Consult with
Sock Doc Workshops
The VIVOBAREFOOT Trail Freak shoes are Vivo’s newest trail shoes and they’re definitely much better than I expected. Well, it’s not that I was expecting them to be bad, just not this awesome. My last pair of Vivo trail shoes was the VIVOBAREFOOT Breatho and they were really nice trail shoes but they never fit perfectly and they broke down rather quickly. The Trail Freak is a perfect fit and it’s a huge improvement over the Breatho’s. I’d have to say it’s my favorite trail shoe to date, even much more comfortable than the Inov-8 Trailroc 235 I’ve been wearing for the last couple of years.
The VIVOBAREFOOT Trail Freak shoes are light, comfortable, and of course super-minimal allowing your foot to move as it’s naturally intended. Most trail shoes are too thick since runners feel the need to not want to feel any rock or somewhat sharp object below their feet. But the Trail Freak’s give you just enough protection and comfort without sacrificing losing proprioception and kinesthetic sense – that “foot sense”.
From Vivo’s site:
A master of speed, breathability and grip; this freakishly good trail shoe lets your feet perform while the shoe provides. The VIVOBAREFOOT TRAIL FREAK has a lightweight natural fit, duo 3M mesh and laminated structured that gives a comfortable and secure ‘second skin’ fit. The Trail Freak has a Dri-lex lining with lycra collar: Lightweight, performance lining for moisture wicking and superior comfort.
The ultra-thin, off road sole has the perfect balance of grip and sensory experience. Specifically made for the great outdoors, 4.5mm lugs give an unprecedented amount of traction, but still lets your feet move naturally, as nature intended. The VIVOBAREFOOT TRAIL FREAK is a durable and lightweight trail shoe suited for the toughest mud sections, slipperiest descents, and filthiest climbs.
Simply put – go get a pair. You’ll be happy you did.
Dr. Stephen Gangemi "Sock Doc"
I'm a board-certified chiropractic physician and clinical nutritionist with a passion for true natural health care. I implement dietary & nutritional therapies, exercise & movement practices, and lifestyle changes along with manual therapy techniques to help the body heal and prevent illness and injuries.
CO says
The vivobare shoes are too narrow in the toe box for me. Do you have another recommendation? And Thanks so much for all the awesome info. You have a great site!!!
Sock Doc says
Yeah this is true for some of their shoes but not as much for these Trail Freaks or the Gobis. If you need really wide then try Altra but they’re thick-soled and extra cushiony.
CO says
Thanks!
Ultrawolf says
Hi Doc,
I got me the Trailfreak a couple of months ago and thought „Dr. Steve would certainly like them”.
Love the shoes, only problem for me is the lacing: Don´t like the quick lace system, I even replaced it with standard laces but even then found it hard to get a secure fit for the real technical stuff and steep downhills.
The Trailfreaks would be the perfect shoes if they only had a fifth eyelet to secure the heel.
Wrote that already to Vivo but never got a reply so I hope they do read your side
It´s always a real treat if I got your newsletter in the Inbox and even my 3 year old boy (who´s of course in Vivos or barefoot) loves to watch your videos.
Best wishes
Wolfgang from Austria
Sock Doc says
Thanks Wolfgang!
Antoine Troullier says
I tried Breatho 20 months ago and loved them, I was very surprise to see how resistant they are ! I ran almost 1000km on rocky rough tracks (calcareous in south of France) . Much more than Inov-8 or Saucony.
I bought Trail Freak and it was incredible ! how could I run before ?… My only doubt is for (very) long distance on rocks. I’ll try very soon, 26th of April, for 80km 3500m gain (+ and -) but I hope the shoes will pass the test …
Antoine
Andrew says
Hi Doc,
Do you think these would work well as a replacement for hiking boots? I have been going back and forth between the Vivobarefoot Synth Hiker (http://www.amazon.com/Vivobarefoot-Synth-Hiker-Hiking-Black/dp/B008K9XZ2S/) and the trail freaks for a while and really can’t decide. I will use them primarily for hiking, but I wouldn’t mind replacing my Merrell trail gloves for my trail runs too if I could kill two birds with one stone. Also, do you think the winterproof version of the trail freak would be worth considering? I would remove the thermal insole most of the time but in the Seattle area waterproof might be nice. I’m never sure if a waterproof running/hiking shoe is a good thing or if it does more harm than good by trapping moisture in though.
