The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks

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A top down view of two pairs of feet wearing barefoot hiking boots and standing on muddy ground with the test "The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots, Anya's Reviews" written over it
The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes – Updated for 2026

Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow and I just can’t tolerate that! Instead I wear foot-shaped hiking boots that don’t compromise on function but have an anatomical fit to keep my toes and ankles free. And no blisters too!

Here are my top recommended barefoot and wide toe box hiking boots & shoes that perform both in comfort and functionality on the trails.

The Best Barefoot Hiking Shoes

A top down view of 4 pairs of feet standing outdoors on a rockface all wearing wide toe box barefoot hiking boots and shoes

This isn’t just a collection of links – I own and hike in *almost* all of the barefoot hiking boots and shoes I’ve listed here (I note if I’m recommending something I haven’t tried). After years of testing and hundreds of barefoot shoes in my closet, I am confident these are the absolute best wide toe box hiking boots on the market, no matter where you are in the world. Hiking just feels so much better when I’m in naturally fitting boots!

Here is what I look for in my barefoot hiking shoes:

  1. Totally flat zero drop sole.
  2. An anatomical wide toe box shape.
  3. A flexible sole (sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability, other times I like a lot of ground feel)
  4. Durable materials
  5. Good tread with grip
  6. Breathability and/or water resistance (depending on the weather)

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 wide toe box boots for every day, check this roundup out!

There are options here in a variety of thicknesses, widths, and specs so you can find something that matches your preferences and your activity level – whether that’s something to wear on a serious backpacking trek or for casual weekend strolls on your favorite trail. These are the best wide toe box & barefoot hiking shoes on the market!


Vivobarefoot Hiking Shoes

Waterproof Option | Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes US W5.5 – M15

Use code ANYASREVIEWS15 for 15% off (excludes Tracker Leather & Primus Lite IV)

If you are in the UK, shop this link. If you are in the EU or the rest of the world, shop Vivobarefoot here.

No one does outdoor shoes like Vivobarefoot. They walk a delicate balance between durable, practical and yet still flexible and thin enough to let you feel the earth. You can find boots and shoes for different terrains, climates, and seasons and all function excellently. Between all the members of my family, we’ve tried just about all of them.

My favorite is the Vivobarefoot Tracker Leather – they’re an excellent durable barefoot hiking boot with natural water resistance, lugs for traction, and a removable thermal insole. They’re IMO the best combination of barefoot feel with function. And for warm weather, the Primus Trail is the favorite in our house. They all shed mud well and are up to the task.

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 over time.

Vivobarefoot’s hiking shoes come on 4 different outsole types:

A collage of 4 different outsole types from Vivobarefoot barefoot hiking shoes to be used on different terrains

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.

Sizing & Fit

Read this post to learn all about foot type and how to measure your feet!

  • Runs true to size
  • Fits average width feet best (men’s models are wider than women’s)
  • Sloped shape – not great for people with long outer toes
  • Medium volume over the arch (try the Tracker Forest Esc if you have high volume feet)

My husband, son, and I all have our normal size in all our Vivobarefoot hiking shoes & boots.


Freet Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly

Waterproof Option | Vegan & Leather Options | Sizes EU 37-48

Use code ANYA10 for 10% off

If you like the idea of Vivobarefoot’s hikers but want more toe room, Freet Barefoot is the place to look. They have a similarly extensive lineup of options ranging from waterproof, insulated trekking boots, to light and airy trail shoes. They are also quite light across the board and have a touch more cushion in them compared to Vivobarefoot. While they are not quite as technical in specs, they are very practical for outdoor use and I have had great luck with them.

If I could only wear two Freet barefoot hikers, I would choose the Chamois for cold weather and the Keld for warm weather. A notable new release for 2026 is the Mist – which is a lighter, more breathable hiker that is still waterproof. It is coming in handy during this El Nino year – we have had tons of warm rain.

Collage of 3 different types of Freet Barefoot outsoles - Trail Grip, Hill Grip, and Mountain Grip

Sizing & Fit

  • The boots run a bit small, but can vary between models so consult the sizing & fit description for each model before ordering. The knit hikers and low cut shoes are more true to size.
  • Fits wide and extra wide feet.
  • High volume – you can add extra insoles in different thicknesses to your order, and they all have laces that can be cinched over lower volume feet.

