VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT FG REVIEW | Really Solid
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 มิ.ย. 2024
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READ MY REVIEW: thatfitfriend.com/vivobarefoo...
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG is a barefoot shoe designed for tackling hiking, outdoor activities, and a little bit of everything.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG is a continuation of the popular Vivobarefoot Primus Knit shoe line and has a few key construction features for hiking. As someone who loves finding training and hiking hybrid shoes, I was hyped to try these out.
In my Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG review, I'll cover all of the key details that you should know before investing in this shoe.
0:00 Pros
2:20 Cons
3:56 Performance
7:20 Price
8:05 Who Should/Shouldn't Buy These?
9:06 Sizing & Fit
10:04 Weight, Drop, and Insole
10:28 Construction
12:06 Final Remarks
Overall, I've been happy and impressed with the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG barefoot shoes.
This model has out-performed my Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit in the gym and it's not even designed for that, so I see these as a strong hybrid-focused barefoot shoe.
My only gripes with this model are that sizing can be hit or miss for some and they have a pretty lofty price point.
If oy have additional questions about the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
#vivobarefoot #barefoot #barefootshoes
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I just bought these, and they are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn! They fit true to a Brannock device. I'm 10D and tried them on in store and size 10 USA / 43 euro fit perfect. I can't imagine ever buying a different brand again.
Heck yeah, love hearing that, homie!
I got a pair of these for hiking and trail running and a pair of Primus lites for lifting and every day wear! Super excited :)
That's sick! Hope they work well for you
Very thorough and informative review. Thank you.
Thank you for checking it out!
You sold me with how versatile this shoe is!To think I was going to get the Primus lite knit too lol. Great Review my man 🤙
Thank you! Keep me posted on how you like them 🤝
@@thatfitfriend this or lite knit for running on a track only?
Idk how I missed this review. Been debating on these for months now and could never get an appropriate response as to how they fit. So, thanks for this.
I’m trying to post 3x a week so it’s easy to miss videos! Thank you for checking it out 😊
Very useful vid - thanks!
Stoked this vid helped!
exited to watch this in the morning. really like how they look but i might go for the tracker decon lows just because of the slightly better water resistance for the rainy season here in thailand. Or maybe considering getting both for different uses but that would make a dent in the bank💸😅.
I got the primus lite knits used them for a bit and might return them just for these
IMO, they should be better for your asks than the Lite Knit based on what you’ve shared!
Great video! Thanks for the info on size also. My foot is a 9.5 US and i wear a 10.5 in merrell trail glove. But think i will order a size 10 in the Vivo. I don’t want my toes to slip forward and hit the front of the shoe. But also don’t want to trip over the longer front.
Sorry I'm just seeing this comment! Which size did you up going with?
yeah, i think this is the best vivo shoe besides the magna forest esc (for more serious hiking)
Hey Jake! Great Video. I’m a size 11 in all my shoes. I ordered a size 11 and I noticed a good amount of space in my toes, about 3/4 thumbs length. I’m thinking about going down a size to 10 but not sure if they’ll be too tight at that point.
ahh, that's tough and why I don't like the Primus line varying so much. IMO, worth a shot if you're okay with waiting on the return process!
Thank you!
Your review convinced me. I'm about to buy these shoes. I've been looking for the best barefoot shoes to use for walking, hiking and even basketball. These look really cool too so hopefully they're great.
Def keep me posted! Thank you for checking out the video!
@@thatfitfriend They're on my feet right now! Unfortunately they're too narrow and my feet feel choked. I don't even have wide feet either which is strange. They're bearable when I take the insole out but 1. I'd like more impact protection so want insole in and 2. When I'm paying a lot for shoes I wanna have a pair that I really like. I'm still deciding on the next move but I think I'll try find a size up or get another Vivo.
Also, the materials don't make it seem like an expensive shoe. Maybe they need some breaking in - idk.
