Realfoot Highlander Boot Review - Josh's Barefoot Shoes Reviews

[@SoLost2000]

I had my first walk in the rain with these shoes today. And I had water in my right shoe after a short while. I couldn´t be more disappointed.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Oh that's no good! Surprising. If you saw this video, then you saw me standing around in a container of water with them on, and I had no leakage... but I'm no expert on waterproof-ness, living in southern California, I get very little serious rain, and zero snow at my house, for further tests. Have you tried reaching out to the company and seeing if there's a way for them to address the problem (repair, replacement, return, something else)?

[@SoLost2000]

@@barefootshoejosh I have to say, the Highlander Boot was not my first pair of shoes from Realfoot. I love the wide toebox. I contacted them right away, saying that the left shoe ist ok, but the right shoe is not. I made fotos of tiny cracks on the front of the toebox of the right shoe. The only thing they replied is, "the shoe is only water resistant, not waterproof." I opened a PayPal Case, but it does not look good. It is difficult to proof my case. I really need a waterproof shoe, where I live (Germany). In future, I will look out explicitly for water proof. Maybe Vivo. Just wanted to share my experiences.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@SoLost2000 ah.. yes, I mentioned that in the video that they shied away from using the term "waterproof" and said "water resistant." I also notice it's hard to find fully "waterproof" barefoot shoes. I'm in a mostly dry area; but it would be nice to have at least one good waterproof pair for me when needed. I have noticed that Saguaro makes 2 pairs that they do use the term "waterproof," and they are reasonably priced--although I have not tried the waterproof boots yet myself. If you want to check them out, please use my link bit.ly/saguarojosh ... once you're on their website, hover over "Men" and you'll see a "Waterproof" section. Look for the Brave models and the Rise models (they also carry a rain boot!); and if you end up trying some, please use code JOSHBAREFOOT to save 10% .. best of luck on your waterproof quest!

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@SoLost2000 It dawned on me that you might want to go check out Freet. bit.ly/joshfreet .. take a look at their Arken model, and the Mudee 2, possibly some others.

[@cw4623]

Looks so good! Finally a boot/shoe that's wide enough!

[@barefootshoejosh]

Yes these stole the number one slot in my list of the widest barefoot shoes. If you don't need a boot, check out their other models and see if something's a match for you! bit.ly/joshrealfoot

[@Gman1024]

Nice looking boot, I really like the toe volume on the top, but it does look bulbous, which I got a kick out of. Definitely a great contender for winter boot, especially with your successful water test. I'd be a bit concerned as my feet are wide throughout the midfoot, but I'm sure there's some give in that area with its extra volume. Thanks for showing them.

[@barefootshoejosh]

From the drawings on their website of the sole shape, I had the same concern about the midfoot; because my midfoot is pretty wide (and somewhat high volume as well. But once I wore them, I was pleasantly surprised. Zero tightness there for me.

[@tinkertom5990]

I love these, i only wish they stitched the sole on for longevity as with there other models.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Yes stitched on is always better and more durable

[@RagnarHoff]

You have the same foot size as me. What size did you end up with and how was the fit in the midfoot? I see their size chart suggests order a size down, then i hear from someone else they wear a bit short. Confusing 😅 Here in norway at this time of the year i need to fit wool socks in there too.

[@barefootshoejosh]

I found their sizing chart to be accurate. And like you, I figured that if I'm going to be wearing these winter boots, I'm going to be wearing them with thicker socks, so I ordered with a full 2cm extra length (29cm long), which is their size 44. I think I talked about the midfoot width in the video; but I found it to be perfect for my feet. With that much extra space in the front, the midfoot keeps them feeling secure on my feet. That's my experience anyway. If you do get something, please use my affiliate link: bit.ly/joshrealfoot .. Thank you, it helps me out!

