Vivobarefoot Primus Trail II FG

Detailed Review

The Primus Trail II FG are stylish trail runners that are suitable for ethically-built runners that want to go barefoot. While minor technical flaws affect the feet’ natural feedback, it’s still considered a strong contender among other similar barefoot footwear, especially for runners with wide feet.

Materials

Like the other Vivobarefoot Primus Trail FG models, these shoes are made with a recycled upper mesh and outsole made with post-consumer plastic waste. The shoes are also free from animal products, so it’s safe to say that they are vegan.

Many reviewers appreciated the overall style and design of the Primus Trail FG shoes. They also noted that the shoes were lightweight and felt durable enough to last for long hikes and runs. Vivobarefoot also offers the Primus Trail All Weather FG for more versatility and weather conditions if you are looking for more hiking footwear options.

Performance

These shoes come with the Firm Ground sole and have a 6.5mm stack height, with the lugs taking up a majority of the area, measuring 4mm. Reviews state that the lugs and Firm Ground sole combined provide ample traction when running on the trails or road.

However, users have mentioned that they are heavier and less responsive than other barefoot footwear. That said, they also note that the shoes still offer good freedom of movement, thanks to how the footwear has one of the widest toe boxes compared to other barefoot trail runners. 

According to consumers, the Primus Trail II FG shoes have a simple design with a thin and flexible upper that offers great breathability. Its zero-drop platform and minimal stack height provide a flat platform with no support, along with a spacious toe box. All these make the shoe ideal for those who have wide feet as it gives them space to move their toes.

Another option is the Primus Trail Knit FG, which has seamless construction and a knitted upper that promotes flexibility. 

Fit and Sizing

One review says that even when wearing thick woolen socks, the shoes fit nicely. This is most likely thanks to its oversized fit from the wide toe box. The spacious fit contributes to how the footwear encourages a more natural range of motion.

Primus Trail II FG vs Primus Trail FG

The Primus Trail II FG shoes are an upgrade from the first Primus Trail FG footwear. That said, there are only minimal differences, with reviewers stating that the Primus Trail II FG is more durable than its predecessor. Furthermore, the newer version has a slightly wider toe box and a better foot-shaped design to encourage more natural stability and movement. 

The second version of the Primus Trail has a more updated outsole, which users say help with its durability without compromising the barefoot feel or foot protection. While users also say that the natural feedback isn’t as good compared to other barefoot trail runners, the shoes provide great protection and breathability on most terrains and weather conditions. 

Final Call: Are the Primus Trail II FG Shoes Worth It?

The Primus Trail II FG shoes are adequate minimalist shoes that, based on reviews, live up to their standards as barefoot trail runners. It has a stylish design, adaptive properties, and spacious fit for more comfort and natural movement. 

That said, the Firm Ground outsole might feel a bit too stiff to promote ground feel for veteran barefoot runners. Even then, users praise it for being a good trail-specific shoe for wide feet, which they can use on most technical terrains and even for cross-training in the gym. 

There are also other Primus Trail II FG models out there suitable for people of different genders and ages, including the Primus Trail II FG Kids for your little ones!