Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow! For happy feet I wear barefoot hiking boots that don’t compromise on function but keep my toes and ankles free. And no blisters too!
In this article I review 10 of the best barefoot hiking boot & shoe brands for both comfort and functionality. I’ve also included my favorite cushioned wide toe box options and a budget brand, so there is something for everyone.
Read on for the top barefoot hiking shoes that are comfy for feet AND give protection on the trails.
The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes
This isn’t just a collection of links – I own and hike in all of the barefoot hiking boots and shoes here. After years of testing and hundreds of barefoot shoes in my closet, I am confident these are the absolute best barefoot hiking boots on the market, no matter where you are in the world. Hiking just feels so much better when I’m in barefoot hiking boots!
Here is what I look for in my barefoot hiking shoes:
- Totally flat zero drop sole.
- An anatomical wide toe box shape.
- A thin flexible sole (though sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability)
- Durable materials
- Good tread with grip
- Breathability and/or water resistance (depending on the weather)
The first 3 features here are inherently different from your typical hiking shoe that weighs a ton and barely bends. Let blisters be a thing of the past! Barefoot hiking boots let your feet move naturally while still protecting you from the elements.
Psst, if you’re looking for barefoot boots for every day, check this review out!
Ok, on to the best barefoot hiking shoes on the market!
Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes US W5.5 – M15
Use code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. You can find boots and shoes for different terrains, climates, and seasons and all function excellently. The Vivobarefoot Tracker is an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with a waterproofed exterior (in the FG model), lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. They’re IMO the best combination of barefoot feel with function, but if you don’t need water protection the Magna Lite is a really comfy hiking boot with a soft knit collar. And if you want a low cut shoe – the Primus Trail is top notch in our house.
While the Vibarefoot hiking boots are extremely functional and durable, they feel a little stiff at first for a barefoot hiking shoe and take breaking in. We have multiple pairs in our house that are several years old and I can confidently attest to them becoming soft and flexible.
Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes come on three different outsole types:
Here you can see the different outdoor soles in order of their tread depth. I find the FG and SG work well on all terrains and I can wear them all day easily, while the Esc sole is extra rugged and durable (a little beefier than I need most of the time). Escape is a great choice if you do high mileage and/or extreme terrain.
My husband wears his Tracker FG hiking boots for snow (swap out the insole for a sheepskin one if you plan to do this) and even to work with business casual pants. I wear my FG’s for hiking whenever it’s cold and wet and my Magna Lites with the SG sole the rest of the time. They have held up very well and are extremely functional! You can read my full Vivobarefoot Tracker FG review here.
Sizing & Fit
Read this post to learn all about foot type and how to measure your feet!
- Runs true to size
- Fits average to narrow width feet best (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Esc if you have high volume feet)
My husband and I have our normal size in all our Vivobarefoot hiking shoes & boots except for the Tracker FG, that one we both sized up in.
Be Lenka Barefoot Ranger & Trailwalker
Leather | Waterproof Option | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka purchase. They only accept returns from the EU and USA.
Also available at Anya’s Shop for easier access in the US!
Be Lenka barefoot has two excellent hiking shoes. The first is the Be Lenka Ranger. This is a fleece lined, waterproof boot with a durable upper and rugged non-slip sole. I am loving everything about these, from their high quality materials, to the extra spacious toe box, to the warm fleece lining (I do a lot of cold weather hiking). These are one of my most worn cold weather hiking boots, but aren’t as practical year round – which is where the Vivobarefoot Tracker takes the cake. The Ranger can double as a snow boot too!
If you need a barefoot trail shoe for warmer weather, the Be Lenka Trailwalkers are wonderful. These barefoot hikers are extremely comfortable and have great grip. Not to mention the incredible amount of toe space and excellent quality. I’ve banged up my ankle bones a few times in them on rocky hikes (the perils of not covering your ankles!), but I still prefer them when the weather is warm because of how light and and comfortable they are.
The tread is not deep, which actually helps keep mud from collecting in the grooves, and they’ve kept me steady even on loose rock and gravel. They come with an optional insole for some cushion or a better fit if you have low volume feet. Without the insole they are only 4mm thick! Overall, these are exactly what I’m looking for in a barefoot hiking shoe: practical, but my feet still feel free.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs slightly small.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- The Trailwalkers are high volume.
