Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II review: a waterproof hiking boot built for wet trails
I own several pairs of Vivobarefoot walking shoes and boots, but so far, none of them are waterproof, which is why I jumped at the chance to try the Tracker Textile AT II.
According to Vivobarefoot, the boot uses “hydrophobic treatment, non-absorbent materials, sealed seams and an internal breathable membrane” to achieve full waterproofing, making it one of the most weather-friendly hiking boot options.
I chose the John John Florence (JJF) edition in the Shadow Green colourway, a version ‘chosen’ by the American professional diver himself. I’ve been wearing the boots regularly for about two months, doing a combination of walking and hiking, and now it’s time to spill the beans that they really live up to their promise.
Price and availability
The Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II is available now from Vivobarefoot UK, Vivobarefoot US and Vivobarefoot EU, with a recommended retail price of £180 / $240 / €200 (approximately AU$354). At the time of writing, however, the boots have been reduced to £126/$168/€120 (around AU$248), making them a great value.
In the UK, Vivobarefoot offers free delivery on orders over £120, otherwise it charges £7 for standard delivery and £10 for shopping. In the US, delivery costs $5, with free shipping on orders over $120 and no express option. In Germany, standard delivery costs €7 (free over €140), and express delivery costs €14.
Design and materials
Vivobarefoot built its brand on producing shoes that are not only comfortable and good for walking but also make sense, and the Tracker Textile AT II reflects that philosophy. The boot uses vegan* construction, which means it is legally animal-free, although the asterisk is important here.
Vivobarefoot, to its credit, is transparent about the fact that it has not certified that small components, such as certain pastes or dyes, are fully vegan. For now, all that can be said with confidence is that most of the materials used in the Tracker Textile AT II are vegan.
Despite being made, the boot also uses recycled materials, which can be absorbed everywhere, according to the brand, which is consistent with its sustainable messaging. Even more important for real-world use, the Tracker Textile AT II is fully waterproof thanks to the seamless construction and hydrophobic treatment, which work together to prevent water ingress.
Underfoot, the shoe has a thin, barefoot-style sole designed to encourage “natural movement and sensory feedback,” as Vivobarefoot puts it, and the insole is removable if you want to feel even closer to the ground. The boot is shaped like a foot, with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally rather than being compressed.
The lacing system is more traditional than other Vivo shoes and feels closer to a classic hiking boot, complete with ankle lace hooks that make opening and closing the boots easy.
Thankfully, the ropes are not too long, so there is no risk of them floating away or catching on roots and rocks. The tongue is fully integrated at the top, which plays an important role in keeping water out, even when standing in shallow streams.
Functionality and comfort
The sole is thin, as you’d expect from a Vivobarefoot shoe, but thanks to the grippy outsole and its pronounced chevron pattern, the bottom feel isn’t as flat as it is on something like the Pilgrim boots. There’s still a lot of feedback, but it feels a lot better and is a little more forgiving underfoot.
On the back of the ankle, the construction allows for more natural movement by inserting a cut part on the back of the ankle, which helps prevent stiffness when walking up or down.
This design choice means that the Tracker Textile AT II is technically waterproof up to the lowest point of this cut, which sits just above the ankle bone, but in reality, that’s more than enough.
I tested proper waterproofing during a walk in the Forest of Dean in Wales, where I stood directly in a stream to see if there was any water seeping in. It didn’t happen. The boots stay completely dry, even after prolonged contact with running water.
That said, the presence of a waterproof membrane definitely affects breathability. The Tracker Textile AT II can feel cramped at times, especially in wet conditions where the outer material starts to get wet, and airflow is reduced. However, in reality, anyone who chooses waterproof shoes probably prioritizes protection from the elements over maximum breathability.
If you’re after a light, summery hiking option from Vivobarefoot, the Tracker Decon FG 2 is the better choice, while the Gobi Hiber makes better sense for cold but dry conditions. I live in the UK, where the weather always looks like it might rain, and when I’m not sure what conditions I’ll be dealing with, the Tracker Textile AT II is usually my go-to pair.
I enjoy using them for walking and hiking, although it’s important to note that wearing them all day can be confusing on the lower legs unless you’re already living a fully barefoot lifestyle.
As someone who tends to switch between bare shoes, running shoes and casual shoes, I found my feet a little sore after a full day of walking, especially on hard surfaces like asphalt. That’s not surprising at all, but it’s something to be aware of.
The decision
Like all Vivobarefoot shoes I’ve tried, the Tracker Textile AT II is an excellent option for anyone who appreciates the ground and natural movement. It’s intended for outdoor use, especially for hiking on wet, muddy trails, where its flexibility and grip really shine. Unless you need waterproofing, it’s not the most comfortable Vivo for all-day wear, but if you do, it’s hard to beat.
