WINTER BOOTS / the best barefoot boots for casual, hike, and snow

[@dperucchi]

I started to changed all my shoes to barefoot shoes this year and so i'm looking for reviews and information. This is by far the best review on winter barefoot boots i have seen! Thank you very much and please continue :)

[@AndrewFolts]

Hey congrats on your transition! Wish I could do it over, because it's so much fun in the beginning trying all kinds of shoes and techniques and getting strong. Cheers!

[@tommycurry]

I appreciate you sharing your time, experience and knowledge with us. You have been super helpful with my transition to a barefoot/minimalist footwear lifestyle. Thank you. :)

[@AndrewFolts]

Glad the videos have helped, Tommy! If you ever have topic requests, just lmk. Cheers!

[@ferryvantichelen6521]

I'm going to try to get through (Dutch) winter with the Jim Green African Ranger barefoot this year. Bit strange to use boots that are made for walking through African savanna in winter, but I like the good materials and proper build, loads of space for thick socks, gusseted tongue so stuff doesn't get in and quite grippy sole so I don't slip.

[@AndrewFolts]

Cool! Yea, they're on my list to review. Funny about the climate difference, but eally any boot with decent water resistance can be made warm by wearing a couple layers of merino wool socks. have fun out there!

[@mazenklojan]

I have the saltic outdoor high and used them in the summer and I love them! They are like a sock - so comfortable. But also have very good grip. Also waterproof - I tested them standing in a small water stream and there were no leaks at all! No wet socks, no slipping on wet rocks with wet shoes. I'm thinking of getting the winter ones now :) Also none of their shoes have the old vibram outsole anymore. Maybe there are some old shoes left in some shops, but they are all now with this extasy-fix sole :)

[@AndrewFolts]

I found both Vibram and Extasy sole were really tough and grippy, so it's ok with me. The Ex is actually more flexible, which I like. But yea, a very underrated barefoot brand, for sure!

[@viktoriaberg8706]

I'm on the third winter with barefoot boots and the Xero alpine certainly works in Swedish Lapland weather. My best winter boot is the Sole Runner, though, a German brand and it's made of leather and breathes really well, which works if I can't change into indoor shoes during the day. I have Vivobarefoot winterboot, forget which model; it's so pretty but it squeaks really bad when I walk... It's good to see so many brands out there!

[@AndrewFolts]

Dang, yea, Sole Runner looks great, but I've contacted them at least three times and they never respond, unfortunately.

[@dperucchi]

Danke!

[@AndrewFolts]

Aw thanks, yo! Really appreciate you helping to keep the channel going. (:

[@MichaelSheaAudio]

I just switched to barefoot shoes this summer so I wanted something between shoes and big snow boots that I can wear around town. When Xero announced the Ridgeway, that got my attention. Not really a snow boot, but a stable, grippy sole, waterproof, and they look good. Went half a size up just to accommodate thicker socks if I need them. I've worn them on a few walks in wet conditions and so far so good, they're super roomy in the toe box and they're comfortable around the ankle. They're pretty stiff, but not as stiff as the CAT leather boots I got last year for the same purpose. Those boots aren't comfortable around the ankle and the soles are so thick that I couldn't feel the pedals when driving, and it almost caused me to get in an accident. I only wore those a few times. The Ridgeway are better for feelimg the pedals when driving, they're kinda like a regular shoe, but not nearly as sensitive as barefoot shoes. I'm hoping they do well in the cold, we can get down to -30 or -40 celcius, but I would normally wear my running shoes around so just an insert or some Merino wool socks should do me alright. 😂 I wish I had this video a couple months ago, some of the boots here are intriguing!

[@AndrewFolts]

That's true, I haven't worn traditional shoes for so long I forgot about the whole driving/pedal thing. It's definitely helps to have a good sensation of what's under your feet. Hope the Ridgeway's keep working for ya during the winter. Enjoy!

[@mkscott12]

My go to boots for winter are the Hykes Avalanche

[@AndrewFolts]

Nice! Pretty rad name for a minimalist boot, I have to say!

