer both on and off the hill and I like the bracken with the brown sole.

Nice review! I have both these boots along with several other pair of vivos. Once I started wearing them, couldn’t go back to normal shoes. I’m wondering if you’ve applied Renapur to both or either of these boots? I did on my ESCs because it is recommended by VIVO and many others but not sure on the Tracker 2s…

Unfortunately, my tracker 2fg's started to delaminate. Vivo was hesitant to honor their warranty, but after 7 days of emailing back and forth we came to an agreement. Im not sure if I believe their company is the best. And especially at the price when there's offers from Lems with their boulder summit, and barefoot and their bruins. Im also not a fan of their stock, it seems they're always out of size 12.5. Such a shame, I really love these boots.

Weird. I had to downsize for Tracker II FG to 44 (I wear 45 Primus Trail II FG). Tracker II FG 45 was way too big. I wear most of my shows/boots in 45 and 46.

You are awesome. Good video

if your feet are going to get wet, you might as well go with the army style and pack extra socks. the more breathable less waterproof model will dry faster too.

this is great, thanks!

Are these recommended on long travels, backpacking EU for example?

I so badly want the trackers, but I wish the soles were stitched on, newer comments suggest they are separating more quickly then older shoes

I have been wearing Vivobarefoot primus lights 3 for 6 months. I just started wearing magna forest esc. The magna feel tight at the front were the toes meet the main part of the feet(ball of the feet). Is this by design or do I need to get a bigger size?

Don’t listen to people saying order a whole size bigger! They fit so good your normal size. I’m 8 1/2 but order 9 and they fit just right. Would be able to wear wool socks too comfortably

Also, RE:waterproofing -- I often have to step through muddy/swampy areas. Could both shoes stand going 1-2 inches into water/mud without becoming wet inside? What do u think? Would you recommend one model based on this?

One thing you forgot to mention is the arch support of the ESC, this was a surprising feature I didn't expect. No supportive inner soles needed. The support overall is spot on. For me that is. Yes they're in and are on my feet right now. Snug, but can move my toes. And I like that for backpacking, going one size up will make me trip. Will need a pair of gaiters, though. Any suggestions are welcome. Absolutely love these boots!

Please help me with figuring out my shoe size for this boot! I’m a size 11.5 U.S. currently holding the ESC in my cart awaiting for your response because I don’t want to order the wrong size.

I bought a pair of moccasins and noticed how great the flat sole walks! Has become my favorite shoes. Anyway, I'm interested in the ESC, is it okay to hike with this shoe with a big pack, I mean big, on my back? Newbie to bare/flat sole shoes, I'm used to the support of my Lowa Army boots when hiking. But I find them a bit narrow at the toes. Waterproofing them is not an issue for me, Lowa has some great stuff for this which I still have. Thanks for this comparison!

Man you have great content. Do either of these work for wide shoe sizes? I always wear wide or double-wide. I know you mentioned a wide toe box so hopefully they might work for me.

We're not allowed blades in the UK, so I prefer Backpacks, Boots and Boobs/Butts (dealers choice). Love the review

damn i cant choose between these or the xero denver leather :')

My wife just bought me both colors! The brown tracker forest and… the OBSIDIAN (Black)!!! Size 9 US aka size 42 EU. My wife had to go onto the “UK” version of Vivobarefoot. I almost had to order the woman’s just to get me the black ones. I guess it’s only a UK exclusive. They arrived in 3 days! They just came in today, get while you can! 🥷

"Blades, backpacks and boots... are you me?

The soles of my Tracker II FG's started to delaminate after my first walk. They went straight back to where they came from. I would not touch that sh!t with a barge pole!

I'm in between these 2 and the Belleville Tactical Research Mini-mil. I want to use them for work as well. I work as a Sawyer and tree climber, so I'm in the forest all the time and stepping on brush, logs and rocks. Which do you think would last longer in that environment?

