Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 FG Shoe Review – Barefoot Shoes

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 FG Review Contents

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

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 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. 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, this barefoot shoe is great – it’s comfortable, has grip and to my, admittedly, untrained eye, it looks pretty cool as well.

Unboxing Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 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, I just felt like I was being treated!! 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 and i learnt a LOT.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 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. This is a brand that stands by its word(s) and the technical input into the shoes is quite extraordinary.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 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 2 FG takes a lot of the learnings from Vivobarefoots 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 min 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 will 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.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 FG – General Wearing

Part of the appeal of this style of barefoot trainer to me was that not looks decent enough that I can pop 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.

Vivobarefoot Primus Trail 2 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 colours, but the burgundy colour way I bought it in is very en trend with this season.