[@spulwasser]

Will these fit if I have rather narrow feet? 😬 searching for smth vegan, grippy and ideally at least water resistant. I have the Ahinsa Jayas for the city (they work but are almost too wide in the midfoot for me), but nothing outdoorsy for winter hikes

[@barefootshoejosh]

I typed a long response to your comment yesterday but for some reason I don't see it here now. Apologies, I don't know what happened. Realfoot is notoriously wide in the forefoot... but you're wearing Ahinsa which also has a wide forefoot... so I'm not sure what you mean about having narrow feet--unless you mean the midfoot. If that's what you mean, Realfoot is pretty narrow in the midfoot area. I don't like telling someone whether a shoe will fit them or not, because there's no way I could know that... so I'm going to steer you to Realfoot's info on fit. 1) please use my link bit.ly/joshrealfoot 2) navigate to the Highlander Vegan boot (if that's the one you're getting) 3) scroll down a little and click the red text link that says "How to choose size?" 4) Use one of their two methods for sizing described there: a) foot measuring and follow the instructions for leaving extra space, etc. b) print their PDF, stand on it and follow the instructions on it. If you purchase something, don't forget to get your VAT back afterward (see my notes in the video description above). Best of luck! Let me know how you do!

[@Humbledaur]

How do I pay for Realfoot shoes? I need to change my US dollar to Euro, but I’m unsure how since I haven’t done an EU online purchase before.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Hi there, thanks for commenting. Please use my affiliate link bit.ly/joshrealfoot to get to their website. The price will be listed in Euros, but you don't have to go exchange your dollars, my friend! Just follow the normal purchase process like you would on any website, and it will convert it to dollars for you. SPECIAL NOTE THAT WILL SAVE YOU AROUND $30-35: The price I mentioned in the video includes a VAT fee--which only applies to buyers in the EU. If you're in the US or elsewhere, you will pay it up front, but right after you pay, contact Realfoot support (on their website under "About Us>Contacts"), and ask them to return the VAT fee to you, and they will. It's like a $30-35 savings or so, so DON'T FORGET THIS! This means you will only pay like $130-145 for the boots, plus the $19 shipping, and you might save a little more if you use my link above (not sure).

[@Humbledaur]

@@barefootshoejosh Awesome! Thank you for being a great help Josh! I will use your link!

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@Humbledaur my pleasure.. and thank you!

[@coatedinacid]

Let’s go!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@barefootshoejosh]

I"m glad you liked.. the video.. or the boots.. or both! :) If you end up grabbing something from Realfoot, please use my link, it helps me out! bit.ly/joshrealfoot

[@tabin00]

How is the size compared to other barefoot shoes, like vivo or lems? Their website reads 290mm for EU 44 size, which is bigger than vivo or lems. You said you had 2cm additional space, wasn't this too much?

[@barefootshoejosh]

These are much wider toeboxes than Vivo or Lems. As far as length, I normally shoot for around 12-15mm extra length.. but with hiking and/or cold weather boots, I leave a little more because I'm likely to wear them with thick socks, etc... so with these, no the extra length doesn't bother me personally.. but we're all different--it depends on your foot shape, the shape of the shoe in comparison, etc.

[@zackearthworm]

hey man wasn't sure where to post so i'm trying this realfoot video! i'm thinking of buying the new realfoot natural runner 2.0 and/or a good runner from freet. Do you have any discount codes for either? Thx.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Hi Zack, I'm so sorry for the delay, I've been swamped this week. Yes I have discount codes for BOTH. All you have to do anytime you want a discount code from me is look in the Video description on a review I did of the brand you're looking for. For Realfoot, please use my link: bit.ly/joshrealfoot .. I believe that will save you 10%, but I'm not sure. Additionally, SPECIAL NOTE THAT WILL SAVE YOU AROUND $30-35: The prices on their website include a VAT fee--which only applies to buyers in the European Union. If you're in the US or elsewhere, you will pay it up front, but right after you pay, contact Realfoot support (on their website under "About Us-Contacts"), and ask them to return the VAT fee to you, and they will. It's like a $30-35 savings or so, so DON'T FORGET THIS! For Freet, please use my link: bit.ly/joshfreet and 10% discount code: JOSH10 Thank you man! Josh

[@derekschrauger3923]

@barefootjosh How do the sizing on these compare to other brands/models you've worn? What size did you get compared to let's say the Freet Tundra? Thanks

[@barefootshoejosh]

The length is similar. Freet's toe shape is more sloped than this one. Realfoot has a wider forefoot area. Midfoot is about the same as Freet, maybe slightly narrower.

