Toe Shoes, Barefoot or Minimalist Shoes, and Vibram FiveFingers Reviews, News, Forums | Birthday Shoes - Latest Comments on VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Danny [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Danny [Visitor] — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:43:23 +0000

i jst ordered the vivobarefoot mens off road hi boots. i normally wear a size 12 the biggest size i could find in these boots is a 12 (USA sizing) i read they are a bit snug..if i remove the insole will that make much of a difference???

Val [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Val [Visitor] — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 21:42:39 +0000

As far as sizing, I have been wearing & selling these shoes for years, a 38 is not equal to an 8. I'm a 7/7.5 and I wear a 38-39. So that's probably why they are snug on you.

I really like this style, and i love that they're waterproof. but the ankle area is stiff until broken in and I wouldn't suggest them for running, but rather for hiking and such. I'm an EMT & do Search & Rescue, as well a lot of hiking and rappelling - and that's what I'd use them for.

Currently I like the Vivobarefoot Breatho Trail and Neo Trail. I live in Las Vegas and haven't needed a heavy boot yet.

Mats [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Mats [Visitor] — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:59:16 +0000

@Erik

I have the very similar Synth Hiker and ran a bit in them when the weather was very wet here in the Oslo area in oct/nov, due to the waterproofing and the high top.
They worked OK for running on really wet, really gnarly trails, but they would be horrible for road running.
Since the snow came I've been running a lot in the Neo Trail, they are plenty warm enough and have great grip in the snow.
If you are mostly running roads you could get something like the regular Neo. Most minimalist shoes could work if you just use some thin woolen socks.

Mats [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Mats [Visitor] — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 16:39:53 +0000

@Ben

I feel fairly confident that they would work out well in the cold over in Finland.
You just have to make sure that you have enough space (VERY IMPORTANT! sizing up is a good idea), and add one of those thin woolen inner soles that you can find in every shoe/outdoor store like mentioned in a comment above.

I don't have these boots, but I have the VB Synth Hiker, and they are pretty similar.
I've been walking in deep snow and temperatures in the minus 15-20C range here in Norway and they stay nice and warm with an extra pair of woolen soles and thin woolen socks..

I've even been using a pair of VB Gobi's (sized up one size) with an added woolen sole in the same temperatures, and even they are fine.
It's amazing how little shoe you need for your feet to actually stay warm.
It's been a real eye-opener for me.

Ben [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Ben [Visitor] — Fri, 23 Nov 2012 17:47:38 +0000

Do you guys think that these would be good for winter boots in Finland, where the temperature is below -20C most often than not? I could put a woollen sock inside & possibly change the insole to a better insulating one.

Justin Owings [Member] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Justin Owings [Member] — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:53:34 +0000

@Erik,

I wouldn't run in these. The ankle structure is pretty built up and I think it would get annoying/irritating fast. They are a sturdy boot but nowhere near the flexibility above the ankle you'd get with a Lontra.

Erik Reitan [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Erik Reitan [Visitor] — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:29:53 +0000

Are anyone using these for running? Experiences? Im considering buying the lontras for winter running in snow and ice, but where I live (northern noway) these might be a good alternative, as well as doubling as hiking boots in the summertime.

Ryan [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Ryan [Visitor] — Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:57:57 +0000

I've had the boots a week now & having worn them to work a couple of times & took them on a short yet testing 4km hike today I am absolutely in love with them!

They do exactly what they say on the tin & are a pleasure to walk in. I agree that they are not 100% waterproof and they do size a bit small, I went .5 higher after reading these reviews (thanks guys) and they are spot on. They offer the perfect ratio of ground feel : protection.

These will be seeing plenty of the welsh countryside in the very near future & would recommend them to any like minded person.

I really like the styling of them too & went for black as then I can wear them to work.

Happy Hiking

RM

Vanessa [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

Vanessa [Visitor] — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 14:29:28 +0000

These look like some comfy hiking boots. I'm currently using nevados ambush low boots, and now cant find any more. I may be looking into these. Also, I ABSOLUTELY HATE the color choices Vibram, Merrell and Vivo have for women. Unfortunately their mens shoes don't come small enough for me.

fred [Visitor] in response to: VivoBarefoot Off Road Hi Boot Review

fred [Visitor] — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:09:30 +0000

I bought a pair last winter cause I couldn't get a hold of the feelmax winter boot. Used them for 4 months in the French alpes for hiking, walking snowshoeing and alpine climbing. They are great boots! I had to change the insole to a wool one for temperatures under -1ºC. Had them on in temps down to -18ºC with thick socks with no problems. Cons: They are a tad on the expensive side and you have to look after them well because they are leather. I found them to be pretty waterproof so no complaints.