Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG Shoe Review – Barefoot Shoes

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG Review Contents Introduction

1. Introduction
2. Scores
3. Unboxing
4. Functional Wearing
5. General Wearing
6. Aesthetics
7. Comfort
8. Durability
9. Price
10. Summary

1. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Introduction

Full disclosure – I love Vivobarefoot shoes for going trail running in – there’s literally no run I enjoy more than knocking out 10 miles in woodland, wearing any of their trail shoes and feeling the roots beneath my feet – there’s something really energising about it.

So I was really excited when I finally invested in a pair of the Primus Trail 2 FG’s. You see, for Vivo, calling them Trail in the product title means that they are designed, and are fit for purpose, to go barefoot trail running in. The definition of ‘does what it says on the tin’. This is a brand that stands by its word(s) and the technical input into the shoes is quite extraordinary.

I’ll cover all of this further in the review – but the stand out for me with this shoe is the versatility of it. Trail running is a given, but also just for day to day wear, these barefoot shoes are great – they’re comfortable, have oodles of grip and still manage to look very cool. 

2. Scores

3. Unboxing Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG 

We’ll come onto price further on in this review, but I have to say, one of the things I feel that Vivobarefoot are GREAT at is giving you that all round premium experience.

From the moment my new pair of Primus Trails arrived, to taking them on my first run, it felt very special and it all began with the unboxing. You see Vivo take care when they send you their shoes, to ensure, whether you’re a seasoned barefoot pro, or this is your first foray into the barefoot, minimalist shoe movement, that you’re given all the knowledge you need – and the way they do this, whilst not revolutionary, shows conscious thinking.

No needless waste of paper or materials – no – everything you need to know is accessed via a QR code on the box – from here you can access video guides on the basics of barefoot wearing and running – and if you’re reading this and thinking of buying a pair (and do end up buying a pair) I recommend you follow that QR code.

I’ve been wearing Vivo’s for a while but even I learnt a LOT.

4. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Functional Wearing

So now I’ve waxed lyrical about the shoe in general – how does it stand up to the rigours of serious trail running? Well the Primus Trail II FG takes a lot of the learnings from Vivobarefoot’s previous incarnations and builds on them.

The grip is solid and looks chunky – but somehow doesn’t diminish any of the barefoot experience – how they do this I don’t know, but it works. 

I’ve covered a lot of terrain in mine already, and true to form, when needed they grip the surface as they need. Perhaps the most impressive (and for me most valuable) attribute they have is the way they handle water. If you’re out on the trails all year, or you’re covering a lot of ground, at some point they’re going to get wet – and there’s nothing worse than facing another 6 miles with cold wet feet when you’re in the middle of nowhere.

Somehow though, the magic of these shoes is they literally seem to expel any water as you continue running – and whilst they don’t dry themselves completely, they do so enough that you’re not left squelching as you run. Impressive stuff!

5. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – General Wearing

Part of the appeal of this style of barefoot trainer to me was that they look decent enough that I can just throw them on with a pair of jeans, go to my local coffee shop and no one really takes a second look. Sure, I do get people sometimes stop me and ask me what Vivo’s are like – so they recognise the brand and sometimes the wide toe box – but they don’t realise these are actually a serious pair of trail running shoes. Incognito mode: activated. 

6. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Aesthetics

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder as the saying goes – but to me this is a delicious looking barefoot shoe. The design is just gorgeous, and it comes in a variety of colors. It’s a simple pared back vibe they are giving off. Perhaps the less divisive of Vivo’s, as they are decidedly inoffensive. There have been colorways in the past I’ve preferred in this style and actually the kids department has some really fun ones. But yeah, the blue and the black are both equally appealing!

7. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Comfort

These are some really light shoes, as in they are like wearing shoes made of feathers. You can hardly notice them on other than the cosy feel enveloping the foot. They’re not tight, nor should they be but they mold onto your feet from the word go. A brilliant pair to rack up the miles in – the sole is undoubtedly giving that ‘barefoot’ feel but there’s miraculous protection from the ground underfoot. I did not feel a rock or any sharpness throughout my trail run. It goes to show that the design really paid off because the lack of sole is not reflected in the feel whatsoever. 

8. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Durability

The Active Ortholite Performance Insole is very durable indeed but can also be replaced, much like most if not all Vivobarefoot shoes. When you’re cleaning them it’s a less is more approach. Brushing and wiping will suffice and please keep them off the radiator and out of the washing machine, that’ll significantly REDUCE durability if you were to do so. It’s just about being sensible with them, air drying is definitely the best option both just for the shoes sake and also for freshness of feet. Clean air and warm weather will more than do the job when caring for your Vivo’s.

9. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Price

The Primus Trail II FG retail at $165 / £135 which makes them a cheaper option of Vivo comparatively. You’re getting bang for your buck because these are some professional trail shoes that are continuously going through improved athlete testing and material innovation. If the price tag somewhat surprises you then just take extra care with how you look after them because these are shoes that have the potential to last you many seasons and many adventures. 

10. Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG – Summary

Overall I have been absolutely McLovin’ these shoes. They are comfy, fun and really do inspire me to put miles in the legs when I’m out. Consistently pushing me further than I have run before and surprising me in a good way every time I put them on. They literally weigh only 315 grams which is wild to me!  Something I’m yet to touch on would be the recycled *VEGAN* materials make these a really eco-conscious choice as well which is not to be overlooked. If you run trails, these are gonna be your ‘go to’ Vivo – that’s my psychic prediction for you 🏃🔮