Thanks!
Sock Doc says
I like those and I love the Trail Freaks so as long as they keep you warm and dry I’d use them.
Miranda says
I have been transitioning to minimalist shoes and my 7 year old son has now discovered a love for trail and road running with mum. I would love to start him off in natural/minimalist shoes from the start, but I am so worried that it will cause him injuries! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Miranda
Sock Doc says
Well hopefully after reading the many articles on this site your worries will be eased!
Mike Karthauser says
How do you find the sizing of these compared to other vivo models? I own freuds, ones and bought some trail freaks to replace my neo trails after they were discontinued. I found the fit pretty snug compared to the neos which meant the insoles had to come out so I could fit wear them with socks. I went up a size and now I’ve got masses of space in the towbox. Having had 2 pairs of these replaced due to the uppers splitting – I think vivo dropped the ball on these. The soles are awesome but the uppers aren’t good for serious trail. I wish they’d stick that sole on a pair of vivo ones as they are bullet proof.
Sock Doc says
Mine fit comparable to the Breatho, Gobis, and Evos.
Blobby says
I discovered Vivobarefoot brand far less than a year ago, but, taking advantage of sales, I have managed to buy several pair of Vivobarefoot, including Gobis, Motus, Evo Pure and Trail Freak.
Such purchases show that these various shoes have not disappoint me yet; last Vivobarefoot purchase made a little less than a month ago is a pair of Trail Freak (in orange and red).
Remark: I am using these shoes with their removable inner soles and with socks.
As usual with Vivos, the shoes are very supple and light. Forefoot is less wide than usual, but it cannot be qualified as narrow: so shoe shape is more common than other Vivos I own. For trail running, it may be a good point because feet are more maintained, particularly when running downhill.
I fill that upper laces eyelets should have been slightly higher to give a better foot maintain.
These laces, similar to Salomon system, are not as good than the Salomon ones (ease and keeping of tightening), but even when laces fell a little loose, feet stay tightly in shoes thanks to their suppleness.
A very good surprise was behaviour on roads: I feared that lugs will be painfully noticeable on such hard surfaces, but no, they are soft enough to participate to sole cushioning; so, using roads to reach trails is not a problem (but I cannot say yet whether these lugs will wear out too quickly).
Have someone ever used the winter version ?
Joe says
wow these look great, and from your description they are worth a shot. I would use for hiking hilly wooded terrain, with a little running also. I currently use an old $30 pair of reebok water shoes that have lasted years but finally have too many holes and need retirement. They are super thin and can feel every root and stone, practically barefoot. But don’t exist anymore.
do you recommend buying in bigger size, or close to my regular foot size? My old hiking shoes are 11’s and i’m a size 9 with very wide feet…?
Sock Doc says
Typically regular size for VIVOs.
flo says
Hi,
thanks for your quick review of the Trail Freaks. I run in Merrell Trail Gloves 3 at the moment and like you, I find them a tad narrow, and the last is a bit unstable. I am a long time Vivos wearer, and run in Evo Pures when temperatures allow. However when temperatures drop to -10 and colder throughout the day, I am at a loss – shoewise. I was thinking about getting Trail Freaks but they seem quite thin. Vivobarefoot also has the weather proof version of the Trail Freaks. Do you happen to have any experience in those? Or are the Trail Freaks warm enough for sub-zero temps?
Looking forward to hearing your opinion.
Sock Doc says
I haven’t tried the weather-proof Freak version. But I love the regular ones and they don’t feel too narrow for my feet. I’m not in sub-zero here in NC. 🙂