- The Rangers are medium volume
Xero Hiking Shoes
Lugs | Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15
Xero has a lot of barefoot hiking boot and shoe options. My favorite is the Scrambler Mid for a high top and the Ridgeway Mesh as a low top. Both have a medium thick sole for some extra durability, a comfy soft upper, and good traction on the trails.
Xero’s hiking boots can be on the stiffer side and take a little bit to break in. I personally avoid the Xcursion Fusion and Daylite Hiker because they irritate my heels, but the rest have worked well for me!
And you can opt for the barefoot hiking shoes for a softer fit. I love both the Scrambler Low and the Mesa Trail. They are similarly soft and breathable.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size
- Runs medium to wide width (men’s models are wider than women’s).
- Works for most foot volumes from low to high, but might be roomy on low volume feet.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot Hiking Shoes
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 37-48
Get 10% off any Freet Barefoot shoes with code AnyaFreet.
Freet Barefoot has several barefoot hiking boots and shoes that function excellently, including waterproof and knit options. The hallmark feature of Freet hikers is that they have an an excellent foot shape with plenty of space for all toes. And the soles can be as thin as 4mm without the insole if you want a genuine barefoot feel. They do run on the smaller side, so I size up to get the fit I want.
Our lightweight favorites are the Howgill and Feldom -they are so soft and comfy with zero break in time. And for wet and cold weather the Tundra, Impala, and Mudee are waterproof and higher cut.
One complaint I have about Freet shoes is that the interior on the waterproof boots is padded and it can be kind of bulky around the ankle. And I prefer the leather waterproof options instead of the vegan because they breath better.
Sizing & Fit
- The boots run a bit small, but can vary between models so consult the sizing & fit description for each model before ordering.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Works for all foot volumes – you can add on insoles in different thicknesses too.
For more details on Freet’s sizing & fit, read my in-depth Freet Review.
Merrell Vapor Trail Glove
Lugs | Waterproof Options | Recycled Mesh | Sizes US Women’s 5-11 & Men’s 7-15
If you live outside the US click the flag at the top right corner for different regions!
Merrell is a US brand that primarily sells non-barefoot shoes, but also have a few really good wide toe box barefoot models. The best known, and the one I use, is the Trail Glove. It has a quality outsole with toe protection, a bit of water resistance for shallow puddles, and a breathable mesh upper. The tongue is also gussetted to keep out debris (something you typically only find on taller boots).
More recently Merrell has come out with a waterproof version of the Trail Glove and an even heavier duty model called the Wrapt for extreme terrains. Merrell has been a solid brand for me for many years, even before I started wearing barefoot shoes. And for the quality the price is cheaper than many other barefoot options.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Medium wide – not suited for extra wide feet
- Medium volume with removable insole
- Mountain shaped
I sized up for a little extra width because I have wider than average feet. They are comfy for me, but I do feel my toes on the sides of the shoe.
Realfoot Trekker
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather or Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYASREVIEWS10 for 10% off.
If you want a hiker with an extremely wide toe box, Realfoot is for you. The Trekker line is waterproof and comes in multiple heights and materials. The waterproof membrane makes the Trekkers slightly less flexible in the uppers than other Realfoot shoes, but they’re still one of the most minimal barefoot hiking options on this list.
Our only criticism is the outsole lacks lugs, which won’t make these an ideal choice for more challenging hikes. However you get all the toe space, a waterproof upper with a gusseted tongue, and a real barefoot feel.
The alternative would be the Softstar Primal hiking shoes mentioned below – similarly wide toe box but on a rugged outsole with deep tread.
Sizing & Fit
- Extra wide fan shape, narrower through the midfoot and heel
- Square shaped toe box (lots of space for your pinky toes)
- Ample vertical height in the toe box
- High volume, except the waterproof options feel lower due to the membrane
- True to size with a very detailed size chart
Read our full Realfoot review here
Groundies Ontario
Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48
Groundies has a few outdoor barefoot hiking shoes but my favorite is the Ontario. The outsole is grippy but still flexible, the uppers are waterproof without being too hot, and they provide just enough protection from rocks while still feeling like a barefoot shoe.
