Embracing the Wild with Every Step: Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Review
- Kate
- Sep 8
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 15
If you're a female hiker who craves that barefoot connection to the earth—and values thoughtful, natural design—they might just be your perfect trail companion. Here’s my Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC review explaining why these boots stand out to me.
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Design & Eco-Conscious Build of the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC
Part of Vivobarefoot’s Ecological Survival Collection, the Tracker Forest ESC is intentionally built for the planet’s wilder places—temperate, boreal, or subtropical forests alike. It’s made from wild hide leather without a traditional waterproof membrane, offering natural water resistance, breathability, and comfort through changing conditions.
The core structure features a sandwich mesh lining that keeps airflow flowing and moisture moving away—perfect for treks where foot temperatures can fluctuate significantly. The materials are thoughtfully sourced and built to last, with Vivobarefoot's Revivo Repairs Program offering replacements for parts, and recycling options when the time comes.
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Trail Feel & Grip
At first glance, the Michelin ESC sole grabs your attention with its aggressive, claw-like W-patterned lugs. Designed for ascents, descents, and side-terrain traction, it delivers a grip that feels both secure and confident across mud, rock, and forest floor.
Fit & Comfort
This isn’t your traditional narrow, stiff hiking boot. The Tracker Forest ESC features a wide toe box, allowing your toes to splay naturally and providing instant relief—ideal for solo hikes that require comfort over long distances.
The zero-drop, barefoot-style sole may feel unfamiliar at first, requiring more engagement of the foot muscles. However, you quickly appreciate the lightweight, flexible design that allows the foot to move freely, with a surprisingly short break-in period.
Real-World Review of The Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC
TGO Magazine gave them 4–5 out of 5, praising their performance across various terrains and materials, including wild hide leather for waterproofing and the strong grip of the Michelin sole (TGO Magazine).
Advnture highlighted their “out-of-the-box comfort” and “excellent durability,” though they noted they’re not fully waterproof and may not suit those with narrow feet (Advnture).
T3 praised the “excellent grip on tricky and slippery ground” and freeing sensation—but called out the wide fit as potentially unwieldy and the only slight concern of occasional ankle bumper rubbing (T3).
The Curious Two, writing after a year of use, raved about comfort “from the box,” grip in wet, muddy conditions, and remarkable durability—requiring only occasional leather care to stay in tip-top shape (The Curious Two).
As a compelling real-world test, Canadian Nomad trekked in Arctic Sweden to –25 °C and noted exceptional performance and waterproofing, strong build quality, and long-term use potential (Canadian Nomad).
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Hiking Verdict
Best For:
Hikers seeking a connection with nature via minimalist footwear.
Wide-footed adventurers who appreciate spacious, natural toe articulation.
Anyone who values durability, environmental responsibility, and repairability.
Hikers who want to enhance foot strength and balance can benefit from the thin, flexible, zero-drop design, which allows for natural foot movement and improved ground feel
Considerations:
You’ll need to adjust to the barefoot feel and build foot strength—perhaps start with shorter outings and gradually increase the duration.
Not ideal for deep water, fast temperate rains, or very hot hikes—the leather really needs regular care (Renapur Balsam included) for maintenance. However, if you pair them with a pair of waterproof socks, this isn't a problem!
Higher price point (~£210) compared to traditional boots. However, I believe the investment pays off in terms of comfort, sustainability, and long-term performance.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC
Q: Are Vivobarefoot boots good for hiking?
Yes — the Tracker Forest ESC is specifically designed for rugged, off-road terrain. With its Michelin ESC sole, wide toe box, and flexible zero-drop design, it offers grip and comfort for forest, mountain, and muddy trails.
Q: Are the Tracker Forest ESC waterproof?
Not fully. Instead of a waterproof membrane, they’re made from wild hide leather that provides natural water resistance. This allows for greater breathability, but you’ll need to care for the leather regularly (Renapur Balsam is recommended). For wet conditions, pairing them with waterproof socks is a smart option.
Q: Do they work for wide feet?
Yes — the boots feature a wide toe box, making them an excellent choice for hikers who need extra space and want their toes to splay naturally. Narrow-footed hikers may find the fit too roomy.
Q: What’s the break-in period like?
Much shorter than traditional boots. The zero-drop sole and flexible leather mean they’re comfortable out of the box, though you may need to build up foot strength if you’re new to barefoot hiking boots.
Q: Are they worth the price?
At around £210, they’re an investment — but one that pays off in durability, comfort, eco-conscious design, and the ability to repair or recycle through Vivobarefoot’s Revivo program. (don't forget to use code SHESGOINGSOLO10 for 10% off!)
Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC vs Traditional Hiking Boots
Final Thoughts on the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC Review
For the independent, nature-rooted solo woman, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC offers an empowering kind of freedom on the trail. It isn’t about padding and bulk—it’s about letting your feet feel, adapt, and connect. If your heart beats for barefoot trails, forest floors, and a deeper bond with nature, these boots are not just gear—they're companions.