[@derekschrauger3923]

@@barefootshoejosh Thanks, but what size did you get in comparison to the other brands?

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@derekschrauger3923 Oh sorry. I got a 45 in the Freet Tundra, and a 44 in the Realfoot.

[@derekschrauger3923]

@@barefootshoejosh Thank you, you actually wear the same size as myself. Sorry about the 800 questions, just trying not to make a costly mistake.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@derekschrauger3923 I'm happy to answer questions man, I just lag sometimes!

[@henrydavis229]

Hey dude , I heard these fit a bit smaller due to the membrain waterpoof lining. Would you recommend a sizing up?

[@henrydavis229]

Just to add context , I wear 45 in Vivos (UK11) however I've felt that the heel section is often too tight on Vivos. The 45 in Vivos leaves me a thumbs width space in the front however after reading reviews on the real foot website, people said this model fits a little bit more snug compared to the real foot farmers shoe due to the membrane. So I'm contemplating 46s ...

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@henrydavis229 If you're still wearing Vivobarefoot--which are at the narrower end of the barefoot shoe width spectrum--you should probably stick with your usual size for Realfoot. I don't even wear Vivos anymore due to the width of my foot. I typically wear 44 or 45 in most barefoot shoes. For these Realfoot Highlanders, I got a 44 and they are just great. There might be the slightest difference between these and the Farmers--I don't own any of the Farmers so I couldn't say for sure--but my guess is that for you, you should just order your normal size. Measure your feet, and check Realfoot's sizing chart. Try to leave yourself some extra length.. in the case of a winter boot like this, I'd say shoot for 1.2-1.6 cm extra length. That's my two cents. If you end up getting anything, please use my affiliate link: bit.ly/joshrealfoot .. Thanks in advance!

[@henrydavis229]

@@barefootshoejosh okay sure mate thankyou . The reason I'm looking to buy these is actually the situation you're in - my feet are just too wide for Vivos now. I started my barefoot transition 6 months ago and since, I've discovered Vivos are so narrow! The magna forest esc and tracker forests crushed my big toe. I could get away with the fg2 lows as they were quite baggy all round however still not enough toe room! What other makes do you recommend for hiking shoes? I hike in all weathers up rocky, muddy mountains. I'm also an ecologist so I'm out in all terrains , all year round. I like the look of the highlanders however I wish they had a bigger tread... I'm open to buying both summer and winter hiking shoes, they don't have to be an all rounder. Thanks for your reply :)

[@barefootshoejosh]

My favorite hiking shoes / boots: Hiking SHOES or easy trails, more casual hiking with the fam, etc.: Be Lenka Trailwalker Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoaonqt9qtl8pZI Affiliate Link: bit.ly/joshbelenka For medium trails, warm/hot weather: Freet Swale (I recently wore these to Yellowstone, and they were stellar) Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHSpY3dqg6uHocU Affiliate Link: bit.ly/joshfreet and save 10% with my code JB10 For colder/wetter weather: Freet Tundra Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fILWY6WPecebfJI Affiliate Link: bit.ly/joshfreet and save 10% with my code JB10 For tougher trails with warm/hot weather: Softstar Switchback Review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmrKdoykfpJ1oZo Affiliate Link: bit.ly/softstarjosh

[@henrydavis229]

@@barefootshoejosh what a guy! Thank you so much :)!