I do find the laces annoying – they are hard to adjust below the speed hooks and I can’t get them quite tight enough when I wear thin socks. I am looking forward to the update they are doing on them this fall and hope they’ll address that issue!
Sizing & Fit
- True to size.
- Medium to wide fit.
- Mountain shaped.
- Medium to high volume, but work for my low volume feet with socks.
Softstar Switchback
Lugs| Waterproof | Speed Hooks | Fabric, Leather & Wool | Sizes US 5U-13U
The Softstar Switchback is a barefoot hiking boot with some great specs. It comes in two widths for both average width and extra wide feet. And you can choose from a leather upper or Super Fabric which is extremely durable, waterproof, and yet breathable.
These boots are made with Vibram’s Megagrip sole and have serious traction and durability – it should last for many, many miles. And if it does wear out, you can have it resoled by a professional cobbler (this is the only barefoot hiker listed here that can be repaired easily). The interior is lined with a thin wool, so I prefer these for slightly cooler weather.
I am finding them comfortable and practical, and I hiked miles in them the first wear without any discomfort! But be advised, these boots fit low to medium volume over the arch. That means if you need a lot of vertical space above your foot/have high arches you might feel cramped! The all-leather version will mold more to your foot than Super Fabric, so there is the potential for stretching.
The sole is thick, so you don’t really feel the ground in them, but they are flexible and I still feel connected to the earth. And for a low cut option I recommend the Megagrip RunAmoc – these are ultra wide toe box hiking shoes with a rugged outsole.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size.
- Fits extra wide.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Low volume fit.
Best Wide Toe Box Cushioned Hiking Boots
Here are some excellent wide toe box hiking shoes that have more cushion and a little more stability than in your typical barefoot shoe. I make regular use of this type of shoe for long hikes or difficult terrain. And they can be great for people who want a wide toe box but are not comfortable in the other features of barefoot shoes.
Lems Boulder Boot Grip
Waterproof | Leather | Sizes US W6-M15
European readers can purchase some Lems models at Mugavik Barefoot and use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off
The waterproof Lems Boulder Boot Grip is a new variation on their original Boulder, and they are everything I wished for! Classic styling, a soft leather upper, and a grippy outsole that has better traction on and off the trails.
The tongue is gusseted to keep water and debris out, and the sole is thicker than a lot of other barefoot hiking boots (13 mm without insole) so you have some protection from the ground. This also makes the Boulder Boot Grip functional as a light work boot! There is a removable insole if you need more space, and you can swap it out for a sheepskin one to stay extra cozy.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – They have a reliable sizing guide, so follow that.
- Fits wide feet.
- Square shaped toe box.
One thing I love about Lems shoes is that they have a lot of space above the toes, which makes them feel very roomy without being too big on the rest of the foot.
Altra Lone Peak
Water Resistant Options | Vegan | Sizes US Women’s 5.5 – US Men’s 16
The Lone Peak from Altra is a well loved zero drop trail and hiking shoe line that features a generously wide toe box and flat but cushioned outsole. They are one of, if not the best in terms of technical specs and have been used by many on major thru hikes and ultra trail running distances. In fact my old physical therapist is wearing the All Weather Mid (shown above) to hike Kilimanjaro right now!
I find the shape and width of them to be an almost universally good fit and the thick sole can be a life saver for long distances or if you just need more sole underfoot. I wear the plain old Lone Peak most often, but they come in different heights and water resistances.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but if in between go up.
- Fits wide toes, and even comes in a wider width.
- Square shaped toe box.
- Fan-shaped (they narrow at the arch and heel).
Best Budget Barefoot Hikers
Saguaro Shoes
Water Resistant | Speed Hooks | Synthetic | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 15% off
Saguaro has a waterproof barefoot hiking boot and some low cut hiking shoes that are more breathable. All are pretty soft and flexible, with decent traction. You can see the difference in quality and materials compared to more upscale hikers, but these do the job!
Saguaro does change and update their models frequently – the Brave boot shown above is already on version 5!! But they always have something available for hiking that is budget friendly after my 15% off discount code.
Sizing & Fit
- Runs small – we size up consistently.
- Fit medium wide feet.
