The Review Smiths
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG
4
Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG 4

To try and avoid getting into a lengthy debate about bare foot running let’s just say some people swear by it whilst others have had bad experiences but like nearly every form of exercise there is not one size fits all and if barefoot running is something you have considered trying out then Vivobarefoot are the go to brand for footwear.

Wait, footwear I hear you ask, isn’t that the opposite of bare foot? Well, unless you are up for removing sharp stones and bits of glass from the soles of your feet you are going to need some level of protection. The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG mimic the feeling of bare foot running whilst ensuring what you have at the end of your legs still resemble feet when you finish.

The FG stands for Firm Ground in these trail shoes, if you haven’t attempted bare foot running before, the trail might be slightly more forgiving than concrete to begin with, the idea behind this form of running is to use the body’s natural design when running, switching on smaller muscles that might normally go unchallenged and increasing balance, it can also help you feel closer to your environment.

The Primus Trail come in a few different colours in men’s, women’s, junior and kid’s sizes, they have a modern sporty design that looks fashionable and are constructed from recycled PET plastic bottles and feature a bio-based BLOOM insole, helping to take care of the natural world we all enjoy running in.

These shoes are lightweight, breathable and offer lots of flexibility with a firm ground outsole with low-profile lugs designed for traction on trails and rocky terrains. The ultra-thin soles provide you with maximum sensory feedback without letting sharp or unpleasant objects (you know what I’m talking about) come into contact with your skin, they can handle moderately wet surfaces but perform at their best in dry and uneven environments, as well as some urban settings.

The shoes feel comfortable straight out of the box although the slightly firmer tongue may take a little breaking in, the lace system has a toggle that ensures a consistently precise fit as your foot is likely to move around more in this style of running. The toe box is roomy, allowing for the natural spread of the forefoot, it is highly breathable but don’t expect any waterproof features as this shoe wants you to experience every puddle on the trail, that’s part of the fun.

The Primus Trail FG is a great choice for those looking to experience a more natural run whilst boosting confidence by providing grip and protection on rugged trails, a great way to feel closer to nature. RRP £120

Click here for more info

A great choice for feeling closer to nature without destroying your feet in the process.
  • Flexible and lightweight
  • Highly breathable
  • Fashionable design
  • Stable grip
  • Precise lace system
  • Vegan with recycled materials
  • Tongue is a little stiff to begin with