Serious hiking calls for serious shoes. But standard hiking shoes are stiff and narrow and I just can’t tolerate that! Instead I wear barefoot 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 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 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 ANYASREVIEWS25 for 25% off
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).
- 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.
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.
Compared to Vivobarefoot, Xero has a straighter cut with more width and volume in the midfoot and heel area.
Freet Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Waterproof Option | 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 a wide foot shape with plenty of space for all toes, while still being practical for outdoor use. The Chamois (above right) is new for 2025 and I am really enjoying them! The hardwearing leather upper is a little bit stiff (every waterproof boot I test is), but the fit is good and they feel quality.
Our lightweight favorites are the Howgill and Keld 2 (above left) -they are so soft and comfy with zero break in time and all the toe space. The Keld 2 is the most breathable, airy trail shoe in this list!
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 are true to size.
- Fits wide and extra wide feet.
- High volume – you can add extra insoles in different thicknesses to your order.
For more details on Freet’s sizing & fit, read my in-depth Freet Review.
Groundies Portland
Waterproof | Leather | Sizes EU 36-48
The Groundies Portland surprised me this spring. They have a roomy toe box, but are still fitted through the midfoot and heel. They are structured but soft, and the outsole has decent grip. There is not as much tread on the Portland as the above options I’ve reviewed, but they are a good balance between barefoot feel and function.
They are similar to the Freet Chamois, but not quite as wide in the toe box and the outsole is a little more flexible, thin 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
Lono Wild
Suede & Vegan Option | Sizes EU 36-46
Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
The Lono Wild is a lightweight, soft suede hiking shoe that required no breaking in and was immediately soft on my feet – a rarity among leather hiking shoes. 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. However wearing them with a pair of wool socks helped fill in any extra volume and I expect that the suede will mold to my foot making the shoe easier to work with. Worth it to not have any pinch points but still have good traction and stability.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Wide fit, but not extra wide
- Medium volume
Be Lenka Barefoot – Extra Wide Friendly
Waterproof Option | Leather | 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 two excellent hiking shoes. The first is the Trailwalker – a lowcut option with a thin, light outsole. These were recently updated to a 3.0 version, but my tester pair got delayed in transit so I have not yet tried them. However I’ve loved my previous versions of the Trailwalker! The suede upper is durable, but soft and the toe guard protects against inevitable scuffs. But will update this review with specifics on the 3.0 version shortly!
The second is the Nevada – they have an extra wide toe box, one of the widest available, and are made of a soft but sturdy leather. They are great for people who want the width, but I do find the sole a little bit heavier than I prefer.
Sizing & Fit
- The Nevada runs slightly small. I can wear my usual size and one size up.
- Fits wide to extra wide feet.
- Medium Volume, easily adjusted.
Merrell Vapor Trail Glove
Waterproof Option | Recycled Mesh & Leather Options | 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 has a few good wide toe box barefoot models. The best known, and the one that my son backpacked Yosemite in, 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 outsole is a little bit thicker and stiffer than many of the other barefoot hiking shoes reviewed here, but that can be useful if you want a bit more protection. They also have an even heavier duty model called the Wrapt for extreme terrains. Merrell has been a solid high quality brand for me for many years, even before I started wearing barefoot shoes.
Sizing & Fit
- True to size, but I sized up for more toe room
- Slim to Medium wide – not suited for extra wide feet
- Medium volume with removable insole
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.
Softstar Switchback II – Extra Wide Friendly
Leather & Wool Lining | Sizes US 5U-13U
The Softstar Switchback II has a soft, supple leather upper and thin wool lining for a comfortable fit with no break in time. It comes in two widths to fit average to extra wide feet. The outsole is thick but flexible Vibram Megagrip – it has serious traction and durability that 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)!
I love that they conformed to my arches and ankles easily with no rubbing, and leave space above my toes (no more pressure from above like in the previous version). My only complaint is that they come in whole sizes only, and I would fit best in a half size. Mine are a 7U or Women’s 8 and they are a little too big and long, which makes the sole feel a little heavier and clunkier. I am thinking about going to the size below, because the leather should mold to my feet even if they are a little bit short!
Sizing & Fit
- Runs true to size, but only comes in half sizes
- Fits wide to extra wide feet – comes in two widths.
- Adjustable foot volume.
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.