Baer Mountain 2.0

Leather | Sizes EU 37-48.5

Back in the day I was obsessed with a slightly different version of these boots under the Joe Nimble label, and I was so sad when they got discontinued. So I jumped on it as soon as I saw that Baer (the parent company of Joe Nimble) had brought the design back under their brand. These Mountain Hiking boots are everything I want in a trail shoe. Ful leather upper that is naturally water resistant, reinforcement at the toe, fluid lacing system, and the perfect balance between flexibility, barefoot feel, and cushion. The quality, fit, and feel is wonderful.

Sizing & Fit

  • True to size
  • Wide to slightly wide fit
  • Adjustable volume, but better suited for medium to low.

Lono Wild

Microfiber | Sizes EU 36-46

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off Flow & Wild models

The Lono Wild is a lightweight, soft hiking shoe that required no breaking in and was immediately soft on my feet – a rarity among hiking shoes that are not mesh. They have just a bit of cushion under foot, but there is still a lot of ground feel. Overall, I find them delightful to wear!

My one gripe is that the laces don’t tighten super easily over my low volume feet. It’s one of those oft overlooked but still important features – I want to pull on the laces and have them all cinch up. However wearing them with a pair of wool socks helped fill in any extra volume when they were new and as they broke in the material became easier to work with and molded to my foot. Worth it to not have any pinch points but still get good traction and stability.

Sizing & Fit

  • True to size
  • Wide fit, but not extra wide
  • Medium volume

Groundies Portland

Waterproof | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48

The Groundies Portland is a surprisingly good hiker from a company that specializes in lifestyle shoes. They have a quite roomy toe box, but are still fitted through the midfoot and heel. They are structured but soft, and the outsole has decent grip. The tread is not quite as deep on the Portland as the other options reviewed so far, but they are a good balance between barefoot feel and function. Oh, and they are waterproof and quite warm for cold weather hiking.

They are similar to the Freet Chamois, but not quite as wide in the toe box and the outsole is a little more flexible, and grippy (the Freet Chamois has a deeper tread).

Sizing & Fit

  • Runs slightly small because of the insulation and waterproofing. I have a size 38.
  • Wide to slightly extra wide
  • Medium volume

Be Lenka Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly

Leather & Mesh | Sizes EU 36-47

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off your Be Lenka purchase. They only accept returns from the EU, and USA.

Be Lenka barefoot has a few good hiking shoes. Trailtech and Trailwalker are more technical for outdoor terrain, while the Trailair is designed to be a hybrid outdoor/everyday shoe. They all have a toe guard to protect against scuffs, heel protector, and pull on loop. The Trailwalker has the thickest material, and the other two are very light and breathable. They all look good and function well too.

Sizing & Fit

  • Trailwalker is true to size.
  • Fits medium wide to slightly wide feet.
  • Medium volume, easily adjusted to higher or lower.

Xero Hiking Shoes

Waterproof Options | Vegan | Sizes US W5-M15

Xero has a few barefoot hiking boot and shoe options, but my favorite is the Scrambler line. They have a softer fit and feel than the Ridgeway line and are easy to wear. Especially the Scrambler Low EV, which is the most flexible option with a forgiving mesh upper. The waterproof options fit a little snugger (because of the membrane), so I tend to prefer the others.

Xero’s barefoot hikers are a little more cushioned than Vivobarefoot and need less breaking in, but aren’t quite as technical. However, they’ve been long lasting for me, are at a lower price point, and I appreciate the medium thick sole for just a bit more between me and the ground.

Sizing & Fit

  • Runs true to size
  • Fits medium width (men’s models are wider than women’s).
  • Works for most foot volumes from low to high. I was able to cinch them well on my low volume feet, but they are better on higher volume.

Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.


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. They are also favorites for people doing ultra hikes or multi-day backpacking treks. And they can be great for people who want a wide toe box but are not comfortable in the other features of barefoot shoes.