- Works for all foot volumes (removable insole)
- Mountain shaped
Hiking Shoe Fit & Waterproofing Hacks
When it comes to barefoot hiking boots I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Here are a few of my best pointers that will improve the fit and longevity of your shoes.
- Err on the larger size – feet swell when you hike so it’s a good idea to buy a half or whole size bigger than you typically wear. This also allows for socks and insoles.
- Grab an extra pair of insoles – with thin barefoot shoes these can really come in handy if you’re on extra hard terrain or your feet just need a break.
- Learn how to waterproof your shoes – waterproof shoes all have an expiration date and will start leaking eventually. If you get yourself some waterproofing products you can really increase the usefulness of your boots.
For more tips on fitting hiking boots, here is a guide from Terradrift.
Which Barefoot Hiking Boots Are The Widest?
Curious which barefoot hiking shoes are the most wide? See below 10 barefoot hiking shoes in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Merrell Trail Glove and ending with Realfoot.
Everyone will experience width differently, but I did my best to generalize it here. Keep in mind that this is organized by width in the toe box, and not width in other parts of the shoe (like midfoot and heel).
More Barefoot Hiking Options
While the above are my personal top recommendations, you might want to check out the other barefoot hiking shoe options that are available. Here are all the others that meet our happy feet criteria.
- Ahinsa Chitra – Vegan, and available in regular and extra wide! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
- Bahe Rediscover – The only hiking option with grounding technology! These are also a thicker, less flexible option for people who want more cushion. Code ANYA gives you 10% off
- Feelgrounds Patrol – These work well as a hiking boot (and stylish too!) but are a little stiff in the heel and ankle for me. Read my review of them in this post! Use code ANYA5 for 5% off
- Sole Runner Transition – Good shoes! Easier to order from for EU residents.
- Saltic Fura – Use Google Chrome to translate to English!
- Vibram Fivefingers – They make several good trail shoes. Use my link for 15% off!
- Zaqq – Several hiking options including the Expeq which is waterproof and comes in leather or a vegan option.
Kids Barefoot Hiking Shoes & Boots
In my experience, barefoot hiking boots for kids is often not necessary unless they are serious little mountain goats. With their center of gravity so close to the ground, additional tread often doesn’t add more stability. So we focus more on durability and water resistance when choosing practical hiking shoes for my kids. You can find our top recommended Barefoot Shoes for Kids here, which we use both for hiking and play.
But if your kids do more serious hiking, here are a few barefoot hiking shoe options for kids.
- Vivobarefoot Primus Trail – 10% off with code ANYA25VB for 25% off everything but Sensus sandals, and Gobi sneakers. You can use code ARVIVO20 20% off those.
- Merrell Trail Glove
- Freet Tufee – 10% off with code AnyaFreet. This one comes in and out of stock. If you live outside the US, shop the Freet Tufee here.
- Be Lenka Xplorer – Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off. These run BIG.
Whether you’re a casual weekend hiker or are doing serious ultras distances, there are barefoot friendly hiking boots that still getting the job done. Because even the most durable options in this list still have a zero drop sole and wide toe box.
I hike weekly in barefoot shoes, so you can expect this review of the 10 best barefoot hiking boots to continue to be updated with any new options that come to the market (or if over time my thoughts change). I am always testing and reviewing barefoot shoes to help you find what best option for your feet and your lifestyle!
228 thoughts on “The 10 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Sole Runner Yepa and Transition models are also good for hiking. And they have Vibram Bearclaw soles.
Thank you!
Hi there! Thanks so much for putting together such a comprehensive list. I’m wondering about traction with the boots/shoes you’ve tried. I hike in Altra Superior 5 when I can, as they have the best fit I’ve found. However, living in the rocky mountains, the lugs don’t seem to provide sufficient traction on steep, technical terrain. On those hikes I need to wear my conventional hiking boots, which make my toe joint uncomfortable. I’d love a shoe or boot that fits like the superior 5 but has a deeper lug.
Have you looked at the Esc line from Vivobarefoot? They are mentioned in the Vivobarefoot section of this article. They are the most technical barefoot hiking boot and have really deep lugs. The Xero Scrambler Mid is another really good one that came out this year (still need to update this article to include them). They have lugs that are deeper than Altra Superior as well but a similar fit.