If I find a size up and it fits perfectly I might also snip the fancy laces and insert the traditional ones for more lockdown. Idk why shoe companies try go fancy with laces.
On a positive note though, the traction is amazing
@@lukekoletsios3236 tight through toe box or midfoot? Midfoot should break in for ya!
if you end up dishing them because of fit, the Trail Glove 7 has also been a fun one to wear and it has a little more stack height to it!
I like the idea of their very similar Tracker Decon Low model, because of the leather and side-stitched soles. I wonder how the FG2 sole feels, performs, and wears in comparison?
Re: prices; one thing I've seen with comparing prices of 'budget' vs 'expensive' barefoot shoes is you'll need 3 or 4 pairs of the $50 ones before the $150 Vivos are ready for a retread ;~) The budget ones can be good to 'try out' the whole idea.
Thank you for the detailed review.
I just bought this model and can't decide whether to keep them or not. The knitted sock and tongue feel very tight and uncomfortable (I'm size 43, fairly small ankles). Have you noticed any stretch/relax in the tongue with use, or is it still as tight as when the shoes were new?
It should stretch over time. Knit models from Vivo have notoriously done so with my contexts, but if it's absolutely unbearable, then I'd play it safe and return.
@thatfitfriend would you recommend these shoes for running around on concrete? I have pretty wide feet and have used the New Balance 1080 v3 for running around NYC lately but want something that is wider. I have the Primus Lite 3 for lifting and getting another Vivobarefoot seems like the smart thing to do. If I am not generally hiking, are the Trail Knit FG a good choice for running on the streets of NYC or is there another pair I should keep my eyes out for?
They’d probably be fine, but if you’re switching from NB you know the feel of these will be super different, right? Will def take some acclimation if you’re not used to running in barefoot shoes.
If you wanted something wider with a little more stack, I’d look into Altra models; too!
Hello! I started training with these shoes a week or two ago and have really enjoyed them! All the benefits you’ve mentioned with versatile training. After a few wears, I have noticed the midsole and the upper construction slightly splitting around the toe of the shoe. Is this a problem youve seen after longer wear? Thank you!
No, def not! Reach out to Vivo and they should replace that. Sounds like a defect with this pair
Was very lucky, picked up a pair “firm ground” model brand new size 44(perfect for me usually 44.5) for AU$12 ..about US8. Op shop perhaps unwanted Christmas present. Only difference is there’s no loop top of heel.
Do you think these are good for 5k jogs on gravel?
SICK deal. Yeah, if you're acclimated to this style of footwear then they should be fine! Worth testing nonetheless to see how you interpret their comfort
How does this shoe do with rainy days? Wondering how wet your feet get in light/medium rain, or in puddles. Thanks for the review!
They do pretty well. The knit will pick up water but mine have always dried quickly. If Trail Glove 7 (slightly higher stack height) has also been killer for wet climates
Hi, i am searching to replace my Altra Timp 2. I want shoes that has a good grip so i can go hiking in the French Alps with them but also used them on daily bases to walk with my dog (also have a Shiba Inu :)) . What is the sole height including studs ? On Timp2 it's very high, I want it to be lower but still offer good protection as I'm not used to minimalist shoes close to the ground yet. For the size, i don't know which one to pick. I am between sizes euro 39-40. At Altra i have US size 9 (female size). What would you recommand for the Vivebarefoot ?
Thoughts about the Trail Knit FG vs the regular Trail FG? I feel like I wouldn't like the sock feel as much, but looking for a pair that would be best for training with weights and running.
Both will be solid. I like the Knit better, but that's because I'm a bootie-style kind of guy. Either way you can't go wrong, imo
This shoe or the tracker deacon fg2 low tops for a do it all everyday wear shoe thats not too hot in the summer but can also handle light rain/cold in spring/autumn. Basically a shoe that can be worn 80% of the time in a 4 season climate, every occasion EXCEPT super cold/snowy and exceptionally hot summer days. What would u go with?
