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
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:
- Totally flat zero drop sole.
- An anatomical wide toe box shape.
- A flexible sole (sometimes I go for a thick sole for weather protection/durability, other times I like a lot of ground feel)
- Durable materials
- Good tread with grip
- 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:
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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!
- Softstar Switchback II (choose Wide width)
- Be Lenka Nevada (EU only)
- Altra Lone Peak (choose Wide width)
- Freet Barefoot – all are extra wide friendly. Use code ANYA10 for 10% off
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.
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.
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
Magical Shoes Tundra (US/EU) – Use code ANYA for 10% off
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!).
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 (EU) – Really thin outsole, with a great toe box shape!
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 (EU only)
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.
283 thoughts on “The 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.