I am a hunter and have been considering both. I’m curious if you have any experience with how each hold up to cold weather i’m from northern Midwest so it can get cold I would use them as a fall to early winter boot

I have a Tracker HI II FG, which is very comfortable, not too snug, but it holds my feet. I've ordered a Magna Forest ESC, but it doesn't fit well, I have a feeling, my feets just slopes in the boot inwards and downwards to the inner edge as if pronates (so my ankle gets hurt). I don't know exactly why, maybe wider, or the low cut style or the sole is thicker. My feet is narrow and low volume. What do you think, is there any chance the Tracker Forest ESC fits well? I need something mud-walker.

how do they fare in the winter? I just got into barefoot and loved using em. But we have cold winters here with loads of snow. im trying to find a shoe for the winter.

Thanks for the comparison! I'm torn between these two models. The salesperson talked about breathability in these two shoes -- that the ESC is more breathable and the FG feels more enclosed. Is this something you have noticed between them ?

You didn’t mention anything about the sizing on esc 🤷‍♂️ need to know how they run!? Thanks

Hello from Norway! I have a normal foot and usually use size 42, should I buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest Esc shoe in size 42 or go up or down a size?

Hi, did you buy the same size in both boots? If there is a size difference, is it such that you would size down for the ESC, if you already know your size for the Tracker II FG? Thanks!

Dif you have any delaminated sole issue with the tracker 2? I have a pair since 2 months and it seems the sole is starting delaminating

I have both, but wear only the ESC now. The FG are leaking water and slightly delaminating on the sides. ESC are the best boots I ever had. Truly recommend them. By the way: I transitioned to barefoot in 2017 and have about 7 pair of Vivo’s for now.

"How many cuts do we want?" "Yes".😂 Nevertheless, great review. Thanks!

I've been hesitating between those two for a while as I already own 2 VB pair of shoes and their toebox isn't wide enough for my duck-foot/palm shaped feet. Still, I can't manage to find any other brand that offers wider hiking boots (do you know any?) so... I might take the jump. Question for you is : between the two version (FG and Forest ESC), would you say one is wider than the other at the toebox area? If equal, I would choose the ESC both for looks and also because I plan on using them in forests mostly and it's very slippery here a good part of the year (raining a lot) with plenty of mud. The FG doesn't seem to cut it with its tiny lugs... BUT, the ESC seem narrower/snugier and more pointy at their tip. Is it just an impression or do you confirm my feeling? Thanks in advance for your hint.

What about the Tracker Forest esc fit? is it true to size or run small/big?

Does one seem warmer than the other? Do the lining material seem equal?

you said went size up on tracker II? what about sizing on esc?

Never even heard of these, they sound like great outdoor footwear for hiking, training, walking and all in between. Questions for ya: * On the Forest ESC, how long did it take to break-in? Daily wear? Did you train in them during break in? * You mentioned mobility and feel as a plus on the FG vs the Forest. How large of a difference between the two? (This video has me thinking about putting these up against my Salomon Ultras which are light but you don't feel much) * Because I have to ask, IF you had to pair down to one as an everyday driver which one would you lean to? You mentioned backpacks so i'll give you my two cents. I'm rocking a Mission Workshop Rhake back pack, they are kinda bougie but they make good looking and durable stuff. I've travelled to a few countries with it and hauled it around. Alternately, Datsusara's hemp stuff holds up super well (use one of their duffel bags for training gear and luggage).

What would you recommend for snow/icy conditions?

Which ones would be best for concrete?

Any experience with hiking in bf shoes with a heavy backpack for multiple days?

Do you think they are strong boots v

Can you resole them?

Should a person who isn't flat footed be okay wearing a flat shoe like Vivo?

the sole on the esc should be on the tracker 2 since they look like a more sturdy backpacking boot whereas the esc is more of a lightweight boot. the esc looks like it can handle a 30 pound backpack but the other looks like they will wear out if using weight load.

I like everything except the price which is quite a bit too high. They're selling the concept and there name. Bad marks ... shame