It’s time to ditch those heavy, clunky hiking boots and opt for something healthier for your feet. These barefoot hiking boots are lightweight with a wide toe box and flexible, zero drop soles.
Do you love hiking, but not the sore feet, blisters, and cramped toes that can come with walking for miles along a trail? After a multi-day backpacking trip in what I thought was a good pair of hiking boots, my feet were sore and my toes hurt. I knew there had to be a better option, so I started researching.
Soon, I realized that all of the things most traditional shoe companies point to as making the shoe better or more comfortable were actually the problem. I didn’t need more arch support, more ankle support, a thicker sole, or more padding. I needed a lighter, simpler shoe that was going to let my foot move naturally. So, I switched out my shoes for a pair of barefoot hiking boots, and my feet have been so much happier ever since.
In this post I’ve covered what to avoid in hiking boots, what to look for, and the best barefoot hiking boots on the market right now.
If you want reviews on new barefoot shoes as they come out, check out my Instagram account just forbarefoot shoes:@thebarefootshoeguide
All of these barefoot hiking boots feature a wide, naturally-shaped toe box and zero-drop, flexible soles
This table lists a quick summary of the best barefoot hiking boots included on this post. For more detailed information, sizing tips and discount codes, read the section regarding each shoe below the table.
Barefoot Hiking Boots
PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Vivobarefoot Tracker Boots |
| $220 – $240 | Shop Now |
 | Xero Shoes Hiking Boots |
| $120 – 170 | Shop Now |
 | Freet Hiking Boots |
| $130 – $150 | Shop Now |
 | Lems Shoes Hiking Boots |
| $120-$185 | Shop Now |
 | Softstar Switchback |
| $240 | Shop Now |
 | Be Lenka Ranger Boots |
| $199 | Shop Now |
Why Traditional Hiking Boots are Hurting Your Feet
How long do you have to wear this pair of hiking boots to “break them in” so they stop giving you blisters and cramping your toes?
Not sure? Well, no amount of wear is going to widen a narrow shoe and toe box, and they’re probably not going to get lighter or more flexible either. Sure, these boots might soften up, but these have a few design flaws no amount of wear will ever fix. They’ll actually make your feet worse for wear. The more you wear them, the more your feet start to mold to this shape.
1 The toe box is narrow, pointed, and shaped nothing like natural feet. Every time you wear these boots, your big toe cannot stay in its natural, straightforward position. Instead, it will be forced to curve inward. With enough wear, your toe could become permanently crooked. You may even start develop bunions, which can be super painful!
The tightness of the toe box forces other toes together and downward, leading to more crooked toes or hammertoes. None of that is pretty, fun, or comfortable.
2 These shoes are heeled. You probably wouldn’t wear high heels out on a mountain trail, but most hiking boots have about a 10mm heel raise between the front of the boot and the back.
A raised heel puts your body into an unnatural position by overloading your forefoot and knees and tilting your pelvis. This can cause pain and soreness all the way up through your neck as your body redistributes the pressure to places it would never naturally be.
3 These soles are inflexible. You might think you’re getting necessary support, but you’re really just not allowing your feet to naturally move. Arch support and stiff footbeds are kind of like putting your foot into a cast. I broke my arm once and while it was in a cast my arm atrophied into a tiny muscle-less twig. When your feet don’t get the chance to support themselves, they atrophy leading to weak joints, muscles and connective tissues.
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What to Look For in Barefoot Hiking Boots
Over the last year or two, the barefoot shoe market has expanded quickly, and now there are a lot of solid options if you’re looking for barefoot hiking boots. All of the hiking boots on this list meet the following criteria:
- Wide toe box: All of these barefoot hiking boots have a wide, natural ly shaped toe box. No squished or cramped toes here.
- Zero drop: No raised heels, arch support, or any other unnatural changes to the footbed. Your feet will rest in a flat, neutral position, just like they were meant to.
- Thin and Flexible: The thickness of the sole ranges from boot to boot. Some prioritize ground feel, while other try to provide more cushion and comfort while still allowing feet to move naturally. The more I’ve worn barefoot shoes, the more I love thinner soles. If you’re just starting out with minimalist footwear, you may prefer a shoe with a thicker sole.I’ve noted outsole thickness and total stack height so it’s easier to see which boots will provide better ground feel compared to those that will provide more cushion.
