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 VIVOANYA20 for 20% off
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!
Groundies also sells the All Terrain in a low and mid cut, but I have not had good luck with it and don’t currently recommend it.
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. Currently available for pre-order. 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!
- 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 VIVOANYA20 for 20% off
- 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!
213 thoughts on “The 10 Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Hello Anya,
I stumbled across your page on my hint for kids weatherproof hiking boots. I’m taking my 3 children (ages 4, 6 and 8) to Ireland in the spring. We’re going to be hiking a lot on grass and rocky terrain in the rain. I’m really struggling to find a suitable barefoot shoe. They have never worn conventional shoes before. Any suggestions? Thank you for you help.
Hm, I’m thinking that something like the Koel Rana. You can also find more options directly from Koel, but they’re more expensive (and I have a code with Mugavik making them even cheaper, ANYASREVIEWS for 5% off). Just know that the Koel Rana fits low volume. Other options are Vivobarefoot Fulham or all weather bootie, and Be Lenka Panda. I would say waterproof is what you want to focus on, but not rubber boots because those aren’t secure enough for hiking. There are more water resistant kids boots listed here you can check out: https://anyasreviews.com/complete-list-waterproof-barefoot-shoes-rain/#waterproofresistant-shoes
Have you tried any of the Koel adult shoes? They look good!
Yes! I just got myself 3 pairs of them because I knew I needed to try the brand out. They are on the slimmer side, I would say medium width but can fit wide feet. It looks like I’m going to need to wear them barefoot to have enough toe splay room. Slightly stiff, but I wore one pair out for a few hours this week and they were already softer by the end. The leather is super nice. Still trying to learn more about them but haven’t been able to communicate with anyone from Koel yet (I ordered my boots from Mugavik Barefoot, a retailer). If you’re on social media, I have a short video and a photo of them up today on my Facebook and Instagram stories. Will do a mini review in an email newsletter soon.
That’s all very useful to know! Will check the IG story.
Thank you for sharing!
Do Freet only work for narrow feet?
I contacted one of the retailers with my measurements (27.5 cm long, 10.4 wide at the max) and they said the Ibex would be too narrow for me in the right size.
Freet is a wide fitting brand in general, not many people report back that they are too narrow. Do you have other barefoot shoes? If you have extra wide feet and have trouble fitting in other brands as well, then it may be that you need to look for extra wide options. But it’s also possible that they will fit you fine and the numbers are throwing everyone off a bit. It’s really common, because width measurement is often taken from the insole which sits under the foot. If you combine that with a measurement gotten from a foot tracing (which usually adds a few mm because of the width of the pencil) it’s easy to look at a size chart and believe the shoes will be too narrow, when they actually will fit fine. I can’t say for sure, but my guess is that those foot dimensions will work well with any Freet shoes.
Hi Anya,
I am considering purchasing my first pair of barefoot shoes, since I have bunions and am way more comfortable in a wide toe box. 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 would love if these boots also looked nice for casual winter wear to save me some money. I am most interested in the Lems Boulder Summit, the Feelgrounds Patrol, and the new Belenka Winter. Would the Winter work as a hiking boot, or is the Ranger a much superior choice (I just don’t find the aesthetic as versatile)? Warmth is of less importance since I’m usually moving around a lot and my kiddos only last outside for so long. Of these options, what do you recommend? I have wide-ish feet and I think medium to high volume, and I think I’d want some cushion since I have a bone spur on my calcaneous from a long period of plantar fasciitis years ago (it doesn’t bother me often but I feel nervous going super thin since it’s a bigger purchase). Thank you so much for all your reviews and everything you do!
Hi Emily!
The Lems Boulder Summit has a small heel rise (I think 4mm) so they aren’t zero drop. But they do have a thicker sole. Feelgrounds Patrol I think might be perfect for you. I have really sensitive heels and found they were a little stiff back there for me, but Justin loves his and wears them all the time. If you don’t often feel your bone spur, they probably won’t bother you (and you can put a little moleskin or heel pad back there too). Be Lenka Winter is also a good choice, but they have a slightly thinner, harder sole than Feelgrounds. They function well as a hiking boot, but because the lining is pretty thick and warm so people usually size up. Finally, you might like the Groundies Williamsburg. The sole is a little thinner than Feelgrounds, but they are lighter than both Feelgrounds and Be Lenka. We have a number on sale at Anya’s Shop
Thanks for your advice! Do you find the Belenka Winter to be too warm for spring? Like 40s and 50s F? For me that’s when it’s just cool enough that I don’t want wet feet, but I also don’t want sweaty feet. The natural materials appeal to me a little more than their vegan counterparts. And the fact that you sell them in your shop, along with discounted seconds, is less intimidating than ordering internationally when I’m not 100% sure of size
For me, those temps are too warm for the Winter. I would be more comfortable wearing the Be Lenka Ranger in those temps.
Hi Anya, different Emily here! I just wore my Lems Boulder mids hiking today for the first time. I’ve had them for a few years, but finally tried them out for hiking today because my other hiking boots are too narrow and not foot shaped. I was looking at the Lems site for them other options, and saw the Boulder Summit. Their site says the Boulder Summit are Zero Drop. I couldn’t find a review of them on your website, did you measure them as having a heel rise that they advertise as not having? I’m considering getting them (not pleased with the Xero hiking boots I tried), but I’m hesitating after seeing this comment from you that they have a heel rise
Yes, it’s a bit of a weird situation. They are not technically zero drop, but they are what is called “effective zero drop.” That means they have a slight cushion under the heel that flattens out to be flat with the weight of your body when you step. To me, that’s not zero drop. But it’s a shoe feature that comes into play with cushioned shoes because there is more material under foot. Ultimately the research suggests that such a small heel rise shouldn’t affect your biomechanics in a significant way, but I prefer more minimal options. All of this is to say that if you want an option that is more robust with a technical outsole then the Boulder Summit is fine. But you can also find options that are similar in technical specs and more “barefoot.” This fall Lems will have a few more options that actually are zero drop and on their widest shape. Also, if you haven’t tried the Xero Scrambler Mid they are fantastic. I will be updating this article to include this newer Xero shoe soon.
