I dont mind a stiff sole yet flexible rim at back of ankle is important. They are a great choice if you do high mileage and/or extreme terrain. 1.2 Vivobarefoot Women's Tracker FG Hiking Boots 2 Men zero drop hiking boots review 2.1 ALTRA AFM1855F Men's Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe 2.2 Xero Boots Xcursion 2.3 Zero drop hiking shoes buying guide 2.4 Conclusion Women zero drop hiking boots review This section covers reviews for women zero drop hiking boots. Do you have any advice? It also comes with an insole that is not zero drop (it adds a 3mm heel rise) so you need to remove it and replace it with a barefoot insole to be a true barefoot hiking boot. Our favorite in terms of performance is the Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion. Im sorry, I thought I had replied to your comment already but it seems I hadnt! Im wondering if the Softstar Switchback would be a better option, as it has a really wide forefoot, thick sole that still is flexible, and a soft ankle opening. Thanks . I have a terribly hard time finding shoes that fit. They do indeed! $270.00 $ 270. And now Im also starting to find them slightly too narrow in general (I do have a sloped foot thought). Would you recommend any of these for hiking in hot summer months? I need something for light hiking (trails that my 5 year old can handle), but waterproof and with good grip since we have muddy/snowy winters and springs, and I currently carry my toddler on my back. I love your reviews, thank you for all your hard work! (I live in the U.S.). When it comes to boots, we don't mess around. Anyway, Im looking for a summer hiking shoe if you have any recommendations! Xero Shoes took this simple sandal design, modified it slightly for a more comfortable fit for a run, and started selling their first sandal kit in 2009. How do you feel about the soles on the sofstar switchbacks? I was lucky enough to find a pair in my size and am over the moon. Thank you! Hi, thanks a lot for this extensive review. The Vivobarefoot Geo Racer Knit has a price point of $170.00 USD, which is far from cost-efficient. So lets jump into the post and find out the major differences between the two barefoot shoe brands and which brand would be the best for your twinkle toes! I would say the 37 in the Mudee would probably be good if you fit into a size 6 in the Lems Boulder. But obviously, this only works if the shoe fits you right. But Im curious to know about other models. Will do a mini review in an email newsletter soon. This would exceed the thickness of soles such as Lems (which you seem hesitant to recommend due to the thickness of the soles). I really appreciate it . If you choose regular width these will be more average width. Thank you for this article! In this post were looking at some of the most popular brands in the biz, and replacing them with what I like to wear instead both for immediate comfort today and to protect my foot function for the long haul. I dont believe the Rangers can be resoled because they are glued and not stitched. Hm, Im thinking that something like the Koel Rana. Is the Joe Nimble WanderToes 2.o still considered a minimal shoes? Im not sure what size to get , possibly 38?Im hoping these will be wide enough. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. MSRP: $159.55 Weight: 22 ounces/pair (men's size 9) Intended purpose: Hiking Heel-to-toe drop: 0 mm . The metal bit is located directly above the highest part of my inner ankles it seems and pushing onto the bone which I imagine to be painful during hours of hiking. You can see my YouTube Lems Waterproof Boulder review for more info. Whether youre a casual weekend hiker or are doing serious ultras distances, there are barefoot friendly hiking boots that still getting the job done. Yes! They have never worn conventional shoes before. Thank You. I have some Merrell Vapor Gloves 3 that I love but my feet get cold when hiking in the fall/winter. Feelmax is a Finnish brand and the Kuuva is their flagship product. Over here in Europe, some webshops still sell the original WanderToes! No matter what you choose, enjoy your barefoot experience! Theres also the Lone Peak from Altra and the Softstar RunAmoc with the Megagrip sole (both shoes, not boots). Its warm here in Italy so I have been wearing them without the insole and with very thin socks. Rather than taking the current shoes on the market and cutting them back, Vivobarefoot has thrown away modern shoe options and returned to the basics. When I look up the size chart between the original Ranger vs the Ranger 2.0, the width is 0.3 cm wider, so the 2.0s are not as wide as the original. I know the trackers would be warm enough but I am afraid they are too narrow and stiff for my feet (I have a roman shape feet and a beginning of bunion on left foot). Get 10% off any Freet Barefoot shoes with code AR-10. I am considering the freet mudees , their website says to size up . Do you have other barefoot shoes? Just know that the Koel Rana fits low volume. I havent tried the Magna, but know it is a well loved shoe. Do you mean snow shoes? For those who find the Altra Lone Peak too stiff and beefy, I ran 1200+ km (800 miles) in my first pair of Altra Superiors which are a little lighter and closer to the ground. It can be a real challenge! In my experience, barefoot hiking boots for kids is often not necessary unless they are serious little mountain goats. Whether you're on a day hike or fully loaded with a heavy pack, the