Hiking in the Freet Kidepo Barefoot Boots
Vivobarefoot Tracker Hiking Boots
You’ll find some of the best barefoot hiking boots in Vivobarefoot’s Tracker line. Check the Tracker II FGs for a full leather waterproof boot, the Tracker Forest ESC for a water-resistant boot with a more flexible and gripper sole, and the newest member, the Tracker Decon with a knitted wool sock design for ultimate breathability and flexibility. Read more on each of these hiking boots below.
1 Vivobarefoot Tracker II FGs
Waterproof Leather Uppers | outsole + lugs: 6.5mm |$240 | Discount code KELLY10
The Tracker II FGs are Vivobarefoot’s fully waterproof zero drop hiking boot. They have a classic, rugged look, similar to many of the most popular hiking boots. But, they’re so much better for your feet!
The Trackers are barefoot hiking boots with thin, zero drop soles and a foot-shaped toe box. I’d give these a pretty solid rating in regards to flexibility – they fold up into a ball fairly easily.
The uppers are treated leather with sealed seams and an inner membrane to make them waterproof. These boots also have a removable thermal insole for extra warmth.
The outsole has a 2.5mm base and 4mm lugs featuring Vivobarefoot’s hex flex design. I’ve found this means good ground feel, but the grip isn’t compromised. They’ve performed well in both wet and dry conditions and over various terrain, including rocks and mud.
Fit and sizing
To determine your size for Vivobarefoot’s Tracker FG 2.0 boots:
1 Start with Vivo’s digital fit kit. This tool is on their website under the sizing area for the shoe. To use, take a picture of your foot on a blank piece of paper via the app. It analyzes the photo, then gives you a sizing suggestion. Make sure to do with both feet as it considers both length and width. I recommend going through the process at least two or three times with your longer foot to confirm your results. I did it three times and got two different answers. While it’s ballpark, it may not be spot on. The size that ended up fitting the best was the answer I got twice.
2 If you have a pair of Vivobarefoot sneakers, you’ll want to get at least this size, and maybe size up.
3 The big question: should you size up? The digital fit kit would give me my “normal” size and then my “Tracker” size which was always one size up. This suggests that everyone should size up in the Trackers. I initially did order the larger size, but found it to be too big. After I tried on my typical size, it confirmed that the size up was way too big for me. See photo 2 and 3 for size EU 39 (US8) compared to size EU 38 (US7.5).
4 The Trackers are slightly larger than Vivo sneakers in the same size. The sneakers fit me just right with no socks/thin socks, and the Trackers have a bit of extra room for thicker socks.
I included a few photos comparing size 38 Trackers to size 38 Primus Trail shoes on my Instagram. You can see the Trackers outsole and insole are both slightly longer (photos 5 and 6). This made sense then as to why my typical size would then fit in the Trackers.
5 These Vivobarefoot boots are wider than a traditional hiking boot, but on the narrower end of the spectrum when it comes to barefoot shoes. If you do not have particularly wide feet, Vivobarefoot may be a great brand for you. If you have wider feet and are female, opt for the men’s version.
2 Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESC
Water-resistant Leather Uppers | outsole + lugs: 9.5mm | $240 | Discount code KELLY10
The Tracker Forest ESCis next up in Vivobarefoot’s line of barefoot hiking boots. It varies from the original Tracker FG in a few ways:
- it’s water-resistant, not fully waterproof
- more aggressive lug pattern designed for more traction on steep inclines/declines
The Tracker Forest ESC is basically meant to handle even rougher terrain plus give you more flexibility and breathability. The tradeoff is that these barefoot hiking boots are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. But if your focus is on better performance on backcountry trails, then the Tracker Forest ESC may be your better bet.
The soles feature a 2.5mm base and 7mm lug height made of high-performance rubber. As part of Vivobarefoot’s sustainability efforts, the leather uppers are sourced from small farms with free-roam cattle.
