Vibram - V-Trail 2.0

I (25M) wear barefoot shoes almost exclusively for about a year now, and have mainly worn Vivos. About three months ago, I decided to pull the trigger on the V-Trail 2.0. Even though I read a lot of negative reviews about them I decided to give them a chance and I’m so glad I did. Those shoes are awesome! At first, they felt quite stiff and slightly uncomfortable, but I had read about the break-in period and decided to give them a fair shot. I’m really glad I did. After about a week of wearing them regularly around the house, they softened up and have since become the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I originally used them just for running, but it didn’t take long before I started wearing them casually too. They’ve quickly become my everyday shoes and are easily the best in my current rotation. The sole is grippy and feels really secure on different surfaces, but still gives you great ground feedback. The upper feels very durable and the foot is held in the shoe securely without any slipping. The only possible downside is the look, which I personally really like but they definitely get attention. I’ve gotten a lot of stares and curious questions. Most people don’t know what to make of them at first. The usual reaction is something like, “They’re kind of interesting, but I don’t think I’d wear them.” Still, even a few of my initially skeptical friends have started to come around after I gave them my pair to test for a day. Two of them already rocking their own pairs and I wouldn’t be surprised if the rest follow soon. For me, they’ve totally taken over. I wear them about 95% of the time, only switching to my Vivos when I need something that looks a bit more dressed up. In terms of durability, I’ve put about 500 km on them, mostly on asphalt and gravel. The sole barely shows any wear, and the upper still looks almost new. The only thing I was unsure about at first was the lacing system, since it felt a bit flimsy but it actually held up really well and I haven’t had a single issue with it. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more colorways. I’d love to have a couple more pairs just to mix things up a bit when wearing them casually. TLDR: After a short break in they are awesome. Really comfortable shoes for everything from running trails to casual use, with really good traction and a secure fit. They are now my go-to everyday shoe and even my friends started wearing them everywhere we go.

I don’t own a pair of Vivo hiking boots, but I’ve heard good things about them aside from the quality concerns mentioned on r/Vivobarefoot. That said, I personally never had any quality issues with my Vivos. The V-Trail 2.0 is definitely not waterproof, but I sprayed mine with a water repellent spray. With that, I can go about 30 minutes in light rain or on wet streets without getting wet feet. Anything longer, and water starts coming in around the toe area. Dust hasn’t been a problem for me so far. I’ve used them quite a bit on dusty gravel roads and forest trails while running or walking with my dog. The only time I noticed any dust or debris on my socks was around the ankle and tongue area and that was in an extremely dusty environment. Overall, my Vivos are great, and I really enjoy wearing them especially when I can’t wear my FiveFingers. I don’t have super wide feet, so the Vivos fit me pretty well, though they’re obviously not comparable to FiveFingers in terms of toe splay. Of course, waterproofness and dust resistance will depend on the specific model. For example, my "Primus Trail 2 FG All Weather" handle light to moderate rain nicely, but they will eventually soak through if exposed to water for extended periods. As with the V-Trail, dust hasn’t been an issue with them either.

I also own a pair of KSO Classics, and their sole is much thinner and less rugged. The upper of the V-Trail 2.0 is also a bit warmer, making them better suited for winter use. That said, I’m not sure how cold winters get in Argentina, and it will also depend on your specific activities. I’ve only worn them once or twice in the snow, but my feet felt comfortably warm after about 10 minutes of walking.

To be fair, that is over the 5000 miles that they guarantee. But I haven't seen anything worn down quite that far, except for an old pair of Vibram FiveFingers I've had for ages that are also missing pretty much all the forefoot lugs and a lot on the heel. Those wore out mostly from hiking on rocks.

Assuming you are overpronating, try Vibram Fivefingers or something else with a thinner / firmmer sole, narrow heel, and wide toe box. The video below explains why. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hv11eo4DslI&t=80s)

I'd say definitely don't get hiking boots if you are used to sneakers. Ive done almost all my backpacking in trail runners or approach shoes (for desert/slick rock trips.) Peoole use all sorts of things. Trail runners are basically sneakers with grippier rubber on the bottom and a firmer sole. But there are more minimalist ones like Altra lone peak and vibram five fingers.

I run in Vibram 5 fingers. They look ridiculous, but I'm addicted to the feel. Because of how minimalist they are though, I try to avoid pavement and large gravel. They're zero drop, and I've never rolled an ankle.

One way to make them last is to only wear them on trails. Wear a different pair of shoes getting to/from the trail. Never wear them walking around the city. The Xero Scrambler Low which are a bit thicker than you mentioned but have the nice Michelin sole. I'm a big fan and do my long runs in these. The Vivo Primus FG don't have good traction in the wet. They're also oddly stiff for the thickness and overall I just don't like running in them. VFF are thinner than you requested, but have awesome Vibram soles. Being able to push down with your toes (like a claw) gives you an amazing grip option other shoes don't. For shorter runs, they feel the best. You can easily find VFF on sale or on ebay for well under $100.

fivefingers are an unparalleled experience. i wear them every day at work. standard cut blue jeans and black fivefingers is a bit strange looking. the shoe is strange to bring with, but there are ways to style it to make it less weird. they look best with shorts and no show socks, or athletic pants with a cuff at the ankle. they are also impossible to dress up so don’t even try.

I love the V-Trail. I have worn them to trek up to the tops of mountains, and walk through the thickest redwood forests. They aren't really necessary for more simplistic stuff, but I always take them when I travel because I almost always find an instance where I want them.

They do need some break in. Try to wear them before you need them.

5 fingers are good but bear in mind they have no stubtoe protection, so a stray rock in the path can really mess up your day (ask me how I know). I’d favor a shoe with a toe box, like vivos.

La Sportiva's have the best grip on wet rock. After that any shoe with Vibram Megagrip. Followed by Salomon's ContraGrip. They all work well. Best bet, go to a store and try a bunch on. You have recommended shoes from a bunch of people. Now go see how they fit YOUR feet. Go with the ones you like/fit best. Also as others have said skip the waterproofing. It'll only make your feet hot and sweaty. Gortex is for the winter.