[@jesseherbert2585]

OUTSTANDING review Andrew! I grew up in upstate NY myself. Live in S. VT now, and after learning about the toll my years of vegetarian and vegan eating choices were taking on my body (and the soil, but that is another story-- I taught classes on sustainability and learned a lot more than what is often assumed in popular culture) I have gotten into sustainable hunting... I was an early adopter of Vibram 5 Fingers, and have also been wearing Earth Runner sandals in the warmer months for years now. Electrically grounded (which peer reviewed studies show really helps our physiology) and am now wearing some Tabbi style "barefoot" boots they sell which are also grounded. They are excellent in terms of comfort but will not likely withstand what brought me to your video: all-day/off trail/cross country in rugged terrain and with a few to several inches of snow. I will be using gaiters, but what might you recommend for such use? The Winter Belenka? Xero Denver as I would be on the move (but some very slow, almost standing still times as well)? Or the Softstar Switchback? Xero Alpine (but I read a lot of folks saying that is not waterproof at all??)? I was going to pull the trigger on the Vivobarefoot Tracker Forest ESCs, but a number of folks are talking about the lace mid-anchor pulling out of the plastic (with multiple photos in various reviews). No bueno. Anyhow, thanks again for this superb review!

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, I wish I had the time to hunt, because I do think wild game is much better than farmed animals in multiple respects. Maybe when the channel gets bigger and I have can take time off. The BeLenka Winter is fully waterproof with very warm insulation. Perhaps gaiters would work on it, but the upper is soft and flexible like most barefoot shoes (other than the Alpine), so I don't know if it would be comfortable. The Alpine has been WP for me, but it's not like I'm wading through streams, just slush and wet snow.

[@theminimalisthunter2191]

I’ve been a barefoot person for over 10 yrs but you must peep the Joe Nimble v2 for hunting in the mountains. I use the SOLE wide insole, cork. Having a wide toe box with a more ridged sole and the ability to lace lower on the foot box has been a game changer for me. I’ve tried other minimalist type boots and the foot box is too sloppy if you’re side hilling or have a weighted backpack. If you aren’t packing weight or on flat land you can get by with slop. They stay warm down to 20 deg if moving, otherwise I throw on a pair of insulated over boots when I stop. Single pair of darn tough mid weight socks is all you need. Less is more. Also, boots are with any built in insulation will be hard to keep dry when you’re in the wood for 10 days. I prefer no insulation. Something to consider.

[@tiffanyrowbotham3663]

Excellent review. I live in Ontario where winters are cold and snowy and can be mushy/slushy too, so waterproofness really matters. I have the Xero Alpine, which I find stiff to wear, but they keep my feet warm and dry. I wear them with metal "lugs" (I can't remember what they are called) that go overtop of the boot. I walk 5-8km a day. I also have the Feelgrounds, which are more comfortable but not waterproof anymore (they were more waterproof/water resistant their first season, so maybe need re-treating).

[@hxrmusic]

Sweet vid!!!! Curious if you've checked out the Feelgrounds Winter Patrol. I picked them up not long ago but still haven't had much of a chance to test them out in cold/snow/wet. Although I did walk through some tide pools at the beach last week and they held up waterproof wise. I also have the vegan magical alaskans, and they are CRAZY comfy - also haven't had a chance to test them in much cold yet, but love the side zip and how they fit in general. Anyway, thanks for all the info! Keep up the awesome work.

[@AndrewFolts]

Haven't tried it, but I hear people like the Patrol. I tried some Feelgrounds and the breathability wasn't great with the synthetic lining, so I wasn't jazzed about trying a winter boot, but how did you find it?

[@hxrmusic]

@@AndrewFolts Too early to tell on overall breathability and warmth. But the fit is good. The fit on their casual shoe (knit) is why I wanted to try their boot since it was said to be waterproof (and vegan).