Wow. That was a really long comment. I’m so sorry for being obnoxious
I’m on the fence between Be Lenka trailwalker and Softstar Primal RunAmoc. I’ve gone barefoot for over 2 years now and find my feet splay & foot have gotten wider. So much that I find my big toe and little toe are hitting the sides of my current barefoot shoes. As a result of this, I’m looking for hiking trail runners with width. The Softstar seems to be the best in the wide version. Which would you recommend? Thank you for any assistance and your reviews.
The Trailwalker has much more volume/vertical space, and it overall a very roomy shoe. I like them a lot. The Primal RunAmoc is indeed very wide, but it sits low over the tops of the toes so some people find that uncomfortable. If you high volume feet I would for sure say Trailwalker. If you just want lots of width and don’t need a lot of volume in your shoes, then the Primal RunAmocs.
Hi Anya, Thank you for all your reviews I really appreciate them! I was wondering if you had any suggestions or might consider doing a post on a conundrum I find myself in quite regularly doing field work. Basically, I have to stomp on shovels and stand on ladders which becomes uncomfortable very quickly in shoes with flexible soles. I also do a lot of hiking/bushwacking up and down steep, slippery, rocky, down tree-covered slopes so some foot protection is important.
Basically, my golden unicorn boot would have the protection and durability (waterproofing would be cool too) of a traditional hiking boot upper with a wide toe box, lots of vertical space and a zero drop, flexible in the toes, but not the midfoot sole. And good traction. I’m assuming this shoe doesn’t exist but I was wondering if you have ever run across anything that might be close!
For context, I wear my Altra Lone Peaks (without an insole, makes them too bouncy and squishes my toes flat) for all my hiking and running. I’ve been wearing a pair of Lems Boulder Boots for the duration of this long, wet, cold winter (they really are waterproof!) and they are good for walking around town. I definitely have to take the insoles out in order to make enough vertical space for my toes in those and that also makes them too sloppy to wear hiking steep hills at work (bummer). Also, the soles are not that grippy. Any suggestions would be very much appreciated!
The Bruins come to mind as possibly the only option that meets all that criteria: https://anyasreviews.com/bearfoot-bruin-review-barefoot-work-boots-that-are-actually-functional/
Hi,
is there any evidence about ankle support? I am looking for a shoe for survival/bushcraft in the forest. And i am curios about ankle support. There are low profile ones (like the Groundies All Terrain low) or high ones (like the vivo forest esc).
In terms of stability, i am not sure. The only advantage would be, that high profile shoes may protect your ankles more from water or rocks.
What are your thoughts?
I agree with the section of video you shared (there are always exceptions of course, some individual people might need more ankle support. But for the most part we can try to build strong ankles instead of supporting them). I wear hiking boots that come above the ankle only to protect me from banging into rocks and tree branches, which is basically what all the taller boots on this list do. They don’t really hold my ankle in place. In fact, I often will not lace my boots all the way up to the top and stop just above the ankle bone so that I’m able to move a little more easily.
Here is a short statement on ankle support, which made me curios: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Ahz-Bc5Us&t=438s
This is a great article..thanks for writing it.
I have the wandertoes mk1 and love them.. they’ve lasted 5 years of almost daily use. I’m sad they’ve made the sole LOTS thicker on the mk2 model but think I’ll give it a go when mine finally die.
Always been tempted to try softstar but they’re expensive if you’re UK based like me.
Vivo annoy me as they are not for real barefoot enthusiasts IMO as they’re far too narrow. My feet have become a lot wider after a decade of barefoot shoes and vivo crush my feet.
Freet are cheap and dont last at all well but are crazy comfy.
Lems have a new hiking boot released in the last month or two that looks great… also worth a look.
Hi Anya,
Thanks for your reviews, they have helped me a lot!
I’m going hiking in Scotland this summer, and I’m afraid my Freet Mudees will be too slippery in Scottish weather conditions.
I considered buying Freet Tundra or Ibex, but I read they are narrower than the Mudee, which is a tight fit for me (I upsized already). What’s your take on the sizing?
I have the Be Lenka Winter for cold weather, and was happy with them on snow and ice. Would you recommend the Nevada for hiking, too, as it has the same outsole, but no warm lining?
All the other options I found are far too narrow for my feet.
Thank you!
For me Freet runs on the small side in hiking boots, but I’ve found that sizing up makes them wide enough for me. They are however not as wide as Be Lenka boots. The Nevada has the same outsole, so functions really well in a lot of different weather.
Hi Anya,
So happy I found your detailed review. I’m super new to hiking and am currently training to climb Machu Picchu. I am
wondering what shoe you would wear for this climb? I’m all for zero drop shoes and would love your opinion. Thank you!
Oooh Machi Picchu is on my bucket list! If I were hiking Macchu Picchu I would consider taking either the Vivo Tracker Decon or the Xero Scrambler (which is coming in a short height this fall). If you want a little bit of cushion I would go for the Xero Scrambler, but the Vivo Tracker is higher quality/more durable.