Minimalist Zero Drop Steel Toe Work Boot Review ( DeWault Plasma )

[@Je66384]

Omg thank you for this video. I work in construction, but I've wanted a zero drop boot for months already

[@JC0ALOFT]

If you bought them, how are they for construction?

[@marcofemto9417]

Amazing! Im also in the tree care industry and passionate barefoot/minimalist enthusiast Im not allowed to wear my vibram 5fingers at work and I hate the big clunky work boots out there so I've been looking for something like this Thank you!

[@TREEfool]

Glad I could help!

[@Eidenbites]

I watched this video and thought of you and sure enough your in the comment section. I witness to this .. this guy is a barefoot enthusiast and arborist..

[@BlakePowers1776]

Also you should look at Lems. I wear the boulder summt boot for work. I am a carpenter

[@bbllrstv13]

​@@BlakePowers1776 Is the boulder boot thick and sturdy enough on the upper to protect and/or rest things on your foot? I'm in HVAC and I'm trying to find a new work boot/shoe other than my current Xero daylite hiker fusion because they're not sturdy enough for when a panel slips and falls on my foot! I'm debating between the Lems boulder grip and the Jim Green barefoot ranger.

[@yagua0500]

✌🏾, one could also replace the insoles with flat wool insoles.

[@m.i.c.h.o]

Thanks for the tip. I'll be starting an arborist job on monday with these shoes because of you!

[@ParanoidPixel]

Thank you so much for this video! Im a welder that needs a leather upper and thick outsole... but finding that combo in a zero drop boot has been incredibly hard. Gonna give these a try.

[@TREEfool]

Glad I could help a fellow laborer who loves his minimalist shoes!

[@amosbackstrom5366]

Heck yeah, I do tree work and I want to try these out!

[@howln556]

Welder here working on concrete all day and I got these boots they have been great thanks for the suggestion!

[@TREEfool]

So happy I could help!

[@johnbanasiak3720]

howln556, I’m a pipefitter/welder in Chicago! I want to try these boots but I’m a little worried about the toe box. Is the toe box wider than normal boots. I’m so tired of my toes not being able to splay in my work boots.

[@howln556]

@@johnbanasiak3720 They have a wider toe box than any steel toe boot iv ever had!

[@TREEfool]

@@johnbanasiak3720 make sure to order the wide version. After removing the insole they had more room than any of my barefoot shoes (lems, vivo, merrel)

[@rollingnome]

Is this a dream? Zero drop steel work boot! I must be dreaming... Been wishing for these for years!

[@Mcmj-ot4dt]

Bought the boots as per your recommendation. I like them. Once I broke them in, they were very comfortable. I wish there was just a little more room for my big toe. I can feel it butting up against the inside of the steel toe part. But hey, what are you gonna do? Compromises had to be made for OSHA's sake.

[@TREEfool]

I'm glad you like them. OSHA and I have a love hate relationship, haha.

[@TebTengri]

Would you recommend just going a half size up maybe? I'm looking at these but hate cramped toes. I'd probably only need them for a couple hours every few weeks

[@danhle1032]

this is with the wide version?

[@Mcmj-ot4dt]

@@danhle1032 Yeah, I bought the wide version. I've since moved on to Lem's boulder boots. They're not steel toe, but they are more like I was looking for.

[@danhle1032]

@@Mcmj-ot4dt even the lems seems to go inward a bit at the big toe

[@Chuklz70]

Was just looking on the catalog for my employer and happily they carry these. They do come in a WIDE version and there’s a newer oil resistant version. I will invest in those next.

[@TREEfool]

Good! I'm happy for ya! Hope they work out well.

[@joerausch5756]

Super glad I stumbled onto your channel. Great stuff!

[@jeremebonesaw]

Bro. I just picked up a pair! The work boot store wasn't carrying them anymore, but had a few left. I got one in my size! I took out the insoles and...man....very comfortable! Best part was that my work gave us a boot certificate so these boots were entirely free! Thanks, man!

[@TREEfool]

I'm so psyched! I hope they work well for you :D

[@kyleduggan6786]

How have they hold up? Been looking but don't wanna jump the gun.

[@jeremebonesaw]

@@kyleduggan6786 I still have them. They hold up great, but I started using Lems waterproof boulder boots. They are zero drop, but not steal toe. Less heavy. However, Lems are made with leather, but the outlier sole is inflated rubber or whatever that doesn't last as long, but is more comfortable.