Altra Lone Peak – Extra Wide Friendly

Waterproof 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. A friend of mine borrowed my All Weather Mid (shown above right) to hike Kilimanjaro last year, and Justin wore the waterproof Lone Peak to backpack Yosemite!

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. They are secure through the midfoot and heel, but leave plenty of room in the toe box – just the way I like it! And the standard Lone Peak even has an extra wide option that has more upper material, to allow for a thicker foot.

Sizing & Fit

  • Runs true to size, but if in between go up.
  • Fits wide, and also comes in an extra wide width.
  • Fits all foot volumes.
A man standing on a peak in Yosemite national park wearing a pack on his back, hiking poles, and Altra wide toe box Lone Peak hiking shoes

Lems Trail Shoes

Waterproof Options | Leather & Vegan Options | Sizes US W6-M15

If you’re outside the US, shop Lems EU here.

Lems carries a variety of trail shoes with a wide to aaaalmost extra wide toe box and thick, durable outsoles. My personal favorite is the waterproof Lems Boulder Boot Grip. They have a generous fit and strike a good balance between structured traction and flexibility. I wear mine all the time when it’s cold, wet, and muddy. Justin also is a huge fan of Lems hikers both on and off the trails.

If you want something even more rugged, there is the Outlander boot, and coming soon – the Trail Thrasher (low top). There is a removable insole if you need more space, and you can swap it out for a sheepskin one to stay extra cozy. Please note that the insoles that come with these boots has a 3mm compressible heel rise.

Sizing & Fit

  • Runs small – They have a reliable sizing guide, so follow that. I usually size up a whole size in Lems boots.
  • Fits wide feet – I recommend choose the Widest Natural Shape models, unless you have slim feet.
  • High volume – I wear leg warmers with mine usually to fill in the extra space.

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.


Notace

A top down view of a pair of Notace barefoot hiking shoes with an extra light construction and wide toe box

15mm Stack Height | Sizes EU 35-49

Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off

These have a thicker stack height, but are super lightweight! Perfect for trail runners and warm weather hikers, because the upper is thin and breathable. I also appreciate that the toe box is generous and more plateau shaped for those who have longer outer toes.

Sizing & Fit

  • True to size
  • Fits medium to wide feet
  • Medium volume but easily adjustable to high volume. Works on my low volume feet, but bunches up a bit when tight enough

Bahe Hiking Shoes

Waterproof | Grounding | Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47

Use code ANYA for 10% off

Bahe does something unique with their foot-shaped hiking line. Besides being grounding shoes, they also have a range of thicknesses offered so you can choose the amount of cushion you desire. On the thicker end they have 18mm options that are moderately cushioned with a more traditional-feeling wide toe box hiker. And from there you can go to a mid-thickness and a thinner option. All have a robust outsole that takes a bit of breaking in to reach maximum softness – none are as soft and flexible as others presented here. But they function well and are waterproof.

Sizing & Fit

  • True to size
  • Fits medium wide feet
  • Medium volume

Baer Cushioned Hikers

Top down and side view of a pair of brown leather wide toe box cushioned hiking boot from Baer. The Feldberg.

Though we are familiar with the brand, this is a collection we haven’t personally tried (the only one here). But we know there are many of you who would want to know about them because they fill a unique category. They are truly anatomically shaped, but have the most traditional non-barefoot hiker outsole of any on this list. I am confident in the quality of the Baer brand overall, so expect that they will be a good option for those who want the wide but not barefoot option.


Best Budget Barefoot Hikers

Saguaro Shoes

A close up side view of a person's feet standing outdoors on rocks and plants wearing Saguaro barefoot hiking boots in blue

Water Resistant | Vegan (faux leather) | 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. You can also find some options from Saguaro on Amazon.

Sizing & Fit

  • Runs small – we size up consistently.
  • Fit medium wide feet – other Saguaro shoes on different outsoles fit wider.
  • Works for all foot volumes (removable insole).

Hobibear

Low cut hiker with a wide toe box available on Amazon from Hobibear

Non-Leather | Sizes EU 37-47

Hobibear is a brand available on Amazon that has very cheap options for wide toe box trail shoes. They are not zero drop and have a more cushioned outsole, but they have a natural foot shape and a treaded outsole. If you’re on a tight budget, it’s hard to beat the $40 price point.


