Primus Trail II FG

Personally don't find much difference in the breathability of each, but do find that the all weathers are a little wider and more comfortable (for me)

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.

This is what I have, and I have used them in south east Asia and Europe for hiking. Love them.

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).

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.

I have a low volume foot and I like the fit on the trail knit. They hug my foot like a nice stretchy sock. I think you'll prefer that. The FG is good, but a little loose and stiff. I really like the ora for the reasons you stated. Its nice getting my feet wet, but I did kick a rock once and that made me sad. Now I'm more hesitant to wear them

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.)