[@johnbanasiak3720]

I want to try these boots but I’m a little worried about the toe box. Is the toe box wider than normal boots? I’m so tired of my toes not being able to splay in my work boots.

[@thevoyager3903]

So you gotta try this, ive been doing it for 10 years. Use some heavy duty 3 ish mm thick, vegetable tan leather insoles. Still zero drop, keeps the shoe breathable

[@samlampen1281]

Link to the brand you buy por favor?

[@Aiden-ld8eu]

Another good option would be the birkenstock qs700 work boots. Nice wide toebox and after removing the insole they are zero drop.

[@RisingSun2007]

I've seen those. The only problem is you have to import them

[@Jasongliddon1]

Thanks for making this video, i'm going to try these out. I've been buying caterpillar brode boots for like a decade now for work, but they are more of a skate shoe-type of steel toe boot. I like them but i wish the toe box was wider. They were the only other thing i found that was close to zero drop for years. It'll be nice to have the protection of a traditional steel toe boot with zero drop!

[@TREEfool]

Agree 100%. I almost bought the brode too but figured I would rage at work with the low rise and getting gravel inside the shoe. It already happens enough with ankle boots haha.

[@kyleduggan6786]

How have they treated you? I've been looking but don't wanna jump the gun just yet

[@Jasongliddon1]

@@kyleduggan6786 They didn’t replace the caterpillar brode at work for me, but only bc i don’t need a really tough boot, i just work at a plant that requires safety toe. I ended up using them for working on the house and in my yard. They’re super comfortable and if you work construction or something def try them

[@believeinjesus8300]

So glad I found this video. Thank you good sir.

[@TREEfool]

you are welcome!

[@believeinjesus8300]

Have you herd of Birkenstocks qs700 , bout to get me some.

[@johnloth479]

Have you ever seen the birkenstock qs700 ? Apparently they aren't in the US but seem to be the best of all worlds

[@TREEfool]

EPIC FIND! But you are correct. It looks like they are not sold in the US. Good looking boot though and reviews say it is zero drop with the foot bed removed. Thanks!

[@formeitwastuesday.1515]

I really want those too. These dewalt plasma boots aren't flat in toe area. They cause me too roll of on the ball of my foot even tho I try and use my toes.

[@leakyshart9943]

Bro… thank you!!! Been looking everywhere

[@TREEfool]

Glad I could help!

[@hereagain8344]

Great no bs video. Is the sole supple and is it a wide toe box ? I'm struggling to find something that doesn't flare up an acheilles injury

[@TREEfool]

Supple sole? nope. and the toe box is as wide (in the wide version) as most barefoot shoes that I own

[@TheeGreasyGamer]

What about the toe box? Is it wide enough?

[@n00kiebear84]

Hey do you still recommend these boots as I need something to wear with a steep toe cap, ive started wearing vivobarfoot shoes so need something for work,thanks

[@TREEfool]

yup, still love them!

[@scoobtoober2975]

Where are they made. Looks like stiching similar to splay shoes, the inside stitching at the bottom area. Maybe not. but i'd say splay shoes are my go to from now one for shoes. I love my bedrock sandals, flat and re-buildable. Super attached to you foot, but not like yours. They don't wrap around. I'll give these boots a look. The minimil dont have a steel option.

[@scentybeast9531]

Awesome. The Mini-Mil boot also seems like some tough, durable outdoor boots. Have you tried them?

[@TREEfool]

I considered them many times but prefer lower cut boots for winter hiking and sandals for summer hiking. Since they aren't protective toe I can't use them for electrical work.

[@renthal971]

How is the sizing? Do they get roomier when the footbed is taken out? Thanks for the video, I have seen these Dewalt Plasmas online and wondered if the would work as zero-drop boots.

[@TREEfool]

I bought the same size as I usually wear and think the fit is perfect. (I measured my feet on a shoe-store scale and bought that size.)

[@RisingSun2007]

How's the toe box in these? I stumbled upon thos and it piqued my interest

[@stephenlawlor211]

I'm wearing the Meindl Airstreams for work as part of the PPE at the moment !

[@TREEfool]

Thanks for this. I didn't know they made boots specifically to protect against chainsaws. Kind of embarrassing to admit that but we all gotta learn somehow!

[@ParanoidPixel]

those don't look like Zero Drop boots

[@vamosavecilla]

do those fit true to size? is the toe wide? thanks for the video!!