[@JohnMoseley]

The widest... Well, probably, but go careful on the sizing. The actual toebox width measurement they provide on the site is a _diagonal_ which means, measured straight across, the width is less than stated. Also, the measurements they provide are for the bottom of the shoe, the outsole. You end up with quite a lot less inside, especially in these because of the thermal membrane. So, learn from my mistake. For my 26cm-long feet, I ordered the size, 42 in this instance, that claimed to be 276mm long as that's slightly bigger than I'd usually get, and promised me a generous 12cm toebox. In practice, what I got was a shoe no wider than my Softstar Sawyers, which only claim to be 11cm at the toebox. And Because of the curve at the toe and the fact that, as I say, the measurement is for the bottom of the outsole, my big toes felt like they didn't have enough space. I would have done much better to get the 43s. Just to add to the sizing woes, for so-called snow boots, they're not _that_ warm. I tried going out in them without socks on an only slightly unusually cold London day and my feet felt cold. In really snowy conditions, you'd want a thick sock, making it even more important that you get a big enough size.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Hi John.. Thanks so much for commenting! I love the thoughtful input here. In part, I will agree with you; but in part, I have to disagree. I agree in that they do their measurements on a slant across the forefoot. They have a drawing on their website of exactly how they measure it, which is very transparent. www.realfoot.cz/en/size-guide/ However, I'm going to respectfully disagree with you on a couple of other points. I traced my INSOLE (not the outsole) and measured it to confirm their measurement chart when I received mine. The insole for my size 44 was exactly 29cm like it has on their chart. However, I did not measure the width on a slant like they do, I measured straight across on graph paper. The spot I picked was 12.3cm. Their chart says 12.6cm, so there's a "potential" 3mm difference there; BUT I didn't measure like they freely show that they measure it. If I had, I EASILY would have hit 12.6cm, if not higher. If I could post a pic of my graph paper right here, I would. Also, at 12.3cm, it still easily takes the cake over my Primal Sawyers, which come in at 11.1cm. Not to mention the top 2 widest shoes I owned, my Bohempia and my Luks, both of which come in at 11.2cm. So these boots, by my own straight across measurement come in over a full centimeter and some change wider. Hands down, the widest (forefoot) barefoot shoe I own. Another place I do agree with you, which I also emphasized in the video, is to pay attention, know your foot measurements, and order with at least an extra 1.5cm or more extra space in front of your toes. I got a full 2mm extra, because of knowing I would want to wear thicker socks with them in colder weather. With your 26cm long feet, I definitely would have at least gotten the 42 like you did (since that should give you 1.6cm extra, although this is also affected by how your foot shape compares to the shoe shape, etc.), but not sure I would have taken the leap to the 43 for a full 23mm extra space.. but maybe. That was a tough call to make, and I likely would have done what you did. As I suggested in the video, if you're not happy with them, you may want to re-sell them online on eBay or Facebook marketplace, and order a size up, since returns to them are not easy. And hey, if you didn't ask them for the VAT fee returned, I would do that. It will give you back like $30 or something. Worth it! I love that you're out here buying new stuff along with me, my man! Thanks for sharing what you learned here.

[@JohnMoseley]

@@barefootshoejosh Thanks, Josh. Yes, my main aim was to warn people to understand how Realfoot were taking their measurements and choose accordingly. You're absolutely right that I could have seen from the diagram that the toebox width was a diagonal measurement - my mistake - but what really threw me was not understanding how they measured the length. 43 is my size in most shoes and I'm pretty sure it would have been right for me here, but on paper, a length measurement of 283mm sounded huge. And yes, I'll probably try to sell mine - perhaps with some clear sizing info to head off buyer disappointment - and try the 43s. One final tip: I understand that a winter boot with a thin sole needs an insulating insole, but for me the cork one they provided was too thick and inflexible. I replaced it with a shock absorbing ortholite insole (I got mine from freet, but there are probably many sources) and with that the sole felt amazingly comfortable and more than adequately insulated. They worked for the recent London cold snap, though admittedly we didn't have snow.

[@JohnMoseley]

@@barefootshoejosh Oh, and when I do make the next Realfoot purchase, yes, I'll use your link.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@JohnMoseley OK I don't understand the references to 73cm and 80cm in your comments here, as I don't see those measurements on the chart for your size. For size 42, it says 276mm length, 103mm width at the joint, and 120mm at widest splay point (toes). SIze 43 says 283mm length, 105 at the joint, 123 at the toes. It's possible this chart has changed since you ordered though. I will agree that this insole is stiffer than some other 6mm insoles out there. Swapping insoles is a great solution. There are some good ones out there, Freet among them. The advantage you have is that you have snow to wear them in, where as I haven't yet. I hope to try them out sometime in the snow.