Xcursion gives you the grip and support you want while still feeling like a "barefoot boot." Curious which barefoot hiking shoes are the most wide? My winter boots are Be Lenka Winter Neo 2.0 and I feel ok with them, so I thought Ranger could be a good choice for hiking. Would your preferences still be the same at these distances? But if your kids do more serious hiking, here are a few barefoot hiking shoe options for kids. hey. It's wide enough to keep you stable on the trail but also has thin soles so you can get that ground feel. I am finding them comfortable and practical, and I hiked miles in them the first wear without any discomfort! I am not surprised you havent had luck with the Xero Hiker or the Tracker in that size, the Xero shoe runs narrow and the Tracker runs small. This is why I figured a 38 in the freet mudee . Any thoughts on which might be better? I have wide-ish feet and I think medium to high volume, and I think Id want some cushion since I have a bone spur on my calcaneous from a long period of plantar fasciitis years ago (it doesnt bother me often but I feel nervous going super thin since its a bigger purchase). If youre like me and you find that either brand can work, then here are some general guidelines to work with. Warm my feet get cold super easy 2. tie up snug to my feet -I wear old first-generation Merrell pace gloves all summer and LOVE them because of how snug they fit and how flexible they are. I have one more question, the better hiking shoes for using it in snow will be the tracker or wandertoe or another one? The shoe is a sort of mirror image to Chaco sandals. These materials are excellent when you have oddly shaped feet (doesnt everyone) or prefer a sock-like feeling. Would the Winter work as a hiking boot, or is the Ranger a much superior choice (I just dont find the aesthetic as versatile)? The sole is durable and slightly stiff, but thin and the quality is undeniable. Even though they tout a 5000-mile guarantee on their soles, which is fantastic, it doesnt cover the wear and tear of the uppers. So even though its a similar thickness it feels like Im less connected with the ground in Lems than I do in the Switchbacks. The World's Fastest Shortest Triathlon - the ultimate sprint triathlon. let's just say quality control is consistently inconsistent. I just ordered the new version to compare it to the old one. They also have other running shoe options that are shoes rather than sandals. Considering there are new models in some of these brands, mainly Im looking at Lems primal pursuit as a do it all barefoot shoe. The upper on the Magna is a little warmer than a sneaker, its leather, but still not real warm. I have a pair that is a few years old and can confidently attest to them breaking in to become soft and flexible, but some people are surprised by the stiffness when they first put them on (since barefoot boots are supposed to be flexible). Could you let me know how much wider the Softstar switchback boot (wide fitting) is compared to the Be Lenka ranger? But its also possible that they will fit you fine and the numbers are throwing everyone off a bit. However, as a women with odd feet (each foot is different length size), I often will get men sizing smaller. I havent put as many miles on the Rangers as I have my Vivobarefoot Trackers, but if you like the wider toe box in Be Lenka shoes then the Ranger is probably a safer bet. They are $160, but my hesitation with that one is they are pretty stiff. I recently got myself a pair of Joe Nimble the GlobalToes Recycle though, and not the WanderToes and I am still undecided about my final verdict. No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. Anya, They are still in zero drop too? See below 10 barefoot hiking shoes in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Xero Shoes Xcursion and ending with the Softstar Switchback in wide. Have a good day. As far as the eyelet, you could try stick moleskin over it, or adjust the tongue/ankle area so it doesnt land on your bone anymore. Buy Vivobarefoot Tracker II FG, Mens Leather Waterproof Hiking Boot With Barefoot Firm Ground Sole and Thermal Protection and other Soccer at Amazon.com. If youve read Born To Run, youll know about the barefoot running trend in the early 2010s. Der Scrambler ist der neue 100% minimalistische Trail- und Wanderschuh, der Leistung, Grip und Haltbarkeit bietet. I am using a barefoot insole in them to fill in a little extra space. If youd prefer to hike in a barefoot shoe, instead of a full on boot, check out some of these trail shoes. Thank you!!! But they do have a thicker sole. The Vivobarefoot Tracker is an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with a waterproofed exterior, lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. My son just got the kids version and he is loving them. As far as cleaning, I havent cleaned my Switchbacks yet. Vivobarefoot shoes are often more shallow than Xero Shoes. So even though you cant really feel the ground in Lone Peaks, they have a valuable place in the barefoot hiking shoes scene. I like them a lot. Altra vs Topo Athletic Which foot-shaped shoe suits you? 4.2 out of 5 stars 144. Otherwise, they are wide, flat, and no arch support. They have been super helpful and inspiring! So far it only disappears with a 2nd pair of socks. Like the WanderToes reviewed here I would remove the insole so theyre zero drop. How flexible do you find any of these boots around the ankle? This is the natural