I’ve never worn the Tracker so I can’t speak to them, but the Prim Trail should be fine!
Hey Jake! How would you say the ground feel is in this these shoes? Is it comparable to other barefoot shoes?
I've heard someone else say it's less significant in this type, and that taking out the insole helps a little. But that's just one person.
I appreciate the video!!
Overall, pretty good. This shoe's FG sole with lugs will dampen some of its ground feel, but to be honest, I don't think it will be an issue that will realllllly bother most especially those who want that extra protection for hiking.
In short, it's good, but it will be less than traditional barefoot/minimalist shoes with uber minimalist soles, however, that decrease in feel is due to the intent of this shoe's added protection!
Thank you for checking it out!
@@thatfitfriend thank you for the reply 😊
@@LenteC welcome! Thank you for checking out the content 🤝
What shoe would you prefer from vivo for walking 8 miles a day? Every shoe I have seems to always make my arch hurt I’ve noticed with shoes with wider toe box and more room it’s more comfortable
I'd go Trail, but also, are you open to other barefoot shoes brands? Freet makes some awesome stuff and they're less expensive with a bit more "cushion" for high-volume walking.
I know this video is not recent so hopefully I get a reply. But do you recommend these over the primus lite knit or even the lite 3 for a first time user since these have a little more cushion? I will mostly use them to walk around at work
I would, but I also think there are only options that cost less if you want something comfortable and beating up at work. For ex, the WHITIN models are ~$60 and have a bit more stack height and would work well there without breaking the bank
my absolute favourite of all times. Have 4 pairs in different colours for work, daily wear, outdoors and the gym.
one thing I realized though: my orange, green and grey ones with gum sole are a little looser than the black& white ones
Love hearing that! Thanks for checking out the video 🤝
@@thatfitfriend always like to watch your reviews and usually agree. Did you try the other colour forms as well and have made a similar observation?
Will a trail knit be okay for casual gym use? Squats, stair master etc ?
Should be fine!
How do these feel for lateral movement? I'm considering a pair for disc golf, but hate it when shoes allow your heel to slip around too much. In the video, it looks like there's some movement. But do these generally keep your heel secure? Thanks for the review!
Yeah, you'll have some spillover with this model because it's knit which is standard for this type of material.
Merrell Trail Glove 7 could be a better move and you'll get some additional foot protection with the thin midsole!
@@thatfitfriend yeah I decided to pull the trigger on a pair and just got them. So far they work really well. I expect as they break in more they'll start to feel less secure, but I really like them.
Which would you believe be better for CrossFit/functional training TYR or nobull? If nobull which one ?
Both can be great. Depends on your specific needs, tbh!
Go TYR for a higher drop and a slightly more versatile midsole. Go NOBULL for better durability and a more "dense" ride!
I've got the Gobi 2 and Geo Court 2 in size 45. With medium thickness socks the length is just long enough, but I would like extra width. Would you know if these are more narrow, as wide, or wider than the other pairs I have?
I found the gobi to be a little bigger than the geo courts if that matters at all. These are $180 CAD on amazon right now instead of $330 on vivo's site, so would love to purchase them before they sell out if you could help me :)
IMO, I feel like you’ll feel like these feel snugger due to their upper! May be a miss based on your provided context.
These look awesome! Great job, Jake! Hate that this brand is so overpriced
Pretty sweet all-in-one style shoe! Price point does hurt, though 😅
Thank you! 🤝
@@thatfitfriend need to add that this might have been the best thumbnail ever (cause of Maui)
You can’t put a price on your health. Shoes and car tyres shouldn’t be economised on, pay for quality.
You can dig around online for a discount. Just bought these for $130
@@rebeccapaige3763 where do i get a discount!