Thank you for introducing me to Joe Nimble! I just got a pair after admiring them for a while, and I am loving them – comfort, fit, and good looks!
Yay! They are great. I am anxious to try some other models from them. What style did you get?
Thanks for this (again) great review! 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. I am one of those with wide and flat feet who experience the arch support feeling from the construction. Not sure if it is only because of this, but somehow I get more of a traditional shoe rather than a barefoot vibe from these.
Interesting! The WanderToes are the only Joe Nimble shoes I have tried, and they feel pretty barefoot to me (flexible, spacious, etc). But I’m curious to know about other models.
Would the WanderToes or the Tracker be better for narrow feet? Would either of them actually work for very narrow feet?
The Tracker would be a better choice for narrow feet, and I think would work fine. The WanderToes would probably work too, but you might need an insole to make sure your foot is secure.
One step further… Out of all the choices, is Tracker still the best for narrow feet? (I only asked about Tracker and WanderToes, but really I’m open to whichever are best for narrow feet, even if it’s not one of those two!) I have a terribly hard time finding shoes that fit. I’m also looking at Wildlings but haven’t been able to receive a reply from them about which styles might work best for narrow feet, if any at all.
Wildling and Xero shoes are probably the two best for narrow feet, but the Tracker also works well. Are you also low volume? If that is the case, Tracker or Wildling. Xero shoes have a lot of vertical space.
Hi, thanks a lot for this extensive review. I was wondering if you would be updating this anytime soon? Considering there are new models in some of these brands, mainly I’m looking at Lems primal pursuit as a do it all barefoot shoe. It would really help to hear your views on this one as I see mixed reviews on the web.
Thanks again
Hi there, yes I actually have an order of the Primal Pursuit in and plan to be reviewing them. I do update this article pretty frequently, I should put a “last updated” date up at the top.
Unfortunately the Be Lenka Trailwalkers are all wrong.
They have a great (even amazing) upper, toe box width and volume, brilliant toe guard, fit amazing and hug heel, but the sole rubber is too soft. Great for ground feel but rubbish for durability.
200km and the soles are gone meaning a perfectly new upper leather goes to the landfill. Be Lenka don’t have a re-soling program either. Very environmentally unfriendly for something that supposed to connect you to nature.
They could easily replace the sole with something like the Ranger soles and make the ultimate hiker.
I haven’t worn barefoot shoes before but I am curious. I am contemplating buying a pair of hiking boots and a pair of sandals for this summer. Leaning toward Earth Runners for the sandals, but unsure about hiking boots. Do you have recommendations for hiking boots for someone new to barefoot shoes, or do you think it wiser to just start with the sandals before jumping in with both feet, so to speak? I’ll be doing casual walking and light hiking and some walking off-trail. Thanks 🙂
I think hiking boots can work really well for someone who is new to barefoot shoes because they are a little more supportive than sandals (with the ankle covering). You also have the ability to add an insole or even an orthotic if you need during your transition. But I also hike in my Earth Runners a lot if it’s warm enough. So you could go either way!
Hi Anya
Thank you so much for all your reviews, opinions and information✌️👣
I am just beginning my journey into barefoot shoes ! I have always gone barefoot as much as possible, especially in the warmer months ( I live in New York State) . I truly believe that shoes like these can be life changing ! I am grateful to have discovered them and your reviews🙏I have tried a couple of brands and one thing I am noticing is that they run a lot smaller than typical shoes ( at least the ones I’ve tried) . I am finding selecting the appropriate size very confusing and I’ve had to return several pairs . I usually wear anywhere from a 5 1/2 to a 6 1/2 us womens . I have pretty wide , small feet ,Roman to squarish shape. I am pretty small in general about 4’10” and and 110 pounds. I spend all the time that I can hiking , camping, and being in nature with my family ,I need a decent grip with a lot of ground feel and roam for my toes to splay . Do you have a hiking shoe recommendations for me ? I am considering the freet mudees , their website says to size up . I’m not sure what size to get , possibly 38?I’m hoping these will be wide enough.
