So the barefoot shoe is all the craze right now and I’ve been living it. For the past couple of years I’ve figured out what works well, what doesn’t and what looks Swagalicious.
Xero Shoes Men’s Prio Barefoot Athletic Sneaker
We’re starting out with my old faithful the Xero Prio. This shoe works as an everyday shoe as well as a hiking shoe. I’ve done a 40km hike with this bad boys and had no issues. There is zero drop and the toe box is wide but not wide enough to make you look like a clown. The only “con” is that they are not waterproof and the ventilation could be better cause when I wear these too long my feet go stanky. That being said you can usually find these on sale. So for me these are some of the cheapest and best hiking shoes on the market. This is my favorite travel shoe! ps. they come in good colors now!
Xero Shoes Men’s Scrambler Mid Ultralight Waterproof Shoes
Another Xero shoe but this one is better for them longgg hikes. If you’re tryna hike some big wet mountains these are the best waterproof shoes I’ve ever used. I had one pair for 4 years and I would do some very wet hikes in Japan and I also hiked to the top of Mount Whitney in these. Zero drop, a nice comfy wide toe box and very waterproof.
Vivobarefoot Tracker Leather Low Mens Barefoot Hiking
Up next we got the Vivobarefoot Tracker. These things are pretty baller and you gotta be a baller to buy them cause they expensive. But you get what you pay for and the build quality of these are elite. I like the tread and the natural leather upper. I’d say these are very very water resistant and not completely waterproof. Zero drop and a phat toe box. The toe box on these bad boys are too wide for me. It’s not really a functional problem but more of an aesthetic one. Clown shoes. Also I’ve had issues sizing the Vivobarefoot Tracker shoe. I’m an 11.5 and they only sell 11 or 12. Why? They have .5 sizes and I want a 11.5!! The 12 fit BIG and 11 was snug. I’d rather it be sung because the leather stretches overtime. I’m used to tight shoes but bunions are bad so here we are.
ALTRA Men’s Lone Peak Hiker 3 Hiking Shoe
Next we got the ALTRA Lone Peak Hiker 3 Hiking Shoe. These are a better entry level shoe into the barefoot hiking shoe world. Why? More cushion! These are wayyy softer on the feet than the xero ones and if you’re looking for an Altra wide toe box these are you you. I like the high top cause it gives ankle support as well. That being said the toe box is very wide (clown like appearance.) But you’ll be alone in the woods so it doesn’t matter what that super hot girl who only wears prada loafers thinks. Also you’re feet will be happy so that’s nice.
Ok hear me out. You may not think that Vans should be considered “barefoot” but I think they are in a way. These have zero drop and for me zero drop is pretty barefoot. The toe box is on the narrow side but they stretch out. I’ve done may hikes in these and they are by far the most affordable on this list. Any vans for that matter. You don’t “need” expensive hiking shoes to start hiking barefoot. If you have shoes that fit well and a can do attitude, your feet can take you places….
That’s it! Thats my list of shoes. Hit me up on insta if you have any concerns: INSTA
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