COMPARISONS / FIT-FIRST FIELD NOTE

Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC vs. Xero Scrambler Mid II WP: Which Fits the Job?

Tracker Forest ESC uses treated leather without a traditional waterproof membrane; Scrambler Mid II WP takes a waterproof-lined approach. Compare weather needs, fit and route protection rather than assuming either boot is universally better.
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01

The weather strategy is the central difference

Tracker Forest ESC uses treated leather without a traditional waterproof membrane. Scrambler Mid II WP is the waterproof-design branch of Xero’s Scrambler family. Those approaches are not interchangeable: decide whether your typical outing favors leather weather resistance or a membrane-lined barrier.

Keep WP in the Xero model name when checking a listing. A non-waterproof Scrambler Mid comparison cannot verify the construction of the WP pair, and neither boot is designed to stop water entering over its collar.

02

Compare coverage and care against your route

The Forest ESC asks you to account for leather maintenance. The Scrambler comparison instead needs attention to the complete lined upper and how it feels with your hiking socks. In both cases, check ankle bending and downhill toe clearance before planning a long day.

Weight impressions should come from comparable sizes rather than assuming a textile-looking boot must always be lighter. A flexible hiking boot is also a different tool from technical mountaineering footwear. Let terrain, weather and required equipment set the boundaries, then choose the shape you can wear comfortably within those boundaries.

Sources and further reading

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