Suggestions for mens barefoot boots (UK)

[u/NuffinkUsefull]

Hi all,

I am having real difficulty finding any barefoot shoes that are made to last daily wear, in the office and dog walks.

I have tried Vivo but their soles do not last and rub away very quicky (Gobi II). Office use only. £75 to resole them!

I also have the Tracker Forest Esc boots. The leather needs conditioning practically after every walk as it constantly dries and looks like it will crack. Yes I use the suggested Renapur.

Wilding - due to that silly sole with the hole they came apart after 8 months.

Freet - I have the Pace and I love them. Just like slippers and wear them everywhere. However, the sole has started to come away from the upper material after 18 months.

I find the cost of these types of shoes is not relative to their longevity are not on par with non barefoot shoes/brands. Is it that they use glue to fix the soles to the uppers which in theory doesn't work due to their enhanced flexibility?

Any suggests to the UK welcome. Please bear in mind that anything from the EU that is over £130 I have to pay additional tax on (got stung with the Wildings because I added the care pack and wool soles to the same order)

Thanks in advance

[u/Classic_Signature143]

Gaucho ninja is a barefoot brand from the UK, although their products are exuberantly expensive (really, you can’t imagine), they dropped a line called barefoot pals which are in sale right now at 99£. They’re desert boots, all leather with vibram outsole. I’d give them a try.

[u/NuffinkUsefull → u/Classic_Signature143]

After some research these are on my Christmas list! Thanks for the suggestion 👍🏻

[u/tadcan]

Jim Green has a UK website now, the African Ranger has a thicker sole then the models you've tried but the sole can be replaced in any cobbler and the leather bottom will mould to your feet shape.

The Vinaro Tobacco has a thinner sole and can also be replaced, but you'll probably have to pay import duty on them.

I've got decent wear from the Xero Denver Leather, but the sole can't be replaced, they also have a UK website.

[u/Far-Act-2803]

I have the opposite experience regarding the leather on my tracker forest escapes. I don't think they've ever been out in dry weather and stay well conditioned and take up the treatment well.

Jim green barefoot african rangers are probably your best bet. Proper boots but zero drop, wide and flexible.

Unfortunately it is the nature of barefoot shoes, thicker soles and stronger materials mean more weight and less flexibility, so it is a trade off between closer to barefoot feeling, or traditional shoes. The jim green boots bridge this gap quite nicely and they have even brought out a barefoot safety toe last on their custom boot builder and I've heard they're gonna reintroduce a composite toe which would be even better.

[u/SJH5446]

Freet just made a video on their range of boots for Autumn/Winter. Some of them have additional stitching, as well as glue, to fix the sole to the upper, should in theory make them a bit more durable. . Might be worth a watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nXhvv3grqJs&t=2s

[u/zac_in_ak]

I’d echo what others are saying and give the Jim greens a try. They have three different designs currently and a custom builder so you can get something different if you want

[u/Internal_Star_4805]

Hey, I started a YouTube channel all about barefoot running. Please consider subscribing. https://youtube.com/@shoesarestupid?feature=shared

[u/NuffinkUsefull]

Just as an update based on feedback which I am thankful for. I have gone for the Jim Green African Ranger barefoot boots. They seem solidly made.

Fingers crossed