VIVOBAREFOOT Primus Trail II FG All Weather, Mens Recycled Breathable Mesh Off-Road Shoe with Barefoot Sole

Product Information

If the material is an issue for you, there is a knit option that you may want to try instead, which will be more forgiving and possibly reduce any sore spots.

You won’t find as much flex in the toe area, so you’ll find a slightly different feel than a traditional floppy sandal. But at the same time, it does offer a little more protection from the external elements, which is critical in a trail shoe. Overall, the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG is a pretty good trail-focused barefoot shoe, but there are a few cons worth mentioning about this model. A question that I’ve received a few times on my YouTube channel is in regard to how the Primus Lite III compared to the Primus Trail II FG. These questions are mostly asked by folks who want a shoe for outdoor activities, but also a model that they can train in.Again because of this tougher plastic upper, there is reduced breathability. And with these shoes being designed in England, it’s not such an issue there, but if you’re in the heat of Texas, take that in to count. I currently own the previously mentioned RAIII and two Addis variants, along with the Primus Trail II FG, and the new Motus. I would replace all them with the same shoe. Great stuff. Otherwise, the tongue is a thin, flat design that sits perfectly over the bridge of the foot and doesn’t seem to dig in anywhere nor move around. But if you’re a narrow/low-volume footed runner, and you’re forever sliding around in oversized barefoot shoes, please try some Vivos now! I know those people exist out there and deserve barefoot shoes too! The first thing to like about the Primus Trail II FG is that it provides adequate foot protection on different types of trails. The “FG” in the name of this model stands for “Firm Ground” which is a means of classifying particular soles used in some Vivobarefoot Shoes. The FG in this model basically adds to this shoe’s protection and gives you a slightly more stiff sole to walk on.

On top of their breathable upper construction, this model is also fairly easy to clean which is awesome because you’re likely going to get these dirty on various trails. The sole and upper are super easy to spot clean and the lacing system helps to prevent dirt build-up in the midfoot. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG Cons Many reviewers appreciated the overall style and design of the Primus Trail FG shoes. They also noted that the shoes were lightweight and felt durable enough to last for long hikes and runs. Vivobarefoot also offers the Primus Trail All Weather FG for more versatility and weather conditions if you are looking for more hiking footwear options. Performance

Takeaway Thoughts

More specifically, I think this barefoot shoe performs best on light to moderately technical trails. It’s not going to be your best for technical trails that have a lot of loose terrains. The lugs in this model have a depth of 4mm which run fairly on the lower end for traction promoting lugs. Over the course of my testing, I tried to use the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG on a variety of trails and hikes to help contextualize where they perform the best and where they fall short.

The upper material is made from a hybrid mix of materials including recycled materials , reusing post-consumer plastic waste that keeps this material from ending up on landfills. The upper is comfortable and durable. My first initial feeling in these shoes was that although the shoe is wide as predicted and designed, the upper is quite low and the mesh on the toes quite stiff meaning the toes don’t have a lot of wiggle room upwards. After some time in the shoes this feeling of the upper did loosen as the upper material stretched with use. In terms of an issue with the fit of the shoe this is where it started and finished, otherwise the fit of the shoe is comfort personified. The upper material is very durable and after more than 1000km, with a number of runs in very wet and muddy condition the Primus Trail is still very similar to it’s original condition. For the Vivobarefoot Primus Trails I’ve given them much more time. I’ve completed more than 1000km in these shoes including many long training miles and multiple races. Including a 50km trail ultra, held over dry trail conditions, also two sub ultra trail races both held in wet and at times super muddy conditions. All in all the Primus Trail’s are still going strong and have further running left in them at this point. Something about the shoe forces me to “feather” the ground and land softly. And that lines up well with the feeling of a truly minimal feel. I personally think this is a good thing because it adds to this shoe’s ability to protect the feet and not beat them up while also giving you enough to simulate being barefoot. This model has a 2.5mm base sole with 4mm lugs which work really well on light and moderately technical trails. Furthermore, its wide toe box helps with users’ natural foot movement. Consumers also say the toe box adds to its comfort, feeling flat, flexible, and wide. Fit and SizingIf you’re someone that wants to save a little money and you want to go the barefoot trail shoe route, then you might want to look into the Xero Shoes Mesa Trail model. This model will cost you less and deliver a similar performance to the Primus Trail II FG. However, the amount of flex on offer here does pose a bit of a challenge when a stable platform is needed. Even on steep grassy slopes there’s no chance of seriously digging in, it’s all about working with the terrain rather than fighting it – fine in everyday situations, but potentially concerning on steeper, more exposed terrain. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG Review: verdict Harder surfaces such as pavements and city streets are not uncomfortable, there’s enough protection to walk unimpeded, although heel-strikes can become slightly jarring at speed. As with a barefoot running shoe, modifying your stride is important in some situations, but not at normal walking pace. Another option is the Primus Trail Knit FG , which has seamless construction and a knitted upper that promotes flexibility. Fit and Sizing Users of the Primus Trail II All Weather FG shoes have mentioned that the Primus Trail II All Weather FG shoes have good responsiveness, thanks to their flexibility and lightweight features. People who have used the footwear said that since the shoes react well to their feet, feeling more of the ground connection.