Bahe Rediscover
Waterproof | Grounding | Vegan | Sizes EU 36-47
Use code ANYA for 10% off
The Rediscover from Bahe is a moderately cushioned, more traditional-feeling wide toe box hiker. It has an 18mm total stack height and is fully waterproof, but it is fairly stiff and takes some time to break in. Particularly around the ankle is not as soft as I would prefer, but if you are someone who wants that structure and stability the Bahe Revive is a good wide toe box alternative. Oh, and they have grounding capabilities!
Sizing & Fit
- True to size
- Fits wide feet
- Medium volume
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.
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).
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 Ranger
- Altra Lone Peak (choose Wide width)
- Freet Barefoot – all are extra wide friendly
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.
Ahinsa Chitra (EU) – Vegan, and available in regular and extra wide! Use code ANYASREVIEWS for 10% off
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 ANYA5 for 5% off your first order
Feelmax (EU)
Notace (US) – These have a thicker stack height, but are super lightweight!
Saltic Fura (EU) – Really thin outsole, with a great toe box shape!
Shapen Stormis (EU) – Use code ANYA5 for 5% off. 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.
Sole Runner Transition (EU) – Good shoes! Easier to order from for EU residents.
Vaistoa (EU)
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.
The Best Kids Barefoot Hiking Shoes
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 – Several practical options from Vivo! Use code ANYASREVIEWS25 for 25% 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.
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.
243 thoughts on “The Best Barefoot Hiking Boots & Shoes for Outdoorsy Folks”
Hi Anya,
I’m looking for a low shoe for hiking (similar to the Be Lenka Trailwalker) for a very wide, mid/high volume, fan shaped foot. I have several Be Lenka boots that fit if I size up one and change the insoles because the weird shape of the original ones is uncomfortable, but the Trailwalker sole is a tiny bit narrower than the boot soles, which is too narrow for me.
Did you test the hiking shoes Barebarics offers (Wanderer, Voyager)? And what are your thoughts on the Freet Howgill? (I have and love the Pace sneaker)
I’d love some waterproofness, but at this point I’d take any shoe that fits my frustratingly weird foot shape!
Thank you for your reviews, they have helped me so much in finally finding shoes I feel comfortable with!
I just got my first pair of Barebarics hiking shoes and put them on – I found they ran a little small so I need a bigger size. But the overall shape seemed similar to other Barebarics. Have you tried the Trailwalker, or are you referring to the size chart? Because Be Lenka boots feel narrower than the Trailwalker because of the sole and construction. The Trailwalker sole sits under the shoe and the upper spreads out a bit on top. Freet Howgill I also just recently received and have sitting next to me in the living room right now, haha. So this summer I’ll be readjusting this review in light of these new models that have come out. Just need to test them first!
Yeah, I’ve ordered the Trailwalker, tried them on, and they just don’t feel right. Maybe it’s the shape, but they feel very narrow compared to my other Be Lenkas. The Rangers are a way better fit for me.
I’ve never tried Barebarics at all, so I’m hesitant. I’ve ordered so many shoes to then return them or sell them, it’s annoying.
Please could you review more footwear that is available in the UK?
Hi Sandy, we try to review options from most places since we have readers all over the world (but are based in the US, and therefore most of our readers are as well). Be sure to check out all the brands and retailers available to you in the UK. You can find the list in this Brands By Region article.
Hi, after reading quite a few posts from your blog, I’m now hesitating between the Vivobarefoot boots you mentioned here and the Lems Chelsea (blundstones type). Do you have any advice to help me decide ? Thanks !
Hi, for actual hiking I’d go with Vivobarefoot as they have better lugs on the outsole. The fit is also quite different. Vivobarefoot is more average width “fan-shaped” while Lems is wider and more of a straight fit.
Perfect, thank you!
Dear Anya,
I am a religious reader of your blog since I first learned about barefoot shoes 6 months ago. Since then I’ve been obsessively reading everything I can about the barefoot shoe lifestyle, reviews, scientific studies, etc. I’ve now come to a point where I refuse to wear traditional shoes and can’t bear to sacrifice functionality, foot and body health. However, this dogmatic approach has led me to be very lost and confused when I comes to hiking boots and safety. I’ve read many of your reviews and posts and also read descriptions from companies like vivo, groundies, Xero, Lems, etc…and there doesn’t seem to a consensus on the idea of protection. Vivo says you don’t need as much protective as most people think (https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/blog/the-bare-truth-about-hiking-boots), whereas Lems and Xero seem to have a much more stiff sole and shoe in general for…well protection against more rugged terrains. On one hand stiffness protects against rocks debris on a tough hike but on the other hand, proprioception loss can increase risk of injury like twisted ankles and increase fatigue….and it’s just plain fun to be so agile and alert!