Which Barefoot Hiking Boots Fit Extra Wide Feet?

Curious which options here are the widest? The following barefoot and wide toe box hiking shoe brands are extra wide friendly. Find my reviews of them in the main article above!

See below all the barefoot hiking shoes reviewed here in order from narrowest to widest, starting with the Merrell Trail Glove and ending with Softstar.

A collage of 12 different brands of barefoot hiking boots and shoes, showing their outsole shape and width, organized from narrowest to widest
Barefoot Hiking Boots in order from narrowest to widest toe box! Top left is most narrow, bottom right is most wide.

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).

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.

Honorable Mentions

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.

A top down view of Softstar Switchback II leather wide toe box hiking shoes handmade in the USA

Softstar Switchback II (US) – These have a soft, supple leather upper and thin wool lining for a comfortable fit with no break in time. Available in 2 widths

Top down view of a person in muddy hiking shoes and pants. The Magical Shoes Tundra low top hiking shoes in tan, with a reinforced wide toe box, and flexible outsole

Magical Shoes Tundra (US/EU) – Use code ANYA for 10% off

Top down view of a person in Bashers Footwear wide toe box hiking boots with laces and a gusseted tongue

Bashers Hiker (South Africa) – These leather boots are resolable and have a classic leather construction, making them great for those who want to wear the same pair forever. They fit my foot type well – fairly wide in the toes, but slim through the heel – however I wouldn’t recommend them to extra wide folks. These are not in the main list because they are a bit hard to order if you’re not in South Africa and the sizing take a bit to wrap your head around (UK sizes are displayed!).

Top down view of a pair of legs with fuzzy winter socks on wearing Feelgrounds vegan warm waterproof winter barefoot boots with a rugged outsole and comfortable wide toe box for foot health

Feelgrounds Patrol (EU) – 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 ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off

Saltic Fura hiking barefoot shoe in black with white laces

Saltic Fura (EU) – Really thin outsole, with a great toe box shape!

Top down view of Shapen Stormis barefoot hiking boots in brown leather with a black rubber toe guard for the wide toe box

Shapen Stormis (EU) – Use code ANYAS10 for 10% off full-priced items, or code ANYA5 for an extra 5% off sale items. These are very nice boots with an extra wide toe box, new for 2025. I like almost everything about them, but they are very shallow over my toes and press down on my big toe. Shapen does not accept returns outside the EU.

Vaistoa leather barefoot wide toe box hiking boots being worn outside

Vaistoa (EU only)

A pair of feet in Vibram Five Fingers toe shoes trail shoes for hiking

Vibram Fivefingers (US) – They make several trail shoes. Sometimes I’ve found that the more durable outsole on five finger shoes is hard on my toes, so for that reason I left them off the main list.

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A top down look at two people in lounge pants and Zeazoo sheepskin barefoot slippers with wide toe boxes against a hardwood floor

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With holidays and cold weather around the corner (and nowhere to go) I am ready to cozy up with warm toesies. Here is a list of barefoot approved minimalist slippers & socks that are completely flat, spacious, and still super warm.

Comments

283 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”

  1. hello, thanks again for a great article. i am looking for a waterproof boot. i like the wantertoes/mudee. im still a bit confused as to why they are considered water repellent and not waterproof. can you explain?

  2. Anya, I love your reviews — so helpful! I’m wondering if you can assist with the Lems sizing a bit. Their website doesn’t list the insole length; it lists the longest foot they recommend for the shoe. You mentioned you ordered a 7.5 in the Boulder Waterproof but their size chart indicates the longest foot for that size is 22.6 cm…Can you post the actual insole length of the boot for comparison? I’m not in an easy location to try on/return, so I’m hoping to get it right on the first order!

    1. My Lems Boulders are currently packed up with my winter stuff, but I checked the size chart and it says 22.8cm is the longest foot length for a size 6.5. My feet measure 22.8cm using the wall method and 23.3cm from a foot tracing, so a size 6.5 would have been snug. The size 7.5 gives me plenty of toe space and I can wear thick socks in them.

