Vivobarefoot also has a cool programme called ReVivo. It reconditions returned Vivo footwear to new and sells them again. It also offers a repair service for your Vivo footwear. How do they perform? One great eco factor here is the use of Woolmark merino wool in the upper. In a move away from the use of synthetic fabrics, Woolmark produces natural, renewable and biodegradable wool. In this sense it’s a circular fibre that doesn’t contribute to microplastic pollution in our oceans or on our lands. The Woolmark certification additionally provides ethical sourcing assurance, as well as a top-notch quality guarantee. Could you help me decide a bit better between the Tempest and the Decon (maybe V-Trek also) for the Alps mainly in Germany or Austria? What are your thoughts on this for more challenging terrain? It seems to me you prefer the Decon Low over the other alternatives. Thanks! Would be super happy to hear your take.

As mentioned earlier, the primary ingredients of the upper here include the Woolmark wool and the wildhide leather. Together these combine to produce a breathable and lightweight upper with enough flexibility to enable natural movement in your step. Insole: The Outlast Thermal Insole offers temperature-regulating technology; absorbing, storing, and releasing heat. This smart thermal layer responds to accommodate the naturally changing temperatures of the feet.

Vivobarefoot TRACKER DECON LOW FG2 editor review

However without actually being an employee and overseeing their practices, that’s all I can say! Regardless, they’re far better than 95% of shoe brands out there! Overall

These shoes have held up very well to general fitness abuse! I’ve worked, walked, ridden scooters, ran, and hike in them. After 6 months, they’re not showing any signs of wear that are out of the ordinary. I’m confident that these hiking shoes have a lot of life left in them. Vivobarefoot believes that more faith should be put into the evolutionary design of our feet. Our feet are fine-tuned for endurance, says Vivobarefoot, so why mess with it? In line with this train of thought, the brand produces shoes that allow our feet to make the most of their natural attributes: sensation, stability, and strength. Hiking and trail footwear brands focus much time and attention to the underside of their footwear. There is a good reason for this. The midsole is for impact absorption, allowing you to walk in greater comfort for longer. But Vivobarefoot has changed the recipe.

So yes, the idea works but you need to allow time for your feet to toughen up. It also requires quite a big mental shift in the way you think about footwear. You have to place faith in your feet rather than entirely in the shoes. That being said, I’ll still be reaching for my rigid leather boots in some circumstances, such as winter alpine treks. Verdict The construction of hiking and trail footwear varies significantly, depending on use and terrain. But fundamentally, they all use a similar method: outsole, midsole, insole, and then all the parts that make the upper. I took them out as I wanted to experience the difference with barefoot shoes, but they did come with Outlast Insoles.