This model was a big fail for me due to the heel construction/design rubbing my heels almost raw! I also didn't like how tighter they felt around the front/big toe area where they creased. I didn't have any issues with PRIMUS TRAIL II model. Also, please do more hiking/trail shoes!
Dang, sorry to hear that! And I plan to as we get into spring and summer. Want to really highlight some of the cool scenery out here as well!
Great shoe.
Feel it!
Yeah that might be my problem with some Vivos, especially if you’re not wearing socks. Since there’s no real forefoot lockdown, you start sliding up n down inside the shoe once you start sweating. And if you go down a half a size, your big or long toe starts curling & smashing against the front of the shoe inside. Might have to just go with Vibram FF, especially for running or working out. However, the sliding might be because of the insole in this particular model.
Over all I like the shoe but it pinches my foot at the toe break; wore tie for run/wal on treadmill and 1 weight lifting session. I hope that with wear it will break in better. Definitely better tracking than motus but feels a more narrow/tighter than motus at size 12.5. I have a pair of white motus for in door gym use. Walking outside with a white shoe in chicago weather is not ideal so I will either keep the trail knits or get a pair of black motus to be my daily driver. Note. I defiantly feel the difference when running/walking with barefoot shoe vs the Nimbus and Kayano that I been using for the last decade.
That should hopefully subside. The toe break in these and the Lite Knit can be annoying to break in for certain feet, honestly.
@@thatfitfriend Its better with a thicker sock. It's nice all purpose shoe. I just pick up a pair for my wife.
I've been thinking about trying a pair of these over the Primus Lite III for the petty reason that these come in the beach glass colorway, lol. But I am unsure of the weird non tying laces.
Eh, they’re not too bad! You get used to them, I do wish they had a toggle, though
I order the primus lite 3 true to size which is a 9 and they are too long . So im a 8 in those shoes . Do you think im also an 8 on the trail knit fg? Or should I go true to size
I'd go 8 in these, too!
@@thatfitfriend sounds good thank you !
Hello. If im a size 11.5 US size.. should i order the size 10? Since you where talking about it fitting long or should i get the size 11?
I’d go 11 first!
Bit off topic. Not sure if you are a MMA fan but did you see John Jones using Nike Metcon Turbo 2 in his training videos?
I have not, but that's sick!
If I sit between sizes, do you recommend going up or down? The website says they run true to size, but Vivo doesn’t offer half sizes.
I'd go down in these. Most, myself included, find these to run a little long
Interesting that you found this to be pretty breathable. Do you mean compared to other trail shoes you've worn? I''ve actually had this pair for two months now and love it for all the reasons you mention (another great and very comprehensive review). But have been on the fence about whether to return it because I don't feel it's very breathable - in fact it's the sweatiest shoe I currently own, lol. Then again, the only points of comparison I have are my Vivo geo court knits, which have a leather upper and aren't really made for hiking but are super breathable, and my regular non-barefoot trail shoes, which I always wear with socks, unlike these. Do you think the extra synthetic layers you mention might impair the breathability a bit?
Yes, in comp to other models. These aren’t the most breathable ever but I find them to be fine
The synthetic materials for sure impair breathability, but I typically wear these sockless or with thin no shows and they’ve been fine for me. Also have to remember that foot temps and sweat rates can create some variability here. I tend to have feet that get cold fast (I’m a baby with shoes in the winter 😂) so that could also be why we interpret these differently!
Are you saying I have sweaty feet? How dare you?? Lol JK 😂 In any case, your review has convinced me to hang on to these because I don’t think I can’t find another pair that will check these many boxes. So thank you!
@@sw99up I’m not not saying it…I’m more so saying I have some baby ass feet that are always getting cold 😂
Thank you for checking it out!
I also have baby ass feet that get so cold that I get numbness in the winter haha. I was debating between these or the all weather version. I am going to Costa Rica in about a month and thought the all weather might be better for handling any wet climate. But I have also read reviews that they can get hot. I don't think I have personally ever had super hot feet. What are your thoughts?
