I have had my Vivobarefoot Primus Light Knit for almost two years, and they are my favourite shoes. I wear them to the gym, to walk my dog, and for long walks and even runs. They are the most comfortable shoes I’ve owned and made me a true barefoot convert.
With the weather getting colder, I was looking for something that would keep my feet dry and warm during fall and winter. I already have proper winter moon boots, so I wanted something in between, not bulky, but still comfortable for long walks and beautiful autumn strolls.
As I love the quality of the Vivobarefoot Primus Light Knit, I decided to go for a Vivobarefoot shoe again.
Disclaimer: This review is not sponsored; I purchased the Vivobarefoot Tracker boots with my own funds. I do, however, include affiliate links, so if you choose to purchase through them, I may receive a small commission. Thank you for your support.
What I Was Looking For
- I wanted a comfortable shoe that would keep my feet warm and dry during forest walks, but also look stylish with barrel jeans and Japanese-style trousers. It had to be barefoot but also insulated enough to keep my feet warm.
- I wanted a vegan shoe, as I try to avoid leather whenever possible, but I also didn’t want faux leather made from plastic.
- I needed a sole with good grip for icy and slippery conditions.
- As I suffer from bunions, I was looking for a shoe made from a soft enough material so my feet wouldn’t feel uncomfortable after a while.
Vivobarefoot Tracker AF First Impressions
The boots arrived quite quickly; I think I waited less than a week. When I opened the box, I was surprised not to see any wrapping paper or tags showing that this was a new pair of shoes. I suppose there’s no need to wrap things in paper, but it did take away from the unboxing experience.
What I noticed immediately was a very strong smell. It was so intense that I had to take the shoes outside, as the house started to smell like glue.
As soon as I put them on, however, I fell in love with how they felt. I could already tell that Vivobarefoot Tracker boots will become my favourite fall barefoot shoes for a long time.
Even after a week of wear, the shoes still have a bit of a glue smell, and I think it will take a few more weeks to completely disappear.
Size and Fit
The sizing is similar to my Vivobarefoot Primus Light Knit. Both pairs offer plenty of space, but I didn’t want to size down, especially for this pair, as I might wear thicker socks in winter. I also don’t plan to exercise in them, so I don’t mind that they fit slightly loose.
At first, I was hesitant about getting boots with laces, but I love how snugly they tighten, hugging the feet securely.
On my first walk, the top part of the boot felt a bit stiff, but after 10 minutes it loosened up and became very comfortable.
I’ve already tested these boots on a forest hike, during rainy dog walks, and while running errands. They perform perfectly in all mild-weather conditions and are very easy to clean after muddy walks.
For now, I wear them with regular cotton socks, and my feet feel slightly cold. If you want warmer feet in winter, you might prefer the leather version.
The boots took only a few hours to break in, and now feel very comfortable.
Design
I chose the black version since my Vivobarefoot Primus Light Knit shoes are white and need frequent cleaning. With black, I can walk in the forest without worrying about dirt or stains.
I love the detailing on the Tracker AF boots. The shoes feel high-quality, with firmly glued materials and metal accents that give a premium look.
They have round laces with reflective strips that glow in the dark. I might replace them with shorter ones, as I find the current ones a bit long.
I also love the red logo on the outsole, it looks great and provides excellent traction. The outsole keeps my feet stable and protected from slipping, while the insole adds comfort and warmth.
The shoes are lightweight yet strong.
Pros and Cons of the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT Boot
Pros
Lightweight yet sturdy: Ideal for long walks and mild hikes.
Comfortable for wide feet and bunions: Soft materials and a roomy toe box.
Corpcore look: Works well with casual and outdoor outfits.
Good grip: Excellent on slippery or wet terrain.
Vegan and eco-friendly materials: Perfect for those avoiding animal products.
Quick break-in: Becomes very comfortable after a short wear period.
Cons
Strong chemical smell initially: Takes a few weeks to disappear.
Expensive without discounts: $240 is steep, so look out for discount codes.
Not ideal for extreme cold: Feet can get slightly cold in regular socks.
Laces are a bit long: Might need to be replaced for a better fit.
Unboxing experience could be improved: Lack of wrapping makes it feel less premium.
Overall, there are far more pros than cons, and I truly love Vivobarefoot Tracker boots.
Tracker Textile AT Boot vs Primus Light Knit
Compared to the Primus Light Knit, these boots are much more supportive. I love the insole that supports my arch and makes my feet feel stable.
They still retain that barefoot feel, but the thicker sole and materials protect your feet from all types of weather and terrain.
In short, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT boots are sturdier, more protective, and more weather-resistant, while the Primus Light Knit feels lighter, more flexible, and closer to being barefoot.
I love both pairs for different reasons and know I’ll be wearing both for a long time.
Price and Discount Codes
The full price of the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT Boot is $240; however, I bought mine with a 25% discount. Check Vivobarefoot ambassadors ( like Steven Brarlett) for discount codes or look out for Black Friday deals.
If you want a pair of Vivobarefoot shoes but prefer a lower price (you can get a refurbished pair for around half price), check out Revivo, where they refurbish used pairs. I ordered my first pair from there and will write a review about my experience soon.
To Summarise,
Overall, the Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT Boots strike an impressive balance between comfort, durability, and minimalist design. They’re perfect for anyone who loves the barefoot feel but needs extra warmth and grip for colder months. While the price is on the higher side and the smell may take time to fade, the long-term comfort, vegan materials, and performance make them a worthy investment for eco-conscious walkers.
Silvija Meilunaite, PN1-NC, CSMC, is a certified nutrition and menopause coaching specialist, and a writer in the nutrition and self-improvement field. She explores science-based approaches to holistic health and plant-based nutrition, with a strong focus on researching clean, non-toxic products that support long-term well-being.
