Barefoot/Lightweight Boot Recs - Steep/Backcountry-capable

[usahntr1]

I am considering buying a pair of barefoot/lighter weight boots for a backcountry archery elk hunt this fall. The area I am planning to hunt is very steep, heavily timbered, and rocky. I will likely be covering a lot of ground as the unit will be heavily pressured. I currently hunt use Meindl Comfort Fit Hunters (which I love), but I am thinking that something lighter and quieter will be better over my two week hunt. Boot features that are important to me are:

Ankle Support
Traction (I have heard that Vivos get slippery)
Quiet
Light
Waterproof
Ideally made in USA

I would appreciate any recommendations other have, especially if you hunt in conditions like I described. Thank you in advance!

 

[PathFinder]

I've just started wearing this sort of boot in the last couple months, but hopefully this info helps. Steep/backcountry capable boots are based more on the user's feet than the boot itself. It takes some time and effort to get worked up to using them.

Ankle Support-This is a misconception IMO, there's no such thing as true ankle support in anything less than a motocross/ski boot. Barefoot boots results in waaay less tendency to roll an ankle because they're not platform shoes that force the foot to roll with the stiff bed of the boot.
Traction (I have heard that Vivos get slippery)-Steep, frozen terrain is the Vivo achille's heel IMO. Strap on spikes help. Aside from that, the grip is good.
Quiet-Vivos are very quiet. Anything barefoot will be quieter than stiff boots.
Light-Anything barefoot/minimalist is going to be lighter than anything that isn't.
Waterproof-There's no such thing, unless it's rubber/plastic. Gore-tex is nothing even remotely like waterproof in a boot. Very heavily waxed leather is as close as it gets. Something without a liner will dry much faster.
Ideally made in USA-Nick's is probably the only option. They're wildly expensive and less minimal than most barefoot type boots.

Reading the threads on the various types of barefoot/minimal boots will help. Lots of good info in each of them. To summarize the way I understand the various options:

• Vivo-Full barefoot. Excellent durability overall, top notch leather and soles. Need to work up to hunting in them. Spikes needed for steep, frozen terrain.
• Altra/Inov8/Topo-Kind of a happy medium. Not remotely waterproof, questionable durability. Squishy foam probably doesn't do well in steep, frozen terrain either. Light and comfortable.
• Jim Green/Nicks-Traditional leather boot with a barefoot sole. Factory JG sole is not great.
• BAR Bergkomfort Wanderstiefel 2.0-Maybe the ideal happy medium. Expensive and not great CS. Only available from the manufacturer in Germany.

 

[Lawnboi]

Have you been using barefoot boots shoes/boots before? They are not something you can typically jump into and be good over a summer, especially when it comes to off trail hunting loads.

Also you’re going to have a hard time meeting everything in your list. Ankle support on most id not all lightweight barefoot style boots is nearly non existent.

Honestly I would order a set of vivos and see if you get along with them. They are the most minimal boot Iv seen.

 

[usahntr1]

I've just started wearing this sort of boot in the last couple months, but hopefully this info helps. Steep/backcountry capable boots are based more on the user's feet than the boot itself. It takes some time and effort to get worked up to using them.

Ankle Support-This is a misconception IMO, there's no such thing as true ankle support in anything less than a motocross/ski boot. Barefoot boots results in waaay less tendency to roll an ankle because they're not platform shoes that force the foot to roll with the stiff bed of the boot.
Traction (I have heard that Vivos get slippery)-Steep, frozen terrain is the Vivo achille's heel IMO. Strap on spikes help. Aside from that, the grip is good.
Quiet-Vivos are very quiet. Anything barefoot will be quieter than stiff boots.
Light-Anything barefoot/minimalist is going to be lighter than anything that isn't.
Waterproof-There's no such thing, unless it's rubber/plastic. Gore-tex is nothing even remotely like waterproof in a boot. Very heavily waxed leather is as close as it gets. Something without a liner will dry much faster.
Ideally made in USA-Nick's is probably the only option. They're wildly expensive and less minimal than most barefoot type boots.

Reading the threads on the various types of barefoot/minimal boots will help. Lots of good info in each of them. To summarize the way I understand the various options:

• Vivo-Full barefoot. Excellent durability overall, top notch leather and soles. Need to work up to hunting in them. Spikes needed for steep, frozen terrain.
• Altra/Inov8/Topo-Kind of a happy medium. Not remotely waterproof, questionable durability. Squishy foam probably doesn't do well in steep, frozen terrain either. Light and comfortable.
• Jim Green/Nicks-Traditional leather boot with a barefoot sole. Factory JG sole is not great.
• BAR Bergkomfort Wanderstiefel 2.0-Maybe the ideal happy medium. Expensive and not great CS. Only available from the manufacturer in Germany.

This is very helpful. Really appreciate you taking the time for the detailed response!

 

[usahntr1]

Have you been using barefoot boots shoes/boots before? They are not something you can typically jump into and be good over a summer, especially when it comes to off trail hunting loads.

Also you’re going to have a hard time meeting everything in your list. Ankle support on most id not all lightweight barefoot style boots is nearly non existent.

Honestly I would order a set of vivos and see if you get along with them. They are the most minimal boot Iv seen.

Thanks for the comment. I have been wearing Flux barefoot shoes for working out and walking around for a couple of years. They are great for that purpose but would never cut it in the mountains for a variety of reasons. Your comment about ankle support confirms my impression from looking around online, but then again, a lot of the posts I have seen here point out that it’s a red herring when it comes to design. May give the Vivos a shot, thanks again.