Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II review: a waterproof barefoot hiking boot built for wet trails

I own many pairs of Vivobarefoot walking shoes and boots, but until now, none have been waterproof, which is why I jumped at the opportunity to try the Tracker Textile AT II.

According to Vivobarefoot, the boot uses “hydrophobic treatments, non-absorbent materials, sealed seams and an inner breathable membrane” to achieve full waterproofing, making it one of the brand’s more weather-ready hiking boot options.

I opted for the John John Florence (JJF) edition in the Shadow Green colourway, a version ‘chosen’ by the American professional surfer himself. I’ve been wearing the boots regularly for around two months, across a mix of walking and hiking, and now it’s time to spill the beans on whether they actually deliver on their promise.

Vivobarefoot Tracker Textile AT II review

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 were discounted to £126 / $168 / €120 (around AU$248), making them considerably better value.

In the UK, Vivobarefoot offers free delivery on orders over £120, otherwise charging £7 for standard delivery and £10 for express. 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), while express delivery is priced at €14.

Design and materials

Vivobarefoot built its brand on producing footwear that is not only comfortable and foot-friendly but also ethically minded, and the Tracker Textile AT II reflects that philosophy. The boot uses a vegan* construction, meaning it is animal-free in principle, although the asterisk is important here.

Vivobarefoot, to its credit, is transparent about the fact that it has not yet confirmed whether smaller components, such as certain adhesives or dyes, are fully vegan. For now, all that can be said with confidence is that the vast majority of materials used in the Tracker Textile AT II are vegan.

Despite being synthetic, the boot also uses recycled, non-absorbent materials throughout, according to the brand, which ties into its sustainability messaging. More importantly for real-world use, the Tracker Textile AT II is fully waterproof thanks to its no-sew construction and hydrophobic treatments, which work together to prevent water ingress.

Underfoot, the shoe features a thin, barefoot-style sole designed to promote “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 foot-shaped, with a wide toe box that allows your toes to spread naturally rather than being compressed.

The lacing system is more traditional than on some Vivo shoes and feels closer to a classic hiking boot, complete with lace hooks at the ankle that make getting the boots on and off easier.

Thankfully, the laces aren’t excessively long, so there’s no risk of them flopping about or catching on roots and rocks. The tongue is fully integrated into the upper, which plays a key role in keeping water out, even when standing in shallow streams.

Performance 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 ground feel isn’t quite as direct as it is in something like the Pilgrim boots. There’s still plenty of feedback, but it feels more trail-ready and slightly more forgiving underfoot.

Around the ankle, the construction allows for more natural movement by incorporating a cut-out section behind the ankle, which helps prevent stiffness when walking uphill or downhill.

This design choice does mean the Tracker Textile AT II is technically waterproof only up to the lowest point of this cut-out, which sits just above the ankle bone, but in practice, that’s more than sufficient.

I tested the waterproofing properly during a hike in the Forest of Dean in Wales, where I stood directly in a stream to see if any water made its way inside. It didn’t. The boots stayed completely dry, even after prolonged contact with flowing water.

That said, the presence of a waterproof membrane inevitably affects breathability. The Tracker Textile AT II can feel stuffy at times, particularly in wet conditions when the outer material begins to wet out, and airflow is reduced. Realistically, though, anyone opting for waterproof footwear is likely prioritising protection from the elements over maximum ventilation.

If you’re after a lighter, more summery hiking option from Vivobarefoot, the Tracker Decon FG 2 is a better pick, while the Gobi Hiber makes more sense for cold but relatively dry conditions. I live in the UK, where the weather always looks like it might rain, and when I’m unsure what conditions I’ll face, the Tracker Textile AT II is often the pair I reach for.

I enjoy using them for walking and hiking, although it’s worth noting that all-day wear can be demanding on the lower legs unless you already live a fully barefoot lifestyle.

As someone who regularly switches between barefoot shoes, running shoes and more conventional footwear, I found my feet slightly sore after a full day of walking, particularly on hard surfaces like tarmac. That’s hardly a surprise, but it’s something to be aware of.

Verdict

Like all the Vivobarefoot shoes I’ve tried, the Tracker Textile AT II is an excellent option for anyone who values ground feel and natural movement. It’s clearly geared towards outdoor use, especially 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.