@@thatfitfriend
@@sarahleake3838 I’m with you and I think the personal context comes into play here. For ex, I don’t mind the Motus lack of breathability because I don’t always run super hot, but others have mentioned they’re not fans.
For weather extremes, think it can be super individual. I run cold in the winter. Baby ass feet, unite 🤝
Hi, if my PRIMUS LITE III MENS size is 12US do you think I should go with the same for this one?
Yep!
Do you think down sizing would help with gravel not getting into shoes?? Or not sliding as much ?
Potentially help for sure! Worth a shot, imo.
question about sizing, looking a vivobarefoot website they say allow 6-14mm growth room from your normal size, which in my case is size 10=277mm but if i add 14mm it goes to 11.5 size, also the foot size measurment photo i took also came up with size 11.5, but what you are saying is that these come up longer, so what do you recomend, thanks. btw i'm in the UK so sizes are different here, i guess you know.
Eh, I'd go with the their suggestions and play it safe only because you're going with the UK sizes and did the photo! I don't feel confident to tell you to size down based on your context.
Hey brother - I already own a pair of Vivo Magna Trail FGs at 42EU/9US. There's a fair amount of room in the front of the shoe, but it's been comfortable. I wanna buy these Primus Trail FGs, but I intend on running with them and I'm not sure I want too much foot movement within the shoe. I have a 10" foot length and the official sizing guide suggests a 7US - now I'm thoroughly confused! What should I settle for? I'm way out in India, so returning a wrong size is going to be a real pain in the A!
Ahhh, I’d go 8 if you want a snugger fit. 9 would be safe but yeah, that room could be annoying if you’re bombing hills.
8 would be my first suggestion, honestly
Do knit uppers allow those of us with wider feet the ability to wear these shoes?
Yeah, generally speaking, knits will always give you a more spacious feel because of their give but it can vary slightly.
Got these shoes and sent them back:
Excellent fit and grip! But I wasn't used to the minimalist + zero drop style. Killed my feet after walking on concrete for a few miles.
I like their recycling program and will probably look into a pair for lifting down the line. They were great to deal with, too.
Def a type of footwear you’ll want to acclimate to! I have a video on channel discussing that.
Grass/trail surfaces for short distances can usually be awesome, then as you build up tolerances working to concrete/harder surfaces for longer periods or just rotating shoes in general based on context can be useful!
Appreciate you checking the video out and sharing!
That's the classic mistake, for sure. Barefoot shoes are a training tool, don't overtrain!
How much did you pay to send them back ?
Hey jake how do you clean these shoes to keep them in optimal conditions and i use these for playing football. I own a pair of primus trail knit fg mens.Just wanted to know how to clean and maintain these shoes.
I spot clean mine. Some folks throw them in washer/dryer but I never do that with VIVO because they’re expansive af and I want them to last.
Washcloth, warm water, light soft soap, hand scrub areas, wipe down with clean damp cloth, take insoles out, let them air dry.
Hey, out of interest how do you find these for playing football in? Do you play on astro or grass? Is the FG grip good enough for football? Thanks!
@@Moving4Well I glad that I switched to barefoot shoes for playing football and I play on hard surfaces ,I had pain on my big toes for almost 6 months Because of narrow boots that I was using and now after a month of using barefoot shoes my toe pain has full healed and I even play aggressively now without worrying about an ankle sprain.
I’m actually a ten with them in four other models, but this model seems to actually run a tad bit short. Hoping they stretch a bit
You're the first person to say that, lol!
@@thatfitfriend maybe my foot is too wide 😭
@@ptvmI just got this shoe and it also feels short compared to my other vivos. Did they stretch for you?
