Are you looking for a serious hiking shoe that you can use as a rainboot or in the winter? Do you also want the shoes to be barefoot? Then the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG men’s barefoot hiking boot is a sure shot.
Tarek here! I love a good hike, and I especially appreciate all the sensory experiences that come with it.
However, hiking on rocky terrain also means that you need a greater degree of foot protection, which began my search for the perfect barefoot hiking boot.
I truly believe I’ve found it in the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s boot.
In this post, I’ll introduce you to the great features of these barefoot boots and share what I love about them. Make sure you check it out!
What Is the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s Barefoot Hiking Boot?
Vivobarefoot is one of those barefoot shoe manufacturers that needs no introduction. They’re one of the best-known names in the barefoot world, making footwear for men, women, and children for outdoor adventuring and performance.
The Tracker II FG men’s barefoot hiking boot might be one of Vivobarefoot’s most crowning achievements to date, although I’m sure they’ll find a way to improve upon these boots with a newer model someday.
For now, let’s take a look at the exceptional collection of features that make the Tracker II FG boots such a standout.
Better for Our Planet
As Vivobarefoot says, the Tracker II FG boots are “made for feet, not landfill.”
You can wear your barefoot hiking boots until you get your fill of them. When months or years pass (depending on how often you wear them) and it’s finally time to retire the boots, Vivobarefoot has a Revivo program that you should use.
You can send your Tracker II FG boots, no matter their condition, to Vivobarefoot. They’ll sustainably recycle the boots as part of the program.
Designed for All Sorts of Weather
Just as I mentioned in the intro, the Tracker II FG boots are made for more than winter wear but rain as well.
How so? Vivobarefoot infused the boot with hydrophobic treatments to make them more waterproof.
There are yet further waterproofing features still, including a breathable recycled membrane in the boots, high-tech seal seaming, and non-absorbent materials throughout.
You probably don’t want to get these shoes soaked too often if you can help it since they do feature an appealing leather outer and it’s important to take care of that.
However, if you happen to miss a puddle or you get caught in a downpour, you don’t need to stress. The Tracker II FG boots are made to withstand the weather.
Natural Leather Outer
Let’s talk a bit more about the outer, shall we?
Vivobarefoot favors only natural, renewable materials for its barefoot shoes and boots such as the wildhide leather that comprises the outers.
The leather has a naturally scarred appearance that I think personally lends the Tracker II FG men’s boots such a unique appearance.
All the leather used to make these barefoot boots comes from cattle provided by small-scale farmers. The cattle are free-roaming as well to improve their quality of life.
Firm Ground Outsole
The outsoles of Vivobarefoot footwear are one of their top selling points, and that’s no different for the Tracker II FG boots.
These boots feature the brand’s Firm Ground Sole.
Made of a rubber compound with a sticky grip, the Firm Ground Sole is only 2.5 millimeters at the base with lugs that are four millimeters apiece.
The lugs and texture of the outsole provide optimal stability and improve your groundfeel as well.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re trekking on firm ground, hiking up a rocky cliffside, or shuffling through wet conditions on a rainy day. The Firm Ground Sole doesn’t budge.
Even better is that the outsole includes zonal gripping on the arch thanks to the texturing there. If you’re traversing technical trails, you’ll especially appreciate this feature.
Crafted by Hand
Every single pair of Tracker II FG barefoot boots is produced in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The handcrafted feel makes the boots special.
Flexible and Thin
As barefoot shoes, the Tracker II FG boots have all the traits you’re expecting.
They’re incredibly flexible to encourage more natural foot splaying and movement. The thinness of the boots also gives you that barefoot feel you crave.
The thermal insole, which is designed to provide more warmth in the autumn or winter, is removable.
This way, you have even less between your feet and the ground. You also won’t want the insole during the spring or summer!
Shaped for Your Feet
When designing the Tracker II FG boot, Vivobarefoot wanted a product that was shaped to your feet and not shaped like a shoe. That’s why these barefoot boots are wide.
That said, Vivobarefoot says the boots run small, so it’s a good idea to size up.
Promised by a 100-Day Trial
Vivobarefoot is so sure you’ll love the Tracker II FG boots that the manufacturer proudly offers a 100-Day Trial.
You have 100 days to wear the Tracker II FG boots. If you decide you don’t like them at any point within those 100 days, then you can quickly get your money back hassle-free and effort-free.
My Experience Wearing the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s Barefoot Hiking Boot
So why do I recommend the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG men’s barefoot hiking boot specifically? That’s a very easy question to answer!
I love getting outside and experiencing the world and all it has to offer, and hiking is one of my favorite activities.
When I say hiking, I mean some serious hiking.
You know me, and how I also consider myself a rather practical individual.
I wanted a pair of hiking boots that had barefoot sensibilities, great groundfeel, and could also be worn throughout most of the year (if not all the year) so I don’t have to buy more shoes than what I absolutely need.
The Tracker II FG boots checked off so many boxes for me.
I love how I could walk on the rocks in the boots without feeling like I’m going to slip or lose my grip thanks to the exceptional Firm Ground Sole.
I also adored how the boots handled in the rain.
The various levels of waterproofing included in these boots left my feet dry as I hiked, and that was a fantastic feeling. After all, no one likes walking along in soaking-wet shoes with equally wet socks!
I was also very impressed by how lightweight the Tracker II FG boots are. They look like they’d be quite heavy at first glance, but they aren’t, not in the slightest.
They wear just like a traditional pair of hiking boots but with a zero-drop sole, a wide toe box, and exceptional flexibility.
In short, I can’t get enough!
How Much Does the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s Barefoot Hiking Boot Cost?
The Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s barefoot hiking boots retail for $240.
However, Vivobarefoot does run sales periodically. You might be able to nab the boots for $180 or even cheaper!
Should You Buy the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG Men’s Barefoot Hiking Boot?
So, that brings us to the biggest question. Are the Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG men’s barefoot hiking boots the right choice for you?
If you’re an avid hiker who also wears barefoot shoes, then yes, absolutely. Going back to wearing bulky, clunky hiking boots after transitioning to barefoot shoes is going to be very jarring.
The Tracker II FG boots are the best of both worlds. You get the traction, foot and ankle coverage, stability, and protection of hiking boots but without that bulk and awkwardness.
You can feel confident when scaling rocks and other difficult terrains. You won’t lose your grip thanks to that awesome Firm Ground Sole.
Even if you aren’t so big into hiking, if you like outdoor activities and you want a dependable pair of barefoot boots, or if you’re simply looking for some boots to get you through the winter, the Tracker II FG boots are it.
These boots can handle a good bout of rain or snow without being wrecked, although I would once again caution you to protect the leather from getting saturated if you can.
Even better is that the boots can easily transition into spring and summertime use simply by taking out the insulating insole. You’ll also appreciate the elevated degree of groundfeel without the insole!
Conclusion
It’s no secret that the Vivobarefoot II FG men’s barefoot boots are one of my favorites.
These hiking boots have taken me on many hiking trails and will continue to do that for a long time to come, as I appreciate how these barefoot boots fit, protect my feet, and keep me stable when adventuring outdoors.
I hope you consider the Tracker II FG men’s boots as well!