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...

rokslide.com

Start here.

 

[gostovp]

How is the underfoot cushion on the Vivo Tracker?

 

[nobody]

Jim green footwear is my go to across the board. Designed for African forest rangers and guides, many of whom spend most of their life never wearing shoes at all. They have traditionally built boots as well as true barefoot options (Barefoot African Ranger and African Trooper), but all of them have waaaaaaaay wider than average toe boxes and forefeet. I hunt in a pair of AR8’s and they’re awesome. Plenty of toe space, 8” tall, a great “crossover” type boot. I wear the African Rangers daily to work and just received a full custom pair from their custom shop (my second pair of them), and I have a pair of Numzaans for dressier stuff and trade shows at work. Handmade in Africa, A+ build quality, and priced well.

Love me some Jim Greens.

Jim Green Footwear USA – Quality Hiking & Safety Boots - Jim Green

jimgreenfootwear.com

 

[gostovp]

Which Jim Greens would be considered a ‘hunting’ boot?

 

[nobody]

Which Jim Greens would be considered a ‘hunting’ boot?

Either the Razorbacks or the AR8’s. Or you order one of their other patterns custom with a lug sole to get exactly what you want.

 

[BBob]

Which Jim Greens would be considered a ‘hunting’ boot?

I've been using the Barefoot. I also use the Vivo Magna's and the JG Barefoot is more of a traditional boot. They are still light and flexy but slightly stiffer than a Vivo.

 

[nobody]

I've been using the Barefoot. I also use the Vivo Magna's and the JG Barefoot is more of a traditional boot. They are still light and flexy but slightly stiffer than a Vivo.

Yes, this. They’re a phenomenal “halfway” boot between traditional footwear and true barefoot. Plus they’re built like tanks.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I wear these for the vast majority of hunts and terrain. I’ll move up to a lightweight and flexible waterproof boot when needed, but these see the most use by far…

La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe

The La Sportiva TX3 is an all-synthetic, durable, sticky rubber approach shoe built to traverse the high mountains.

www.lasportivausa.com

 

[twall13]

I wear these for the vast majority of hunts and terrain. I’ll move up to a lightweight and flexible waterproof boot when needed, but these see the most use by far…

La Sportiva TX3 Approach Shoe

The La Sportiva TX3 is an all-synthetic, durable, sticky rubber approach shoe built to traverse the high mountains.

www.lasportivausa.com

Why am I not surprised you'd post an orange shoe?

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[RojoGrande]

I have been using minimalist/barefoot shoes for the past 8 years or so. My favorite boot is the original Lem's boulder boot as an every day boot. I have hunted in the Lem's primal pursuit mid but it's discontinued. For hunting the Lem's boulder summit or boulder grip are a good waterproof with grippier soles. I also have hunted in Xero excursion fusion. Warterproof and light weight but very thin sole with a lot of ground feel. Altra lone peak mid's have a higher stack, wide toe box, and softer sole but for me have not been durable. Looking at the Jim Green barefoot ranger or barefoot trooper as well as the Vivobarefoot tracker esc.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Why am I not surprised you'd post an orange shoe?

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We are hosting a barbecue tonight and I dripped brisket juice on my orange hey dudes

 

[Zaner]

I’ve been wearing xero shoes and sandels for a few years. At first my feet would hurt while running, but I just ran a marathon in them. My hesitation would be wearing them hunting. Support under a pack and protection from the ground. I’d like to try it, but don’t want to snap an ankle or something. Also, xeros aren’t the most durable imo

 

[BBob]

Support under a pack and protection from the ground. I’d like to try it, but don’t want to snap an ankle or something.

Not a problem if you allow yourself to get used to it and let everything strengthen up.

 

[dtrkyman]

My barefoot transition is still on going, however it was virtually seamless. I started by wearing them daily to the gym and casually, as well as walks up to 5 miles a day. I bought two pair of Vivo, a training shoe and their leather magna fg

Loving them, put on a pair of old hikers the other day for the heck of it and couldn't believe I used to wear them!

Looking at the African troopers but have been waiting for the right one with gore tex or similar.

Otherwise as said above look at altras, they still have cushion but are zero drop, I still run in those, have not tried any running in a pure barefoot yet!

 

[twall13]

Otherwise as said above look at altras, they still have cushion but are zero drop, I still run in those, have not tried any running in a pure barefoot yet!

I also used Altras as I transitioned to Barefoot shoes and I believe it helped. I did a lot of trail running in them for years but the more I got used to minimalist shoes the Altras actually started causing me problems as the cushion compressed after about 120-150 miles. I do all of my trail running in Vivobarefoot Primus FG's or Magna Lite's now and my feet are much happier. To be honest, I found it easier to transition to barefoot shoes for running than for hiking. I had to focus on my form (shorter, quicker strides with a forefoot stroke) and get zero drop shoes because my knees couldn't handle running otherwise. Once I improved my form, the barefoot shoes were easy. When hiking, I tend to take longer strides when going fast and that doesn't work well with barefoot shoes.

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[IBen]

Why am I not surprised you'd post an orange shoe?

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Orange shoes are good luck for sheep. To the op i’d recommend any tx3/tx4 product. I do modify the tx3’s though