[@kevingest5452]

I think if someone is working in trades where they need to protect their feet from nails and other sharp objects, or if you need electrical isolation from the ground, or for backpacking trips in the mountains, none of these will work. Check out Lems boots or the Jim Green African ranger Barefoot for flexible, zero-drop, wide toe-box Boots that do boot things beyond going for a walk in the winter. I also wouldn't trust any of these to last more than a year of daily use. The Jim Green Boot can be re-soled and used for decades if you're so inclined.

[@AndrewFolts]

Just depends on your experience level and amount of callus. For me, I've backpacked in 4mm Vibram FiveFinger's no problem, which are thinner than most of the boots on this list. I hate Lems, they're so clunky and stiff, but the African Ranger looks promising. I've never been able to get a reply from them, unfortunately, tho.

[@BlueSfaira]

What do you think about the new Vivo Tracker Winter SG?

[@AndrewFolts]

Looks pretty tough! Design is killer, as well. Would be great for snow and ice, although aggressive treads are less useful for roads, since they can wear quicker due to less surface area.

[@WalksOfWonder-BC]

Great video! I don’t think anyone has this much knowledge on barefoot boots. Watched the whole video, and I’m not even in the market for a pair of boots.

[@AndrewFolts]

Ha, thank you. This is the first time I've made a long freeform video and I thought it might be boring compared to my other quick edits, so I'm glad you had a good time watching. Cheers!

[@MaximC]

Oh, this video looks very useful for someone like me now that's searching for a good winter barefoot boot. Thank you so much. It's a shame that those models that have synthetic fur, cotton and such, don't have the option of having real fur (or wool) liner. 😞

[@AndrewFolts]

The BeLenka Winter kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYq5YYKirL9pj5I and Softstar Switchback kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5PTkJpjbd9lrNE both have merino wool insulation. The Wildling North Wolf is also wool. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHa3oWuXj9Clj9E

[@MaximC]

@@AndrewFolts I know, I meant it's a shame that for example GOBI WINTERIZED doesn't have the option to have real fur, instead of the synthetic one. But thank you for the links to these models.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@MaximC Ah yea, totally agree. Would be awesome if it had merino!

[@bigdru777]

Hey, enjoy your channel, I've learned so much! How does the sizing compare on the Xero alpine vs Vivobarefoot boots? I wear a 12.5 in vivos and wear a 13 in athletic shoes like Altras. What size would you recommend for the alpine? Thanks!

[@AndrewFolts]

The Alpine ran true to size for me, although I didn't much care for it, as the sole was extremely stiff, and it got easily hot/sweaty with the waterproofing and synthetic insulation. The Vivo Tracker Forest ESC would be a better option with a very rugged sole, but much more flex and better breathability. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqOxZIOjqLdopcU

[@bigdru777]

@@AndrewFolts oh I see. I ordered it on Amazon, but based on your feedback just canceled my order. I actually recently purchased the ESCs, just wasn’t sure how warm they will be for the winter here in Colorado? I did order 2 wool felt insoles for my ESC and new leather AT tracker which should be arriving soon. I have also been considering the Be lenka Winter, it looks like a good shoe, but doesn’t offer free returns…did you use the same size as you do for your vivos? Wondering so I can hopefully get it right the first time.

[@weew0e767]

Cant wait to watch all of this!!!

[@AndrewFolts]

So many barefoot boots, so little time, ha!

[@HuginKvalsvik]

I am new to barefoot shoes. What shoes should I buy for what situations? I have worn the primus lite for a couple of months now.

[@AndrewFolts]

What kinds of situations do you need them for? Primus Lite working out ok for you?

[@HuginKvalsvik]

​@@AndrewFoltsI like the primus lite. But it is getting a bit cold. I run, and hike, and I like variety in terrain.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@HuginKvalsvik There aren't too many warm or waterproof barefoot shoes for running, but the best option I can think of is the Vivo Primus Trail All Weather: bit.ly/3Nx6DYy. That said, they have a trail tread and feel pretty thick on roads. The BeLenka Trailwalker has a thinner trail sole and water-resistant leather upper, which will feel better on mixed terrain, but it might wear out faster being used on roads. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJqaZ4NqlLShfKs

[@HuginKvalsvik]

@@AndrewFolts. Also, my parenst say I need more then one pair of shoes.

