They are definitely not waterproof. Not sure Alaska would be the the right terrain for these bad boys.
Barefoot hikers
- Thread starter Crews
- Start date
Big_wals
WKR
FYI, Lems does sell a version that they advertise as waterproof. I’ve never bought the “waterproof” ones, just the standard boulder boots. I’m not sure if they just have a waterproof liner or something, with the design of the boulder boots it seems like it would be hard to waterproof the boot itself with the way the seam is around the toe.
JoeK
FNG
Jim Greens would fit the rocky terrain well IMO but they are certainly not anything like trail runners. They are classic Leather boot style through and through. Maybe the short version (African Ranger) would suit the OP.
They have the stack height without clunkiness, and out of the box new the sole is significantly stiffer than other options I've worn. Though to be clear I just put in my first work day in the Jim Greens yesterday (7miles). I was definitely impressed with the comfort out of the box. they're a bit heavier than vivos or my current daily Bellevilles, but not enough to be notable at the end of the day. Worth a look for sure.
FULL leather construction. no waterproofing. If you waxed the stitching and oiled'em seems like they would handle splashing/rain showers quite well, but not submersion or marshy conditions.
Another consideration is to put stiff insoles in the runners that you like. I wear puncture resistant insoles at work sometimes (huge Mesquite thorns) that have a thin steel plate sandwhiched between some foam. They definitely stiffen up the feel of my otherwise super thin and soft, ninja stalking Bellevilles. Might take care of the sharp rocks issue and also they could be packed super easily and low weight until needed.
They have the stack height without clunkiness, and out of the box new the sole is significantly stiffer than other options I've worn. Though to be clear I just put in my first work day in the Jim Greens yesterday (7miles). I was definitely impressed with the comfort out of the box. they're a bit heavier than vivos or my current daily Bellevilles, but not enough to be notable at the end of the day. Worth a look for sure.
FULL leather construction. no waterproofing. If you waxed the stitching and oiled'em seems like they would handle splashing/rain showers quite well, but not submersion or marshy conditions.
Another consideration is to put stiff insoles in the runners that you like. I wear puncture resistant insoles at work sometimes (huge Mesquite thorns) that have a thin steel plate sandwhiched between some foam. They definitely stiffen up the feel of my otherwise super thin and soft, ninja stalking Bellevilles. Might take care of the sharp rocks issue and also they could be packed super easily and low weight until needed.
Ferrulewax
WKR
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- Dec 7, 2014
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- 1,121
I haven’t read through the whole thread, but Altra lone peaks sound like what you are looking for.
ledflight
WKR
I tried on a pair of these at a DSW the other day and I am holding them in mind should my Altra Lone Peaks finally bite the dust.
Not true minimal like the thin model Vivos but has ground feel.
www.merrell.com
Not true minimal like the thin model Vivos but has ground feel.
wrapt | Merrell
Official Merrell site - Shop the full collection of wrapt and find what you're looking for today. Free shipping on all orders!
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Moultrie
FNG
- Joined
- Nov 8, 2023
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- 31
I'll also suggest the Altra Lone Peaks. I tried barefoot shoes for a while, and while I appreciated what they offer, I find I prefer just a bit more cushion than most barefoot shoes offer. I've found the lowest cushioned Altras are my sweet spot.
No, they aren't full barefoot shoes, but they offer the wide toe box and low to no heel/toe drop. The Lone Peaks are the lowest cushion hikers/trail runners they have, but still offer more cushion than barefoot shoes and will probably suit your use case well.
No, they aren't full barefoot shoes, but they offer the wide toe box and low to no heel/toe drop. The Lone Peaks are the lowest cushion hikers/trail runners they have, but still offer more cushion than barefoot shoes and will probably suit your use case well.
B_Reynolds_AK
WKR
The Forest Tracker ESC’s are as waterproof as most Gore Tex boots when treated properly. They do fantastic here in Alaska. Nothing beats them for traction.
Altra Lone Peak Mid’s are comfortable, but are in no way equal to the performance and durability of the ESC’s in off trail environments. The traction also is far inferior.
The tracker esc are awesome.
Just snagged the last pair of Trackers in my size because of your recommendation!