      1. Thanks for the response! The waterproof boulder actually has a different size chart than the primal (and their other boots). It lists 22.6 as the longest foot length for a size 7.5, which is shorter than your foot. I wish Lems would just post the insole length for their shoes instead of their suggested longest foot for the size!

  3. Hello Anya,
    thank you so much for your very precious reviews and your dedication in helping others!
    I have wide square feet and wish to stay away from shoes which are not truly barefoot shoes (like the Altra) or suitable hiking boots, so it seems that the best options for me may be the Vivobarefoot Tracker and the Freet Mudee. Which of these two would you recommend most, all things considered? You say that your husband has square feet, could you indicate which of the two shoes he prefers, taking into account the facts that the Mudee has a square shape and that the Vivobarefoot Tracker has its own advantages. Many thanks.

    1. Justin loves his Freet shoes, they feet his feet the best. He does wear his Trackers a lot because of their practical features, but as often as humanly possible he wears his Freets. He did size up in the Trackers to accommodate his square shape, so he needs to wear socks so they don’t slip around. One option to make the Mudee more practical would be to swap out the insole for a sheepskin or thermal one to make them more warm.

  4. Over here in Europe, some webshops still sell the original WanderToes! (The 1.0, so to speak.) I was lucky enough to find a pair in my size and am over the moon. Amazing hiking boots, the thin and flexible soles are fantastic. Wanderful!

  5. Hey Anya!
    Thank you so much for your great work – it’s very much appreciated!

    The thing is that I’m on the hunt for a pair of boots that can work for hiking and winter in general (and as I live in Sweden, they need to work with snow and cold).
    I have two pair of Vivobarefoots, which constitute my only experience with barefoot shoes so far (Primus Trek and Fulham).

    I was pleased with them the first year, but then I bought a pair of CorrectToes toespreaders and was sad to find out that they don’t fit into those shoes very well. And now I’m also starting to find them slightly too narrow in general (I do have a sloped foot thought). I bought my regular size (EU 37) as they adviced, but perhaps I should have sized up.

    I had initially set my eyes on the Vivo Trackers HI, but I’m scared they’ll be too narrow even if I size up (how much does the width change with the size-up I wonder?). The Freet Mudee was my second choice, but not sure how well they’d do in the snow being that low-cut (wet socks, brrr).

    I’m curious on the new Be Lenka Rangers though! Hope you’ll get to review those 🙂

    And thank you for “listening” to my rant, haha!
    All the best
    Julie

    1. I am very excited about the winter boots from Be Lenka this year! They look fabulous. Have you seen Sole Runner? They also have some really practical cold weather boots for wide feet.

  6. Anya,

    How do you feel about the soles on the sofstar switchbacks? From what I’ve been able to gather they’re about 12-14mm (with lugs) plus an additional 6mm with the insoles. This would exceed the thickness of soles such as Lems (which you seem hesitant to recommend due to the thickness of the soles). Is the ground feel still good? Are they not as thick as the numbers would have them because of the more aggressive lugs?

    Thanks,
    Alex

    1. Great question! They are definitely thicker than I normally wear and they don’t really have much ground feel (next to impossible in that type of sole), but they are flexible and there is no toe spring. Lems have a bit of toe spring, are not as flexible and the soles are cushier, almost bouncy. So even though it’s a similar thickness it feels like I’m less connected with the ground in Lems than I do in the Switchbacks.

      1. Thanks for the reply. That make sense about the differences in construction of the soles giving the softstars a more grounded feel.

        I’m trying to decide between the switchbacks and vivo tracker forest for an all purpose durable boot. Any thoughts on which might be better?

        I’ve had the first iteration of trackers and they were not breathable enough for warmer weather or strenuous activity, but the forest version seems to fix this. The switchback looks appealing because of the width, but seems like it might sacrifice breathability.

        I’m also considering wildlings separately, would those be a bad choice for wider feet (I find vivos comfortable, but prefer wider).

        Thanks again for the reply and all your reviews.

        1. Honestly it’s a toss up for me between the Forest Esc and the Switchbacks. Both are breathable, I think the Switchbacks might be a little more so (but I’d have to wear them both several more times to be 100% sure about that). Neither are really great for warm weather in my opinion – my feet were hot in both when it was above 70. For Wildlings, they can definitely work for wide feet but you want to pay attention to the product descriptions. They do a good job noting which ones run wide. Something like the Nebula tends to work for wide to extra wide feet and they carry it year round.