[@AndrewFolts]

@@HuginKvalsvik Let's see what they say when you've got like fifty. (:

[@Leopr1]

I'm tempted to buy Xero Denver but in leather. I like the Vivos a lot but they are more expensive.

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, the Leather would have better water resistance and overall the Denver is a "if you only had one" kind of all-year, all-purpose boot.

[@silvereagle1960]

I just ordered the xero alpines!

[@AndrewFolts]

Cold weather, look out, there's a barefoot boot headed your way! (:

[@Stan6053]

Have you tried any of the Lems boots?? I am curious how they are.

[@AndrewFolts]

I haven't but my mom did. She like the toebox but said the sole was so thick and stiff that she couldn't wear them.

[@jasoniannacone1521]

Great review of boot selections! About to buy the Vivo Textile Tracker- how would you say they would hold up in winter time in PNW and maybe occasional snow shoeing with them?

[@AndrewFolts]

They're pretty warm if you use a wool insole and a couple layers of Injinji merino wool toe socks. I've been down to 20º in them so far. But then you can also layer down for warmer days, which is nice. They have some structure without being clunky, so I expect they'd be a nice for snowshoeing.

[@jasoniannacone1521]

andrew- also what about comparison with the Tracker Forest ESC for same type of use - everyday - winter- snowshoing every now an then- etc... @@AndrewFolts

[@AndrewFolts]

@@jasoniannacone1521 They're similar, but the Textile is vegan with a medium thick 7mm sole for regular hikes/walks and the ESC is leather with a thick 9.5mm sole that's better for hardcore trekking.

[@jasoniannacone1521]

Thanks !! keep the videos coming- good info on boots! @@AndrewFolts

[@weew0e767]

Does the saltic vintero have a liner in the tongue so water doesn't go throught the tongue area?

[@AndrewFolts]

It's not fully gusseted, but the tongue is extra wide, so it kind of wraps down into the boot and yea it has a waterproof liner as well, so I've never had any water get in through there.

[@lopon12]

The vivo soles have excellent durability but the seesaw effect is the compound isn't as grippy as it could be. I sprint in my primos and you can't get full power down when launching it 😅

[@AndrewFolts]

What do you mean by seesaw? But yea, acceleration can be harder with a minimal tread.

[@lopon12]

@AndrewFolts you can't have a long lasting soft compound. The manufacturer has to decide if they want grip or durability

[@Freedomnibbana]

which winter boot has wool lining? I can't find any. you said you would write if another would

[@AndrewFolts]

You can use the shoe finder tool at my website to filter for materials (wool) and style (boot). Here's a list: bit.ly/3QMJ2VZ

[@weliveonearth8012]

Does the Saltic with toe protection feel less wide than without?

[@AndrewFolts]

No, they're both about the same.

[@ErinBenefiel-g4z]

Andrew- do you recommend a chukka style winter shoe with THICK warm lining?

[@AndrewFolts]

Just tested the Aylla Tiksi kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmKwmmqYm7qgpNE, which is kind of a chukka and it's super warm. That said, a lower cut shoe isn't as practical for climates where you frequently have deep snow.

[@bhargavi6967]

Thanks so much for the list. Is Belenka true to size? If you want to wear regular socks. Thanks in advance!

[@AndrewFolts]

The BeLenka Winter Boot ran a size small for me. I usually wear a 44 and had to size up to the 45, but sizing can change each season, so I'd consult the sizing guide to be sure: www.belenka.com/barefoot-faq/?faq=20

[@bhargavi6967]

Thank you so much for getting back! Did you review the winter edition 2.0/3.0?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@bhargavi6967 I think I have the 2.0 actually. The 3.0 looks very similar, so I think they just tweaked the colors or shape slightly.