3 Vivobarefoot Tracker Decon FG2
Water-resistant Leather Uppers | outsole + lugs: 9.5mm | $240 | Discount code KELLY10
The Tracker Decon is a new 2022 edition to this barefoot hiking boot line up. It was my go-to for the fall as it has super grippy lugs which are good for slippery or muddy conditions. It features a stretchy, knitted sock design, and they’re easy to slip on and off. These are great for cooler weather, but there is no waterproofing, and water and moisture can come in from the wool portion.
You can see a video review of the Tracker Decon Hiking Boots on Instagram.
Fit & Sizing: I found these to fit true to size (an EU38 for my 23.3cm foot measurement). These fit narrow to medium width feet best. I did find these lower volume over the toes, so they’re more comfortable for me if I take out the thermal insole.
Xero Shoes Hiking Boots
4 Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid
Breathable Mesh Uppers | 9 mm Stack Height | $170
Xero Shoes is a popular US-based barefoot shoe company. They started by making super minimal huarache sandals, and now offer a full lineup of barefoot shoes including minimalist hiking boots.
The Scrambler Mid is the newest zero-drop hiking boot from Xero Shoes. The uppers are mesh, so they’re breathable and make the shoe overall very lightweight. These make a great warm weather hiking boot.
This sole is unique compared to Xero Shoe’s other hiking boots. The sole and lug pattern are made in collaboration withMichelin (the tire brand), inspired by theirhigh-performance mountain bike tires. Overall, these feel like an improvement over Xero Shoes previous hiking boot options, and if I didn’t need a waterproof boot, I’d definitely opt for these. They have a 9mm sole plus a 3.5mm removable insole.
My biggest point of improvement for these is the flexibility. The area where your foot is going to bend is pretty flexible, bu these don’t bend much vertically. If I compare these to my Decon Trackers, there is a big difference in flexibility.
Fit & Sizing: These fit those with narrow to medium width feet best. Personally, I’d prefer at least a few more milimeters in the toe box around my pinky toe, but overall these are really comfortable. If you’re at least an EU39.5/Men’s 6.5/Women’s 9, I’d opt for the men’s version of the Scrambler mid as they are usually slightly wider. They also have a decent amount of volume, so my toes feel like they have plenty of wiggle and breathing room. I found these to fit true to size with a pair of lightweight wool hiking socks, so for me that’s a women’s US7.5.
➳ Shop Now: Xero Shoes
5Xero Shoes DayLite Hiker Fusion
Breathable Textile Uppers | 9 mm Stack Height | $120
The DayLite Hikers are lightweight, breathable hiking boots. The soles are 5.5mm FeelTrue® rubber with 3.5mm chevron lugs that give you both good grip and ground feel. These have a little bit of extra padding Xero calls its “TrailFoam” to make those rocky trails more comfortable.
Xero Shoes sells their barefoot hiking boots direct-to-consumer on their website and through REI (if you’re based in the US). REI is a great option for their free shipping and generous return policy. REI has a 100% satisfaction guaranteed policy, so if the boots are the wrong size or they are not performing as expected, you can return them for a replacement or full refund within one year of purchase.
Fit and Sizing
These are wide toe box hiking boots, but some people find Xero Shoes to have an overall narrower fit compared to other brands. I typically wear size US7.5/EU38, and found that these fit true to size. However, I have narrower feet.Xero notes on their website to order a half size up, so this may be to compensate for a narrower fit. Ifyou’re female and have wider feet, opt for a half size up or the Men’s version which run wider.
➳ Shop Now: Xero Shoes | REI
6 Xero Shoes Xcursion Fusion
Waterproof Lined Mesh Uppers | 9 mm stack height | $150
If your focus is on a barefoot hiking boot for winter, then the rugged Xero Shoes Xcursion Boots are a great option. These zero drop boots are very similar in style and form to the DayLight Hiker Fusion above, but they’re fully waterproof. These barefoot hiking boots have aprotective toe cap, seam-sealed inner bootie, and a water-resistant membrane lining the exterior mesh.I wore these for a week in the snow — the waterproof membrane works great.
The bottoms feature Xero’s chevron tread with 3.5mm lugs for decent grip. They also have the additional TrailFoam padding in the insole.These are super lightweight at just 9.6oz per boot with not a lot of extra padding around your foot. I still found that thesewere warm enough for the most part with a pair of good wool socks. See comments above in the Daylite Hiker section about fit and sizing.
