Reviews & Ratings for Vivobarefoot Primus Trail SG Trailrunning Shoes - Men's — 3 reviews — Page 1

So I typically wear a US size 8.5 (ASICS, Adidas). I also own 3 pairs of vibram 5-finger toes EU size 41. Read a couple of reviews that stated these run a bit large, so ended up going up to a size 42. Was worried it was too big but glad it fit like a glove. Initial feel of it felt like a cheese grater on the bottom of my feet due to the insole pattern. Which definitely felt weird using it with thin socks, but after a few trail runs I was able to break it in. As other reviewers have stated, these shoes do dig into the back of your Achilles heel. Which causes friction blisters (-1/2 star). Have used these shoes almost every day when doing my activities (rucking, trail running, mountain hiking) so I put almost +4 miles a day with these shoes. Holds up well on the trail and up the mountains. Doesn't do well on slick wet surfaces (porcelain or tile). But what definitely gets me is when I leave or return from the compound from where I work and live. The majority of the roads are unimproved and are layed with jagged gravel/stones due to the weather/environment in the country from which I work. So I feel every stone with these shoes which is bare able but annoying (-1/2 star). Do recommend for those that are already used to minimalist/barefoot shoes.

This is my first pair of Vivobarefoot shoes. I am very familiar and an advocate for the “less is better” philosophy when it comes to footwear, especially running shoes. I needed more protection from rock bruising that my Vibram Five Fingers v-trails were not providing and less artificial midsole cushioning that my Altra Superiors and King MT provide. So, I think I have found that shoe. Basically, being almost an exclusive gravel road and trail runner, my perfect shoe is this, one that provides adequate protection from stone bruising underfoot, and traction. This shoe so far meets this criteria. It is a shoe that is a comfortable wide toe boxed upper without the ill fitting interior padding’s that comes in bulkier feeling shoes with an aggressive outsole attached. This shoe is a little on the heavier side (9.7 ounces, 1shoe, size 42) but it’s not far off from my Altras. I now have a pair of the FG’s on order to complement this pair. So, if you are looking for a good rock protecting outsoled shoe with minimal cushioning (no mushy midsole), wide toe box, sock like upper feel this maybe the shoe for you. P.S. There is less ground feel with the amount of outsole, but it is I believe for protection reasons that I believe fulfill the need to prevent stone bruising. Thank you Vivobarefoot!