alternative to normal hiking boots with heaps of flexibility and ground feel. Wanderful! Thank you. Some of my favorite walking shoes are 38 or 39 depending on brand. Hoping its still good, despite the chunky looking sole! . Unfortunately Ive looked high and low and cant find them anywhere anymore. ), A thin flexible sole (though sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability), Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Esc if you have high volume feet). Thanks again! The Tracker would be a better choice for narrow feet, and I think would work fine. And finally, after my code AR-10 for 10% off they have far and away the cheapest options out there (the Mudee is $126). Theyre pretty stiff! Feelgrounds Patrol I think might be perfect for you. Many thanks. It hurts, but Ive found on average they last longer than other brands. Which has better traction? And they have Vibram Bearclaw soles. Thank you so much for all your reviews and everything you do! Neither are really great for warm weather in my opinion my feet were hot in both when it was above 70. 4.2 out of 5 stars 111. Hey Tricia! If youre on social media, I have a short video and a photo of them up today on my Facebook and Instagram stories. Hiking just feels so much better when Im in barefoot hiking boots! Both I would recommend over the Lems Boulder, just because the Lems is a little stiffer at the back of the ankle and the sole is more slippery. thank you. The photos in the Be Lenka section of the article are of the updated 2.0 version. Lots of barefoot newbies also really appreciate the extra bit of cushion, and the variety of sizes and toe box widths make Altra easy for people to access. The FG and FG 2 outsoles work perfectly for the hiking and playing we do, while the Esc sole is extra rugged and durable (a little beefier than I really need). Thanks so much for any suggestions. Vivobarefoot is a small brand out of the UK. They look very promising for serious hiking. Have you ever considered the ZAQQ HIQE boots? Thanks in advance. Hey Morgan! I would be more comfortable wearing the Be Lenka Ranger in those temps. Amazing hiking boots, the thin and flexible soles are fantastic. But that distance doesnt change my recommendations, theyre up to the task. They have several different toe box widths depending on which you get, and a full range of sizes from youth to the biggest of mens sizes. Have you seen Sole Runner? They look fabulous. Boots like these take a little time and trust to wrap your head around. Use link for. I tried the Lems leather boulder boot and I hate the way the ankle feels. Now lets dig into the all time best options. Theyre so stiff everywhere! The Best Barefoot Winter Boots for Snow - Waterproof & Good Traction Vivobarefoot Tracker Be Lenka Winter, Ranger & Snowfox Xero Alpine Steger Mukluks Softstar Phoenix Manitobah Mukluks Warmest Vegan Barefoot Winter Boots Barefoot Winter Boots for Extra Wide Feet Everyday Barefoot Shoes for Winter The Warmest Barefoot Winter Boots for Kids Would you have any feedback or other recommendations? Youll find statements of environmental impact plastered all over the site and schemes like Revivo, their pre-loved Vivobarefoot shoe store that redistributes used or slightly defective shoes to new owners, demonstrating their willingness to back up their pledge. The Xcursion Fusion is a mid-height waterproof boot that keeps trail debris out (a big plus), while low and flexible enough to help you feel the ground and respond quickly to it, rather than shielding you from it. The Lems Waterproof Boulder boot is an excellent everyday muck shoe or light work boot, but I have some reservations about it as a barefoot hiking boot in wet conditions. I have quite some space at the front and could try to size down.. Do you have any experience or thoughts on this? Both are breathable, I think the Switchbacks might be a little more so (but Id have to wear them both several more times to be 100% sure about that). , Hmm thats a tough one. This model is the narrowest and the stiffest of all the ones I tried, and took some breaking in. Very environmentally unfriendly for something that supposed to connect you to nature. Lugs | Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Leather |$199 | Sizes EU 35-48. You might be able to find a gore-tex over shoe that can be used on any of these though. Freet Barefoot has several barefoot hiking boots and shoes that function excellently, including vegan options! I have two pair of Vivobarefoots, which constitute my only experience with barefoot shoes so far (Primus Trek and Fulham). I like the breakdown at the end. Chacos are open and unprotected on top, but feature a thick, heavy sole, where the Xcursion features a thin, light sole and considerable protection on top. You can read my full Vivobarefoot Tracker FG review here. If you have to wear them without the insole and only thin socks in order to fit well, I think one size up will be better. Thanks. Ok, on to the best barefoot hiking shoes on the market! VivoBarefoot Tracker 2 vs Xero Alpine (+20% off Vivo!) . The All Weather and FG are better for cold, which is when I need boots most often (my hikes are pretty short, and in the summer I use sandals or trail shoes). Thats right? These barefoot hiking shoes are extremely comfortable and have great grip. The outer is made out of recycled plastic and is very stiff. Fan-shaped (they narrow at the arch and heel). 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