Barefoot/Lightweight Boot Recs - Steep/Backcountry-capable

[usahntr1]

(Posting in this forum and Footwear for visibility)

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!

 

[jgilber5]

I've used Topo Trailventure WP 2s for the last two years in everything from alpine 12k feet to PJ desert country and keep coming back to them. Lightweight, breathable (for a waterproof boot), good grip, and flexible so pretty quiet. Downside is I can get one hard summer/and archery season out of them, by late fall they are starting to fall apart. Usually around 180$ per pair, I'd estimate the old 1$/mile goal holds true for them.

I actually emailed them about a specific place that always rips first on me and sounds like they're coming out with an updated version this fall so fingers crossed

 

[dgfavor]

Dig my Topos too. My Ultraventure mids (non-WP) went over 3 years in sharp, steep rocky chukar and sheep country. (wearing them in my profile photo) Loved them. The uppers never did show wear or break down at all but finally the foam on the bottoms started cracking out. I went to the Trailventure WP's and they went one season before the uppers cracked out at the flex points - I think it's that WP material doesn't hold up to the duty cycles and fatigues/cracks...had same thing happen in WP Altras only much faster. I've been wearing the Mtn Racers rucking/running and they feel like the old Ultraventures - super, comfy, grippy, light.

Not sure they'd fully fit the bill for OP based on his description of needs though.

 

[P Carter]

not quite barefoot, and not waterproof, but I’ve used the Salomon forces speed assault 2 for several years. I came to them from trail runners. I was looking for light, good traction, Salomon rubber (I think they have the best compound), and most importantly low stack height.

They fit the bill on those factors. I did have to put new insoles in them.

I use them in the gnarliest terrain we have and they work great.

 

[Tom-D]

I have been using a pair of joe nimble boots for the past year and they have been unreal. Super light and reasonable waterproof and super comfortable. Only down side is im noticing the tread is wearing pretty fast so dont think il get very long life out of them.