The Xcursion Fusions are available on Xero Shoes website and through REI (for those based in the US). As I mentioned above,REI is a great option for their free shipping and generous return policy.
➳ Shop Now: Xero Shoes | REI
Lems Shoes Minimalist Hiking Boots
8 Lems Boulder Boot Summit
Waterproof Leather or Nylon Uppers | outsole: 16 mm |$185
Lems makes some of my favorite wide toe box shoes, including their newest minimalist hiking boot, the Boulder Boot Summit. This is a more trail ready version of the brand’s longtime favorite boot, the original Boulder Boot.
The uppers come in brown full-grain oiled leatherleather or grey nylon, and both are fully waterproof. The sole is wear you really see the upgrades compared to the original that make this a better hiking boot: the4mm deep lugs are in a zig-zag pattern for better traction on ice, snow, and slippery trails.
Overall, the sole has a 16mm stack height, so these minimalist hiking boots are the thickest option on this list. These boots also have a 4.5mm removable insole.
9 Lems Boulder Boots
Waterproof, Leather or Nylon Uppers | outsole: 9 mm |$120 to $165
Lems’ Boulder Boot is an all-around awesome minimalist boot. Lems dubs them as the world’s most packable boot, so if you’re looking for something that’s versatile and great for light hiking, these are a great pair of boots to bring along on a trip.
The Boulder Boots are excellent wide toe box hiking boots with a fairly square shape. They’re really roomy and you should have a lot of space for your toes to wiggle.
The soles are 9mm air injection rubber. This means they’re really lightweight, but do put a bit more space between you and the ground compared to some of the other barefoot hiking boots on this list. If you prefer having some cushion but want a wide toe box zero drop hiking boot, then the Lems Boulder Boots are a good way to go.
These boots do have some traction and are good for light hiking, but I would opt for the Boulder Summit formore technical trails or slippery conditions.
The Boulder Boots are one of Lems most popular shoes. They’ve expanded the line up in the last few years, so you’ve got a lot of options when it comes to materials and boot height.
- Leather Boulder Boots – these full-grain leather boots are the originals.
- Vegan Boulder Boots – come in full nylon, or nylon with vegan leather accents.
- Waterproof Boulder Boots – These minimalist boots have oiled, water-repellant leather uppers and a gusseted tongue to keep the water out. To extend the extend the water-repellant finish on the leather, Lems recommends using Otter Wax. If you plan on using your boots in a lot of rain and snow, then I definitely recommend getting the waterproof version. There is no extra lining for warmth, so you’ll need to pair these with some warm wool socks.
- Boulder Boot Mid – If you are looking for a mid-cut boot, then you’re in luck! In late 2020, Lems released the Boulder Boot Mid in both leather and nylon. Just note that neither are waterproof.
Fit and sizing
The Boulder Boots are one of the widest minimal boots out there, especially in the toe box. Refer to Lems sizing chart to determine your correct size, but I’ve found the leather and vegan boots to be true to size. Lems recommends ordering a half size up for the Waterproof boots. I’m between sizes according to the size chart, so I ordering a full size up, and they do feel a tad big. A half size up would likely be the right size for most people.
Freet Barefoot Hiking Boots
10 Freet Kidepo Barefoot Hiking Booties
Breathable Mesh Uppers | 4 mm outsole |$130 | Discount code KELLY-10
Freet is a British company launched in 2011 with a mission to free your feet! Their initial 4+1 patented design featured a separate space for the big toe to allow it to move independently. Freet also has a full line of barefoot shoes with the more standard five-toe toe box, including the Kidepo.
The Kidepo is a lightweight, barefoot, wide toe box hiking shoe. The mesh uppers are made from recycled coffee grounds. This innovative knit fabric is lightweight, durable, super breathable, antimicrobial and quick drying.
The Freet Kidepo’s are an excellent option if you’re looking for a vegan barefoot hiking boot that is great for warmer weather. They’re not waterproof, but work well for hiking through water and need your shoes to dry out quickly.
These barefoot hiking boots shoes a 6.5mm stack height, comprised of a 4mm outsole and 2.5mm insole. The insole is removable, but provided a bit of cushion and shock absorption. Even with the insole, these have good ground feel.
