Vivobarefoot PRIMUS TRAIL KNIT FG

Detailed Review

Primus Trail Knit FG trail running shoes are known for their comfort and breathability. They offer enough protection in less technical trains over small rocks. However, they aren’t suited for intense mountain trails as reviews state that the shoes are a bit weaker than other Vivobarefoot trail running shoes and may be subject to abrasion.

Style and Design

The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG is designed for trail running but can also be used on the roads. It’s made of vegan materials, such as recycled PET mesh for its uppers, and has a Firm Ground Outsole. Thanks to the mesh materials, the uppers provide breathability and comfort, with many reviews appreciating how the shoes feel.

The outsole has a 2.5mm base and 4mm lug height, balancing protection, and ground feel. As the name suggests, the sole is built with a sticky rubber compound for improved grip and traction on most terrains, though reviews say that it is prone to slippage on wet or muddy areas. Furthermore, it is ultra-thin and puncture-resistant.

The shoes also feature a 3mm insole for enough protection and support, which you can remove to enhance the ground feel. 

Comfort Level

Reviews share that they feel everything on the ground they run on, thanks to the very thin soles. While this adds to the barefoot experience, it’s also not the best on tougher trails with many sharp objects, as this can be painful. Consumers state that they feel a lot more in control on more forgiving terrains as they run, being in tune with the ground. 

Other reviewers share that the uppers feel somewhat stiff right out the box, but it will soften over use. Besides that, the Primus Trail Knit FG is said to be comfortable overall.

Fit and Sizing

The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG features a foot-shaped design with a wide toe box, offering enough room for the toes to splay. Users like this feature because it enhances the barefoot feel and prevents toe blisters. 

Vivobarefoot also designed the Primus Trail Knit FG with quick-secure Mountain Laces with non-slip adherence for easier adjustment and fewer worries over it untying. 

Performance and Durability

Primus Trail Knit FG users say that getting used to running with the shoes will take time if you haven’t tried Vivobarefoot’s minimalist shoes before or are new to going barefoot. According to reviews, the flat soles will give one’s feet and calves a workout, strengthening them further. 

As for the grip, the shoes do well on the dry and hard-packed ground, but it also does well on grassy or slightly loose terrains. Users feel sturdy as they run and hop from rocks. However, they also say that the grip and traction don’t do best on wet and muddy terrain, making them more prone to slipping.

While the shoes have no ankle or arch support, users say they still feel very stable as the minimalist shoes strengthen their calves and ankles. Since they feel lightweight, people say that it’s almost as if they aren’t wearing shoes at all, adding to the barefoot experience.

Final Call: Is This a Good Minimalist Trail Running Shoe?

The Vivobarefoot Primus Trail Knit FG passes users’ expectations as a minimalist trail running shoe. Consumers say that the shoes provide the optimum ground feel as if they aren’t wearing shoes, yet they still stay protected from small rocks and the overall terrain. However, they also state that the soles are too thin to protect feet from more technical terrain with bigger rocks and sharper obstructions and that people have to be careful when running on wet or muddy areas. 

Primus Trail Knit FG shoes are good minimalist trail running shoes for those looking for eco-friendly footwear, offering a good barefoot feel and comfort for road or light trail runs. One can also use it for casual wear in the urban area.