[@bhargavi6967]

Thanks so much, that helps a lot :)

[@wendystanley9744]

Would love to get your recommendation for gym workout shoes that are barefoot but have the tiniest bit more padding. I've had surgery on both feet but am doing great now and would like to learn to run during my weight loss journey. Most barefoot shoes are great but have the thinnest layer between me and the concrete. Just need that teeny bit more cushioning, but stay in barefoot shoes.

[@AndrewFolts]

What you could do is just use the foam insole that comes with most barefoot shoes or buy one of those Ortholite ones. That said, the most effective "cushioning" is simply working on your form so that your foot lands and rolls gently, not causing any shock (which is the source of the pain). As you improve you'll find that the added cushion actually interferes with this and you'll eventually feel better without it. Props to diving in and remember to take things slow and get lots of rest. Have fun on your barefooting journey! (:

[@MultiParallelGirl]

Already starting my barefoot winter boot research for next winter..well hopefully the snow and ice is done until next winter, I’m in Wisconsin so you never know 🤣 but hopefully it is, because my current boots are killing me

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh no, well, not that it's of much use short-term, but spring is the best time to buy winter boots, because most of them are on sale. What ones are you wearing right now?

[@MultiParallelGirl]

@@AndrewFolts I don’t even have snow boots, the past few years that I’ve been here I’ve just worn doc martens in the snow 🤣 it’s weird because for a while, they were the most comfortable shoes I owned. Now they are pretty painful

[@hubertmartiniegarcia9593]

Where did ypu buy the vinteros??

[@AndrewFolts]

From their website: bit.ly/3HV7boa

[@truman3.0]

Great reviews

[@AndrewFolts]

Thanks yo! Glad you're digging them.

[@archermoody9746]

any boots you can wear gaiters with? with that flat soles i've been seeing with barefoot shoes the strap that runs under the boot would be damaged or destroyed very quickly

[@AndrewFolts]

Yea, are you looking for a mid or high cut boot?

[@archermoody9746]

@@AndrewFolts could do both. A mid might be better for fall when id do most of my hiking with them

[@AndrewFolts]

@@archermoody9746 Maybe one of the Vivo Tracker's (leather or textile). The tread's super tough and it has lugs but they're flat-ish and not too deep, so you could still use it for hiking without gaiters too. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqSbe2yYj891sNk

[@derekkerr6158]

how would you rank wildling wool boots. Personally I love them! but you do notice the cold because of how thin the material is. Theyre still my favorite though.

[@AndrewFolts]

I have a pair of Flying Foxes, which I like, but haven't been able to get in touch with Wildling to try their winter styles. They look great, although yea, I'm sure they're not as wind/water proof.

[@lopon12]

Vivo Scott's are my next pair

[@AndrewFolts]

It's a hell of a tough boot, but great flex too. Enjoy!

[@woodric]

Can't decide between the Scotts and the Gobis 😅

[@AndrewFolts]

@@woodric The Gobi's upper is thinner and more flexible, so it's nice for walking a lot, and the Scott's upper is thicker and more protective, so it's better for work/labor and more challenging conditions. The Scott's leather will get more flexible over time, but the Gobi will always be softer.

[@DouweBuruma]

I bought the Scott’s this week, I like the tough looks. Very comfy, flexible and at the same time firm fit. Very happy with these!

[@xenonskyshot7466]

Have you tried Jim Green "African Ranger" barefoot boot? Every ten pairs purchased they give one to a Ranger. It's a really cool cause and their boot is made really well!

[@AndrewFolts]

No, they look cool, but they've got a raised heel and thick sole, so they're outside my niche.

[@xenonskyshot7466]

@@AndrewFolts No, you have to look at the menu, right side, of the webpage and it says "African Ranger". You click on that, then scroll down until you see "African Ranger Barefoot Boot"! It's completely Zero drop and barefoot style! They do have African Rangers that aren't barefoot, but these actually are!

[@ronnietopolewski9204]

I've actually recently ordered a pair of African Ranger barefoot boots for Jim Green and they had their own tab on the website and they were the 3rd or 4th pair in their selection!!

[@AndrewFolts]

@@xenonskyshot7466 Ah ok, I see them now. Just DM'd them of FB to see if they know how thick the sole is. Will be interesting to see.