[@TREEfool]

"wide" is relative. I'd say it has similar width to altra, lems, and vivo. i ordered my normal size.

[@vamosavecilla]

@@TREEfool great! thanks

[@primal8525]

Do they also have a side tire box?

[@eljardinperdido]

They're zero drop, but the soles look crazy thick.. Also, are they wide enough for toe spread?

[@TREEfool]

Yes to both. Wide enough for toe spread and the sole is indeed thick. But I have had multiple punctures through my boot working construction so I'm ok with a thick sole especially when standing on concrete all day which, IMO, is way less natural (and comfortable) than standing on something softer.

[@houseofcards4511]

Looking for a minimalist safety two boot, I literally have these DeWalts on my feet lol

[@jonathandjing1065]

Thank you I am getting a pair !

[@paulrefalo324]

thoughts on vivo barefoot footbeds?

[@Smilewearealive]

I agree these are pretty cool little boots, but they have 2 down falls. 1- the toe box, even in the wide, sucks ass. So pointed and narrow. And 2- the quick release hooks on the top are a joke. I can’t get these boots off without untying, which is another pain in the ass. But again they are a pretty cool design. I wish they would make them in 8” and cup that toes more to make them wider. Also I put a pair of Altra insoles I had lying around and it made these feel so much better that that crusty feeling of wearing these with out anything in them.

[@TREEfool]

Ah yes, I never use the top hooks! I tie them LOOSELY at the top eyelets. This allows better airflow too. I can pull my foot in and out without untying this way.

[@Smilewearealive]

@@TREEfool I wish my Lems Boulder Boots had a steel or composite toe and an aggressive tread something like these DEWALT’s or a classic Danner boot. That would be an epic boot. And personally I would like an 8” boot.

[@TREEfool]

@@Smilewearealive When I'm working on concrete all day and don't need steel toe I'm wearing my Lem's! Love it!

[@johnbanasiak3720]

How is the the toe box on these boots? My toes are so cramped in regular boots!

[@TREEfool]

After removing the insole? tons of room relative to all the other boots I have owned

[@johnbanasiak3720]

I’ll try them out!

[@kylehazachode]

How's the toe box? Did you have to order wides?

[@TREEfool]

My local Scheels had them in normal size but I ended up ordering offline so that I could get wides. I just prefer wide toe boxes!

[@kylehazachode]

@@TREEfool I ordered wides from Zoro. They’re on sale for $89 rn

[@joelcelima]

Anyone tried the Birkenstock QS 700 work boot?

[@spsoares]

Yes, and I really didn't like them. The ankle area rubbed me badly, and the fit feels off. They were sized right, but unfortunately I went back to my Keens, not zero drop, but good wide toe area.

[@Marelybbmarley]

Did you get the wide or regular version?

[@TREEfool]

wide

[@MargiePargiePudnPie]

HEY I LIVE IN NORTHEASTERN SOUTH DAKOTA & HAVE SINCE 2007!!!! 😀😀😀

[@TREEfool]

ha! wooot! ive been in siouxfalls since about 2018

[@MrJasonworkman]

Thank you!

[@BWT599]

What if you put the Vivo inserts in?

[@TREEfool]

that would probably work great. i tried using some thin foam sheets that I had laying around but they didn't last long.

[@BWT599]

@@TREEfool yea brotha, it snowed up here in Canada today and the Vivo Escs were hella cold 🥶

[@McSpartan21]

Does that going to keep it warm during cold winter outside? Baby it's cold outside

[@TREEfool]

Asking the wrong guy. My feet stay freakishly warm even in -20*F weather

[@cooperpayne]

Wool socks ezpz

[@joshmeadows4814]

How’s the toe width?

[@TREEfool]

Felt like more room than my vivos, merrels, and altras.

[@cooperpayne]

Thank you

[@amberdyck8511]

Has anyone found “women” sizes for this? Or a similar boot?

[@Mcmj-ot4dt]

Did you get them in wide?

[@TREEfool]

yup

[@Mcmj-ot4dt]

@@TREEfool Cool. Thank you. I ordered some 13Ws. I've been wearing Whitin's for about a year now. But they're starting to crack down on OSHA stuff at work.

[@TREEfool]

@@Mcmj-ot4dt ha! I was rockin some whitin's inside some rubber over boots until my foreman found out.

[@jeremebonesaw]

Is there any company that makes zero drop inserts?

[@TREEfool]

if you find them let me know. I bought sheets of foam and cut out my own inserts but it isn't as durable as a multilayered insert made by the big guys.