[@JohnMoseley]

@@barefootshoejosh I guess I misremembered the measurement for the 42s and on top of that I was confused and forgot that both were over 200mm, doh. But yeah, 276, even more than 273mm, sounded like it should be more than enough. I said over 80 for the 43s, meaning over 280. Sorry for the confusion. Never been a numbers person! We actually hardly ever get snow in London, but it's been both cold and very wet here this winter, which is more than enough reason to want them, especially since my only other boots are non-waterproof boulder boots, which have a sole neither as thin nor as grippy.

[@ErikPettersson-f7q]

The toebox looks incredibly wide, the only thing I'm asking for as rest of my feet is narrow! Very wide fan shaped feet need the love they deserve!

[@barefootshoejosh]

This might be a good fit for you then!

[@ErikPettersson-f7q]

​@@barefootshoejosh the one thing that might be lacking in this shoe is that the big toe side is quite rounded and not sloped. I have mountain pizza shaped feet with a big toe that is very straight. Their models seems to aims towards people with a second larger toe.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@ErikPettersson-f7q I have to disagree here. Watch 10:15-10:20 and 10:40-10:50 again. They round the tip for mostly aesthetic reasons, but the space inside is very anti-bunion and allows for your big toe to be straight in line with your tarsals, provided that you buy the right size.

[@ErikPettersson-f7q]

@@barefootshoejosh Yeah the shape looks wider from anything I've seen yet. I need to try these and size chart points me to EU 45. My toe width is 13 cm.

[@BenjaminAphelium]

Boom!

[@barefootshoejosh]

Glad you saw something you liked! If you end up grabbing something from Realfoot, please use my link, it helps me out! bit.ly/joshrealfoot

[@johnjones6336]

I really like those seriously, but I wish they had some earthtone colors like green or brown or granite gray or desert tan.(especially after 25+ years in the military.) the government issue. Boots basically ruined my feet, toes, knees, back pain, hip pain.(maybe Josh you could be representative for the department of defense or liaison to the Department Of Veterans Affairs. With such a boot, it would need some serious upgrades to be military grade. keep the zero drop keep the anatomical bi mechanically ergonomic foot shape, “oblique toe box”.(but just make the materials more rugged.) Ballistic nylon, heavy-suede overlay.(make the boot coyote tan Desert tan colored) They could feel test 200 with infantry or reconnaissance units,MP units even truck drivers for daily use even logistics, I would like to see a whole battalion or regimen formation with such a boot. I am not joking.

[@barefootshoejosh]

Yeah I hear you--more colors would be nice. But they literally *JUST* came out, so it's very possible that they will come out with more colors in the near future. I spent 8 years in the Army myself. I seriously cannot believe the boots I was wearing back then. Ugh, my poor feet! LOL. Yes a barefoot-friendly, military-grade boot would be fantastic.

[@johnjones6336]

Did it take a long time with the purchase, as far as the shipping and final cost?(I could still use the black ones cause since I retired I’m a part-time security guard.) and thank you for your service.🕊️👍🏼 in the US Army. Looking forward to more reviews especially with that barefoot or realfoot design.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@johnjones6336 no it didn't take a long time, it's pretty quick, especially considering it's coming from Europe. If you end up getting some, please use my affiliate link: bit.ly/joshrealfoot They'll charge you around $19 for shipping, plus a VAT fee of around $30, but after you've completed your purchase, just contact their support via their website and ask them to return the VAT fee (if you don't live in the EU), and they will return it. By the way, all of my reviews are for barefoot-friendly footwear, i.e. zero drop, no arch support, anatomic footshape, and flexible soles. Enjoy the channel and thanks for commenting!

[@tinkertom5990]

I use these boots in both military and law enforcement uniform, in the latter i am only allowed to use black boots.

[@barefootshoejosh]

@@tinkertom5990 good input

[@Acenis]

naah the midfoot looks terrible

[@barefootshoejosh]

That was my biggest worry when ordering, but it turns out the midfoot is amazing... and my feet are wider midfoot than most, and on the mid-to-high volume side as well. They fit great!