          1. Hi Anya,
            thanks for your reviews, they worth so much in search of good barefoot hiking boots!
            I just received the Forest ESC and love them, but am a little horrified about the pressure the metal eyelet puts on my inner knuckle when I tie up the shoes moderately for increased ankle support. 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.
            So far it only disappears with a 2nd pair of socks. I have quite some space at the front and could try to size down.. Do you have any experience or thoughts on this?

            Many thanks!

          2. Hm, I didn’t have that, it might just be an unlucky positioning of the eyelets relative to your ankle. I sized up in my Esc like I did in my FG Trackers, but I’ve been wondering myself if that was unnecessary. They’re not as close fitting as the FG and they feel a little big now that I’ve had some time with them. So, a size down might be just right for you. As far as the eyelet, you could try stick moleskin over it, or adjust the tongue/ankle area so it doesn’t land on your bone anymore. Otherwise I’m not sure what to do.

  7. Anya, thank you so much for the detailed reviews and articles on foot/posture health. They have been super helpful and inspiring!
    I am trying to get a pair of boots/shoes for wet muddy winters in the pacific northwest. I feel bad even asking when you have so many reviews already, but I’m having such a hard time finding the right thing. Here’s what I’m hoping to find:
    1. 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 a pair of Be Lenka zip up boots that I love for winter wear, but they are just a bit too sloppy feeling to really hike around.
    3 good traction for muddy hiking
    4 good for wet pacific northwest – I don’t go in water, but it does rain a lot
    5 not stiff on my ankle. I tried the Lems leather boulder boot and I hate the way the ankle feels.
    6 not $200 ( I live down the street from softstar shoes and I wish I could afford their stuff 🙂
    My feet are average width.
    Thanks so much for any suggestions.

    1. Hey! Ok, I think I have an option for you. What you’re looking for is kind of a unicorn, not many barefoot boots that are warm and waterproof are also less than $200. But the Ahinsa Winter boot is all of those things and it is soft around the ankle. If you use code ANYASREVIEWS that will give you 10% off (they’re $156 w/o it).
      https://ahinsashoes.com/winter-comfort/
      A couple other options are the Freet Mudee, listed in this article. You would want to swap out the insole for a warmer one (sheepskin or wool). And finally the Xero Alpine. They are $160, but my hesitation with that one is they are pretty stiff. Hope that helps!

  8. Hey Anya! Thanks so much for your thoughtful reviews – I’m hooked on your blog and IG! I’m in need of a hiking boot and waffling between the Switchback and Ranger and could really use your advice. I really like that the Switchback can be resoled – can the Ranger be resoled too? Which has better traction? And I like the sandstone color but worry about getting it stained in mud. How’d it clean up for you? Finally, I’m at the low-end of the size guideline for both (22.0 cm/36), but you and others recommend sizing up in general. Do you think I should too or should I stick with what’s recommended by the manufacturer?

    1. Hey Morgan! I don’t believe the Rangers can be resoled because they are glued and not stitched. Both have great traction, but I think the Switchback might be a hair better. As far as cleaning, I haven’t cleaned my Switchbacks yet. They haven’t been in deep mud yet. So can’t really say yet. But I think they would clean up well with water – they are waterproof so you could use a wet rag on them. As far as sizing, I only sized up in the Ranger, not the Switchback. And I would probably still recommend you go for a 37 in the Ranger given your measurements (unless that is a foot tracing measurement and not wall-method, in which case a 36 would still be correct). Hope that helps!

  9. Hello Anya,
    Do you think we can use the new Tracker All Weather SG with snow racket in winter?
    Otherwise, what can of shoes we can use with snow racket?
    Thank you.

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Picture of Hi. I'm Anya.

Hi. I'm Anya.

I first discovered barefoot shoes after a long history of foot issues. By changing my footwear and strengthening my body I was able to completely transform my life. Anya’s Reviews is my way of sharing with the world that healthy feet are happy feet!

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