Discover the top barefoot hiking boots that offer the best combination of natural movement, protection, and durability for your next outdoor adventure.
Barefoot shoes are all about natural fit, function and feeling, but when you’re gearing up for a long hike, sometimes you want more protection for the tough terrain. As someone that loves to spend time outdoors, I’ve put dozens of minimalist and barefoot hiking boots to the test, searching for the perfect blend of freedom and ground feel that barefoot shoes offer, with the essential protection and durability needed for rugged hikes.
These boots have the essential features of a barefoot shoe—a wide, naturally-shaped toe box, and a flat and flexible sole. Plus, we’ve looked for boots with a rugged lug pattern for better grip, durable, weatherproof uppers, and a taller shaft for ankle protection.
If you prefer to hike in trail runners, check out this post of barefoot hiking shoes.
In this post, we’ll review the best barefoot hiking boots on the market, designed to keep you connected to the ground without compromising comfort or safety on your adventures.
Table of Contents
Why we wear barefoot hiking boots
How and where we tested
How this guide is different from other shoe review posts
What to look for in barefoot hiking boots
Sizing reference
Best Barefoot Hiking Boots
- Best All-Around Barefoot Hiking Boots
- Best with Minimalist Sole: Vivobarefoot
- Best with Cushioned Sole: Altra
- Most Affordable: Saguaro
- Best for Narrow Feet: Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid
- Best for Extra Wide Feet
Why we wear barefoot hiking boots
I used to wonder if I wasn’t a “legit” enough hiker as I’d pass people with their thick-soled, supportive, and stiff boots; I was always so much happier in a more minimal pair of sneakers. When I opted for a pair of leather hiking boots that were supposed to be better for my backpacking trip, I immediately regretted it.
While my lightweight sneakers didn’t have the optimal grip for a hike, they were certainly better than all the pain I was feeling in the stiff, heeled boots I was wearing. After that, I knew I needed to find a better option that didn’t compromise comfort or performance.
I realized most of the trail runners and hiking boots I’d tried thus far had massive design flaws. Hiking shoes with a narrow, tapered toe aren’t designed to fit the natural shape of the human foot. They pressure and deform the foot into becoming shoe-shaped. And the stiff, heeled soles aren’t designed for natural human movement. They alter the way our feet, ankles, knees and hips move, often resulting in pain somewhere along the kinetic chain.
When I found hiking boots that were designed for the natural human foot and natural human movement, everything started to work. I no longer needed to break in my shoes, they just fit. If you too have been on the hunt for comfortable hiking shoes, then use this guide to barefoot hiking boots to find the best pair for you.
How and where we tested
We love to travel and we love to hike, so most of our trips combine the two. We’ve tested our barefoot hiking boots, shoes and sandals all across the United States, from North Carolina to California and Arizona. We’ve dotted the other continents to include hikes in Panama, Portugal and Morocco, spanning rain forest to arid desert.
How this guide is different from other shoe review posts
Many shoe guides rank their recommendations, and give an overall “best” pick. Sure, we have our favorites, but we understand that our preferences are centered around the shape, size, and volume of our specific foot. When you start wearing barefoot shoes, you likely get to know your feet and body a little better, and realize that it’s not an every shoe fits all. This post will not only help you find the best hiking boot for the trails you usually hike, but the ideal shoe for your feet and goals as a barefoot shoe-wearer.
What to look for in the best barefoot hiking boots
I first consider the fundamental characteristics of a barefoot shoe:
1 Wide, foot-shaped Toe Box — Shoes that fit the natural shape of the foot. Most conventional shoes taper in the toe box, which squishes the toes together. Feet are widest at the toes, and shoes should reflect that.
2 Flat aka zero-drop — No heel-to-toe drop. A flat shoe allows you to stand in a natural, neutral position.
3 Thin, Flexible Soles — Soles should provide protection, but still allow for a sensory connection to the ground beneath and easy movement.
When it comes to hiking shoes, there are a few more things to consider. However, since the idea is that my feet are strong and capable, I no longer look for hiking shoes that provide a lot of support or stability. My feet can do that on their own now. But it does help to consider how much grip, toe protection or cushion I may need based on the environment.
Good traction – For slippery or rocky paths, I look for hiking shoes with a grippier sole and some decent lugs.
Toe protection – Even if the trail isn’t super rocky, it’s still nice to have a little bit of protection around the toes.
Breathable – This post focuses on barefoot hiking shoes and trail runners, so I’m usually using them in warmer environments.
Water-resistance – Both the weather and terrain can be unpredictable, so the best boots will keep your feet dry.
Some cushion – the barefoot and minimalist hiking shoes in this post features a range of cushion. You can pick what you’re most comfortable with, especially consider the length and types of trails you’re hiking.
Sizing reference
For most of these shoes, I’ll provide a sizing reference based on my experience with the fit. Read more on measuring your feet for barefoot shoes here.
I’m most often a US7.5/EU38 in my barefoot shoes, but sometimes size up in barefoot boots to accommodate for thicker socks. My feet are medium width and measure 23.3cm long. I typically look for shoes with an extra 1.2cm of space.
My husband Aaron also tested out some of these boots. His feet measure 26.8cm and he is most often a US10.5/EU43.
Best Barefoot Hiking Boots
With so many options available, it’s important to choose the right boot based on your specific needs, whether you’re after maximum ground feel, an extra wide toe box, or a budget-friendly option. Here’s a breakdown of the best barefoot hiking boots, sorted by category.
Best All-Around Barefoot Hiking Boots
The boots in this first section are great all-rounders. They’ll be a good fit for most people, and have you covered for a wide variety of trails and weather. They have a moderate stack height of 10 to 18mm with a rugged sole, so they provide comfort and protection on rocky trails. The uppers have proven durable and waterproof.
Lems Boulder Boot Summit or Grip Waterproof
Stack height: 13 to 16mm | Uppers: Oiled Leather or Nylon | Waterproof
Price: $185 – $195 | Sizes: Women’s US5 – Men’s US15
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume
What I love:
- Rugged leather boots that look great
- Cushioned, but lightweight
- Roomy toes, but don’t look super wide
- Waterproof and vegan options
What I don’t:
- Waterproofing doesn’t always hold up
- Previously sizing was inconsistent (but it’s gotten much better)
Location + Shipping: Based in the US, flat rate $5.95 US Shipping and free returns. See shipping info for international countries here .
Lems took the fan favorite minimalist Boulder Boot and gave it a few upgrades to make two versions that are better for hiking: the Boulder Grip and the Boulder Summit.
The Boulder Boot Grip Waterproof is essentially the Boulder Boot with a grippier, non-slip sole. This makes it ideal for both winter and light hiking. They’re zero drop with a 13mm stack height. At this sole thickness, you’ll be trading off some ground feel for cushion and warmth. Lems boots remain lightweight even with a thicker sole due to the air-injection rubber construction.
To keep your feet dry, the boots are made with full-grain oiled leather, a gusseted tongue, and a waterproof membrane.
For those looking for a pair of barefoot hiking boots with more rugged lugs, check out the Boulder Boot Summit Waterproof. The 4mm deep lugs are arranged in a zig-zag pattern for better traction on mud and snow. They have a slightly higher stack height, coming in at 16mm.
The Summit Boots technically start out with a 2mm heel-to-toe drop, but as these have a more cushioned mid-sole, they are meant to compress with wear to be zero-drop (and therefore avoid becoming negative drop when the foam compresses). When it comes to the Summit, you can opt for leather or vegan nylon uppers; both have a waterproof membrane.
Find a full brand review of Lems here, including a mini review of each boot style.
Fit & Sizing: I generally find that I’m a half size up in the boots to leave a little extra room for thicker socks. I’m a size US7.5 in most Lems shoes and a US8 in the new Lems boot sizing (so that goes for the Lems Boulder Boot Waterproof Grip). For the Boulder Boot Summit, Aaron opted for a US 11, which is 1/2 size up. Lems currently recommends your typical US size, but from Aaron’s other Lems shoes, it seems like the 1/2 size up has been a better fit. Plus, that leaves some extra room for thicker hiking or winter wool socks. The boots are unisex, and there is no difference in the size or width of the boots listed on the men’s or women’s pages.
Bahé Rediscover Hiking Boots
Stack height: 15 to 18mm | Uppers: Synthetic | Waterproof
Price: $249 | Code BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off | Sizes: EU36 – EU47
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume
Discount Code: BAREFOOTGUIDE for 10% off
What I love:
- Very roomy toe box without appearing exceptionally wide
- Waterproof but lightweight uppers
- Good lugs for wet and muddy conditions
What I don’t:
- Give up some ground feel and flexibility for more cushion and stability
- Price is high
Location + Shipping: Based in the UK, Shipping to the US and EU is £15.
Bahé may be new to the barefoot shoe scene, but they’ve quickly become one of the brands I reach for most often. They excel at high-quality, moderately cushioned shoes with a wide toe box that are optimal for the outdoors.
These have a total stack height of 18mm with the included 3mm insole; the boots are finished so that you can wear them without the insole.
The Bahé Rediscover boots give me all of the features I want, like lugs for good traction, waterproof uppers, and a padded collar, without adding so much weight. Add to that that they’re still pretty breathable, and you’ve got a solid, all-year round hiking boot.
The uppers are ripstop nylon, which helps make them both lightweight and waterproof. I hung out in the river with the boots half submerged for a while, and no water got in.
The reinforcements on the heel and especially the toe give me confidence in the longevity of these boots, and the knowledge that my toes will be protected from all the rocks and branches, even with a few clumsy missteps.
Find a full brand review of Bahé, including a review of their wide toe box trail runners and minimalist sandals.
Fit & Sizing: These hiking boots are best suited for medium to wide-width feet and medium to high-volume feet. I have higher instep, and can still wear these with the removable insole. I’ve been wearing a US7/EU38 comfortably with a pair of hiking socks. Remember that feet do tend to swell when hiking after longer periods, so I tend to like my hiking boots a little bit roomier than regular sneakers.
Freet Mudee Hiking Boots
Stack height: 10.5mm | Uppers: Leather | Waterproof
Price: $160 | Code KELLY for 10% off | Sizes: EU37 – EU49
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume
Discount Code: KELLY for 10% off
What I love:
- Waterproof but lightweight uppers
- Good lugs for wet and muddy conditions
- Focus on sustainability in materials, and no use of PFCs in waterproofing treatment
What I don’t:
- Recycled leather has more of a plasticky feel
Location + Shipping: Based in the UK. Free shipping and exchanges to the US.
Freet is an all-around great barefoot boot as it checks pretty much every box I’m looking for, and it’s under $200–which feels a little crazy to point out, but a well-built barefoot boot is often ticking past this mark.
The Mudee L boots are fully waterproof with recycled leather uppers, gusseted tongue, and a waterproofing treatment that does not use PFCs. Feet makes an effort to use more sustainable materials and practices, reflected in a majority of this boot being made from recycled materials.
These don’t compromise on lugs or ground feel, giving you a ton of grip, but a lot of ground connection with only a 10.5mm stack height. Overall, these are a really clean, good-looking barefoot hiking boot.
Fit & 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.
Best Hiking Boots with Minimalist Sole
This whole list is about barefoot hiking boots, which by nature means they should all have a minimalist sole. But things are relative. While most barefoot sneakers may have a stack height of 5 or 6mm, many of the hiking boots range upwards of 10mm. For those that are most focused on their connection and feeling with the ground, this next option has the thinnest and most flexible sole.
Vivobarefoot Tracker Leather and Forest Esc
Stack height: 6.5mm to 9.5mm sole | Uppers: Leather or Textile | Waterproof or Water-resistant
Price: $250+ | Code KELLY20 for 20% off | Sizes: EU35 – EU49
Best For: narrow to medium width, low to average volume
Discount Code: KELLY20
What I love:
- Grippy soles with options for wet or dry trails
- Focus on sustainability and transparency
- 100 day trial period
What I don’t:
- More expensive
- Some versions do not have a separate waterproof membrane
- Too narrow and low volume for some
Location + Shipping: UK-based, offer worldwide shipping | Manufacturing location: Most styles made in Vietnam or Portugal
What sets Vivobarefoot apart is its commitment to foot health, sustainability, and high performance. Hikers looking for something that feels more like a second skin than a separate boot are likely going to be happiest in a pair of Vivobarefoot boots. The caveat is that the shape, width and volume of Vivo’s boots can be somewhat limiting; they’re best for those with more of a slope shaped foot that is narrow to medium width and low volume.
The Vivobarefoot Trackers have long been the brand’s signature hiking boot, and they’re getting a major overhaul for winter 2024. They’ll be available in both a leather and vegan textile upper. The Textile Tracker Boot uses hydrophobic treatments, non-absorbent materials, sealed seams and an inner breathable membrane to make them fully waterproof.
They removed the waterproof membrane for the new Leather Tracker Boot to make it more breathable, and are instead relying on the water-resistant leather and sealed seems. Per Vivo, they still stand up to their rigorous waterproofing test, but I have yet to try this new version out.
You’ll see some changes to the sole, which is what Vivo dubs it’s All-Terrain (or AT for short) sole. It has a 2mm sole base and 4.5mm lugs in a hex pattern that was created for better grip and durability.
For Vivobarefoot’s most rugged barefoot hiking boot, try the Tracker Forest Esc. The Michelin outsole features 7mm treads, a 2.5mm sole base, and the promised durability from the Michelin brand. The deep grooves running from heel to toe are made for soft, muddy ground when your priority is traction. Similar to the Leather Tracker, these use water-resistant materials, but do not have a separate membrane.
Fit and sizing: I find that most Vivobarefoot boots fit true to size. For reference, I wear an EU38/USD7.5 based on my 23.3cm foot measurement, and my partner Aaron wears an EU43 based on a 26.8cm foot in Vivo boots. The men’s styles are slightly wider than the women’s. Vivobarefoot has a tool on their website that will scan a photo of your foot to give you a size recommendation for a specific shoe.
As someone that has a medium width, higher volume foot, I often find myself wanting a little more room in the toe box and a little more vertical space in the boot. I usually wear Vivos without the insole to get more space, and that makes them more comfortable.
Best Wide Toe Box Hiking Boots with Maximal Cushion
This next section is for those that want a wide toe box, zero-drop hiking boot, but still want the cushion.
Altra Lone Peak Hiker
Stack height: 25mm | Uppers: Ripstop mesh with reinforced toe area | Waterproof Option
Price: $150 to $180 | Sizes: US Women’s 5.5 to US Men’s 16
Best For: Medium to wide width, medium volume
What I love:
- Great grip and traction
- Transition shoe for barefoot beginners
What I don’t:
- Cushion is very soft and springy, which can feel unsettling after wearing thinner barefoot shoes
- Would like more shoes using the widest Original FootShape
Altra stood out in the running scene when they launched their wide toe box, zero-drop shoes. In contrast to most shoes that have these features, Altras also have quite a bit of cushion.
The Altra Lone Peak Mid Hiking Boots are a favorite amongst through hikers as they have plenty of room for your toes, a rugged sole, and a 25mm stack height including a rock plate to help you through long days and rocky trails. They use Altra’s Original FootShape Fit, which is their widest option.
These wide toe box hiking boots come in two different versions: the Lone Peak Hiker with mesh and suede overlays that is geared towards warmer weather, and the Lone Peak All-Weather Mid that is fully waterproof. Both come up over the ankle to provide protection and stability, which can be helpful if you have a heavier load like backpacking.
Fit & Sizing: Most find that these Lone Peaks fit true toe size. I wear a women’s US8. The toe box and overall fit of the Altra Lone Peaks are spacious enough for medium width and volume feet. They do offer a wide version in both the men’s and women’s; note that the actual rubber outsole of the shoe isn’t wider in the wide version relative to the same size in regular, there is just more upper material which creates more volume and opportunity for the feet to spread out.
Most Affordable Barefoot Hiking Boots
Finding quality barefoot hiking boots doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. For those looking to experience the benefits of minimalist footwear and sticking to their budget, Saguaro shoes combines performance, comfort, and affordability.
Saguaro Shoes Brave I or Vitality V Hiking Boots
Stack Height: 6mm + 3mm insole | Uppers: Microfiber and Mesh | Waterproof options
Price: $50 to $80 | Code: KELLY15 for 15% off Saguaro website | Sizes: EU36 to EU48
Best For: medium to wide feet, medium to high volume
Discount Code: KELLY15
What I love:
- Affordable
- Good quality for the price
What I don’t:
- Durability can be inconsistent
- No transparency on materials or production
- Hiking/Waterproof sole option is somewhat tapered/sloped
Location + Shipping: Offer worldwide shipping | Manufacturing location: China
Saguaro is an affordable barefoot shoe brand that has a full line of barefoot shoes, including hiking boots. With boots starting at $50, they deliver the basics of a barefoot hiking boot at a fraction of the cost of premium brands, which often exceed $150.
People’s first question is often about durability for Saguaro since it is much more affordably priced. While they may not match the advanced features and materials of higher-end barefoot boots, they provide an accessible entry point for those looking for a wide toe box hiking boot with a minimalist sole. My son wore a pair of Saguaro shoes daily through the summer, and they were still usable when he grew out of them (though the insole did need to be replaced).
The Brave I is Saguaro’s waterproof hiking boot that uses Saguaro’s 6mm rubber hiking sole with shallow lugs. They provide reasonable grip on easy or moderately rated trails. I find this hiking sole shape to be slightly tapered and sloped, especially compared to their toe sole design that’s used for their trail runners.
For a roomier toe box and better lugs, try the Vitality V hiking boots. These aren’t waterproof, but as they’re geared toward warmer weather, the mesh uppers are breathable and quick-drying. This sole is reminiscent of Vibram FiveFingers with an outline of each of the spots for the toes, though they are not individually separated.
In the photos below, the Brave I is on the left and the Vitality V is on the right.
Fit & Sizing: The Saguaro hiking boots typically fit true to size. For me that’s an EU38, for Aaron that’s an EU43. The hiking sole on the Brave I has a narrower fit in the toe box, so you could size up for more space in the toe box. I find the Vitality V sole shape quite roomy. Both accommodate medium to high volume feet, and even higher volume when you remove the insole.
Best Hiking Boots for Narrow Feet
Xero Shoes Scrambler Mid
Stack Height: 12mm | Uppers: Synthetic | Waterproof option
Price: $153 – $190 | Sizes: Women’s US 5 to EU48
Best For: narrow width, low to medium volume
What I love:
- Great grip with Michelin soles
- Super lightweight
What I don’t:
- Narrower toe box (but still foot-shaped)
- Stiffer than others with comparable thickness
Uppers: Abrasion-resistant and breathable mesh upper with protective overlays
Location + Shipping: Offer worldwide shipping
Xero Shoes has a few options when it comes to barefoot hiking boots, but my favorite is the Scrambler Mid. The sole is made in made in partnership with Michelin, and modeled after their mud-shedding mountain bike tires. It’s super grippy and super light, and performed well on mud, rocks and slick pavement. They have a good balance of ground feel and flexibility while still providing enough protection for tougher trails and longer distances.
The uppers are an abrasion-resistant and breathable mesh upper with protective overlays. The Scrambler Mid boots come in a regular version and a waterproof version, though you’ll have to pony up about an extra $40 for that waterproof membrane when they’re full price (which feels a bit excessive to me).
My main gripe is that while they’re foot-shaped, they’re still fairly narrow through the toe box. I have medium width feet, and I can feel my pinky toe hitting the edge.
Fit & Sizing: Xero Shoes has separate sizes for men and women, with the men’s version running slightly wider. These run a little short, so if you’re between sizes, I’d size up. I’ve been wearing these in a 7.5, but have been sizing up more recently to a size 8 in my Xero Shoes winter boots and found this to help a bit with the width while not being too long. These also fit low to medium volume best, so I wear them without the insole as I have a higher instep.
Best for Extra Wide Feet
If you’ve tried several barefoot shoes and you’re still finding that you need more room for a healthy toe splay, these barefoot hiking boots are specifically tailored to those with extra wide feet.
Realfoot Trekker High
Stack height: 4mm outsole + 4mm insole | Uppers: Nubuck leather | Water-resistant
Price: €192 | Sizes: EU36 – 47
Best For: Extra wide toe splay , low to medium volume
What I love:
- Extra wide toe box
- Very Flexible sole
What I don’t:
- Lugs aren’t geared towards tough terrain
Uppers: Mesh uppers with water-resistant coating; reinforced heel and toe
Location + Shipping: Based in the Czech Republic. International shipping via FedEx for €19.
The Realfoot Trekker High boots offer the most space in the toe box out of the barefoot hiking boots on the market. They come in leather or vegan version, both in the same comfortable, foot-friendly design that allows for natural movement and plenty of room for toe splay. While they do have a lot of room in the toe box, they’re much narrower through the midfoot and heel, so they’re best for what many call “pizza” feet (narrow heel, wide toes). If your foot is wide overall, you may find these boots too tight.
The Trekker High boots have an integrated Te-Por® membrane, which is both breathable and water-resistant. They can handle light rain, damp conditions, or shallow puddles without issue. However, they are not fully waterproof, so they may not be the best option for extended hikes in consistently wet environments.
The 4mm sole is very flexible. They come with a 4mm insole for more cushion, or you can opt for the brand’s thicker 6mm insole for rougher trails and colder weather.
Fit & Sizing: Realfoot offers both length and width measurements in their size chart. I opted for an EU37 for sneakers, and the EU38 for boots to include room for thicker socks.
Softstar Switchback
Stack height: 12 mm sole + 6 mm insole | Uppers: Leather, Leather + Textile | Water-resistant
Price: $250 | Sizes: Women’s US 5.5 – Men’s US 14
Best For: Extra wide toe splay , low to medium volume
What I love:
- Extra wide option
- Vibram Megragrip soling that is both rugged and durable
What I don’t:
- Not waterproof
- Construction not as durable as other options
Location + Shipping: Based in the US
Softstar designed the Switchback to be a hardwearing barefoot hiking boot, with a Vibram outsole and two upper options: all leather, or a Superfabric textile and leather accents. They’re available in a regular width, as well as the brand’s “Primal Friendly” width for extra wide feet.
They feel like a bit of a conundrum in that the Vibram Megagrip soles and merino wool lining seem to be begging for cold, wet weather and muddy trails, but the non-gusseted tongue and lack of sealed seams or membrane means these boots are only water-resistant to a point. Splashes or a quick step in the water is fine, but standing in water will eventually lead to damp feet.
The boots feature a 6mm sole plus a 6mm midsole attached with stitchdown contraction, which means the boots can be resoled when they wear out. As far as durability, the stitching of the uppers can be a weak point, leading it to come undone where it repeatedly bends.
The replaceable merino insoles allow for easy swapping based on wear or weather, letting you opt for thinner insoles in warm months or thicker ones for cold winter hikes.
Other Barefoot Hiking Boots to Consider
BeLenka Ranger Boots | $279 | Code KELLY5 for 5% off | BeLenka makes great barefoot boots, but none of them fully cross over into a boot that I’d reach for first when I was heading out on a hike. The Rangers would be the closest bet, but they still feel a bit like a a hiking boot made for a city person. If you want a really versatile winter boot that’s good for light hiking, then these are a great option.
Jim Green Barefoot African Ranger Boots | $200 | Available on Amazon | These are one of the best built boots I’ve worn, but even their barefoot line does have a slight taper to the toe box. I’d recommend these when durability is your primary concern (they make a great work boot).
Xero Shoes Ridgeway Boots | $126 | Waterproof | These Xero Shoes Ridgeway boots have a cool retro aesthetic, but don’t perform as well as other Xero Shoes hiking boots like the Scramblers. The sole feels stiff and not particularly grippy.
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