"Barefoot" walking shoes / boots

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Reading several review about these barefoot shoes that seem to be the popular - the ones with the thin soles that let you feel more. Also supposed to be good for your feet. Have seen some reviews that recommend them for summer outdoor walking.

Now, I am of the school that walking shoes and boots need to be rugged - heavy duty. The idea of walking across rough ground in thin soled shoes or boots seems wrong. But maybe not. Anyone got any experience of using these types of shoes out and about, rather than just around the house or nice easy terrain? Any brands to recommend? I've yet to see any in high street shops, which is an issue as I like to try shoes on first before I buy (broad Hobbit feet, according to SHMBO).

[Nurseandy]

Yup, after a motorbike accident ~ 30 years ago one of my ankles is fekked. I moved to barefoot shoes (and strengthening exercises) about 15 years ago and wear nothing else (apart from chainsaw boots as required).
I wear vivobarefoot (Eye wateringly expensive but last literally for years) exclusively year round. I put a wool insole in in the winter as your feet can get cold being so close to the ground.
I totally support barefoot shoes (can't wear any boots for any length of time due to ankle damage). In fact I'm off for a hike next week with a 30kg pack (deliberately heavy for trainjng) in my vivos.
They may take some getting used and not everyone can tolerate them so be aware.

[GeraldTheBonzai]

Yup, after a motorbike accident ~ 30 years ago one of my ankles is fekked. I moved to barefoot shoes (and strengthening exercises) about 15 years ago and wear nothing else (apart from chainsaw boots as required).
I wear vivobarefoot (Eye wateringly expensive but last literally for years) exclusively year round. I put a wool insole in in the winter as your feet can get cold being so close to the ground.
I totally support barefoot shoes (can't wear any boots for any length of time due to ankle damage). In fact I'm off for a hike next week with a 30kg pack (deliberately heavy for trainjng) in my vivos.
They may take some getting used and not everyone can tolerate them so be aware.

Have looked at those vivobarefoot ones. Way outside my price range unfortunately. Can see some cheaper ones on amazon though, so might give one of those a try. Do you not find that when going over rough ground, the soles just don't give enough protection?

[grenfell]

I've no experience of these fancy modern barefoot jobbies but I did do an experiment with soled medieval hose. For those that don't know hose are the medieval equivalent of trousers and are commonly made with an integral foot , like a stocking , and are tied to the doublet with points which are basically laces. There are many accounts of these hose having a leather sole and illustrations often show them used outdoors. I've made some and they are comfortable , perhaps they wouldn't be any good on something like a scree slope but they are ok on gravel as well as grass and tarmac. The real disadvantage of the medieval version is that they aren't good in the wet as the wool of the hose is close to the ground and soaks up water.

[Nurseandy]

Yup, after a motorbike accident ~ 30 years ago one of my ankles is fekked. I moved to barefoot shoes (and strengthening exercises) about 15 years ago and wear nothing else (apart from chainsaw boots as required).
I wear vivobarefoot (Eye wateringly expensive but last literally for years) exclusively year round. I put a wool insole in in the winter as your feet can get cold being so close to the ground.
I totally support barefoot shoes (can't wear any boots for any length of time due to ankle damage). In fact I'm off for a hike next week with a 30kg pack (deliberately heavy for trainjng) in my vivos.
They may take some getting used and not everyone can tolerate them so be aware.

Have looked at those vivobarefoot ones. Way outside my price range unfortunately. Can see some cheaper ones on amazon though, so might give one of those a try. Do you not find that when going over rough ground, the soles just don't give enough protection?

One of my sons mates wears "Saguaro" which seem to last pretty well. Other option would be a pair of good old converse or Dunlop green flashes!
With regards to stones - answer is sometimes. Around town and everyday day use no, when I go hiking with a backpack and it's forestry gravel roads then you do need to pay attention to where you put your feet but that is part of the point.

[pseudonym]

After 22 years in Military boots my ankles were weakened and I'd twist one or the other monthly.

I switched to vivo barefoot insulated winter versions and just normal trail runners (Ultras) for every day use.

Strengthened my ankles up completely and no injures since then.

They take some getting used to but I found them worthwhile.

[PreppingSu]

Looked into barefoot shoes after being diagnosed with severe degeneration in my feet due to arthritis and suffering from extensive bouts of plantar fasciitis.

I didn’t move straight into them but followed a foot strengthening program by petrafishermovement.com

I have tried different brands, Vibrobarefoot is my favourite and have 2 different pairs of ‘walking’ boots. I agree with needing a thermal insole for winter and some wool socks. Yes, they are expensive but so are standard walking boots.

You can’t go cheap on looking after your feet!

If you are on social media follow BarefootBrit as she offers loads of advice and showcases lots of different brands of barefoot shoes.

[Nurseandy]

Hijacking Gerald's post a wee bit here but prepping su - I use wool insoles from chimney sheep, really can't recommend them highly enough! Used to use a rubbery thermal insole but these wool ones are exceptional.
Link here -
https://chimneysheep.co.uk/products/snu ... 4969533746

[PreppingSu]

NurseAndy,
Thank you for that link. They look great - I shall definitely be investing in some for the winter!

[ForgeCorvus]

I either wear army boots (BCH ) or simple moccasins.... Because the mocs are self-made they fit like literal gloves, not good in the cold wet and Historically you'd have larger winter ones that you could wear over stockings or footcloths