[@jeremebonesaw]

@@TREEfool actually I went to Google. Look up Spenco Rx. Found the green flat cushioned inserts. Also, the minimal shoe company Freet seems to have their own insoles worth checking out. I believe they are based out of England.

[@jeremebonesaw]

@@TREEfool i am new to your channel. I am curious. I wear vibram five fingers and love them. I watched your sandal review video. When you are not wearing sandals, how did your feet adjust to such cold temperatures? I'm sure you have a good callus on your feet, hut do you ever scratch or cut thr top of your foot when you step in water like that? I'd love for you to elaborate or make a video on that. Also, the link for the sandals to purchase in the original video seems not to work. Seems they have a 2.0 model now. Wonder if you have tried it yet?

[@no.thx.]

The remind medic seems pretty decent, buddy of mine did a review on them kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJOciIV6ZbOpgrM

[@ianonbass]

Dude holy shit I've been trying to find out how to combine vivobarefoot trackers with a composite toe wide enough for my toes to say out! Edit: its not in stock anymore dang! Whats an alternative please?

[@deltoid77-nick]

I was just looking for minimalist boots with toe protection but listening to you talk is so painful because I have a foot condition which requires me to wear prescribed insoles for my feet that don't naturally have Arch support if I did everything you did I would be in pain all the time.

[@TREEfool]

Sorry to hear that friend. I wonder if arch support is a modern problem or if our ancestors dealt with your pain too?

[@shofarox4037]

But... why 0 drop... what's the use...?

[@evanbarnes9984]

We didn't evolve to have elevated heels, and our constant use of shoes with elevated heels does some strange things to the way we walk and run, and even shortens the Achilles tendon over time. I also feel more planted, stable, and agile when I'm barefoot or in minimalist shoes. Not an arborist, but I do run a woodshop, and spend a bunch of time moving lumber around

[@shofarox4037]

@@evanbarnes9984 Hooo... then that is why the 0 drop for hiking shoes...hmmm... yeah I call tell since I became a dog walker more than 5 years ago, it's that my performance has increased for using 0 drop shoes, only that I didn't think it was usefull for steel toe boots... Thanks for answering... KEEP SAFE...

[@brianc6739]

Can't you just throw out all insoles of wedge sole work boots? Same result.

[@TREEfool]

I'd love to see other steel toe work boots that don't have any heel->toe rise built into the sole. Do you have any links?

[@brianc6739]

@@TREEfool check out wedge sole work boots. Red wing makes them. Keen. Irish setter. Thorogoods etc.

[@TREEfool]

@@brianc6739 I was unable to find any zero-drop wedge soles in the options you provided. Keen even has a disclaimer on their website stating that they do NOT make zero drop shoes (even though I'm sure tons of people want them to). I will use one of your examples. Here is a Thorogood with a "wedge sole" for $280: www.midwestboots.com/product/TH814-3600-GWP501.html ...without even measuring you can tell by looking at the photo that the heel sits about 3/4" above the ground versus the toes only sitting about 1/2" above the ground; meaning the boots are NOT zero drop even if the sole is removed. Contrast that to the boot in this video; it has the same drop at the front and heel of the sole = zero drop.

[@brianc6739]

@@TREEfool the Fort Wayne model and San Jose are flat bottoms. Just to name a couple. There are others that look like that boot in your video

[@TebTengri]

Coming out of retirement and getting my CDL. Apparently some locations require steel toe boots, hard hats etc. I use xero and tadeevo shoes and was looking for something like this. Aside from checking a couple other options I think this is what I'll go with. Obviously I'll just probably wear the tadeevos driving and only put on the boots when I'm required to

[@TREEfool]

Haha, I wore zero-rise altra's under my rubber boots for a few months until my foreman figured it out haha.

[@getdookied-on8136]

Who wants zero drop shoes anyway

[@sprhr0]

I do. Raised heels cause spinal mis alignment, a long with ankle and knee

[@pinsboy]

Takeing boot advice from a guy that never wears shoes

[@TREEfool]

Well when you say it like that it seems crazy. ;)

[@wtfwhereami]

What is your job? Asking for a friend.

[@TREEfool]

Full time dad & explorer. Part time electrician.

[@wtfwhereami]

@@TREEfool I love you channel man, the works needs more treefools

[@ReclaimerTyphoon]

That toe box is garbage, though. Unfortunate.