P.S I found zero shoes daylight hikers too Narrow ,I ordered a 5 1/2 wide in vivobarefoot trackers and they were so small I couldn’t even begin to get my foot in , wildlings wombats are beautiful but also too narrow for me and the 36 is too small ,I really like zemgear apex spit toe size women’s size 6 (so comfortable )but they are not the best for hiking , I really wanted to try Vibram Five Fingers, but they will not work for me , slightly webbed toes between 2nd and 3rd . So I’m considering the freet mudee, vivobarefoot tempest , or primal runamoc mega grip. Any thoughts, much appreciated 💜
Sorry if this is a little scattered, I’m also pretty new to writing comments etc 🍄😀🪶
Thank you 😊
Melissa
Hi Melissa! I am not surprised you haven’t had luck with the Xero Hiker or the Tracker in that size, the Xero shoe runs narrow and the Tracker runs small. It can be a real challenge! I would say the 37 in the Mudee would probably be good if you fit into a size 6 in the Lems Boulder. But, they have good customer service so it wouldn’t hurt to reach out to them with your measurements. It’s usually a good idea to measure instead of go off your usual size, or even what they generally recommend (to size up/down). If you don’t need a full boot, the Softstar Primal RunAmoc has an option of a grippy trail sole that would be plenty wide. See Below:
http://shrsl.com/2uqyz
Thank you for your reply ✌️😀 The lems Boulder boots were considerably too small and narrow in the 36 .I ended up returning them ,I didn’t like the feel either. This is why I figured a 38 in the freet mudee . It’s great to hear that they have a good costumer service team , perhaps I will reach out before I risk another purchase that is way to narrow and small 🙃 I really appreciate your advice and the coupon codes are extremely helpful 👍
Oh, good call! Probably a 38 then. So glad you’re finding the advice and codes useful 😀
I forgot to mention 🙃 Lem’s Boulder boots , also too small in my usual size 36 And for me they seem stiff not enough ground feel , they don’t feel “ barefoot “ to me
Hello Anya, and thanks for advice!
I think i will take the Tracker one. The ANYAV code seems to not work anymore? That’s right?
Thanks.
Oh okay, it works! Cool!
I have one more question, the better hiking shoes for using it in snow will be the tracker or wandertoe or another one?
Im looking for one to hike in mountain, forest and some time in snow or with snow racket.
What do you think?
Have a good day.
A
I feel like the Trackers are a little warmer than the WanderToes for snow, I usually pick those to hike in when it’s cold/
Hello Anya,
The new WanderToes seems to have better crampon than the Trackers to hike is snow no? What do you think about it ?
Thank you.
Arnaud
I have a pair on their way to me, so I should be able to update this post with details on the current WanderToes soon.
Yes, i will wait for it before buy one!
Thank you.
The code is actually ANYAVB and I just tested it today. It should be working!
Would you recommend any of these for hiking in hot summer months? If not.. any more breathable hiking shoes worth taking a look at?
I bought the Vivobarefoot Primus Trail shoes and am very disappointed. They are meant for trail running, but I thought they would also work for hiking.
My first Vivo shoes were the Globi Hi 2.0 boots, which I love. They are super comfortable, very roomy and flexible, and an excellent winter boot that’s great in all the elements. After a great experience with the Vivo brand, I was confident I’d like their other models. However, the Primus Trail are extremely uncomfortable. The outer is made out of recycled plastic and is very stiff. Also the tongue of the shoe doesn’t full cover the top of the foot and the hard plastic rubs against your foot.. a bad design flaw. I have to wear thick socks or put some kind of padding in them to be able to wear them at all.
Anyway, I’m looking for a summer hiking shoe if you have any recommendations!
I think the WanderToes would be a good summer hiking shoe. The Tracker is also pretty good, but you’d want to take out the thermal insole in the summer. There’s also the Lone Peak from Altra and the Softstar RunAmoc with the Megagrip sole (both shoes, not boots). Bummer about the Primus Trail! My son just got the kids version and he is loving them. Sounds like the adults might be different.
Hello Anya, Do you think the WanderToes would be warm enough with lambskin insole and two layer of socks for snow/ice/winter boots? I am talking about -15/-20 degrees celsius. Is their traction as good as the tracker on ice?
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).
Hey Marine, Yes I do think they would be warm enough for those temps with the insoles and two socks. I wore them in those temps and it worked, but I definitely needed the warm socks and insole. Good news is you can then wear them into the warm months!