B_Reynolds_AK
WKR
Let me me know how you end up liking them
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- Apr 29, 2023
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I’m starting my transition into minimalist shoes, with the hope of working into barefoot shoes. That said, I’m starting with some Altra Lone Peak lows. They will be an everyday shoe that I’ll use for work, and I’ll be able to transition slowly to them if I can’t go to them all at once. This will put me in a bit of an awkward spot when my November Montana hunt rolls around. I doubt I’ll be far enough along to wear something like a Tracker ESC as it comes from Vivo, so I’d like a little input. Assuming that I am at the point of wearing something like a Lone Peak on the daily, what should I look at for hunting in? I had thought maybe the Lone Peak mid, but I see you say they don’t have great traction. Could I possibly do a Tracker ESC with a cushioning low or zero drop insole? I also saw the Merrill Wrapt mid that was referred to above, and I’m curious about that one.
Ultimately, I want some Tracker ESC, but might take me a while to get there. I wouldn’t mind a pair of intermediate shoes like the Lone Peak or Merrill Wrapt being toast after only one season, since they would just be part of the transition process. Any thoughts?
B_Reynolds_AK
WKR
Yeah, it can be a tricky proposition to commit to a boot like the Tracker for a real hunt, carrying significant weight.
I’ve still not done it for a sheep hunt. Deer hunts in Prince William Sound have been a good stepping stone for them. I use a Sofsole insole in the Trackers that gives me better underfoot protection and cushion. Best insole I’ve found for myself.
I’d look at a boot that splits the difference between the Vivos and a full mountain boot that is really stiff.
I really like the latest version of the Crispi Lapponia 3, though it was just a bit off in fit for me. I’m using the Lowa Mangart this season, which is a fully synthetic lightweight boot that has a low stack height and drop with a wider forefoot. In rough alpine terrain is offers really good edging ability while maintaining a natural gait on low angle ground.
@B_Reynolds_AK Thoughts on the Tracker ESC durability on a jobsite? Heavy commercial concrete carpenter and looking to start bringing a boot like this into the line up I just worry about durability. Typically wear Thorogood or Carolina’s moc toe wedge sole style boots and can usually get 10-12 months out of a pair.
B_Reynolds_AK
WKR
They are durable enough, but I personally wouldn’t, especially if your are climbing ladders. The super aggressive sole will hang up on the rungs a lot more than a moccasin style boot. Also the thin sole will make standing on concrete all day pretty unbearable. I’d opt for something with a bit more cushion underfoot, yet still zero drop. You don’t want to injure your feet with the stress that comes with working on concrete for 8-12 hours day after day. Our ancestors wore minimal footwear exclusively, but they also were not wearing heavy tool bags and working on concrete.
BBob
WKR
They kinda suck for traction on rock especially wet rock. Sometimes downright sketchy. Not that it was asked but they are a not a good choice as far as a climbing approach shoe for me.
B_Reynolds_AK
WKR
Yeah that’s probably their weak point. There’s a reason approach shoes, as well as mountaineering boots, have smooth climbing zones to offer more surface area on smooth & wet rock. The more aggressive sole = less surface area on hard surfaces.
JoeK
FNG
You would probably be well served with the Jim Green's for jobsite wear. I've only put in a week so far (Tree service) with the African Trooper but everything indicates very solid materials (basically all nice leather) and build quality. Also going to be similar style to the moc toe/wedge sole youve been using but with zero drop. For that matter their sole seems pretty well suited for smooth rock, which means it might not be great on muddy or leafy terrain that favors the heavier luggs on the Vivo. The JG are also the only zero drop/barefoot style boot I've come across that can be had with safety toes. but you have to order them custom and they are like $450...at least they can be resoled and if you care for the leather should last for at least 2yrs of hard wear.
I'm still more accustomed to the Belleville minimalist, which I've gone through several pairs in ~6months each or so (~1Kmiles) at which point I've worn the sole bald with signs of wear but no real issues on the rest of the boot. I can't wear zero drop for climbing Because I need the heel for my spurs /ascenders. But whenever I'm on the ground it's all zero drop. The JG have much thicker stack height and some more cushion to'em, also the stitch down construction means the sole extends out around the foot in all directions by a noticable bit, maybe 3/8". Still not accustomed to the wide sole footprint vs the super thin sole form fitting Bellevilles...resoling the JG a couple times would make the overall cost cheaper/same if I get ~1kmiles out of a sole.
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- Apr 29, 2023
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The Lapponia 3 and Mangart definitely interest me. I looked them up after you mentioned them. Are either one a no drop, or are they just low drop? On a stiffness scale of 1-5, with one being the most flexible, would you say they are a 2?
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