I recently went on a 5 day excursion in the alps where the trails were very rugged, often broken, steep (and broken), muddy, snowy (and steep simultaneously), wet, and etc. I learned quite a bit, notably that my barefoot hiking shoe of choice didn’t suffice: Vivo Tracker Textile FG2 Women’s
I had many fellow hikers tell me I needed to have a stiff sole to be able to hike safely in such conditions…is this true? The areas where I experienced trouble were not having enough traction for steep snowy slopes, muddy slopes, and the boot edges (front, side, and heel) not being pointy enough to ram into the snow or mud to gain a foot hole if I needed to climb down something vertical. On the other hand there are so many features I loved about my boot. For example, my feet were literally never tired (the rugged rock terrain felt more like a massage than painful and dangerous). However, I can see that maybe the upper of the shoe being so light could be dangerous if heavy debris rammed or fell onto my feet (are traditional hiking boots more stiff there?). I felt incredibly agile…and although I would prefer not to die on a dangerous hike, I don’t want to sacrifice all the positives. Are the negatives of a barefoot boot even true, or merely misconceptions as the vivo post (“the bare truth about hiking boots,”) suggests?
Now I’m trying to find a boot that solves the problems I experienced in the aforementioned conditions. Do you have any recommendations? The shoes I’ve been researching are:
VIVO
– https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/tracker-forest-esc-womens-aw22?colour=Forest%20Bracken
– https://www.vivobarefoot.com/us/magna-forest-esc-womens-ss23?colour=Obsidian-Lime
(does the magna forest esc merely offer a bit less ankle protection from rocks than the tracker forest esc?)
XERO
Xero has so many models…I wasn’t sure which version has the most traction.
LEMS
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-outlander-waterproof-boot
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-boulder-summit-waterproof?variant=40017820745786
– https://www.lemsshoes.com/collections/lems-trail-shoes/products/womens-boulder-boot-grip-waterproof?variant=40061992730682
What brand and models would you recommend to me considering that I want something that can work for extreme terrain…and where functionality, comfort, and safety are my top priorities. I apologize for the long email, but I’ve very much come to rely and trust your opinion on such matters.
I understand your concerns and I think that it really comes down to how you’re using the shoes and what you want out of them. I think it’s true that most people need less protection than they are being told, but you also want to be safe in the terrain (with hiking and sport shoes the needs can be very specific). Vivo boots are designed for outdoor use and if your feet feel great in the thin soles then it may be that you just need one of the other options they carry, like the Tracker Forest Esc which has deeper lugs and a grippier sole. The only thing you wouldn’t get from a barefoot boot is the hard pointy edges for ramming into snow or mud on steep inclines. So I guess it comes down to whether or not the increased agility and proprioception you got from the flexible soles is giving you the stability you need, or if stiffer soles are a must for that specific terrain.
Hi!
Something I haven’t seen is a men’s workboot that is actually foot-shaped but steel toe. My husband works on a farm and is used to wearing redwing boots or slip-on square toe cowboy boots but they’re destroying his feet!
Hi! There are a couple options, and more are coming. Check out our favorites here. We are currently testing the newest model from Gaucho Ninja and will have a review later this summer or fall.
I’m a hiker that developed tarsal tunnel syndrome with super supportive hiking shoes. Long story short, I found that Vivobarefoot hiking boots solved the problem. Can’t wear any shoes that press against the tarsal tunnel area or have arch support. Have been a happy hiker with my Vivobarefoot boots for 18 months but have now developed severe osteoarthritis in my right big toe with the left on its way. My podiatrist recommends stiff soles. I’ve read your article about wide toe boxes and stiffer soles, but can’t determine which shoes would be best. What’s a girl to do? Any recommendations, please?
Altra Lone Peak is a great shoe with a more rigid sole but lots of toe space. It is a good one to start with! Also Joe Nimble’s Trail Addict is another good one, but not a full boot. And finally, a newer one that I haven’t yet fully reviewed is the Barebarics Trekker. All 3 have plenty of toe space but a thicker more rigid sole. Other option – keep your Vivo boots and get an insole that your podiatrist recommends. If you are in pain, it’s a good idea to try to figure out a combo that keeps you moving. And maybe take a look at your foot and lower leg strength as a long term support.
I wish you included some information on waterproofness. For those of us who hike in wet climates, waterproof boots are sadly an absolute must if you wanna stay comfortable. And with barefoot shoes, this seems to be a huge weak point. I have yet to find a barefoot hiking boot that is actually waterproof.
Altra Lone Peak is/was amazing, but the quality has sadly gone drastically downhill. They stay waterproof for just a few months, then they start leaking like a sieve.
And as a side note: The Lems boots has absolutely horrible traction, they would be straight up dangerous to use if you got steep, wet rock faces, roots, mud or other slippy surfaces.
The Lems boot you reference, is that the Boulder Boot grip that was released last fall? Because the original Boulder boot was totally slippery and I didn’t recommend it for hiking. But the new version with the grip sole has been fantastic for me.
Re: waterproofness, I shared if they were water resistant or not but otherwise didn’t talk about it unless I found a big issue. Basically all waterproof things will only last a certain amount of time before they start leaking. And because barefoot shoes are flexible and have extra pressure points, it shortens the lifespan of membranes even further.
Hi Anya!
You give Vivo Barefoot your number one spot, and I only want to buy one pair of hiking boots.
You say they are for narrow to medium wide feet, but have said elsewhere that you have wide feet. My feet are medium to wide,.for example, I recently purchased the Wildings canvas navy shoes and found them too tight across the mid foot (where the big toe bone is). They eventually broke in after 2 months and now I love them, except I cannot wear them for street walking, only short distances (30 min) because they don’t have enough cushion for me. They are perfect for forest walking!
I need something for rocky trails and slippery conditions. Would Vivo be wide enough in your opinion?
Sorry this reply is coming so late, but I think it would be close. My Vivobarefoot hiking shoe also need to break in a bit for me to be truly comfortable, they’re a little tight at first. I have a wide toe splay, but a narrow heel and mid foot, so overall shape can make a big difference. Vivobarefoot is slimmer and lower volume but has a nice big toe pocket that my feet like. But I sometimes feel my pinkie toe on the edge of the shoe.
What do you recommend for hiking in SW Florida? I am in search of a hiking boot that is good for the hot weather, good for high volume feet, and features really good waterproofing.
Thanks so much, I have bought many shoes from Anyas Shop and now need the next piece in the practical side of life!
Hm, good for hot weather and really waterproof don’t usually go together. But the Freet Howgill is water resistant and light and breathable. Also good for high volume feet. That would be my first recommendation for SW Florida. Just know that it’s not fully waterproof. If you really need that then it’s going to be hot!
I love your blog and all your advice. Thank you. I’m trying to save space/weight and increase comfort/multi-functionality by using a hiking shoe (Lone Peak All Wthr Low 2) rather than my trusty Vivo Barefoot Fracker FG boots when going on a trip which includes day treks in the Himalayas. What’s your thinking on hiking shoes versus boots? Can I get away with shoes do you think? I won’t be climbing the mountains. The Altras are super multi-functional for travelling and the boots really aren’t. Thoughts?
I feel like that would be terrain specific and I don’t know much about hiking in the Himalayas. A friend of mine just wore the Lone Peak All Wthr Mid to hike Kilimanjaro because she wanted the higher cut – for ankle protection mainly but also some extra water protection.
Hi Anya. Interesting to see that you include the Altra Lone Peak in your selection, I had dismissed these as not being ‘barefoot’ shoes due to the thick sole even though they have a zero drop. As I enjoy thru-hiking (in the UK) and I’m always looking for a good hiking shoe and recently I’ve worn xero mesa trail (the original design) which have now fallen apart. They were lovely and flexible and I had no problem with the thin sole as I’ve been wearing barefoot shoes for at least 12 years now so my feet are well adapted to them. However I also have the same dilemmas as Alisa shared in her comment above and I’d be interested to hear how you found hiking with the thicker sole of the Altra and whether this is a true barefoot shoe? . Many thanks. David
They definitely don’t have the same barefoot feel, but they function really well and the Lone Peak has a generous and comfortable width. I think it all depends on what you’re looking for – if you’re after durability or a little more foot support because of long mileage and/or a heavy pack then Altra is great. If you want true barefoot, then I’d go for something else. I switch back and forth between thicker and thinner soles and enjoy them for different scenarios.