Boots for barefoot/minimalists

[gostovp]

I'm starting to get more into minimalist footwear to try and strengthen my feet...obviously its slow process, and from previous threads I've read on here, there are many guys that will use barefoot/minimalist footwear in the offseason for foot strengthening, but when the season comes, they still like to use more structured and supportive boots.
I feel I'm kinda in the same boat as I don't know if I would be ready for a LONG time to hunt in something like a Vivo Tracker.

That said, one of the side effects that I feel manifests pretty quickly when starting to wear minimalist footwear is the widening of the forefoot and splaying of the toes, as that part of the foot becomes stronger and more flexible...

Any recommendations for boots that fit this foot shape well but aren't really 'minimalist'? I was thinking about the Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker (little lower and more flexible than the comfort fit Hunter...)...Any minimalist/barefoot guys have experience with those?

 

[flyinsquirel]

Altra Lonepeak high top is an option if you still want a moderate but flexible sole beneath you.

 

[ElPollo]

I'm starting to get more into minimalist footwear to try and strengthen my feet...obviously its slow process, and from previous threads I've read on here, there are many guys that will use barefoot/minimalist footwear in the offseason for foot strengthening, but when the season comes, they still like to use more structured and supportive boots.
I feel I'm kinda in the same boat as I don't know if I would be ready for a LONG time to hunt in something like a Vivo Tracker.

That said, one of the side effects that I feel manifests pretty quickly when starting to wear minimalist footwear is the widening of the forefoot and splaying of the toes, as that part of the foot becomes stronger and more flexible...

Any recommendations for boots that fit this foot shape well but aren't really 'minimalist'? I was thinking about the Meindl Comfort Fit Hiker (little lower and more flexible than the comfort fit Hunter...)...Any minimalist/barefoot guys have experience with those?

Start slowly with wearing barefoot shoes in your daily wear and exercise. Add exercises for your feet and ankles (look up the Mobo Board and their website). Then start adding in some hikes in what ever boot you choose. I have become pretty fond of the Vivo ESCs, but I did add a homemade saddle leather insole to help protect from cactus and mesquite spines in the desert.

 

[cjdewese]

I didn't have much of an issue switching to barefoot shoes for every day shoes but haven't made the switch yet to boots. Whatever you get, make sure it's a wide. I got Schnees timberline in wide as I started.

My feet were able to splay out and made a world of difference in comfort. As I am wearing barefoot shoes for my daily drivers my feet are just starting to touch the sides of the toebox.

My next boots will be probably be the vivo tracker but I may just keep getting the widest regular boots I can find.

 

[PNWGATOR]

Vivo forest tracker esc durability

I was about to order a pair of the tracker esc boots since their black color is on sale, but found quite a few reviews on Amazon of people saying the lace eyelet rivet popped out not long after receiving them. This eliminates any water resistance when it's the one on the ankle because a hole...

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