Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG

Running these analyses costs money. Buy through my links to help keep lights on! I may get a small commission.

Overall

#234 in

Trail Running Shoes

according to Reddit Icon Reddit

Sentiment score57% positive
4
1
2

Top Pros

Top Cons

Last updated: Apr 26, 2026

Reddit Reviews

Reddit Iconpunio4
5 months ago

Even more? I was thinking of buying a new pair since the Primus Trail FG II I bought on 10/11/2021 have started giving out.

Reddit IconTheTobinator666
11 months ago

Yup, barefoot shoes. Personally, I love the Vivo Primus Trail Knit. The SG model is not being made right now but a few can still be had online. The FG is widely available, often lightly used for good deals. If narrow feet (probably, as you come from Merrell, the Hydra are nice for mud).

Reddit IconTimelessNY
8 months ago

For me its the vivo barefoot Primus Trail II FG in black. My only sneakers while traveling for two years and I have zero complaints. I was walking around 10 miles per day. I just caught two NIB pairs for 50% off on Sierra! Was checking their website daily, they seem to get all the different vivos in once per year and they sell out within two days unless they are some wacky neon color. Hoping these should last me the next 5 years. I put one pair in storage.

12 months ago

VivoBarefoot Primus Trail FG. Have been wearing them exclusively, aside from my sandals, for two years of traveling. They are still usable but at the point that it makes sense to instead leave them as gym shoes or something and bring a new pair on my next travels.

Reddit Iconerlendlh
11 months ago

Lite III and Trail FG is all you need. (Except during winter and snow. I have had near frost damage situations because of using Vivos in sub-zero Celsius temps, so in winter i use «normal» winter shoes.)

Reddit Iconlongwalksinthedark
4 months ago

Same shoes and socks all year. Vivo barefoot Primus Trail FG (firm ground) not the SG (soft ground). Thin wool blend aocks. Maybe some gators if it's a long run. Try to avoid the puddles for a few minutes until you fully dunk your foot. Then say fuck it and just got straight thru the puddles. If you want to stay clean and dry, stay inside.

Reddit Iconpapaoftheflock
9 months ago

Plus one for the Primus Trail FG - best low-profile trail running shoe by far and a great all-rounder for travel adventures - may be too sporty/rugged for nice dinners but meets everything else. Anything barefoot style will keep it low profile. I'd pair vivo's and whitin's canvas shoes for my offroad/hiking needs vs my city walking/more dressy occassions.

Reddit Iconaudiophile_lurker
5 months ago

If you need water resistance / mud / snow handling, then Magna. If you want a fair weather hiker then Primus Trail or Flow Trail. The Tracker low model is just not one way or the other - low cut and the sole are not good for wet conditions, and there are much better shoes for dry conditions.

10 months ago

I use Primus Trail (I have regular and knits) in PNW of US, which is wet, steep, and rocky (well, dry in July/August). The Primus works quite well, good traction and control, even on spring snow. I use non-waterproof model as a standard. If I get wet, I get wet, but it drains and dries better. On winter snow hikes I use Magnas.

10 months ago

I use the same size as my dailies (my daily is Primus Lite Knit). The trail model has a bit more width, which is helpful for me on the trail, as I need the space for the pinkie on the downhills and often wear thicker socks than around town.

Reddit IconCanadianomad
6 months ago

personally i think the regular primus trails are better for running - the knits ventilate not as well - I find the knits are better looking but the regular better performing in my ultimate [vivobarefoot review guide](https://canadianomad.com/vivobarefoot-buyers-guide/) I compare all the models

Rankings by Use Case

Top recommendations from others in the same boat

Other Reddit Recommendations: