Are these the best waterproof minimalist snow boots? Alpine lightweight insulated boots.

[@tallartisthiker529]

thanks for adding the micro spikes in your review!!! I was wondering about that and hadn't found a review that included them... until you! Great review. Just ordered a pair.

[@ScottValler]

Glad that was of value to you. I hope they work well for you.

[@dylanlehmann1387]

Thanks for doing the waterproof test I was really looking for that! I don’t think anyone else has done it.

[@ScottValler]

Definitely. I've had so many waterproof boots that leaked at the tongue that I really wanted to see how these faired.

[@Scolopente]

@@ScottValler The waterproof test was what I wanted, because I have a lot of Xero shoes, and I haven't found any that are even water resistant. PLus I find the quality of the manufacturing process lacking, with seams coming apart after minimal usage. So, a few months later, into a second winter, are these still waterproof. Are the boots holding up?

[@ScottValler]

Yes, the boots are holding up very well. I'm still happy with the purchase. My only issue is I want to get some new tall wool socks and those things are always expensive.

[@g.cohiba9928]

Thank you , I am interested in that style boot for the winter. Glad the ad popped up on KZbin. Cool review, maybe more snow next time.

[@ScottValler]

Appreciate the feedback. We normally get lots of snow which is why I bought them. However, last year we barely got any snow. I hope they work well for you.

[@mkscott12]

I have the Hykes Trailblazers and love them, great barefoot winter boot.

[@UAPReportingCenter]

Well done review.. Getting these for Christmas and heading up to the ADK high peaks for some winter summits.

[@ScottValler]

Glad you enjoyed, and thank you. I'm enjoying the warmth right now. We are in the single digits and looking forward to our second snow in a few days.

[@JamesLeeV]

I liked your video

[@ScottValler]

Thank you, I appreciate it.

[@OBrandt-i5c]

Thanks for the fantastic review. I have a few other pairs of Xero shoes (speedforce minimalist and HFS) and recently bought the Xcursion, but was not impressed with it. The Xcursion had arch support, which completely defeats the minimalist feel, along with being stiff overall. Question about the Alpines is, whether they have arch support, which I certainly don't want. I assume these are heavier than their pure minimalist shoes like the SpeedForce etc., but curious to know about the arch support aspect. Thank you.

[@ScottValler]

The foot bed of my boots is flat without any arch support. That is very strange that they have a shoe with arch support. None of my Xero shoes have arch support and that is one of the reasons I've continued to purchase from them. I used to have terrible arches and over the years of going barefoot and wearing minimalist shoes my arches have come back. I'm glad you enjoyed the review, thanks.

[@BertMelert]

17 F is about -8 C

[@edwardlindamood7791]

I love the Denver models, but had to remove & replace the reflective insoles... I have 3 pairs (1 canvas & both colors in leather) and every pair the insoles slip and ride up the heel..

[@ScottValler]

That is interesting to hear and thank you for sharing. I haven't tried the Denvers. I do have a lot of their other shoes and haven't had any trouble with the insoles moving around. That said, all of the other shoes I have from them have the yellow rubber based insole so that may be why I have a different experience.

[@edwardlindamood7791]

@@ScottValler the line with reflective insoles are the only ones I have had issue with, have not had any problems with any other models..

[@ScottValler]

@@edwardlindamood7791 Interesting, and glad to hear you aren't having troubles with any others. Thanks for the clarification.

[@emanuelmoren]

Hi thanks for a good review. I’d just like to know if you have lots of other Xero shoes. I have a couple and the sizing always worry me, since they aren’t 100% equal. If you have other shoes in 1/2 smaller are they really snug and tight on your feet?

[@ScottValler]

Yes, I have several other shoes from Xero and I find that each model has different sizing. They are getting better and I've found their sizing notes to be pretty accurate. Like the Mesa's they say to order 1/2 size larger. So, since I buy my hiking shoes a full size larger, that would mean for the Mesa's I would order the 1 1/2 sizes larger. The Terra Flex II's that I ordered are true to size so I ordered them 1 full size over for hiking. Also, their customer service is super responsive and I sometimes will ask about sizing if I'm not sure. I did notice this year that the new releases are sized properly.

[@flutingaround]

I'm preparing for Nepal and i wonder if these would work for me at the higher elevations? I already have microspikes. I want to wear trail runners for most of the trek and have an insulated boot/gaiters for higher elevations....just in case a freak snowstorm comes in. The terrain in Nepal is very rocky...do these have rock plates?

[@ScottValler]

Hi, yes these have a basic rock plate and are relatively stiff. If you would normally wear trail runners, then yes, these will be a warmer and drier option to swap into when needed. I had gotten them to use on the Pacific Crest Trail if it happened to be a high snow year and I wanted to do micro spikes or basic crampons. I have found them to be nice when it is slushy as my feet stay warm and dry at the expense of the extra weight. I'm not a fan of the waterproof socks and everyone has different thresholds.

[@flutingaround]

@@ScottValler Awesome feedback. I heard this is a high snow year in the Sierras...will you be able to test them out in slushy conditions? Would you use them in some of those notorious stream crossings? I typically hike in Colorado, which is drier and probably more similar to the terrain I will encounter over the fall trekking season in Nepal. I'm considering the Everest 3 Passes route. 💪

[@numsexplore7194]

Thank you for the review. Can you still wear them for none-snowy hikes?

[@ScottValler]

Yes, you can. These are stiffer than most of my other shoes so I would only wear them if it is cold, wet, snowy, etc. I got them to hike in for bad weather/cold days.

[@inferidii]

how wide are your feet ? i hear they are nopt super large , my feet are about 4 3/4 inches wide

[@ScottValler]

My feet are 4 1/4" at the widest and I have about a finger's width from the tip of my toes to the end of the boot.

[@ratnakordosshu6291]

OK then micro spikes is working for this. Buy one then for nepal hike

[@ScottValler]

Yes, micro spikes will work fine with these. Some crampons will work fine as well. You'll have to get crampons that fit normal boots as these don't have lugs for the specialized crampons.