You can purchase these directly from Freet and get 10% off using the code KELLY-10. If you’re based in the US, you can also order them from online retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
Fit and sizing
Freet barefoot shoes tend to fit those with wide, high-volume feet best. Sizing is unisex. The size can vary a bit from model to model, so check the measurements at the bottom of each shoe page. I typically wear a size EU 38, and opted for a size 38 here. My longest foot measurement is about 233mm, and the 38s have a 240mm insole. The toe box is very roomy as the mesh uppers curve out and up, so you have even more room beyond the insole.
11 Freet Mudee Boots
Water-Resistant Microfiber Uppers | 4 mm outsole | $150 | Discount code KELLY-10
The Freet Mudee is a water-resistant hiking boot, made for all kinds of weather. The uppers have the appearance of leather, but are actually an advanced hydrophobic microfiber material. This makes them breathable, durable, water-resistant, and because it’s hydrophobic, they actually shed water.
These barefoot hiking boots have a 7mm stack height, comprised of a 4mm outsole and 3mm insole. There are also 6mm insoles available for purchase separately if you prefer a bit more cushion and distance between you and the ground. The outsole has what Freet calls its GripPlus performance, designed to take you from mountain to town.
You can purchase these directly from Freet and get 10% off using the code KELLY-10. If you’re based in the US, you can also order them from online retailer PedTerra, which offers free shipping and free returns. Use code KELLY for 10% off at PedTerra.
12 SoftStar Switchback Minimalist Hiking Boot
Leather Uppers | 9.5 mm Stack Height |$240
With the Switchback, Softstar set out to make an extremely rugged pair of barefoot hikers with leather uppers and a Vibram outsole. The uppers are treated to make them both waterproof and abrasions resistant. This makes them waterproof up until the tongue, so you can keep your feet dry while hiking through mud and shallow puddles.
The Switchbacks use the Vibram megagrip sole, comprised of grippy lugs on the 6 mm outsole plus a3.5mm midsole for moderate cushion and protection on rocky trails. These zero-drop hiking boots do not have any arch support, raised heels or toe springs. They also have a very generously sized toe box.
The insides are lined with 100% merino wool, which helps your feet stay warm and dry quickly. The merino wool insoles are replaceable, which means you can change them out with wear, or opt for different insoles in warmer months, or thicker insoles if you’re planning some very cold winter hiking.
Fit and Sizing
Softstar’s other shoes are known for their super soft leather that can often stretch a bit with wear. However, in order to make these barefoot hiking boots more durable, they used a different leather that does not stretch. Therefore, if you’re between sizes, it’s best to size up. These have a very generously sized toe box, and are one of the widest hiking shoes I’ve seen. On top of that, Softstar offers a wide width to fit those with extra wide feet.
➳ Shop Now: SoftStar
13 Be Lenka Ranger Boots
Waterproof Nubuck Leather Uppers | 4 mm Stack Height |$199 | Discount code KELLY5 for 5% off
The Rangers are Be Lenka’s new 2021 rugged winter boots. With grippy rubber soles and fleece-lined insides, they make great barefoot hiking boots during colder months. The smooth nubuck leather is coupled with a protective inner membrane to make these fully waterproof.
Be Lenka updated its sole shape in late 2021, and these Ranger hiking boots use the new sole. If you previously found the toe shape to curve too far over before, the new versions have a straighter edge on the big toe side. These have just as much room if not more in the toe box now.
➳ Shop Now: Be Lenka
Other Options for Barefoot Hiking Boots
The ones listed above include brands and shoes I’ve tested and loved. If these aren’t quite what you’re looking for, here are a few more options to consider if you’re still on the hunt for minimalist hiking boots with flexible soles and a wide toe box.
Altra Lone Peak Hiker – Altra isn’t very minimalist when it comes to padding, but they do feature zero drop soles and a wide toe box. If you’re transitioning to barefoot shoes or prefer more cushion, then Altra’s Lone Peak Hikers are a good option. They have a 25mm stack height and a grippy, durable outsole.
Joe Nimble wanderToes 2.0 – These leather boots feature zero drop, 10mm rubber soles with great grip.
If you’re looking for barefoot hiking shoes for when you don’t need rugged and heavy duty boots, then check out this post on lightweight hiking shoes with a wide toe box.
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