[@BenRobinson1974]

I swear by my Vivobarefoot Tracker Winter SG boots, have just had the worn out sole replaced by the revivo service (which included new insoles)

[@AndrewFolts]

Oh cool, I'm glad to hear people are using that service! How do you find the warmth and breathability on the SG's?

[@andikrstic3561]

How long did it take for the sole to wear out

[@Bluebellbank]

Hi Andrew, I love your videos, they are so interesting and informative. I am in the UK, and trying to find out a suitable barefoot shoe/boot for a friend who has very cold feet, because he is on Beta-blockers. I persuaded him to get some Vivos back in the autumn, he got Geo Court, he likes them but says they are too cold for now (November). He also has flat feet, which is another reason I thought barefoot shoes would be good for him. Could you recommend a winter shoe or boot (lowish?) for everyday use and to be warm? Thank you! And if you really are giving some away, he is size 11US (44EU) - I'd be happy to pay postage.

[@AndrewFolts]

Hey there, I can totally relate, having cold fingers and toes in the winter myself. The BeLenka Winter Boot bit.ly/40jsyXU is the only barefoot boot I own that actually keeps my feet warm on the coldest days (below 10º F) and is waterproof. The Magical Alaskan's kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpCUmK2MgMuSars are pretty warm too but not waterproof. The Softstar Switchback bit.ly/45JCFYm is a little higher with very warm merino wool, although not waterpoof either. Here's my full boots list: bit.ly/3FRv6UQ

[@Bluebellbank]

Thank you. I ordered the BeLenka Winters. @@AndrewFolts

[@AndrewFolts]

@@Bluebellbank Sweet! Those are always my go-to's for cold nasty days, Stay warm out there!

[@dmgcaster904]

Oh, you mild mannered tempter you! I don't have any of those boots and now I want them badly! Great review though. I'll be looking into those wool insoles! How do you trim them to fit your barefoot shoes and boots? Also, have you tried the Naboso Insoles? They seem very stimulating!

[@AndrewFolts]

For trimming you can either trace your foot onto the wool or trace around the insole that came with the boot. Err on too big and test them out, because you can't go back if you cut too much, ha!

[@dmgcaster904]

@@AndrewFolts I wear size 11. Should I get a size bigger insole and then cut it down?

[@AndrewFolts]

@@dmgcaster904 Couldn't hurt. I think they're the same price usually.

[@karimgreen8732]

This helps out a lot. I think you’re going to need a bigger shoe closet tho lol

[@AndrewFolts]

It's out of control, lol. My whole closet is full of boxes. Once I get all of the b-roll I need I'm going to start giving a lot of them away tho. (:

[@karimgreen8732]

@@AndrewFolts if you’re a US 12.5 / EU 46 in those vivos keep me in mind lol

[@AndrewFolts]

@@karimgreen8732 I'm an 11, unfortunately. :(

[@sami3365a]

@@AndrewFoltsthat’s perfect, my exact size 😊😅 I’ve started using xero shoes for the last 2 months and immediately feel like the pain in my knees disappeared but suddenly found out I have plantar fasciitis in my right feet - but not giving up - doing stretches and exercises to get over it and not planning to go back to my old shoes anymore! Need to buy a lot more new barefoot shoes now for different occasions 😱

[@AndrewFolts]

@@sami3365a Way to go! PF is a pain, but usually rest and increasing barefoot milage more gradually will get rid of it. You can check out my PF video if you want other tips: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5vKkmmXr9Kpnsk

[@sillyasianguy]

Bummer. They don't sell the Gobi in that tan color anymore. :(

[@AndrewFolts]

Weird, just saw it the other day. They may come in and out of stock, as it was really popular.

[@sillyasianguy]

@@AndrewFolts Wow, really? I wished they had an "enter email to be notified when in stock" button. I had emailed them 2 weeks ago and they said they don't know if they will have anymore. lol But thanks for letting me know. I guess I'll check their site more often. Thanks.

[@weew0e767]

YOOO O WAY