@@rosswiegel4751I didn’t wait, I opted to get the non-knit version of the same shoe and that version fits perfectly
Great video -- thanks for what you do! At the 2:33 minute mark you mention that you have about a thumb's width room in the toe box -- commenting that the shoes are bigger than you would like in this model --- for the same size 10 that you are in other models. I just got the Vivobarefoot Primus Light III -- and have a solid thumb's width of space around the toe box --- which def feel a bit long but I see that the Vivobarefoot website says that you should have that "thumb width of space". So I'm going to try this size out for the 100 day trial period. But I'm also interested in ordering the Trail Knits based on your review. Given how I'm sized in the Primus Light III's, what size do you recommend I go for in the Trail Knits? Thanks so much, and thanks again for your super informative videos!
Toe break can be uncomfortable and I don’t like sliding around in my shoes when training. Plus, if you have that much room and your feet are lower volume then you’re more likely to slide in your shoes when bombing hills.
Some of it’s preference and other is practical based on the amount of shoes I’ve tested and have reviewed
Thanks for your reply. that makes a lot of sense! For the trail knits do you think I should size down to a 10 since I have a toe width space in size 11 of the Primus light 3?@@thatfitfriend
are these shoes and vivo shoes in general easibly washable or I need to be careful with them?
Pretty easy, but I'll typically spot clean them versus chucking them in a washer/dryer. I personally do this because they're so expensive and I don't want them to break down faster in a wash/dry cycle.
Hey man, I wear a size 13 4E. Are these shoes wide enough?
Ehhh, that's pushing it but they might work. What do you wear currently?
Which one do you prefer the VIVOBAREFOOT PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT FG or VIVOBAREFOOT MOTUS STRENGTH?
Motus for training!
How is this for all out sprinting on the grass? on a track?
Should be okay! Boot can be a little interesting though if they run long on you.
Did yours hurt your pinky toe when you first got them, where it creases?
Yep, these and lite Knit. Awkward toe breaks. That should go away once they break in more
Hi whats the difference in sole thickness between this model and the primus lite iii ?
This model’s lugs and FG sole make it probably around 3-5mm thicker. That’s my guesstimate at least!
@@thatfitfriend thank you sir
the website literally tells you what size to get based on a picture of your foot though idk why people get the sizing so wrong
Bruh, these run long AF even with the sizing chart for most. Do you have a pair? Did you go TTS?
How waterproof are they in forest trails?
Not waterpoorf whatsoever (as in letting no water in at all, they're a little resistant, but...), the knit can get waterlogged in a ton of wet settings.
@@thatfitfriend tried the all weather version?
What's your favorite Vivobarefoot shoe atm?
Good question. Primus Lite III is still prob my fave for training, but the Trail Knit is growing on me FAST because it can kind of do it all. Plus, it's an easy model to slip on and off which is great for my daily wear laziness, LOL
Vivo needs to have a day off with the prices to be honest, its a bit of a joke. If they want more people wearing their shoes, special models should be around MAX £120, rest £100.
If you wear them for literally everything like I do, they wont last longer than 6 months either. By 5 months my Magna FG soles were shot with no tread left, and the glue coming apart. For £150, I want them to last years.
Saving grace is they have a good returns policy, so theyre getting replaced for free.
Feel that regarding prices. Need more players in the game to challenge these price points
@@thatfitfriend bang on
@1:04 fit friend has two furry friends
1 now. Ex has the other 😅
oh no thats horrible!! that woman should have given you both. Do you at least get visitation rights on the weekend?@@thatfitfriend
Are you wearing this without socks?
I wear no shows when hiking. But I do rotate between wearing and not here and there!
That knit gets a bit heavy & nasty after a decent amount of foot sweat.
Have found the same in heavy slushy snow use, that's an issue with most knit/meshes that are heavier
That terrain looks like Durango.
Salida!
@@thatfitfriend would these or lite knit be better for running?
@@Criticalmaze pavement or trail?
@@thatfitfriend pavement
@@thatfitfriend following!
Xero shoes are junk
This isn't Xero, though, lol